Ricketts Glen Basecamp
Challenge Level: light
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. This large park is comprised of 13,193 acres and harbors the Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. During this trip, we will explore all that this park has to offer, including hiking the Falls Trail system, which features 22 wild, free-flowing waterfalls and opportunities to paddleboard on the scenic Lake Jean and camp in the beautiful forest.
Learn more about the Ricketts Glen State Park
How to Prepare
This trip includes an 8-mile day hike of moderate difficulty, car camping and paddleboarding on flat water. No prior experience is required for any of these activities, and accommodations to the schedule and activities may be possible with advanced notice and planning.
Expedition Itinerary
The experience below is only an example. Trips are subject to change based on weather, local conditions and other circumstances.
Day 1
7–11 a.m. Move into your residence hall. Breakfast on your own. Once you have moved in, leave the items you packed specifically for Buckwild in a separate bag or basket in your room. You will have time to return to get your things after your Pre-Orientation group initially meets. Any equipment that you will be borrowing from the program will be picked up later in the day once you are with your Pre-Orientation leaders.
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch at Bostwick Marketplace for all Pre-Orientation participants, their families and friends as guests of the University (no charge).
12:30 p.m. Meet with the associate dean, the professional staff members of Outdoor Education & Leadership and BuckWild student trip leaders in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.
1:30 p.m. Family goodbyes.
1:45 p.m. Report to Malesardi Quad to meet with your BuckWild student trip leaders.
2 p.m. Families meet with the president, provost and dean of students in the Weis Center.
3 p.m. Set up camp in Bucknell's Grove, where students will play games, cook dinner, get to know their groups and sleep for the night.
Day 2
Wake up, pack up equipment and depart campus! Hike the waterfall loop, 5-8 miles. Set up basecamp. Enjoy fun activities prepared by BuckWild trip leaders.
Day 3
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. Paddleboard on Lake Jean. If you're lucky, you'll get to see some awesome wildlife! Enjoy fun activities prepared by BuckWild trip leaders.
Day 4
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. On this day, the group will have the option to go for another hike, paddleboard, play games and relax in camp, or to combine more than one of those activities.
Day 5
Wake up, break down camp, and enjoy morning activities before departing for campus. Unpack from the trip. Meet with your BuckWild leaders and enjoy a celebratory dinner with all BuckWild participants. Go back to your residence hall to shower and sleep.
Day 6
Breakfast at 8:15 a.m. in Larison Dining Hall. Your BuckWild trip leaders will talk about the New Student Orientation schedule and you'll watch a slideshow displaying each of the BuckWild trip experiences. New Student Orientation begins a little before lunch.