Despite its “by the Bayou” brand, New Orleans is much better known for its city-centric social scene than its outdoor environment, and it is often easy to forget Louisiana’s natural beauty hidden just off the beaten path. 

While close-to-campus coffee shops can provide necessary breaks from Tulane’s social atmosphere, stepping further off campus and deeper into nature provides a refreshing change to the daily routine and offers a wealth of health benefits. Whether you want to step away from the stresses of school for a few hours or satisfy your adventurous side for a weekend, TURec Outdoor Adventures and Reily Student Recreation Center have got you covered this upcoming semester. 

Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and spend an afternoon surrounded by cypress trees, birds and even an alligator or two in nearby state parks. The upcoming Tunica Falls Hike taking place Feb. 18 features more than 40 waterfalls, some of which extend as high as 25 feet into the air. Another great local option is the Fontainebleau Hike, located on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, which is home to more than 400 different animal species.

If you’re ready to make a splash, the next Outdoor Adventures water excursion, scheduled for Feb. 17, is a sunset paddle down Cane Bayou. Spots for evening canoeing trips tend to fill up quickly, so if you’re unable to attend, look out for the Reily’s Moonlight Canoe trip on March 3.

If canoeing isn’t for you, don’t worry.  Reily’s paddleboarding trips are another opportunity to tone your arms and core, all while working on your balance. Bring a few friends, or tackle the challenge solo on the stand-up paddleboarding trip on April 22 at Bay St. Louis.

Longer trips, such as Alabama Rock Climbing, Intro to Backpacking and various Spring Break excursions offer the chance to get away from city life for several days.

“We try to focus on getting deeper than just outdoor skills, really building self-esteem, building leadership qualities, and making people more comfortable,” Outdoor Adventure Leader John Alexander said.”Not just with the outdoors, as we focus on with all our programs, but with themselves and how they are in a community as well.”

Missing the sand between your toes, salty air in the breeze and those #summer vibes? Beach camping will give you the time to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the water on the Grand Isle. On the weekend-long camping trip, taking place from April 13-15, attendees will have the opportunity to hike on the gulf shore barrier island and stand-up paddleboard on the gulf. 

You don’t have to take a step off of campus, however, to enjoy the adventures Reily and TURec offer. Reily offers indoor paddleboard yoga, a break for both the mind and the body in the indoor pool. Or, try a different take on yoga with Glowga, a night session with glowsticks, offered on Mar. 3.

Whether an experienced adventurer or new to Reily recreation, these trips are open to everyone on a first come, first serve basis. Registration and trip prices are available on Reily’s Outdoor Trip Schedule.