<p>Hey everyone,</p>
<p>Throughout all of my researching, visits, and other college search processes, I've kept on coming back to William & Mary. Its unique combination of academics, size, and sense of community definitely make it an irresistible choice for in-state students like myself. There is, however, one aspect of the College that I'm not (currently) 100% sold on: opportunities for hiking, camping, biking, etc. I know that Williamsburg's location near the coast allows for plenty of beach and water access, but how often do students venture west to the mountains? I'm okay with having to work harder than, say, Virginia Tech students in order to go on hiking trips in mountainous areas, but is there a sizable number of other students at W&M who also feel this way? In other words: does the outdoor recreation club or equivalent do a good job of providing students with ways to escape its flat locale?</p>
<p>I know this is an extremely nitpicky question for such a great school, but knowing that I could get back to the geography I'm used to every now and then would make the deal that much sweeter.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I know there is a very active club cycling team… I don’t know how active the outdoor group is specifically. I know I went camping once with some friends (locally) and I had friends that often went hiking on breaks. There is also a kinesiology winter camping class.</p>
<p>Hi Shantih,</p>
<p>I’d say the opportunity is definitely there. In addition to what soccerguy said, I know many friends who took weekend trips to Old Rag Mountain. I know Geology does many field trips for majors and classes alike. I was an RA for three years and had an outdoors club member or two on my hall of 20 something students every year. I also took my hall camping on the other side of the James River once.</p>
<p>Having free canoeing and kayaking on lake Matoaka during the warm months is certainly an opportunity I took advantage of, as well as the few miles (not enough for an all day hike, but a nice couple hour escape) of wooded trails behind it.</p>
<p>Biking is popular down the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown or Jamestown, and I believe the last part of the Capital Trail linking Williamsburg and Richmond is just about fully opened.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>thanks everyone! this all sounds awesome!</p>