These Trip types camp in the great outdoors, and can be a great introduction to sleeping outside. Unless otherwise noted, participants can expect to sleep under a group tarp, use primitive bathroom facilities (outhouses or the woods), filter fresh water from natural sources, and have no access to electricity.

Canoeing
Canoeing trips take place on gorgeous, flatwater rivers around New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Expect one short day of 3-5 hours of paddling and one longer day of 5-7 hours of paddling. You’ll get to know your trippees as you paddle together in 2-person canoes, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, exploring the shorelines, and looking for wildlife as you travel downriver.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit upright in a canoe and paddle for several hours a day. Swimming ability required.

Flatwater Kayaking
Flatwater Kayaking trips provide a time to enjoy paddling kayaks along the Connecticut River (which forms the border between NH and Vermont!). These trips will be moderately strenuous, involving up to 6 hours of upper body exertion each day as you paddle your own boat along the Connecticut River. There will be opportunities for swimming, exploring the shorelines, and looking for wildlife as you travel downriver.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit upright in a kayak and paddle for several hours a day. Swimming ability required.

Climb and Hike 
Climb and Hike trips offer the opportunity to try out two different outdoor activities: introductory rock climbing and backpacking. You will spend the first day of your trip learning to rock climb at a local beginner area with trained climbing instructors, who are also Dartmouth students! The second part of your trip involves moderately strenuous hiking from campsite to campsite with hiking backpacks carrying overnight gear. Each day involves between 4-6 miles of hiking on moderate terrain (elevation gains between 500 - 2,000ft) for roughly 6 hours. 

Physical Requirements: 4-6 miles of hiking per day, comfort with heights, ability to consistently maintain a firm grasp on rope and wear a harness around hips.

Climb and Camp 
Climb & Camp trips offer the opportunity to try out rock climbing. These trips will spend one day climbing outside under the supervision of trained climbing instructors, who are also Dartmouth students! Your trip will be based out of a campsite in the beautiful Sunapee State Park campground. After your climbing day, you’ll have time to explore the trails and nature in the State Park, bond with your fellow trippees, and do optional activities in the local area.

Physical Requirements: Comfort with heights, ability to consistently maintain a firm grasp on rope and wear a harness around hips.

Hiking (Less Strenuous)
These hiking trips offer an opportunity to explore the beautiful New England outdoors on foot. Trips hike on the DOC-maintained trail system for between 2-8 miles each day with leisurely/little to no elevation gain. These trips are approximately 3-5 hours of hiking each day, and trips hike from campsite to campsite with their hiking backpacks on. Enjoy time on trail with your group playing games and getting to know each other, setting up camp and cooking meals at night, and taking in all the beautiful views along the way. This trip is a great introduction to hiking and backpacking! 

Physical Requirements: 2-8 Miles of walking on mixed terrain with packs weighing 30-35 pounds.

Hiking (Moderately Strenuous)
These trips involve hiking stretches of trail in moderately mountainous regions of New Hampshire with beautiful views and scenery. Each day involves between 5-10 miles of hiking on moderate terrain (elevation gains between 500 - 2,000ft). This trip is approximately 6 hours of hiking each day, and trips hike campsite to campsite with their hiking backpacks on. Enjoy time on trail with your group playing games and getting to know each other, setting up camp and cooking meals at night, and taking in all the beautiful views along the way. 

Physical Requirements: 5-10 Miles of walking on mixed terrain with packs weighing 30-35 pounds.

Hiking (More Strenuous)
These trips involve hiking stretches of trail in rugged, mountainous regions of New Hampshire with beautiful views and scenery. These trips are a great opportunity for folks who are excited for a physical challenge. You can expect to hike up to 12 miles (around 6-9 hours) each day on strenuous terrain (elevation gains between 2,000 - 5,000 ft) with added weight from a hiking backpack. Enjoy time on trail with your group playing games and getting to know each other, setting up camp and cooking meals at night, and taking in all the beautiful views along the way. 

Physical Requirements: 8-12 Miles of walking on mixed terrain with packs weighing 30-35 pounds.

Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking trips will explore the extensive mountain biking trail network near Dartmouth's campus! This trip is intended for new or beginner mountain bikers. Introductory instruction will be provided throughout your trip by other Dartmouth students who are excited about bikes – and there’s lots of room to choose an intensity that works well for you! When you’re not biking, you can enjoy time at your campsite playing games, cooking meals, and getting to know your fellow trippees.

Physical Requirements: Ability to ride a bike for 1-2 hours, hike for 1-2 miles per day on mixed terrain.

Nature Exploration and Ecology
The Nature Exploration and Ecology trip is an opportunity to observe and familiarize yourself with the natural spaces of New Hampshire. The first part of this trip is largely unstructured, with space and time for relaxing in the outdoors or going on an optional day hike. The second part of this trip is partially facilitated by a Dartmouth professor and/or graduate student – you will observe and participate in ecological field research projects at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest.

Physical Requirements: Ability to hike for 1-2 miles per day on mixed terrain.

Organic Farming
Organic Farming trips take place at Dartmouth’s local Organic Farm, a center of student life and learning just ten minutes north of campus. You will learn the basics of organic farming and connect to the agricultural systems that support the local ecology and economy while helping out with chores and various projects. You may also get to make food using the farm-fresh produce! This trip is go-at-your-own-pace, but can involve strenuous activity if desired.

Physical Requirements: Ability to hike for 1-2 miles per day on mixed terrain, work with your hands.

Farm Hopping
Farm Hopping trips take place on local farms near Dartmouth. You will learn the basics of farming while helping out with chores and various projects at multiple different farms. You may also get to make food using the farm produce. This trip is go-at-your-own-pace, but can involve strenuous activity if desired. You will learn about different farm types that exist in the Upper Valley, and may be walking between these farms. 

Physical Requirements: Ability to hike for 2-3 miles per day on mixed terrain, work with your hands.

Social Impact
Social Impact trips are an opportunity to explore and learn more about Dartmouth and the Upper Valley by engaging with the local community. Part of this trip will involve exploring a local recreation area with easy and optional hiking or game activities. The second part of this trip will involve participation in a local service project guided by the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact. This trip offers lots of opportunities to engage with people and places around Dartmouth's campus.

Physical Requirements: Ability to walk 1-2 miles per day on gentle to mixed terrain, ability to work with your hands.

Survivor and Wilderness Survival Skills
Ready to channel the experience showcased on the hit TV show, NBC’s Survivor? On the first day of this trip, trip leaders will act as team leaders for a day of Survivor-inspired challenges, either breaking into teams or competing against another trip. The second day will be spent learning wilderness survival skills from an instructor, such as firebuilding, shelter building, navigation, knots & rope-making. The remainder of your time will be unstructured, giving you the chance to hang out and bond with your classmates. 

Physical Requirements: Ability to walk 2-3 miles per day on mixed terrain with a pack.

These Trip types are based in cabins or bunkhouses owned by Dartmouth (or a partner organization) across New Hampshire. The facilities in each cabin vary, and unless otherwise noted, participants can expect to sleep indoors in shared bunk rooms, use out-house style toilets, and have no access to electricity or running water.

Cabin Camping
Cabin Camping trips offer the opportunity to experience beautiful New Hampshire nature in a Dartmouth-owned cabin with generations of history. You will carry a pack or duffel bag while hiking a relatively short distance (about 30 to 45 minutes or less) to your cabin. Cabin Camping is a great introduction to the outdoors surrounding Dartmouth. These trips are largely unstructured, with space and time for relaxing in the outdoors, playing games in your cabin, or going on an optional day hike. 

Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles walking per day on gentle to mixed terrain, flexible.

Please note, this description of physical activities and facilities for Cabin Camping apply to all variations of Cabin Camping. Depending on the location of each particular trip, the distance to the cabin and the specific facilities may vary. If you have concerns, please contact us directly or note this on your registration form, and we’ll work with you to ensure your needs are met!

Cabin Camping and Lake
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, but you also have access to a lake! You may have access to canoes, paddleboards, a swim dock, and/or a beach area. Relax on the water, play games, look for loons, and bond with your fellow trippees.

Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain, comfort in and around water. Swimming ability required.

Cabin Camping and Meditation
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, but also provide the time and intention to take part in a mix of guided and self-led meditation sessions. These sessions are meant for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Deepen your connection with yourself, your fellow trippees, and the world around you. Beyond meditation, the rest of the trip is yours to shape - take short hikes, play games, or just relax in nature. 

Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.

Cabin Camping and Nature Literature
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips. In a contemplative, natural setting, you’ll spend time reading short passages of literature related to nature, people, and their connections. As a group, you’ll be able to discuss and reflect. The readings and discussions will be accessible to all and the remainder of the Cabin Camping trip will be spent doing whatever you and the rest of your trip choose - short hikes, playing games, or relaxing.

Physical Requirements: 1-2  miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.

Cabin Camping and Nature Photography
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, and you will have the opportunity to explore and photograph the nature and wildlife around the cabin at which you will be staying, and to capture your Trips experience on film! Disposable cameras will be provided, or you can bring your own if you would like.

Physical Requirements: 1-2  miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.

Cabin Camping and Yoga
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, and a portion of your programming on this trip will include guided and self-guided yoga.  Instruction will be beginner-friendly. Both seasoned yoga experts and those who are simply interested are welcome. Outside of group and independent yoga sessions, the remainder of the trip will be spent doing whatever you and the rest of your trip choose. Relax, meditate, play games, and bond with your fellow trippees.

Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain, ability to participate in introductory yoga.

Cabin Camping and Jamming
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, and you will have the opportunity to make some awesome music with your fellow participants. There's no formal musical programming associated with this trip, but plenty of time to jam. Expect a short hike to your cabin, and any other day hikes will be optional. Bring any instruments that you’re excited about playing, or bring none and share with your Trippees — past Cabin Camping and Jamming Tripees have brought guitars, banjos, kazoos, harmonicas, tambourines, and their beautiful singing voices! 

Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.

Grant Exploration
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, but with a special twist — your cabin is located in the Second College Grant — a beautiful, forested piece of land in northern New Hampshire with tons of Dartmouth history. The Grant is filled with beautiful hikes, swimming spots, rivers, bridges, stars, and who knows… You might even see a moose or two! You will have time to explore the beauty of the Grant, making use of the different trails and rivers that pass nearby your cabin, and maybe even play a game of volleyball or cards with other students.

Physical Requirements: 2-3 miles of walking on uneven terrain, comfort in and around water. Swimming ability required.

Hike and Yoga
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, but with a focus on hiking, yoga, and reflection. You’ll hike around 2-6 miles per day with moderate elevation gain, exploring the natural spaces around your cabin. Warm up your muscles before hiking or center yourself once you’ve returned with guided beginner-friendly yoga and mindfulness activities. Both seasoned yoga experts and those who are simply interested are welcome.

Physical Requirements: 2-6 Miles of walking on mixed terrain with packs, ability to participate in introductory yoga.

Fly Fishing
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, and they provide the  opportunity to learn and enjoy fly fishing in the Dartmouth Second College Grant, a beautiful, forested piece of land in northern New Hampshire with tons of Dartmouth history. The Grant is filled with beautiful hikes, swimming spots, rivers, bridges, stars, and who knows… You might even see a moose or two! Fly fishing will be taught and facilitated by an expert who has worked with First-Year Trips for years. 

Physical Requirements: 1-2 Miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain, comfort in and around water.  Swimming ability required.

Paddleboarding
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, and will spend a few days paddle boarding and enjoying the islands and spaces on and around the Connecticut River (which forms the border between NH and Vermont!). These trips allow for unstructured time to relax and explore the natural areas around Dartmouth. You will transport yourself via paddleboard, which involves balancing on a board and light upper-body exertion. 

Physical Requirements: Ability to paddle for several hours a day, comfort in and around water. Swimming ability required.

