Outdoor Adventure

Come out for a short 4-mile hike in Sterling State Forest. The Trail follows along the beautiful lakefront and is a great view for all beginner hikers. Enjoy a short summer hike!

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Rec Center main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10; $20 Faculty/Staff

Where and when?

• Thursday, June 13, 2024
• 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Comfortable Shoes, Water, Lunch, and Appropriate Clothing.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, injury by running including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Join Campus Recreation for the new and exciting sport of stand up paddleboarding! We will head to the Round Valley Reservoir for a relaxing, fun day on the water.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
• Registration Link

Where and when?

• Tuesday, June 25, 2024
• 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, towel and bathing suit

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, and insect bites.

Come out for a 4-mile hike around a beautiful mountain hike in Ringwood, New Jersey. The trail follows Mount Defiance, and traverses along Shepherd Lake. This hike is a great view over the top of Northern New Jersey and a perfect challenge for novice hikers. Enjoy a short summer hike!

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
• Registration Link

Where and when?

• Thursday, July 11, 2024
• 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Comfortable Shoes, Water, Lunch, and Appropriate Clothing.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Come out for a short 4-mile hike in Hacklebarney State Park. The Trail follows along a beautiful riverside and is a great experience for beginner to moderate  hikers looking to be immersed in nature. Enjoy a short summer hike!

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10; $20 Faculty/Staff
• Registration Link

Where and when?

• Thursday, July 25, 2024
• 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Comfortable Shoes, Water, Lunch, and Appropriate Clothing.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, injury by running including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Hang out with your friends on Friday night around the fire pit!  Free snacks, such as s’mores and iced tea, will be provided.  Lawn games, hammocks, and other items will also be available FREE via Equipment Checkout.

How do I sign-up?

• Registration not required
• Free with Montclair State University ID

Where and when?

• Fridays from September 6 – November 15
• 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Various Locations:
  • Student Recreation Center – 9/6, 9/13, 10/4, 10/18, 10/25, 11/8, 11/15;
  • Student Center Quad – 9/20;
  • Bohn/Blanton Quad – 9/27;
  • Village – 10/11;
  • Hawks Crossing – TBD;

Join Campus Recreation for an awesome day of stand up paddle boarding! Test your balancing skills as we head to the Round Valley Reservoir for a relaxing, fun day on the water.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• September trips – Registration opens August 26th at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, September 7, 2024
• 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring:  Water, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, towel and bathing suit

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, and insect bites.

Join your friends for a day at the Zoo! See animals from all over the world as you enjoy lunch at your choice of cafes around the park. Bring cash for lunch, a water bottle to stay hydrated, and comfortable walking shoes.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• September trips – Registration opens August 26th at 10am
• Cost for Students  $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Sunday, September 8, 2023
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers, and sunscreen. Participants MUST wear sneakers in order to go on the zipline and obstacle course.

Note: Tree Top Adventures restricts obstacle course and zipline participants to a strict weight limit of 250 lbs. Students may opt to participate in only the Zoo portion of the trip should they like.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Enjoy a relaxing day paddling down the Delaware River and learn some basic kayaking skills. Leaving from Frenchtown, NJ, this full-day trip will provide you with a chance to enjoy the warm, clear waters of the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi. We provide the boats, life jackets and paddles, but be prepared to get wet.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• September trips – registration opens August 26th at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, September 14, 2023
• 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, bathing suit, towel, sunblock and a change of clothes.

Potential Hazards: under/above water obstructions, rapidly moving water, poisonous plants/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration

Join Outdoor Adventure for our hikes this semester! We’ll take you through various hikes in the greater tri-state area on different trails suited for all athletic abilities with lots of views and fun! Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes and bring a water bottle.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• September trips – Registration opens August 26th at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, September 14, 2024
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Join Outdoor Adventure for our hikes this semester! We’ll take you through various hikes in the greater tri-state area on different trails suited for all athletic abilities with lots of views and fun! Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes and bring a water bottle.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• September trips – Registration opens August 26th at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Sunday, September 22, 2024
• 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Get ready for a gorgeous day of frolicking through fields of flowers as we take you to Holland Ridge Farms, famous for their seasonal flower picking fields. As the HRF fall flower festival gets started, join us for a day of fun including petting zoo areas with farm animals, photo taking attractions, food trucks, and a complimentary shuttle around the farm. Flower picking costs $1for each flower picked!

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students – $10 | Faculty/Staff – $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, October 5, 2024
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Cream Ridge, NJ – Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center

What to bring:

• Money for spending, lunch, water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries, including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Coordinating with the release of the dam in the Lehigh River, this whitewater rafting trip is sure to be a blast. Perfect for all skill levels. This is a great way to GET YOUR FEET WET!

How do I Sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students $20; Faculty/Staff $60

Where and when?

• Saturday, October 12, 2024
• 7:00am – 7:00pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Lunch, water, snacks, towel, a change of clothes and sandals with a heel strap, old sneakers, or water shoes. Flip-flops or slides are not allowed. For warmer days, wear a swim suit or quick-drying shorts/shirt; for cooler days, bring extra layers, but no cotton. Wetsuits are included for those that want them.

Half/full wetsuits can be rented from the organization. Half is $6, full is $12, jacket is $4. 

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, limited vision, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

A strenuous 2.9 mile hike up Wawayanda Mountain, be prepared for a rocky and steep hike with scenic views of the surrounding area. This is a great trail for advanced hikers who want to see a beautiful view from the top of a mountain.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Sunday, October 13, 2024
• 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers? and sunscreen.

