Throughout this month, the Venture program is conducting a number of outdoor adventure trips open to the UNC Charlotte and greater communities. Participants can enjoy excursions that range from canoeing to hiking. Experience is not required, and instruction is provided to prepare for trip activities.
Venture trips scheduled for September are:
Stone Mountain Waterfall Day Hike, Sept. 14
Hikers will explore Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, N.C., while taking in views of the mountain’s magnificent 600-foot granite dome and waterfalls. Price: UNC Charlotte students, $19; faculty, staff and alumni, $34; community members, $56. Pre-trip meeting is from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the Venture Office.
Whitewater Rafting Overnight Trip, Sept. 20 and 21
Attendees will paddle the classic Section 9 of the French Broad River, with fun and challenging Class II-III+ whitewater, while traveling through the Pisgah National Forest north of Asheville. Participants will camp near Hot Springs, on Saturday evening and paddle the river again on Sunday. Swimming skills are required for all participants. Price: UNC Charlotte students, $86; faculty, staff and alumni, $131; community members, $172. Pre-trip meeting is 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the Venture Office.
Latta Plantation Half-Day Hike, Sept. 24 (3:30 to 7 p.m.)
This trip will explore Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, which offers 16 miles of trails with scenic views of Mountain Island Lake, forests and streams. Price: UNC Charlotte students, $5; faculty, staff and alumni, $12; community members, $18. No pre-trip meeting scheduled; participants will meet at the Venture Office for the hike. Food will not be offered, but participants are welcome to bring a snack.
Yoga Day Hike, Sept. 28
Participants can expect to follow a sun-soaked lazy stream, clamber through a boulder-choked river gorge, descend a trail alongside a cascading mountain brook and gaze upon high ridge-top mountain vistas during this beautiful and moderate hike. Price: UNC Charlotte students, $19; faculty, staff and alumni, $34; community members, $56. Pre-trip meeting is 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23, in the Venture Office.
*Prices include food, transportation, equipment and instruction. Prices exclude meals on the road.
Venture trips are led by highly qualified staff members who not only recognize an exciting adventure but facilitate learning from the experience.
As an accredited member of the Association for Experiential Education, Venture offers an array of leadership, challenge, team building and outdoor activity opportunities.
“The outdoors is a perfect place to expand your comfort zone and grow as a person,” said Brian Holcomb, assistant director for Venture trips. “We seek to provide opportunities to practice self-reliance, improve physical fitness, build community and develop skills that facilitate success in the backcountry and in life.”
For more information visit the Venture website.