Hollins University

Hollins Outdoor Program

 

If you enjoy the outdoors, with some adventure thrown in, then the Hollins Outdoor Program -- or HOP -- is for you. HOP combines adventure, education, self-awareness, and leadership all into one fun, exciting program.

HOP is a natural for Hollins. Here are some reasons why:

• Located in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the college is a ten-minute drive from the Appalachian Trail, with endless opportunities for hiking and camping.
• The New River Gorge, home to some of the best rock climbing and white-water paddling on the East Coast, is just two hours from the university.
• The many caves of the Appalachian region provide exploring opportunities year-round.
• During ski season, the slopes of the Homestead, Wintergreen, and Snowshoe ski resorts beckon Hollins students, faculty and staff.

 

The outdoor program boasts an indoor climbing wall and a full-service outing center, with maps and all kinds of equipment for rent. Staff members and trained student instructors lead you safely on a wide range of adventures, from rock climbing excursions to caving expeditions, from hikes to white-water rafting. Click here to view a slideshow of some HOP activities.

 

Hollins also offers the The Hollins Outdoor Leadership Certificate (HOLC) and the Wilderness Education Association’s National Standards Course. More information...

 

Fall 2009 offerings include:

• September 12 - Canoeing the James ($12)
• September 18 - Ultimate frisbee (Free)
• September 19 – Day hike to Mount Pleasant ($7)
• October 4 – Rafting the Gaulley River ($115)
• October 17 - Family Weekend day hike to Dragon’s Tooth ($7)
• November 6 - Dodgeball (Free)
• November 7 – Horseback riding ($45)
• November 15 – Rock climbing at Bozoo ($15)
• December 4 & 5 – VA Outdoor Programs Resource Group, Smith Mountain Lake—4-H
• December 11 - Caving @ James TBA ($15)