Spring into action with SUNY Cortland’s outdoor pursuits and recreation! The perfect way to get involved on campus and make the most of the warm weather ahead!
As warm weather begins to return to SUNY Cortland, there are many outdoor opportunities that arise on and off campus. Getting outdoors and connecting back to nature has many benefits, such as boosting your immunity, enhancing focus, increasing energy levels, improving sleep quality and overall improving your mental health. SUNY Cortland offers outdoor-focused clubs and events that provide students with a pathway to adventure and involvement.
The SUNY Cortland Outdoor Pursuits Program shows students how awesome nature can be. They have multiple options of exploring outdoors depending on your interests. For instance, the Trailblazers group focuses on hiking, climbing, canoeing and more.
Students explore and travel to one of SUNY Cortland’s outdoor education facilities that is located on Raquette lake, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Alternatively, students can also choose the route of staying more central to campus and hike local trails, bike to main street and/or camp at SUNY Cortland’s Hoxie George Nature Preserve. There are limited spots available, and they are usually taken by freshmen who have recently joined the Red Dragon community.
On another hand, there are also day and overnight trips, from fishing in Virginia to hiking in Ohio. The prices are very reasonable and worth your buck, along with options for regular or mountain bike rentals to travel wherever you may desire.
Don’t want to go too far? No problem! There is a rock climbing wall located on campus, from beginner to advanced classes as well as competitions during the year!!
If you and your friends want to plan your own day trip this spring, rentals are also available! A wide range of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, climbing shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, you name it they have it! Even if you’re interested in your own cookout, they have portable stoves and burners.
Staying more locally to campus, SUNY Cortland offers a variety of events in the Spring to encourage outdoor engagement. Spring Fling is one of these events and features a carnival, concert games, giveaways, obstacle courses and more! This is a great way for students to meet peers in other residence halls, build new connections, and feel more connected to our Red Dragon community.
Staying fresh in the spring air there are also outdoor group exercise sessions along with wellness events on the lawns and fields, these include things like outdoor yoga, boot camps, dance fitness, group running and more.
Which are available all week with different time slots and trainers.
Engaging in SUNY Cortland’s outdoor opportunities offers students far more than just a chance to enjoy nature; it is also a gateway to improving physical and mental health and forming new social connections and hobbies. Whether it’s joining Outdoor Pursuits trips, participating in group exercise outdoors, or attending campus events, being active outside and in the sun provides students a double benefit and makes the most out of their college experience.