Lying around and eating all day might sound like the ideal Thanksgiving break for most students, but chances are it’s nothing out of the ordinary. But the Outdoor Recreation Program hopes to change that.

“We are offering two trips for this Thanksgiving Break,” said Ellie White, sophomore in environmental science and ORP staff leader.

The trips include backpacking the Ouachita Trail in Arkansas and caving, hiking and canoeing at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.

Each one will last from Nov. 16 to 21 and will give students, faculty and community members a chance to get away.

“We make it so anyone can go on them,” White said. “We try to make them so anyone can do it.”

Groups contain between 10 and 12 people who are coupled with ORP student leaders.

White said that surprisingly, there has already been enough interest in the trips that multiple groups will most likely be going on each trip. But, she added, there are still spots open for each one to anyone who wants to go.

“It’s surprising because a lot of people don’t know about us,” White said. “Most of the time the people who go on these trips have already gone on one before.”

Some students on campus felt it was a difficult choice between going on an outdoor adventure and staying home for festivities.

“It’s a good idea for students who are out there on their own and don’t have a place to go for break, but at the same time, I’m planning on going home,” said Colin Schroeder, sophomore in civil engineering. “But maybe one day I’ll try it.”

For more information, the Outdoor Recreation Program is located in the lower level at the west end of State Gym, or call 294-8200.

Backpacking the Ouachita Trail in Arkansas

Head to central Arkansas for several days of hiking through the Ouachita National Forest, home to a 220-mile-long trail.

Student price: $91

Faculty/staff price: $182

Community price: $200

Caving, hiking and canoeing at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky

Starting with Mammoth Cave National Park, you’ll be able to explore one of the largest cave systems in the world. With the addition of backpacking and canoeing the Green River, this trip offers a little of everything.

Student price: $141

Faculty/staff price: $282

Community price: $310