Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor Adventure Programs at Kennesaw State University provide access to outdoor pursuits to the KSU community. These programs offer both recreational and educational opportunities for everyone--novice to expert. Outdoor Adventure programs are founded on the principles of experiential learning to develop knowledge, leadership, and community. 

 

Nature Bound

Nature Bound provides a diverse range of recreational and educational experiences tailored to cater to individuals of all skill levels, from beginners exploring the wonders of nature to seasoned experts seeking deeper insights. Get to know our programs designed to engage and inspire, ensuring that every participant, regardless of their background or expertise, can enjoy the beauty of the natural world. 

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ksu students whitewater rafting

Climbing Gyms

Our Climbing Gyms at both recreation centers offer an inviting space for climbers of all levels to hone their skills and push their limits. With dedicated hours for open climbing, engaging workshops, and exciting events, there's always something new to explore. Plus, with regularly updated routes, you'll constantly find fresh challenges to conquer. 

Kennesaw Climbing Gym

At the Student Recreation and Activities Center, the Climbing Gym offers 3,722 square feet of climbing space that includes a 15’ bouldering wall, 47’ climbing tower, and climbing instructional sessions with trained staff. The tower supports both top rope and lead climbing with 14 separate belay bars great for both novice and advanced climbers. 

Marietta Climbing Gym

At the Recreation and Wellness Center, a bouldering area was added in 2025! This new space features a 15’ bouldering area With 845 square feet of climbing surface and new routes being set monthly.

 

Climbing Gym Hours

ksu student wall climbing in indoor facility

Events

  • Every Tuesday night beginner and advanced climbers are welcome to climb between the hours of 5:00pm-8:00pm. During these hours, the climbing gym staff are available to belay for any patron that would like to try the climbing tower. 
  • The Belay Fundamentals Course is offered to individuals that have little to no experience with belaying or would like to refresh their skills. The course is taught by one of our experienced attendants. During the course, a patron can expect to learn the hard and soft skills needed in order to be belay qualified at the KSU Climbing Gym. At the close of the course the participating patrons will be evaluated on their belaying skills and be given a written test. Once a patron passes the skills and knowledge test, they will be allowed to belay at the KSU Climbing Gym while under supervision from an attendant. Once an attendant believes the patron has become proficient in belaying, then they will be taken off of supervision ɫɫÀ². Each semester following, a previously belayed qualified patron will only need to receive a check off skills and written test. They would not need to attend the Belay Fundaments Course again unless instructed by an attendant.

  • There are multiple competitions that take place at both climbing gym locations. We have crate stacking, speed climbing, and add-on competitions throughout each semester!  
    We also have our two big competitions each academic year. Our Dyno Competition takes place each Fall Semester, and the Gravity Check Bouldering Competition in the Spring. 
    See for this semester’s event dates!  

Climbing Gym FAQs

  • At the Kennesaw Climbing Gym students will have access to the boulder and tower. Students are also able to request any of the following offerings at no additional cost: 

    • Climbing harness
    • Belay device
    • Climbing rope 

    Climbing Shoe and Chalk rental are available to students at both the Kennesaw and Marietta Climbing Gyms  at a nominal fee: 

    RENTAL PRICE
    1 shoe and chalk rental $2
    3 Day Rentals Punch Card $5
    5 Day Rentals Punch Card $8
    12 Day Rentals Punch Card $18
    • You must have your physical or mobile Talon Card with you to check into the Climbing Gym.
    • You must be a fee paying student, have a facility membership.
    • Belay certifications are not required to access the bouldering wall at Kennesaw or Marietta.
    • Patrons who have not taken a belay test are able to climb the tower during Try Rock Climbing nights at the Kennesaw Climbing Gym when additional staff are available to belay.
    • To utilize the tower during open climb hours, you must pass a top rope belay test. Belay tests are administered upon request at no additional cost.
    • Patrons and guests must be at least 18 years of age to access the Climbing Gym except for Recreation-approved programs. 
  • Guests may purchase a Day Pass for $5.00 when accompanied by a KSU sponsor. Day passes can be purchased at Outdoor Adventures or the SRAC Service Desk with K-Cash,  credit/debit cards or Apple/Google Pay Sponsors may also purchase the guest pass . The KSU sponsor must be present with the guest at all times while in the facility. The guest will be asked to sign a liability waiver at the time of purchase. 
    Patrons and guests must be at least 18 years of age to access the Climbing Gym except for Recreation-approved programs. 

