University Recreation
Outdoor Adventure Programs at Kennesaw State University provide access to outdoor pursuits to the KSU community. These programs offer both recreational and educational opportunities for everyone--novice to expert. Outdoor Adventure programs are founded on the principles of experiential learning to develop knowledge, leadership, and community.
Nature Bound is an outdoor recreation program at Kennesaw State University that provides outdoor pursuits for the KSU community. Nature Bound offers both recreational and educational opportunities for everyone – novice to expert. Nature Bound is founded on the principles of experiential learning to develop knowledge, leadership, and community.
Register for trips Read MoreBiking
Roll to new destinations with KSU Nature Bound biking trips! We offer both road bike and mountain bike trips. In a typical beginner road biking trip, we will cover no more than 15 paved miles. On a beginner mountain biking trip, we will cover no more than 5 trail miles.
Coffee Shop Bike Ride from Campus
Join Outdoor Adventures for a fun bike ride from the Kennesaw Campus on the paved
Noonday Creek Trail! We will visit a nearby coffee shop on each ride. Options for
a 90-minute, 6-8 mile ride and 3 hour 18-22 mile ride.
No bike? No problem! We will meet at Outdoor Adventures where bikes and helmets will be provided for those who reserve one upon registration. Outdoor Adventures is located inside the Student Recreation and Activities Center on the Kennesaw Campus.
Hiking & Backpacking
Caving
Paddling
We offer a variety of water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand up paddle boarding. A typical beginner paddling trip includes no more than 3 miles of paddling on flat water in either a canoe or kayak. Transportation, boats, paddles, and other necessary equipment are always provided at no additional cost.
Kayak Roll Clinics
During the 2-hour clinic, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to exit a capsized kayak and how to roll back up without having to exit the kayak. The instructor will cover a variety of paddle strokes and techniques that will aid in learning how to roll a kayak. This controlled environment is the perfect place to learn, as instructors are trained to rescue participants from failed rolls.
Difficulty Rating/Experience Needed:
3/10. No experience needed, participants' comfort zones may be stretched as they will
spend time underwater in their kayak.
Location:
Meet at Outdoor Adventures in the Student Recreation and Activities Center. You will
move to the pool with your instructor after we get you fit to your kayak.
FAQs
Who is eligible to go on Nature Bound trips? KSU students, employees and those with active Sports and Recreation are eligible to register and attend Nature Bound trips.
Where do I register? Registration for trips is located in the Outdoor Adventures Suite located in room 1050 of the Student Recreation and Activities Center. For online registration, visit our University Recreation Member Portal.
When are payments due? Payments are due at the time of registration in full, with the exception of trips with a deposit. We accept K-cash, credit/debit cards, or Apple/Google Pay.
Are there meetings? There are no regular meetings for Nature Bound. However, if you register for an overnight trip there will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting which typically occurs on Wednesday nights the week of the trip.
I need to cancel, is there a refund procedure? Only on rare occasions will refunds be given. In the case of a trip being canceled, every participant will receive a refund. Participants may also get a refund if they find an eligible replacement to take their place on a trip. (i.e. someone on the waiting list).
What is included in the trip price?
Each trip is different, but usually included in the trip price is transportation,
activity specific gear, vendor/guide for the activity, trip leader service and some
food. For more details about a specific trip feel free to contact us!
Why are there pre-trip meetings?
Pre-trip meetings are the Trip Leader’s opportunity to provide relevant information concerning the trip to all participants. Trip Leaders should use this opportunity to have participants’ complete paperwork, give trip specific information, review safety protocols, check gear, and establish time deadlines. Trip Leaders should be confident that participants know and understand the dangers/risks associated with a specific trip at the end of this meeting. Pre-trip meetings are mandatory for all participants. If a participant doesn’t attend a pre-trip meeting and does not contact and meet with the Trip Leader prior to the pre-trip meeting s/he will not be allowed to attend the trip and will not receive a refund.
Do I need to be an expert to attend these trips? No way! All of our trips are geared toward beginners, but they are also great for those already involved in the activity as well. Trips that are for those more experienced will be noted that way.
Are there job positions available within the Nature Bound program?
Yes! For more information and to apply, visit our student employment webpage!
Who are the trip leaders? Trip leaders are current KSU students with a passion for the outdoors. Trip Leaders plan all aspects of the trip and are here to answer your questions. Contact information for your trip leaders is given on each information sheet once you register for the trip.
When does registration for a trip end? There are a limited amount of spots on each trip. They are filled on a first come, first served basis. Trips that are not completely full will end the Wednesday before the trip.
