Hiking Trips with Outdoor Rec
Our hiking trips can range in trail mileage, difficulty of the terrain, and distance from Nashville. One common denominator, however, is the beauty of the hills, overlooks, creeks, and waterfalls of Tennessee! Our trips are designed for a group of 10-15 people, and require no previous experience. Each trip is led by Outdoor Rec. Trip Coordinators who are experienced in hiking. Hiking boots are recommended for many of the hikes due to the rocky terrain.
Upcoming Trips
JUNE 7 (Saturday)
HIKING
Short Springs State Natural Area, TN
Cost: $15
Sign-up by: Monday, June 2
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 6/3 at 5:00 PM
Short Springs is a small 420-acre State Natural Area that includes rich woods, forest ravines, low cascades, springs, and big, beautiful waterfalls. We will hike the 2.9 mile moderately difficult trail and hang out at the waterfalls. If time allows, we will hike the 2.6 mile trail at the nearby Old Stone Fort State Park. Estimated trip duration: 7 AM – 5 PM.
JUNE 22 (Sunday)
HIKING
The Great Stone Door, SCRA, TN
Cost: $18
Sign-up by: Friday, June 13
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 6/17 at 5:30 PM
South Cumberland is home of the Great Stone Door, awesome overlooks, and wonderful waterfalls. We will be hiking about 10 miles of trails, rated easy to moderate. Spend a day at one of the best parks in Tennessee. Estimated trip duration: 7 AM – 8 PM.
JULY 25-26 (Fri. – Sat.)
CAMPING AND HIKING
Pennyrile Forest State Park, KY
Cost: $38
Sign-up by: Friday, July 18
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 7/22 at 6:30 PM
Join us as we explore this park in western Kentucky, located about 100 miles northwest of Nashville. We will camp in the regular campground on Friday night. Saturday, we can hike either a few short trails totaling 5 mile and/or a portion of a longer 13 mile trail. Highlights include rock bluffs, possibly “the most beautiful woods in Western Kentucky”, and a lake where we can go swimming. Estimated trip duration: 4PM Fri. – 8 PM Sat.
Trip Information
Most trips are designed for a small group of people (10-12), and many of the trips require no previous experience. The fee for each trip covers the activity, transportation, in-camp food, camping fees, and group equipment. For more information, look for flyers around campus or stop by the Outdoor Recreation Center (along Capers Ave. and the Intramural Fields behind the Student Recreation Center) during rental hours. This is also where trip sign-up takes place. Trips are open to all VU students, faculty, staff, and Rec. Center members. Alcohol is not permitted on any trip.
Outdoor Recreation Program | Vanderbilt University
Box 6033, Station B | 2600 Children's Way | Nashville, TN 37235
615-343-8182 | outdoorrec@vanderbilt.edu
