What will be your next #ksuadventure? 

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.

Nature Bound Programs

REGISTER FOR TRIPS

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ksu student walking through wood during fall

Biking

 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.

  • 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. 

  • Outdoor Adventures is hosting weekly group rides at Allatoona Creek Park. We will accommodate any pace to allow newer riders to get to know the trails at Allatoona Creek Park. Please pre-register so that we know to expect you. You may also reserve a mountain bike through the registration.

    Using a KSU Bike? Pick up your bike from the KSU Bike Shop at any point before the ride. Members may check out a bike, helmet, lock and bike rack at no additional cost. We can provide trunk-mounted racks and 2" receiver hitch mounted bike racks. Call ahead to pull your vehicle around to the Bike Shop for help installing the rack.

Hiking & Backpacking

A typical beginner hiking trip includes a hike in and out of the woods lasting between 5 - 8 miles. A typical backpacking trip involves hiking about 5 - 10 miles into the woods while carrying all camping gear in backpacks, spending the night camping, and hiking 5 - 10 miles out of the woods the next day. Both types of trips offer scenic views and great company!

Caving

A caving trip involves a few hours of guided crawls through caves while learning about rock formations and the history of the cave. Transportation and all necessary gear are provided. 

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.

  • 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.

Nature Bound FAQs

  • KSU students, faculty, staff and those with active memberships (ex. Alumni, Outdoor Adventures) are eligible to register and attend Nature Bound trips. 
  • 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 Sports and Recreation Member Portal.
  • Payments are due at the time of registration in full, with the exception of trips with a deposit. Currently, we are only able to accept payments in the form of cash, check or K-Cash for in-person registrations so please come prepared! Credit cards are accepted only if the registration is processed online.
  • 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.
  • 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). A refund packet must be completed by the participant and turned into the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator within 2 weeks of the canceled trip. Once the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator receives all forms, a check will be mailed to the participant’s home within two weeks.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Yes! For more information and to apply, visit our student employment webpage!
  • 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.
  • 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.