Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Programs (OP) is the go-to outdoor resource for the UNC Asheville community. We offer a variety of trips and adventures from serene hikes to adrenaline-pumping rock climbing and white water rafting. We also offer gear rentals to aid in the success of your own adventures. From land to water and everything in between, Outdoor Programs have something to offer everyone! If you have any questions about our Outdoor Programs, reach out to us at outdoorprograms.rec@unca.edu.
Adventures & Trips
Asheville is home to some of the best hiking, paddling, climbing, biking, and backpacking on the East Coast. Outdoor Programs offers a wide variety of outdoor trips, workshops, clinics, and trainings for current UNC Asheville students. Programs may be open to faculty, staff, and membership holders based on availability and additional fees may apply. No experience is necessary for any of our offerings. We will provide all transportation, essential equipment, and the highest quality instruction. Come share your next adventure with UNC Asheville’s Outdoor Programs!
Pre-Orientation Programs
UNC Asheville offers a variety of pre-orientation programs for incoming first-year students in July and August of each year. These programs serve to help students get excited about their upcoming college experience, build strong friendships, and participate in engaging activities.
How to Register for a Trip
At the beginning of each semester, we will share a trips and programs calendar for you to select from. You can then register through our CampDoc online registration system. Follow the instructions below and email us at outdoorprograms.rec@unca.edu if you have any questions or to inquire about non-student enrollment on trips.
Step 1: Register
- Option A: Register Online through the CampDoc registration system.
- Option B: Come see us in the Outdoors Office during open hours.
Once you’ve registered, you will receive a confirmation email from Outdoor Programs Trip Staff who will answer any questions and share additional details about your trip. Most trip registrations close at noon on the Thursday before the program.
Step 2: Submit Pay
Payment is due in full by your trip’s registration deadline. You can either pay online with a credit card or pay in person with cash or check during Outdoor Programs office hours in the Student Rec Center Room 108. All cancellations are subject to a non-refundable $5 administrative fee.
Step 3: Compete Forms
Complete the required participant trip forms, before your trip date. All Health History forms are completed online through the CampDoc registration system.
Requests for accommodations
If you have a request for accommodation or questions about the essential eligibility criteria for trips please contact outdoor programs at outdoorprograms.rec@unca.edu.
FAQ
Gear Rentals
The Outdoor Office provides a variety of quality outdoor equipment to rent at an affordable price. Our staff can also recommend great local camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking, and paddling locations in the area. We do rentals by reservation and drop-in. If you’d like to reserve your gear in advance, please complete the Outdoor Gear Rental Reservation Form and you will be contacted by an office staff member to set up a pick up time. Stop by Student Recreation Center Room 108, or email us at outdoorprograms.rec@unca.edu to learn more.
Rental Information
- Rentals can be paid for with a check or cash with exact change only. Check out our Rental Gear Price List for more details.
- Rentals in the Fall and Spring semesters are available for weekends or full weeks. No reservations are required, just drop during office hours.
Outdoor Leadership Training Program
We invite all students to develop high-level leadership skills through our Outdoor Leadership Training Program! The OLTP is a two-semester training; fall semester LA-205 Foundations of Outdoor Leadership (2 credits) and spring semester LA-210 Applications of Outdoor Leadership (2 credits). The OLTP course progression serves as valuable professional development for leadership skills, facilitation skills, and outdoor technical skills. Students who complete the full course may be eligible to work as a trip leader for Outdoor Programs, leading outdoor and adventure-based programs during evenings, weekends, and even our highly sought-after extended break trips. Many of our students have never done anything like this before- complete beginners and outdoor novices are encouraged to take the course!
To register for the program or if you have any questions, please contact Rowan Stuart, at rstuart1@unca.edu or (828) 251-6368, or stop by in person in the Student Rec Center rooms 108 or 201.
FAQ
Custom Programming & Team Building
Outdoor Programs is excited to collaborate with groups to provide custom programming through adventure, experiential learning, and team building. All programs are customized to meet the needs of each group’s unique goals and are available to partners on and off campus, including student groups, academic departments, organizations, clubs, and camps. Whether you want to give your group a fun afternoon outdoors, or seek to develop higher level communication and leadership skills among members, we can help!
Programs are available year-round. Please note that all custom programming and teambuilding requests must be made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of the requested program date. We recommend that you reach out to us as far ahead of time as you can so that we can best accommodate your request.
Program Options
- Custom Outdoor Programming: With our highly trained student staff, we can partner with you to provide exciting adventure experiences for your group.
- Custom Leadership, Interpersonal, or Skills Trainings: Outdoor Programs leaders complete a rigorous year-long training that focuses on technical skills, advanced leadership, risk management, group management, interpersonal communication, and educational skill sets. We are always excited to bring bits and pieces of these successful trainings to other groups in fun and engaging ways.
- Challenge Course Team Building: The Low Challenge Course and our Portable Initiatives use outdoor elements, games, and activities as a tool for team problem-solving. Groups will be challenged to get creative and work together.
The Bike Shop
The Bike Shop offers a variety of free bike-related resources, including commuter bike and skateboard rentals, bike repair, and bike repair education. Mountain bikes can also be rented for a small fee. Bike rentals and repairs are available to all UNC Asheville students, faculty, and staff. The Bike Shop is located on the ground floor of Highsmith Student Union. Questions? Contact us at (828) 232-5178 or bikeshop.rec@unca.edu.
Bike Shop Hours
Fall and Spring Semester: Tuesday- Friday, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
The Bike Shop is closed over the Summer.
Rentals
Rentals are available during the Fall and Spring semesters for weekends or full weeks. No reservations are required, just drop into the shop during open hours. The bike shop has a rental fleet of over 35 bikes, both mountain bikes and commuter bikes, as well as skateboards. Each bike rental comes with a lock and helmet and bikes can be rented for up to a week at a time. All commuter bikes and skateboards are free for students! Check out our Bike Shop Rental Rates for more details.
Repairs
As an educational shop, expect to stay with your bike during the repair whenever possible. Our mission is to teach you the skills and know-how to perform your own maintenance in the future. Trained student bike mechanics will be on hand to assist you with all of your bicycling maintenance needs. Some services, depending on the complexity of the maintenance request, or if new parts are required, may take longer or require a nominal fee. The bike shop can get quite busy at the beginning of the semester; please email us at bikeshop.rec@unca.edu prior to dropping in if you have an urgent repair issue.
Campus Fix-It Stand
When the Bike Shop is closed you can visit the Dero Fix-it Stand on the UNC Asheville Campus, located next to Zeis Hall, across from the city bus stop. You can also find other fix-it stands around Asheville. The fix-it stand includes all the tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The tools and air pump are all attached for your use. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments.
Tips & Tricks
- Prevent bike theft by registering your bike. Stop by the shop to register your bike and get a bike ID number decal that will be on record with the shop and campus police. Mechanics will also record the manufacturer’s ID number from the bike frame. Should your bike ever go missing, this can help authorities in tracking it down and reclaiming it.
- Always lock your bike. Ask a mechanic to show you the proper way to lock up your bike.
Report missing bikes. Contact Campus Police immediately in Weizenblatt Hall or call (828) 232-5000.
Contact Us
| Phone: (828) 232-5650 |
| Email: recreation@unca.edu |
| Instagram: @unca_campusrec |
| One University Heights, CPO #2650 Asheville, NC 28804 |
| Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
