Bucknell Wilderness Experience

The majority of the BuckWild experience takes place in crews of 10-12 students. Each crew follows a predetermined schedule. BuckWild allows students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of outdoor, adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and caving. However, not every crew does every activity. The following descriptions are intended to give you a general idea of the difficulty level and/or the kinds of activities available so that you may choose which type of schedule you would prefer.

Option One
Groups will spend BuckWild hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and/or Massachusetts. The AT is a well-known footpath that runs from Maine to Georgia and winds through some of the most scenic areas in each state. In Connecticut, the path follows the Housatonic River before climbing into the higher elevations of northwest Connecticut and southwest Massachusetts. From the mountains there are panoramic views of picturesque rural New England.

Previous backpacking experience is not necessary, however this trip can be strenuous. Comfortable hiking boots, a backpack and openness to a new and challenging experience are required. Daily mileage on the trail may range from 5-7 miles.

Option Two
Groups will backpack for three days on the AT. On the fourth day they will cave. They will return to camp the last night and do a high or low ropes activity on the last morning before departure.

This option is designed for those who want to backpack and try other outdoor adventure activities. Comfortable boots and a backpack are necessary and all experience levels are welcome. Daily mileage on the trail may range from 2-7 miles.

Option Three
Two groups will camp on the 890-acre base-camp for the entire five days. Each day they will tackle challenge course activities such as high & low ropes courses on site or venture out into northwest Connecticut and eastern New York to rock climb or cave. This option provides a variety of activities and requires only short spurts of backpacking and hiking.