lined up bikes

 

Bike Shop

Outdoor Adventures provides bicycle services through rentals, service, educational offerings and workshops, and outings. Whether you are new to riding or a seasoned cyclist, there is something for you!  

  • Own your own Bike?
    KSU Bike Shop offers a full range of services at no additional cost:

    • Gear Adjustment
    • Brake Adjustment
    • Bearings Adjustment 
    • Air in Tires
    • Safety Inspection
    • Minor Wheel Truing
    • Lube Chain

    Services from minor adjustments to full tune-ups on patron owned bikes. All replacement parts must be provided by the patron. All bikes are welcome.

    All bicycle check outs and semester long rentals must be checked out from Kennesaw Campus.

  • Full Tune: $50

    • Basic services
    • Bike wash
    • Off the bike drive train detail
    • All bearing rebuilds
    • Major wheel truing

    Other Services:

    • Drive Train Cleaning: $10
    • Bike Wash: $15
    • Flat Tire: $10
    • Bearing Rebuild: $5 each
    • Hydraulic Brake Bleed: $15*
    • Fork Seal Service: $25*
    • Off the BIke Wheel Truing: $15
    • Spoke Replacement: $20
    • Wheel Build: $35*
    • Boxed Bike Assembly: $25

    *parts not included

    All bikes being serviced must be picked up same day or a $25.00 per day storage fee will be charged.

  • Short-Term bike checkout is a three (3) day checkout at no additional cost. Mountain bikes or commuter style bikes are available for check out for three (3) weekdays, or five (5) days if covered over the weekend.

    Patrons will be charged a $25.00 per day late fee for bikes not returned after the three (3) day checkout period and $2.00 per item each day late on helmets and seat bags.

  • The KSU Bike Shop also offers long-term rentals for $50 per semester.  
    All long-term rental bicycles include a helmet and lock. All long-term rentals are for the entire semester. To checkout or rent a KSU bicycle or equipment, patrons must have a current valid physical or mobile Talon Card.  

  • Looking for a quick, temporary ride around campus? Kennesaw State University is proud to offer a new bike share program on the Marietta Campus, powered by Tandem Mobility! A similar program is coming soon to the Kennesaw Campus. For more details, visit the Bikeshare website
  • Looking to expand your bicycle knowledge? Outdoor Adventures is hosting bicycle maintenance clinics. Learn anything you have ever wanted to know about working on bicycles. We will offer preset topics to work on and learn, as well as entertain special repair topic requests.  

    Location: Outdoor Adventures Suite, Kennesaw Campus

    Time: 10am-2pm

    February 11 - How to tune your bicycle

    March 11 - Bicycle fit, how to set up your bike for you!

    April 8 - Emergency Repairs

  • Learn and practice important concepts from a full spectrum of skills required for off-road and road cycling, or work on specific skills that you have in mind.  

    Location: Outdoor Adventures Suite, Kennesaw Campus

    Time: 10am-2pm

    February 4 - The Essential Skills of Cycling

    March 4 - The 10 Fundamentals of Mountain Biking

    April 1 - Games and Drills to Improve your Riding



Gear Rental

ITEM PRICE REPLACEMENT COST
Backpack $5/day $250
Sleeping Bag $5/day $200
Tent* (2 Person/4 Person) $6/day $200
Ground Pad $3/day $25
Backpacking Stove w/ Fuel $4/day $100
Cook Set $3/day $50
Hammock  $3/day $75
Headlamp $3/day $60
Camp Chair $3/day $25
Crash Pad $5/day $150
Stand Up Paddle Board* $20/week or 2 for $25/week SUP $825
SUP Paddle $150
PFD $80
Kayak $20/week or 2 for $25/week Single $300
Tandem $400
Kayak Paddle $100
PFD $80
Helmet $2/day $45
Lock $0/day $25
Bicycle - Short Term $0/3 days $500-$2,200
Bicycle - Long Term $50/semester $350
  • The late fee is equivalent to the daily fee for the item per each day it is late. 
  • Paddle & PFD's are provided with all watercrafts. 

