Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Explore the great outdoors of Texas and beyond
Outdoor Pursuits offers experiences designed with you in mind. Come explore the outdoors and learn the skills needed to enjoy being outside! If you have questions or want more information about any of our trips, contact the Outdoor Center.
Fall 2024 trips
| If you enjoy.... | Consider... |
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| Backpacking |
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| Camping |
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| Day Trips |
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| Hiking |
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| Paddling |
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| How-to Clinics |
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| Volunteering |
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Spring 2025 trips
| If you enjoy.... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Backpacking |
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| Camping |
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| Canoeing |
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| Climbing |
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| Day Trips |
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| Hiking |
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| Paddling |
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| How-to Clinics Educational Courses |
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| Volunteering |
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Paddling and Presence
Trip date: Sept. 14
Register by: Sept. 11
Cost: Free
Outdoor Pursuits and the Health and Wellness Hub invite you to join us for a day on the lake, where we’ll learn how to be mindful in the outdoors and master the basics of paddling on Lake Naconiche.
Lunch will be provided along with all necessary equipment and transportation. Sign up at The Hub or the Outdoor Center.
Camping at Dinosaur Valley State Park
Trip dates: Sept. 27 to 29
Register by: Sept. 20
Cost: $80
Walk in the footsteps of the ancients at Dinosaur Valley State Park! Join us for a weekend of camping, hiking, swimming and exploring in this park, which maintains and preserves real dinosaur tracks! This will be a fun weekend for people of all levels of camping experience.
Backpacking/Camping 101
Clinic date: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 9
Cost: Free
This is an introduction to camping for the non-camper and a refresher for those who have been camping but feel they need to improve their skills and knowledge. The clinic includes information on basic gear, tent pitching, site selection and camp cooking. Explore the gear you need for a successful backpacking trip as well as how to pack a backpack. Come to the Outdoor Center, located inside the Student Recreation Center, with questions, and we’ll come with answers.
Paddling at Martin Dies Jr. State Park
Trip dates: Oct. 11 to 13
Register by: Oct. 4
Cost: $55
Need a weekend getaway? Enter Martin Dies Jr. State Park! Bask in the solitude of the Neches River and encounter native Texan wildlife in its natural setting. Never paddled before? No worries! This park offers paddling perfect for all levels of experience.
Backpacking at Davy Crockett National Forest
Trip dates: Oct. 18 to 20
Register by: Oct. 11
Cost: $50
Whether or not you're new to the piney woods, you can't deny the beauty of East Texas! This weekend, Outdoor Pursuits invites you to tour the native ecosystems of Davy Crockett National Forest on East Texas' hidden gem, the Four C National Recreation Trail. No experience required; just bring a good attitude!
Trail Building/Maintenance
Volunteer date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 2
Register by: Oct. 25 to reserve your lunch
Cost: Free
This volunteer project involves completing basic trail maintenance and upkeep. We'll be visiting SFA's hike and bike trails to give them some TLC. This is a great opportunity for volunteer hours!
Mountain Biking 101
Clinic date: 2 to 4 p.m., Nov. 2
Register by: Nov. 1
Cost: Free
Master the basics of mountain biking! We have eight bikes you can use for free. Helmets are also included. Our volunteers have polished these trails just for you, so let’s see how they look and how they ride. Sign up at the Outdoor Center.
Paddling at Caddo Lake State Park
Trip dates: Nov. 15 to 17
Register by: Nov. 8
Cost: $65
Experience the magnificent wilderness of Caddo Lake State Park! Paddle through labyrinth-like corridors of towering bald cypress trees, trailing Spanish moss and scaly river birch trees that decorate the waterways of this ancient marshland.
Backpacking at Colorado Bend State Park
Trip dates: Nov. 22 to 26
Register by: Nov. 15
Cost: $115
Enjoy beautiful views in the Texas Hill Country along the Colorado River. Cascading waterfalls, springs, canyons and rivers create fantastic landscapes you won’t find anywhere else! Caving opportunities in the park are led by the park’s tour guides; additional fees apply.
Wilderness First Responder Certification Course
Event dates: Jan. 8 to 12
Learn more on the Wilderness First Responder webpage.
Sport Climbing at Reimer’s Ranch
Trip dates: Jan. 17 to 20
Register by: Dec. 13
Cost: $115
Climbers, get ready for an exciting excursion to Reimer’s Ranch near Austin, Texas! Take advantage of the port climbing routes and bouldering problems along the Pedernales River for great climbs and views. With over 300 different routes, there’s something for everyone.
Jacks on Belay
Event date: Feb. 1
Learn more on the Jacks on Belay webpage.
Camping Cookout: S’mores and Arson
Clinic date: 5 to 7 p.m., Feb. 4
Sign up at the Outdoor Center
Cost: $5
Have you ever felt confined to your fireplace? During this event, we will do our best to teach you the basics of campfire building and cooking with camping stoves. Enjoy causing havoc (responsibly) in parks, your backyard or anywhere else your heart desires (and the law allows). We will provide s’mores and various other snacks as a tasty treat for your well-built fire!
Trail Building/Maintenance
Volunteer date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 15
Register by: Feb. 7 to reserve your lunch
Cost: Free
This volunteer project involves completing basic trail maintenance and upkeep. We'll be visiting SFA's hike and bike trails to give them some TLC. This is a great opportunity for volunteer hours!
Backpacking the Lone Star Hiking Trail
Trip dates: Feb. 21 to 23
Register by: Feb. 14
Cost: $50
Get your trail legs in with us on the longest hiking trail in the state of Texas! Meander through mixed hardwood forests and be immersed in East Texas’ unique and abundant biodiversity. Explore the Sam Houston National Forest and learn about backpacking and backcountry camping.
Paddling 101
Clinic date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 1
Register by: Feb. 21 to reserve your lunch
Cost: Free
Learn to paddle with Outdoor Pursuits! If you’re going on one of our upcoming paddling trips or you want a refresher for the summer, now is a great time to learn as well as explore Lake Naconiche!
Big Bend
Trip dates: March 8 to 5
Register by: Feb. 28
Cost: $515
Savings alert: Save $50 by starting a payment plan by Dec 1.
Head down to Big Bend National Park for a hiking and canoeing trip that you will never forget! Spend a few days on the Rio Grande River paddling through the Boquillas Canyon and enjoying the starry nights. This trip offers the perfect getaway for an adventurous spring break.
Flora and Fauna of Nacogdoches
Clinic date: 3 to 5 p.m., March 20
Pineywoods Native Plant Center
Cost: Free
Visit the Pineywoods Native Plant Center with Outdoor Pursuits! Flowers in bloom, frogs croaking and birds chirping will be the sights and sounds you’ll experience as you take an educational tour around Nacogdoches’ native ecosystems and interpretational trails.
Nature Writing
Clinic date: 4 to 6 p.m. March 28
Cost: Free
Mountains, forests, beaches, birds, oh my! Whether you’re new to writing or a proficient journaling aficionado, practice your skills and learn some tips and tricks in this short seminar. Bring your favorite writing utensils and paper or just bring yourself. We’ll start at the Student Recreation Center and visit the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden while the azaleas are in bloom.
Hiking the Grand Canyon
Trip dates: May 12-21
Register by: May 2
Cost: $550
Savings alert: Save $50 by starting a payment plan by Dec 1.
Join us on an adventure out west at the Grand Canyon National Park for a three-day backpacking trip down into the canyon. This trip offers the opportunity to sleep at one of the seven natural wonders of the world! We will also visit the Palo Duro Canyon, Copper Breaks and Santa Rosa Lake state parks on the way. Transportation, food, gear and guides are included.