Cabin Camping and Cooking
These trips are similar to general Cabin Camping trips, but participants have access to an industrial kitchen and will work together with their trippees to plan and cook meals. This trip begins with a walk to the Hanover Co-Op — a nearby grocery store — where you are given a budget to buy whatever ingredients you and your fellow incoming students choose. From there, your trip will be transported to your cabin at Camp Moosilauke, where you’ll have the opportunity to bond with several other trip groups staying in neighboring cabins. This is a great chance to learn or practice skills in the kitchen, and cook some delicious food!

This trip has access to electricity, running water, and flushing toilets.

Physical Requirements: ~1 mile of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.

Frisbee and Field-Day
The Frisbee and Field-Day trip will spend time outside hanging out and playing games and ultimate frisbee. This trip is go-at-your-own-pace, whether it’s lying in a hammock or playing a pickup game of ultimate frisbee. You will have access to a field, frisbees, and other games such as corn hole, can jam, and spikeball.  Your cabin will be located at Camp Moosilauke, where you’ll have the opportunity to bond with several other trip groups staying in neighboring cabins. 

This trip has access to electricity, running water, and flushing toilets.

Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on mixed terrain. Programming is themed around field-day activities, but is entirely self-paced. 

Day-Hiking (More Strenuous)
Day hiking gives trippees the opportunity to explore hikes at Mt. Moosilauke while returning to the Dartmouth Moosilauke Ravine Lodge to sleep in the evening. You will spend two days hiking different trails (~8 hours daily, or 7-12 miles with 2,500 - 3,000 feet of elevation gain) and return to the Lodge in the afternoon/evening. This trip is a great introduction to hiking some of New Hampshire’s signature terrain and will foster your connection to the special natural places that are part of Dartmouth’s heritage.

This trip has access to electricity, running water, and flushing toilets.

Physical Requirements: 7-12 miles of walking on unpaved trails with significant elevation gain.

These Trip types are based on or around Dartmouth’s campus. Participants can expect to sleep indoors and have access to running water and electricity. Each Trip has a home base where the group can socialize and sleep “sleepover-style.” Participants on these trips have the option to sleep in their residence halls for comfort or need.

All First-Year Trips are brought to a Lodge facility with several other Trip groups on the third and final night of their Trip for closing programming and Trips traditions. Participants on On-Campus Trips have the option to return to campus to sleep after evening programming if they would like, or they may sleep at the Lodge with other Trips. 

Museum Exploration
The Museum Exploration trip is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the cultural resources near Dartmouth. Students on these trips will spend part of their day exploring and collaborating with local museums. Much of the rest of your time will offer ample opportunities to hang out and do activities at your leisure. You will do a small amount of walking to access the different museums (up to 1.5 miles). This is a laid-back and interesting way to get to know the spaces around Hanover and each other! This is a fully accessible trip with adjustments available for students with concerns about accessibility.

Physical Requirements: ~1 mile of walking on pavement per day, flexible.

Exploring Arts on Campus
The Arts on Campus trip gives participants the opportunity to learn about art and studio spaces on campus and to spend time making fun projects and crafts. You’ll spend your time in the Book Arts Workshop on campus and work to create your own masterpieces. No previous printing or crafting experience required. This is a fully accessible trip with adjustments available for students with concerns about accessibility.

Physical Requirements: ~1 mile walking per day on paved terrain (flexible)

Day-Hiking (Less Strenuous)
Day hiking gives trippees the opportunity to explore hikes around the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont while returning to campus in the evening. You will spend two days hiking in two different locations (3-4 hours daily, or 3-5 miles with less than 1500’ of elevation gain) and return to Hanover in the afternoon/evening to spend more time bonding with your group. This trip is a great introduction to hiking and will foster your connection to the natural places around Dartmouth's campus. 

Physical Requirements: 3-5 miles of walking on unpaved trails with moderate elevation gain.

Day-Paddling
Day paddling gives trippees the opportunity to try out canoeing, kayaking, and/or paddleboarding all while being able to stay on campus in the evening. With water access to the Connecticut River right on campus at the Ledyard Canoe Club docks, you will spend two days paddling, exploring local waters, and bonding with your fellow trippees!

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit upright in a kayak/canoe/paddleboard and paddle for several hours a day. Swimming ability required.