FSU Outdoor Recreation

Trip Recap Time 🌲🥾

This past weekend, we got the opportunity to explore the outdoors through three exciting trips including: Exploring the Smokies, Bike to the Bay, and Aucilla Peace Paddle and Mindfulness! While on our Exploring the Smokies trip we got the opportunity to hike the Abram Falls Trail where we camped at Cades Cove and Nantahala Outdoors Center! On this beautiful adventure we learned the importance of leave no trace and the interesting history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We admired the stunning views throughout the hike while being submerged into the natural environment, which grew our appreciation for the outdoors. 
 
On our Bike to the Bay trip we had a blast biking through the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge! We biked 13 miles and learned more about biking skills, healthy ways to get moving, and wildlife conservation. On this trip we got to dip our feet in the clear coastal waters while making memories with friends! 

The Aucilla Peace Paddle and Mindfulness trip was a breathtaking adventure we will never forget! We paddled along the historic springfed Wacissa River and had lunch at the Hidden Blue Spring, where we got to dive into the waters and explore the area on the rope swing! On this trip we had an extraordinary time learning about water safety skills and Native American history while exploring the natural environment in this area!

⚠️IT’S TIME TO TRIP RECAP⚠️

We had an adventure-packed weekend where we explored the outdoors on three exciting trips: Appalachian Trail Backpacking, St. Mark’s Hike, and Tally Trail Bike.

On our backpacking trip, we hiked 14 miles through the Appalachian Trail and got the opportunity to explore the towns of Dahlonega and Helen in Georgia! Throughout the exploration we strengthened our skills in hiking, trail navigation, leave no trace, and camping. We admired the beautiful views throughout our trip and got to make memories with friends. This adventure was unforgettable! 

At St Mark’s, we hiked roughly 4 miles through the Stoney Bayou Loop and Tower Pond Loop! On this excursion we learned about leave no trace, trail navigation, and hiking skills. We had a blast, made memories, and came back with stories to tell!

The Tally Trail Bike was a 5 mile bike ride through the Lafayette heritage loop trail in north west Tallahassee! While taking the stunning views of nature, we strengthened our connection, appreciation for the outdoors, navigation and biking skills.
 
We had an absolutely amazing time on our trips this past weekend and were very grateful for the opportunity to further our connection with beautiful nature all around us!

It’s not too late for the adventure of the semester!

Late spring trips open next week, Monday, March 6th at 10 a.m. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just beginning to explore the outdoors, you can join Outdoor Pursuits on a group hike, bike, or climb.

Visit campusrec.fsu.edu/op to view the trip schedule and sign up!

Get outside as a member of the Rez Guest Services team! As a member of the Rez Guest Services team, you’ll help patrons with their questions, oversee equipment rentals and sales, and help keep the park clean. Apply now at campusrec.fsu.edu/jobs.

This past weekend, Outdoor Pursuits, Challenge, and Rez Lakefront Park Guest Services had an opportunity to attend the 6th annual Florida Leadership Outdoor Recreation Association (FLORA) conference hosted by the University of South Florida. The conference consisted of interactive workshops, outdoor social events, and a chance to meet student staff from USF, UF, and FGCU.

Throughout the FLORA conference, some of our very own student staff had the opportunity to present instructional workshops. Sam Bookhardt and Cameron Bruce presented on transitioning into a Student Director role and effective leadership. Roberto Machorro presented on local Florida Springs and their ecology and Sean Wilkinson discussed using the bathroom in the woods. 🧻🍂

Those in attendance also had the chance to try out USF’s high course and zipline as well as go for a paddle on the Hillsborough river, both at night! We can’t wait for next year’s conference! To get more involved with our outdoor programming, visit campusrec.fsu.edu/outdoors

Who’s ready for another trip recap?!?

 
Last weekend, we got to explore the outdoors through the Tallahassee Trail Biking Adventure and Full Moon Paddle and Stargaze trips! We had the exhilarating experience of biking through the northeast Tallahassee area including Tom Brown Park and Piney Z Lake. On this fun filled adventure we learned more about mountain biking safety and skills in leave no trace. We had so much fun biking through the beautiful outdoors and learning more about how to keep it so beautiful. 🚴

 
On our Full Moon Paddle and Stargaze adventure, we had a wonderful time exploring the pristine Wacissa River under the light of a full moon. While paddling on the river we were surprised with otters who swam up alongside us and an owl who was perched 10 ft away from us! We enjoyed the natural environment while improving our paddle skills, personal floatation device skills, and leave no trace skills. We are so grateful to have been given the opportunity to make memories on this incredible trip! 🌠✨

If you love being outside and you want to share that with others, there’s ONE week left to apply to work with FSU Campus Rec Outdoors as a Climbing Wall Instructor or Low Challenge Course Facilitator. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to work with our community to promote team building, skill development, and adventure 🌲 Visit campusrec.fsu.edu/jobs to check out both positions.

If getting paid to enjoy the outdoors sounds like your cup of tea, apply to become a part of the Rez Guest Services team! As a member of the guest services team, you’ll help patrons with their questions or concerns, manage and oversee equipment rentals and sales, keep the park clean, and perform all other duties as needed. Applications open Monday, December 5th- apply at campusrec.fsu.edu/jobs!

A few weeks back, Outdoor Pursuits got to Be Real-ly adventurous as we took an unforgettable trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! 🏕During the trip, we had an amazing camping experience with new friends and got to sightsee from extraordinary peaks. Throughout the day, we witnessed the beauty of autumn as colorful leaves fell everywhere. As the night dawned upon us, we huddled around a bonfire and roasted marshmallows. OP continued the fun with a day trip to Tom Brown Park! We got to peddle through woodsy trails while learning some gnarly biking skills along the way. Before the weekend ended, a group of Noles made a stop at Red Bug Trail. As we biked through the trail’s 5.5 mile dirt road, we crossed wetlands and zoomed past Tallahassee wildlife. If you want to join us on more Outdoor Pursuits trips like this, check out what we have to offer and register at campusrec.fsu.edu/outdoors. Hope to see you soon!

Ready to reel in some fish? 👀 Sign up for Intramural Sports’ Fishing Tournament that’s taking place on Saturday, November 12th. Registration for the event opens NEXT WEEK, November 2nd and closes November 9th. Get ready to showcase your fishing skills with a side of friendly competition! If you think you’ve got what it takes, register at campusrec.fsu.edu/im/register

This past weekend, a handful of adventurous Noles took a trip to Reed Bingham State Park! 🏕Reed Bingham State Park is known for its calming campground and vast wildlife, which we got to experience firsthand! On our overnight trip, we paddled our way through a gleaming 375 acre lake and walked the trails with friends. We ended our day with a calming sunset and a glimpse at the sparkling night sky. Outdoor Pursuits also took a stellar trip to our very own FSU Rez Lakefront Park! Our fun-filled day consisted of paddling through the Tallahassee marshes and admiring the nature that surrounded us every step of the way. As the evening approached, we got to unwind under the stars. Want to join us on our next trip? Check out what we have to offer and register at campusrec.fsu.edu/outdoors. Outdoor Pursuits hopes to see you soon!