The UNC Charlotte Venture program is offering four summer trips – backpacking, kayaking, paddling and hiking. All excursions are open to UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff and community members.
“The summer trips are a great opportunity for faculty and staff—they’re short, one- to two-day trips, not too immersive—and all involve some beautiful scenery,” said Jordan Witteveen, Venture’s assistant director of trips.
The Venture summer trip schedule includes waterfall backpacking and hiking, as well as whitewater and sea kayaking. Details about each of the trips are listed below.
“We’d also like to encourage faculty and staff to continue to take advantage of our great equipment rental program if they can’t make the summer trip dates work with their schedules,” Witteveen added. “We’ve got a wide array of gear available so faculty and staff can plan getaways on their own time and focus their trips on the outdoor activities they find most appealing.”
Panthertown Waterfall Backpacking
Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14
Panthertown Valley, part of western North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest, is often referred to as the “Yosemite of the East.” Panthertown has 6,295 acres filled with massive waterfalls, granite domes, peaceful streams, high peaks and broad valleys. Venture will leave UNC Charlotte early Saturday morning, backpack through Panthertown, make frequent detours to view the waterfalls, camp overnight, and make its way back to UNC Charlotte on Sunday evening.
No backpacking experience is necessary. Venture can provide backpacking gear and clothing. A pre-trip meeting will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, in the Venture Office.
The cost is $45 for UNC Charlotte students; $70 for faculty, staff and alumni; and $96 for community members.
Whitewater Kayaking
Saturday, July 20
North Carolina is known for its whitewater. This trip is designed for beginners and includes two introductory pool kayak sessions to help prepare for the river experience. It is a perfect way to expand one’s comfort zone for individuals who are looking for a thrilling summer challenge.
Pre-trip meetings will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, and Thursday, July 11, at the Venture Office and Belk Pool.
The cost is $25 for UNC Charlotte Students; $50 for faculty, staff and alumni; and $70 for community members.
Mountain Island Lake Paddle
Saturday, July 27
Spend a relaxing day learning kayaking skills, meeting new people and exploring local Latta Plantation Park and Mountain Island Lake. This is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day and a wonderful trip for Venture first-timers.
A pre-trip meeting is set for 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, July 25, at the Venture Office and Belk Pool.
South Mountain State Park Waterfall Day Hike
Saturday, Aug. 3
Join Venture in exploring the peaks and waterfalls of North Carolina’s South Mountain State Park on a moderate day hike. The trip starts with Chestnut Knob Overlook, where participants can see downtown Charlotte in the distance, then visit High Shoals Falls to see a waterfall with a drop of more than 80 feet.
There will be a pre-trip meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, at the Venture Office.
The cost is $19 for UNC Charlotte students; $33 for faculty, staff and alumni; and $56 for community members.
For more information, visit Venture.