Our Climbing Gyms at both recreation centers offer an inviting space for climbers of all levels to hone their skills and push their limits. With dedicated hours for open climbing, engaging workshops, and exciting events, there's always something new to explore. Plus, with regularly updated routes, you'll constantly find fresh challenges to conquer.
Kennesaw Climbing Gym
At the Student Recreation and Activities Center, the Climbing Gym offers 3,722 square feet of climbing space that includes a 15’ bouldering wall, 47’ climbing tower, and climbing instructional sessions with trained staff. The tower supports both top rope and lead climbing with 14 separate belay bars great for both novice and advanced climbers.
Marietta Climbing Gym
At the Recreation and Wellness Center, a bouldering area was added in 2025! This new space features a 15’ bouldering area With 845 square feet of climbing surface and new routes being set monthly.
Try Rock Climbing Nights [Tuesdays] - Kennesaw
Belay Fundamentals Course - Kennesaw
The Belay Fundamentals Course is offered to individuals that have little to no experience with belaying or would like to refresh their skills. The course is taught by one of our experienced attendants. During the course, a patron can expect to learn the hard and soft skills needed in order to be belay qualified at the KSU Climbing Gym. At the close of the course the participating patrons will be evaluated on their belaying skills and be given a written test. Once a patron passes the skills and knowledge test, they will be allowed to belay at the KSU Climbing Gym while under supervision from an attendant. Once an attendant believes the patron has become proficient in belaying, then they will be taken off of supervision status. Each semester following, a previously belayed qualified patron will only need to receive a check off skills and written test. They would not need to attend the Belay Fundaments Course again unless instructed by an attendant.
REGISTER FOR THE NEXT COURSE!Competitions
What is included?
At the Kennesaw Climbing Gym students will have access to the boulder and tower. Students are also able to request any of the following offerings at no additional cost:
Climbing Shoe and Chalk rental are available to students at both the Kennesaw and Marietta Climbing Gyms at a nominal fee:
| RENTAL | PRICE |
|---|---|
| 1 shoe and chalk rental | $2 |
| 3 Day Rentals Punch Card | $5 |
| 5 Day Rentals Punch Card | $8 |
| 12 Day Rentals Punch Card | $18 |
What is required?
Guest Passes
Guests may purchase a Day Pass for $5.00 when accompanied by a KSU sponsor. Day passes
can be purchased at Outdoor Adventures or the SRAC Service Desk with K-Cash, credit/debit cards or Apple/Google Pay Sponsors may also purchase the guest pass online. The KSU sponsor must be present with the guest at all times while in the facility. The guest will be asked to sign a liability waiver at the time of purchase.
Patrons and guests must be at least 18 years of age to access the Climbing Gym except for Recreation-approved programs.
Outdoor Adventures provides bicycle services through rentals, service, educational offerings and workshops, and outings. Whether you are new to riding or a seasoned cyclist, there is something for you!
Basic Services
Own your own Bike?
KSU Bike Shop offers a full range of services at no additional cost:
Services from minor adjustments to full tune-ups on patron owned bikes. All replacement
parts must be provided by the patron. All bikes are welcome.
All bicycle check outs and semester long rentals must be checked out from Kennesaw
Campus.
Comprehensive Services
Full Tune: $50
Other Services:
*parts not included
All bikes being serviced must be picked up same day or a $25.00 per day storage fee will be charged.
3-Day Bike Checkout (Kennesaw Campus Only)
Short-Term bike checkout is a three (3) day checkout at no additional cost. Mountain bikes or commuter style bikes are available for check out for three (3) weekdays, or five (5) days if covered over the weekend.
Patrons will be charged a $25.00 per day late fee for bikes not returned after the three (3) day checkout period and $2.00 per item each day late on helmets and seat bags.
Semester Long Bike Rentals (Kennesaw Campus Only)
The KSU Bike Shop also offers long-term rentals for $50 per semester.
All long-term rental bicycles include a helmet and lock. All long-term rentals are for the entire semester. To checkout or rent a KSU bicycle or equipment, patrons must have a current valid physical or mobile Talon Card.
KSU Bikeshare
Bicycle Maintenance Clinics
Looking to expand your bicycle knowledge? Outdoor Adventures is hosting bicycle maintenance clinics. Learn anything you have ever wanted to know about working on bicycles. We will offer preset topics to work on and learn, as well as entertain special repair topic requests.
