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.
Back row, left to right: Claudia Holman, Abigail Richards, Jon Guy Owens, Celeste Leeds-Laliberte, Jenny Noyes
Hiking, Camping, Climbing, Skiing, Caving, and More
- Hollins is a 10-minute drive from the Appalachian Trail, with endless opportunities for hiking and camping.
- Students canoe and fish on the nearby James River.
- Two hours away, the New River Gorge is home to some of the best rock climbing and white-water paddling on the East Coast.
- The many caves of the Appalachian region provide exploring opportunities year-round.
- Students ski on the slopes of the Homestead, Wintergreen, and Snowshoe resorts.
- HOP hosts the annual National Paddling Film Festival Roadshow, featuring thrilling footage of white-water canoeing and kayaking.
Responsible and Safe Practices
HOP bases all trips on the Leave No Trace Center’s Seven Principals of Outdoor Ethics. Climbing trips adhere to the stringent standards of the American Mountain Guides Association.
Trips for Every Interest and Skill Level
Staff members and trained student instructors lead you safely on a wide range of adventures. We offer exciting trips every month that accommodate both beginners and experienced participants.
Spring 2024 trips:
- February 17: Day hike to Apple Orchard Falls – free
- February 25: Caving at Tawney’s – $10
- March 2: Bike ride with Cardinal – $15
- March 10: Day hike to Dragon’s Tooth – free
- March 29: River Rock – $5
- April 6: Climbing at Bozoo – $15
- April 13: Treetop Quest – $15
- April 20: Canoeing on the James – $10
- April 27: SUP on the Cove – free
- May 5: Day hike to a swimming hole – free
HOP Director
Jon Guy Owens has directed HOP since 2001. He was born and raised in the Great Smoky Mountains near Cherokee, North Carolina, and got his start in adventure recreation as a river guide on the Nantahala River in North Carolina, while earning his undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation. He is certified as: instructor/trainer from the Wilderness Education Association; wilderness first responder; and single pitch instructor from the American Mountain Guiding Association. He lives in Troutville, VA with his wife, Anna Copplestone ’06, and son, Henry.
Hollins Outdoor Leadership Certificate (HOLC)
The Hollins Outdoor Leadership Certificate is designed for women at Hollins who are interested in outdoor leadership. The goal of the program is to provide training for women leaders in adventure recreation. The certification process includes components of the Wilderness Education Association’s National Standards Program, Leave No Trace trainer certification, Wilderness First Aid, leadership hours completed with the Hollins Outdoor Program (HOP) and course work.
This is a two-year process wherein each woman will have the capability to learn and develop her decision making, technical skills, and personal outlook through hands-on experience. Each woman who completes the HOLC program will graduate with at least two nationally recognized certifications and necessary experience if she wishes to pursue an education or career in outdoor leadership.