Outdoor Activities
People travel from all over the world to hike, climb, bike and paddle in the Roanoke Valley. At Roanoke College, these adventures are right at your doorstep. Our region is ecologically unique and rich with outdoor activities that are second to none. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer looking for backpacking routes through the Grayson Highlands or a newcomer hoping to nail kayak rolling ahead of a whitewater trip, there’s an adventure for you.
go on an adventure!
Come with us
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Join us for a September afternoon paddle boarding at Carvins Cove!
- Date:
- September 19, 2025
- Time:
- 4 - 7 p.m.
- Location:
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Calling all intermediate and above hikers! Are you up for the challenge?
- Date:
- September 20, 2025
- Time:
- 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Location:
Catawba, VA
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Bring your hiking shoes and a paintbrush on this creative hike over Carvins Cove!
- Date:
- September 21, 2025
- Time:
- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Location:
Catawba, VA
Our backyard
The Outdoor Adventures Program
The Outdoor Adventures Program takes advantage of the College's geographic location to offer unique outdoor experiences. OA runs numerous outdoor excursions for students during the year including hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, tubing, whitewater rafting and hang gliding. All trips are led by student guides certified in CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid, though some activities benefit from the additional expertise of professional instructors. OA also offers Journey, a pre-orientation program for incoming freshmen.
Upcoming Trips & Clinics | Gear Rentals
Humble Brags
- Roanoke is #2 on 25 Best Hiking Cities in the US | CNN | 2023
- Roanoke - Most Affordable Destinations for a Fall Getaway | Travel + Leisure | 2019
- McAfee Knob - Best Hiking Trail (Best of the Blue Ridge Awards) | Blue Ridge Outdoors | 2023
- Roanoke - Best Mountain Towns in the United States | Outside | 2022
- Roanoke - The 10 Most Scenic East Coast Cities | WorldAtlas | 2021
- Roanoke River Greenway - Best Urban Park/Greenway | Best of the Blue Ridge by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine | 2019
- McAfee Knob - Best Instagrammable Spot (Best of the Blue Ridge Awards) | Blue Ridge Outdoors | 2021