Get Help Planning Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Duke Rec offers plans for hiking, camping and paddling outings
Duke Recreation & Physical Education has launched “Personal Trip Plans” to help staff, faculty and students organize hiking, camping and paddling activities in Durham and the surrounding area.
The “Personal Trip Plans” include recommendations for hiking and paddle boarding routes, packing lists and a risk management plan outlining possible hazards and safety measures and address and GPS coordinates. Each plan also includes a land acknowledgment, which is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous peoples as stewards of the land.
“It can be a little intimidating to try and find the right hike, the right place to go and the right equipment to bring,” said T.J. Beezley, coordinator of outdoor adventures for Duke Recreation & Physical Education. “Our trip plans give you the confidence to pick the adventure that works best for you.”
Plans range from free to $10 for non-members. Digital members with Duke Rec & P.E. can access all trip plans for free.
Duke staff, faculty and students can access the plans on MyRec by signing in with Duke NetID and password. Choose between hiking, paddling and camping trip plans to download. Free plans are offered for Durham historic sites, as well as for Duke Forest trails and other hiking areas in Durham.
Beezley curated the trips through a mix of personal experience hiking, camping, canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking and by combing through reviews and information online. So far, she has developed plans for about 10 sites in the region, including Duke Forest, Eno River State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area and Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. She plans to add biking trip plans in the upcoming weeks.
“The pandemic has really shown the importance of getting fresh air as many of us are cooped up in our homes without access to gyms and typical recreational activities,” Beezley said. “It’s a great time to see all the beauty North Carolina has while staying safe.
In addition to trip plans, Duke staff, faculty and students can rent cookware sets, canoes, paddleboards, coolers, climbing shoes, lanterns and other gear at a minimal cost to accompany for trips through the Duke Rec & P.E.'s equipment rental service.
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