Trips and clinics

Taught by students, for students

2 green canoes with people in them paddling down a still river lined in green trees

A safe space to meet new people, learn skills, and develop passions that will last a lifetime.

important info!

Trips are for UMaine Students ONLY. If a clinic is open to non-UMaine students it will be indicated.

The deadline to sign up for a trip/clinic is the Wednesday before the trip date. Unless otherwise noted. 

All Trips have a required Thursday night pre-trip meeting.

No refunds will be granted after the Wednesday sign-up deadline.

How do i sign up?

Visit Maine Bound or Call 207-581-1794

Program Areas

Rock climbing trips are designed to teach students a number of skills. Introductory trips focus on top rope climbing, crag etiquette, safety, and climbing technique. Intermediate trips focus on lead climbing, top-managed systems, and the basics of anchor building and gear placement.

  • Otter Cliffs and Central Slabs – Acadia National Park
  • Parks Pond and Eagle Bluff – Clifton, ME
  • Eagle Rock – Greenville, ME
  • Rumney – Rumney, NH

We offer multiple water based programs over the course of the academic year. Canoeing and paddle boarding trips take place on flat-water (calm lakes and rivers). On multi-day canoe trips, participants learn canoe expedition skills, such as camping, cooking, and portaging. Whitewater kayaking and whitewater canoeing trips take place on class I-III rapids. Introductory courses are perfect for those with no experience.

  • Sections of the Penobscot River – Stillwater, Lower West Branch, Seboomook, Orono
  • Kenduskeag Stream – Bangor, ME
  • East Outlet of the Kennebec River – Greenville, ME
  • Perch Pond – Old Town, ME

Maine has an endless amount of hiking opportunities for all ability levels. On our hiking trips participants will hike in iconic locations all over the state of Maine, while also learning proper hiking etiquette and navigational skills. 

  • Mt. Katahdin – Baxter State Park
  • Bigelow Mountain Range – Franklin and Somerset Counties, ME
  • Chick Hill – Clifton, ME
  • Acadia National Park – Multiple Destinations

Participants can explore cross-country skiing and snowshoeing both on and off campus through single-day outings or overnight trips. For climbing enthusiasts, there are opportunities to learn ice climbing techniques using ice tools and crampons.

Winter trips focus on essential cold-weather skills, including body temperature regulations, winter camping techniques, and cold weather safety.

Mt. Katahdin Winter Summit Attempts – Summiting Mt. Katahdin in winter is a demanding, cold, multi-day challenge. Due to unpredictable weather and trail conditions, reaching the summit is not guaranteed. These trips are best suited for experienced hikers who are ready to work as a team in a rugged, dynamic environment.

  • Mountaineering – Mt Katahdin and Acadia National Park
  • Ice Climbing – Bangor Ice Park and Grafton Notch State Park
  • Snowshoeing – Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Blueberry Ledges, DeMeritt Forest
  • XC Skiing – Acadia National Park, Penobscot River Trails, Caribou Bog, DeMeritt Forest

Clinics are short 2-3 hour programs that take place on campus. Clinics are open to the community.

  • Kayak Roll Clinics
  • Lead Climbing
  • Open Pool Sessions

Commonly Asked Questions

Yes, any technical gear you will need for your trip is provided. You will also receive a packing list before your trip so you know what personal items you will need to bring.

Our instructors carry a variety of certifications, including CPR, wilderness first responder, single pitch instructor, swift water rescue and more! In addition to official certifications our instructors get trained in facilitation and leadership skills, group management, and much more!

We have found that if we offer a trip at no cost there is no buy in from the students. Our trips and clinics are offered at a very discounted rate. In addition to trips and clinics that cost money, we offer a number of events free of charge. 

We encourage any student that wants to go on a trip or participate in a clinic with us to apply by contacting Beth at beth.jackson@maine.edu

Winter group photo at the katahdin summit sign on a clear blue day.
3 individuals in harnesses and helmets crouch on a cliff over the ocean
a student hangs on a rope over the ocean with arms out wide smiling
a group climbing over the ocean
person in red kayak surfing whitewater
xc skiers moving down a snowy trail
A group walking across wooden bridges through the woods
A group poses around an Appalachian trail sign