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Hiking
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 10-12 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
FEB. 9 (Saturday)
HIKING
Radnor Lake State Park, TN
Cost: $3
Sign-up by: Friday, Feb. 1
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 2/5 at 5:00 PM
This is your chance for an afternoon break in the woods. Radnor Lake is a nice State Park that is surprisingly within Nashville! Plan on hiking about 3 hours: up and down the wooded ridges and around the lake. Total hiking distance is 4-5 miles. Estimated trip duration: 1 pm – 5 pm.
FEB. 23 (Saturday)
HIKING
Bearwaller Gap Trail, TN
Cost: $19
Sign-up by: Friday, Feb. 15
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 2/19 at 5:00 pm
Join us on a short, difficult, yet rewarding hike on the Bearwaller Gap Trail that overlooks the Cordell Hull Lake. We plan on hiking 5.6 miles on a trail that climbs and descends numerous times. The rewards include rocky overlooks, old home sites, rock gardens, beautiful shoreline, and small waterfalls. Estimated trip duration: 8 am – 5 pm.
MARCH 23 (Saturday)
HIKING
Virgin Falls State Natural Area, TN
Cost: $25
Sign-up by: Thursday, March 21 (2 spots left as of 3/19!)
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 3/19 at 5:00 PM
Located a little over 2 hours away, Virgin Falls is well worth the drive! A hike to Virgin Falls provides one with a day filled with beauty. The moderately difficult 8-mile hike leads to high overlooks and three beautiful waterfalls, including the mysterious Virgin Falls. Estimated trip duration: 7 am – 9 pm.
APRIL 19 – 20 (Friday – Saturday)
HIKING and CAMPING
Waterfall Tour: Cumberland Plateau, TN
Cost: $49
Sign-up by: Friday, April 12
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 4/16 at 6:00 pm
We will camp at the popular Fall Creek Falls State Park, and check out their three waterfalls in the morning. Then we’ll drive over to the Laurel Falls trailhead to hike an 8-mile moderately difficult trail. Features include a beautiful creek, house-sized boulders, scenic overlooks, and the spectacular Laurel Falls. Estimated trip duration: 6 pm Fri – 10 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 Children’s Way 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.