Explore Stony Hill Farm, a fully operational, working farm:

• 10-acre Corn Maze!
• Hayrides
• Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin
• Farmer’s Market

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students – $10 | Faculty/Staff – $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, October 19, 2023
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Chester, NJ – Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center

What to bring:

• Money for spending
• Comfortable shoes for walking

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries, including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Come with Outdoor Adventure to Watchung Reservation for an easy hike! We’ll take you around hiking trails through an abandoned village in Watchung Reservation, so wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes and bring a water bottle!

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Sunday, October 20, 2024
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

We will enjoy a ½ mile nature walk in Columbia, NJ to a preserve, where we will be invited into an observation area surrounded by 4 packs of wolves! We will also get the opportunity to observe Lakota’s foxes, bobcat, and lynx!

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, October 26, 2024
• 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Get ready for some outdoor adventuring in some beautiful fall foliage by the Delaware Water Gap! This advanced hike takes adventurers up Mount Tammany with beautiful views of the full surrounding area, particularly enchanting with the trees in their fall colors.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, November 2, 2024
• 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, hiking boots or sneakers and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Join Outdoor Adventure for our hikes this semester! We’ll take you through various hikes in the greater tri-state area on different trails suited for all athletic abilities with lots of views and fun! Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes and bring a water bottle.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Sunday, November 10, 2024
• 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

A perfect trip for all levels of climber — novice to expert! A pressure-free, safe indoor rock climbing experience at the New Jersey Rock Gym in Fairfield, NJ. Dress to Move! Rental shoes are included in the price.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• October and November – Registration opens 9/30 at 10am
• Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

• Sunday, November 17, 2024
• 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, long pants, sneakers.

Potential Hazards: Injuries caused by a fall from a height including abrasions, strains/sprains, and fractures.

Bagg-O/Cornhole

Croquet

Frisbee

Football

KanJam

Knock Hockey

Ladder Golf

Paddle Ball

Soccer (with pop-up nets)

Washers game

Small grill

Chimney charcoal starter

Grilling utensils (brush, spatula, tongs, fork)

Rolling cooler

Choose two games

Four beach chairs

Beach table & carrier

Beach umbrella

Rolling cooler

Choose two games

Camp stove and propane

Electric LED lantern

Headlamp

First Aid kit

Rain ponchos (one per person)

Sleeping bags (one per person)

Ground covers (one per person)

Tents (one for every two people)

Portable stove and fuel bottle

Solo cooks set

Microfilter

Headlamp

First Aid kit

Solo tent

One sleeping bag

One mattress pad

One rain poncho

Cathole trowel

One large backpack

Two-person picnic bag

Large blanket

Choose two games

Everyone who participates in Outdoor Adventure trips through the Student Recreation Center or engages in outdoor activities on their own should always practice bear safety when out enjoying the wilderness. A few things to be aware of:

Never feed or approach a bear!

Remain calm if you encounter a bear.

Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands or making other noises.

Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead slowly back away.

Black bears attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.

You can find more safety tips for bear encounters at the National Park Service’s Staying Safe Around Bears.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. Please exercise caution when going outdoors in the coming months. You can get further information and safety recommendations from the CDC website.

What we know

No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease (Zika).

Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites (see below).

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.

Steps to prevent mosquito bites

When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes, take the following steps:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Always follow the product label instructions.

Reapply insect repellent as directed.

Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.

If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.

You’ll be a happier camper if you know how to pack your sack strategically for both comfort and convenience. Your heaviest items should be placed on top of your sleeping bag and close to your spine. Usually these items will be your food stash, water supply, cooking kit and stove.

Share the weight of large communal items (e.g. tent) with others in your group. You carry the main body, for example, and your friend can carry the poles and rainfly.

Compression straps: tighten all compression straps to limit load-shifting.

Read the REI article about “10 Essentials.”

Know where to expect ticks.

Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come into contact with ticks when walking through leaf litter or near shrubs. Always walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with ticks.

Use a repellent with DEET on skin.

Repellents containing 20% or more DEET can protect up to several hours.

What to do if you find an attached tick.

Blisters are caused by friction and amplified by moist environments. Wear wool socks which wick moisture.

Should You Pop?

To pop or not to pop is the big and hotly debated question. Even the experts disagree about when to drain a blister. If you do end up popping the blister make sure it is as sterile as possible in order to prevent infection.

Comply with all local laws and regulations. Many municipalities have laws governing burnings including time of day, time of year and what substance can be burned.

Check the weather. It is never a good idea to engage in any type of burning if there are high winds. Wind can act as both an accelerant and can spread the fire.

Only use easily controlled locations for burning. Make sure all campfires occur in fully surrounded fire pits and limit the size of all fires. No matter how something is being burned, it is important to do it in a controlled area.

Reduce Trash. Be thoughtful about food portions when cooking. Good meal planning helps reduce trash, pack weight and dependence upon campfires.

Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Don’t bring soil, plants of any kind (other than dead vegetables) or firewood(this can be purchased nearby). Clean and inspect clothing, gear and containers for weeds and other “hitchhikers” before you leave.

Stay on the trail and avoid unplanned shoot-off trails. Try to keep impact to flora minimal by staying on the trail. Avoid venturing off into areas where damage is just beginning, such as impromptu trails created by other hikers stepping off trail.