*Inspections are required when renting and returning these items. Please allow time for an inspection to take place.  Items cannot be rented or returned within one hour of closing due to necessary inspections. 

A rental agreement is required. Late fees will begin the first day after the predetermined return date. All payments in-person must be made with K-Cash, credit/debit cards or Apple/Google Pay.

 

Custom Programs

A group is more effective when its members problem solve, communicate, resolve conflict, and respect its members. When this occurs, groups are able to transform themselves into a highly functioning team. The purpose of the Experiential Group Program is to enable individuals through experiential learning in an effort to contribute to a holistic educational experience. 

Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of customized experiential group programs. We will tailor your program to fit the goals of your group and provide exceptional opportunities with lasting impact.

Teambuilding

Marietta or Kennesaw Campus

Let Outdoor Adventures provide a dynamic program for your group! Beginning with icebreakers and building upon your learning outcomes, we will develop a vibrant program sure to bring your group results! Our facilitators will plan and process activities to allow participants to transfer their experience back to their daily experiences with the group. 

LENGTH KSU STUDENT ORGANIZATION KSU DEPARTMENT/OFFICE GROUP SIZE
2 hour program $120/person $180/person up to 20 people
4 hour program $170/person $250/person up to 20 people

*For groups larger than 20 people, please contact us for pricing by completing the .  

Climbing Gym Program

Kennesaw Campus

Outdoor Adventures would like to provide an engaging and dynamic climbing experience for your group.  Whether you are looking to learn the basics of climbing, advance your current skills, or build comradery in your group we are here to help you meet your goals. We are able to accommodate up to 30 participants for this program

LENGTH KSU STUDENT ORGANIZATION KSU DEPARTMENT/OFFICE MINIMUM GROUP SIZE
2 hour program $12/person $18/person 10
4 hour program $17/person $25/person 10

Rates for a Climbing Gym Program is based on a maximum of 30 patrons. Rates include use of all equipment needed to climb, a qualified belayer, and climbing shoes and chalk bag rentals.

Customized Trips

Off Campus

Let Outdoor Adventures Staff take your group on an exciting adventure! We will provide transportation, required equipment, qualified staff, and superior programming. Customized trips are a great opportunity to get your group outside of their comfort zone and into an environment where they can feel challenged and accomplished. Trying a new activity for the first time can be scary, but having the support of your group will cause the experience to be much more rewarding!

LENGTH KSU STUDENT ORGANIZATION KSU DEPARTMENT/OFFICE MINIMUM GROUP SIZE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE
Whitewater Rafting (8 hour*) $45/person $60/person 8 16
Rock Climbing (8 hour) $55/person $75/person 6 15
Stand Up Paddleboarding at the Lake (4 hour) $35/person $47/person 6 20
River Paddleboarding (6 hour) $45/person $75/person 6 10
Bike Touring (2 hour) $20/person $27/person 7 15
Mountain Biking (4 hour) $35/person $47/person 6 15
Hiking (3 hour) $185/group (up to 10) $245/group (up to 10) 6 20

*time estimates include activity time, transportation time and transition time. For example, an 8-hour program may leave KSU at 8am and return to KSU by 4pm. 
 
Trip activities can include stand up paddleboarding, canoeing, mountain biking, bike touring, outdoor rock climbing, camping and more! Transportation from KSU, equipment and instruction all included. Complete the to create your own custom adventure.  

Contact Us

Email: outdooradventures@kennesaw.edu 
Phone: (470) 578-2289