The Sewanee Outing Program (SOP) gives students the chance to explore Sewanee’s 13,000-acre campus, the surrounding region, and wilderness areas across the United States.

On SOP trips, students have fun and are afforded the opportunity to learn valuable leadership and technical skills while gaining a greater appreciation for the natural world around them. We'd love for you to join us on an upcoming trip!

SOP trips are substance free with a focus on camaraderie over competition.

PRE-Orientation

PRE-Orientation offers incoming students the opportunity to get to know Sewanee in a unique and exciting atmosphere. While familiarizing themselves with the 13,000-acre Domain, students meet other first-year, transfer, and upperclass students in an environment that creates trust and establishes new friendships.

Weekly Outings

These trips are a great way for students to experience the outdoors, increase their outdoor skills, and gain firsthand knowledge of what it takes to lead a trip. Most of the SOP day trips are on the Domain. Activities include rock climbing, bouldering, canoeing, trail running, caving, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and cycling.

Extended Off-Campus Trips

The SOP offers extended break trips across the country. These popular outings include canoeing on the Rio Grande, backpacking in the Smokies, and winter mountaineering in Colorado, among others.

Student Leaders

Our 95+ student trip leaders are the backbone of the SOP. Students become trip leaders by going on our outings, apprenticing, and completing Wilderness Advanced First Aid training. Being a trip leader takes a lot of responsibility, but it is a terrific way to share your interests with other students.

65 Miles of Trails

The Domain is home to an extensive network of hiking trails! The signature Perimeter Trail is a 20-mile loop that circles much of the Domain and provides a hiking experience unparalleled anywhere else in the region. With 13,000 acres, there's plenty to choose from!

Climbing

Sewanee students not only enjoy access to extensive sport climbing and bouldering just out their back door; with help from the SOP, they also can take their climbing skills across the country!

Caving

With miles of passageway under the Domain, Sewanee is an unparalleled place to explore the underground world! Brand-new as well as seasoned cavers can join the SOP for weekly adventures.

Cycling

Thanks to its avid cycling community, extensive trail network, and immediate proximity to idyllic road riding, Sewanee has something for cyclists of all stripes.

Got Gear?

The SOP provides gear for most weekly outings and extended trips. Checking out equipment is free for students. SOP inventory includes, but is not limited to, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, stoves, climbing equipment, first aid kits‌, and bouldering pads.

Bike Shop

The SOP bike shop is student-run and focuses on basic repairs such as replacing tubes, quick adjustments, and chain lubrication. It is located right on campus for your convenience. For more major maintenance jobs, Woody's Bikes is right downtown.

Frisbee Golf

Not all of the SOP's trips call for adventuring deep into the heart of the Domain;  the lovely Manigault Park Frisbee golf course's proximity to central campus makes it easy to pop over for an impromptu game with friends!

Contact

Sewanee outing program
931.598.1214 | Wellness Commons

The Sewanee Outing Program (SOP)

On SOP trips, students learn valuable leadership and technical skills while gaining a greater appreciation for the natural world.

SOP Adventures Hither and Yon

see you out on the Trails!