Bicycle Skills Clinics
Learn and practice important concepts from a full spectrum of skills required for off-road and road cycling, or work on specific skills that you have in mind.
| ITEM | PRICE | REPLACEMENT COST |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack | $5/day | $250 |
| Sleeping Bag | $5/day | $200 |
| Tent* (2 Person/4 Person) | $6/day | $200 |
| Ground Pad | $3/day | $25 |
| Backpacking Stove w/ Fuel | $4/day | $100 |
| Cook Set | $3/day | $50 |
| Hammock | $3/day | $75 |
| Headlamp | $3/day | $60 |
| Camp Chair | $3/day | $25 |
| Crash Pad | $5/day | $150 |
| Stand Up Paddle Board* | $20/week or 2 for $25/week | SUP $825 SUP Paddle $150 PFD $80 |
| Kayak | $20/week or 2 for $25/week | Single $300 Tandem $400 Kayak Paddle $100 PFD $80 |
| Helmet | $2/day | $45 |
| Lock | $0/day | $25 |
| Bicycle - Short Term | $0/3 days | $500-$2,200 |
| Bicycle - Long Term | $50/semester | $350 |
*Inspections are required when renting and returning these items. Please allow time for an inspection to take place. Items cannot be rented or returned within one hour of closing due to necessary inspections.
A rental agreement is required. Late fees will begin the first day after the predetermined return date. All payments in-person must be made with K-Cash, credit/debit cards or Apple/Google Pay.
A group is more effective when its members problem solve, communicate, resolve conflict, and respect its members. When this occurs, groups are able to transform themselves into a highly functioning team. The purpose of the Experiential Group Program is to enable individuals through experiential learning in an effort to contribute to a holistic educational experience.
Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of customized experiential group programs. We will tailor your program to fit the goals of your group and provide exceptional opportunities with lasting impact.
Marietta or Kennesaw Campus
Let Outdoor Adventures provide a dynamic program for your group! Beginning with icebreakers and building upon your learning outcomes, we will develop a vibrant program sure to bring your group results! Our facilitators will plan and process activities to allow participants to transfer their experience back to their daily experiences with the group.
| LENGTH | KSU STUDENT ORGANIZATION | KSU DEPARTMENT/OFFICE | GROUP SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hour program | $120/person | $180/person | up to 20 people |
| 4 hour program | $170/person | $250/person | up to 20 people |
*For groups larger than 20 people, please contact us for pricing by completing the request form.
Kennesaw Campus
Outdoor Adventures would like to provide an engaging and dynamic climbing experience for your group. Whether you are looking to learn the basics of climbing, advance your current skills, or build comradery in your group we are here to help you meet your goals. We are able to accommodate up to 30 participants for this program
| LENGTH | KSU STUDENT ORGANIZATION | KSU DEPARTMENT/OFFICE | MINIMUM GROUP SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hour program | $12/person | $18/person | 10 |
| 4 hour program | $17/person | $25/person | 10 |
Rates for a Climbing Gym Program is based on a maximum of 30 patrons. Rates include use of all equipment needed to climb, a qualified belayer, and climbing shoes and chalk bag rentals.
Off Campus
Let Outdoor Adventures Staff take your group on an exciting adventure! We will provide transportation, required equipment, qualified staff, and superior programming. Customized trips are a great opportunity to get your group outside of their comfort zone and into an environment where they can feel challenged and accomplished. Trying a new activity for the first time can be scary, but having the support of your group will cause the experience to be much more rewarding!
| LENGTH | KSU STUDENT ORGANIZATION | KSU DEPARTMENT/OFFICE | MINIMUM GROUP SIZE | MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitewater Rafting (8 hour*) | $45/person | $60/person | 8 | 16 |
| Rock Climbing (8 hour) | $55/person | $75/person | 6 | 15 |
| Stand Up Paddleboarding at the Lake (4 hour) | $35/person | $47/person | 6 | 20 |
| River Paddleboarding (6 hour) | $45/person | $75/person | 6 | 10 |
| Bike Touring (2 hour) | $20/person | $27/person | 7 | 15 |
| Mountain Biking (4 hour) | $35/person | $47/person | 6 | 15 |
| Hiking (3 hour) | $185/group (up to 10) | $245/group (up to 10) | 6 | 20 |
*time estimates include activity time, transportation time and transition time. For example, an 8-hour program may leave KSU at 8am and return to KSU by 4pm.
Trip activities can include stand up paddleboarding, canoeing, mountain biking, bike
touring, outdoor rock climbing, camping and more! Transportation from KSU, equipment
and instruction all included. Complete the request form to create your own custom adventure.
Email: outdooradventures@kennesaw.edu
Phone: (470) 578-2289
