Outdoor Education & Leadership

Student in front of a waterfall at Ricketts Glen

The Outdoor Education & Leadership program is your connection to the many amazing outdoor adventures that await you at Bucknell. So go on — get outside. At Bucknell, the art of discovery isn't confined to the classroom.

Bucknell is an outdoor-lover's paradise in the heart of Pennsylvania — home to 117 state parks, 2.1 million acres of state forest land, thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails, rivers, climbing and bouldering opportunities, and campsites.

The programs develop student leadership, group dynamics and environmental stewardship while offering a conduit for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University to connect to our natural areas.

If you have any questions please contact oelinfo@bucknell.edu.

  • Biking the Rail Trail

    The Rental and Outfitting Center & Bison Bikes

    The Rental and Outfitting Center offers everything you need for your next adventure, including equipment for camping, kayaking, backpacking and more. Bison Bikes is a bike-sharing program for the Bucknell community offering free access to bicycles to Bucknell students.

    Get outside
  • Person climbing up the climbing wall

    Climbing Wall

    Located in the Gerhard Field House, our climbing wall features 12+ ft. bouldering walls with multiple angles and innovative setting, a MoonBoard climbing wall, multiple hand cracks and plenty of other training options to improve your climbing. Whether you're interested in meeting new people, learning to rock climb, or expanding your climbing potential, this place has something for everyone.

  • Students at Machu Picchu

    Adventure Trips

    Interested in getting outside with Outdoor Education & Leadership? Whether it's a relaxing sunset paddle down the Susquehanna, adventurous spring break trip, or one of our many other unique trip experiences, chances are we have something for you.

  • Buckwild

    Grab a paddle. Pitch a tent. Hike across boulders. Gear up for an outdoor adventure with BuckWild, a dynamic Pre-Orientation program that takes you into the beautiful Central Pennsylvania wilderness for five days of hands-on activities in the woods, on the river and beyond.

    Learn more
  • Student climbing rock wall

    CLIMBucknell Challenge Course

    Located at the Cowan Conference Center, the CLIMBucknell Challenge Course features challenges for climbers of all skill levels, a zip line and valuable team-building lessons. The challenge course is not only used for fun but as a teaching tool. Participants will learn the importance of healthy group dynamics, risk assessment and leadership skills. 

Outdoor Opportunities Video Tour

Contact Details

Outdoor Education & Leadership