Campus Recreation & Wellness Calendar

Once ranked by Backpacker Magazine as one of the top 25 backpacking trails in the U.S, the Fiery Grizzard Trail in Monteagle, TN has a lot to offer on this overnight trip.  Trek through rocky gorges and lush woodlands to view spectacular rock formations, waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks.  Join ORAC as we take on 6 miles each day.

Spend your first day hiking along the most diverse and beautiful trail in Tennessee, passing by Bull Hole Falls within 0.5 miles from the start. Seek out “The Fruit Bowl” on your way to your first campsite, and stop to gaze at this massive pile of house-sized boulders. Spend some time playing in the “honeycomb pits” on the Crumbling Bluff, a feature with numerous small caves. Kick off your hiking boots, and relax by the fire to tell stories of your adventures for the day.

Continue on your trek with a spectacular overlook first thing in the morning. Start a steep descent into the Laurel Branch Gorge to catch many breathtaking views from overlooks, streams and rock formations. Catch a big snooze on your way home while your Instagram photos gain all the likes. Don’t leave your camera at home on this trip!

ORAC will take care of all the backpacking equipment, transportation, permits, and guiding.  All you need to worry about is your own food, clothes, and water bottle.  Grab a friend and unplug for the weekend with ORAC!

Tentative Trip Itinerary

Saturday, September 8^th:

1. Depart Preston Center early A.M.
2. Drive to Monteagle, TN
3. Start hike
4. See cool stuff
5. Camp and eat dinner

Sunday, September 9^th:

1. Wake up and eat breakfast
2. Hike to van
3. Load up and depart for the Preston Center

Take a day away from your semester reality and get your hands dirty with ORAC. Stop by this roadside crag to boulder up to 10 ft practicing various techniques and moves. ORAC will supply you with your basic climbing needs to climb on this trip; climbing shoes, chalk bag, and crash pads! Truly test your skills with easy and difficult routes.  Strap up your climbing shoes, chalk up and send it! (Well grab your way up the rock!) Don’t be afraid to take a fall with this trip!

ORAC will take care of all of the equipment, you just need to worry about you so make sure you bring the right clothes and plenty of snacks for energy!

Tentative Trip Itinerary

Saturday, September 15^th:

1. Leave the Preston Center in the A.M
2. Arrive at Clifty Hollow
3. Get vertical
4. Eat some snacks
5. Depart for the Preston Center

Unleash your inner adventurer and spin your wheels along Twisted Oliver’s 3.2-mile mountain bike trail. Kick up some mud as you hop onto some cool features like their classic mirror beams, or “the ladder!” Curious to know what a mirror beam is? There’s only one way to find out! Don’t delay to sign up, this one day biking trip may fill up fast! Don’t worry about equipment, we’ve got your gear haul covered! From bikes to helmets, but not your uncle’s knee pads. Get twisted!

ORAC will take care of all of the transportation, mountain bike maintenance, guiding, and fees.  All you need to worry about is bringing food and clothes, and preparing yourself for a sore butt the next day.  Our bike saddles aren’t forgiving, but it’s part of the charm.

Tentative Trip Itinerary

Saturday, September 15^th:

1. Leave for Preston Center in the A.M.
2. Arrive at Port Oliver by Barren River Lake
3. Start biking
4. Eat lunch
5. Continue biking/falling
6. Depart for the Preston Center