Nestled in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, East Tennessee State University is gearing up to defend the title of Top Adventure College in the Southeast. With a three-peat win on the line, ETSU is proudly shining light on the bountiful outdoor adventure opportunities that exist within the region and beyond.


Organized by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, the Top Adventure College contest is a bracket-style tournament that places competing universities in a head-to-head competition. As the bracket progresses, the ETSU community can vote for the college they feel most accurately demonstrates efforts in outdoor-oriented curriculum, activities, and incentives- and ETSU is the perfect candidate.


Set in an outdoor lover’s paradise, ETSU’s main campus is surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Roan Mountain State Park and the Cherokee National Forest. It is also bordered by numerous lakes, rivers and hiking trails, including more than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

Though Johnson City offers many opportunities for exploration, ETSU’s very own Outdoor Adventure (OA), housed by Campus Recreation, is pioneering the initiatives of getting students and staff integrated into the opportunities that exist beyond the walls of the classroom.


“OA offers a wide variety of trips and activities, including backpacking, kayaking, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking and climbing,” said ETSU undergraduate student Reese Gatewood.  “Students can also experience the aerial adventure course, zipline, and team-building programs, which are open to students, faculty, staff and the local community.”


From group hikes to paddle boarding and ziplining, it’s no wonder that ETSU holds the two-year title for Top Adventure College. Hammock stands and fire pits line the perimeter of campus, accompanied by the University Woods & Trail system that runs through the north side of the university.


“ETSU provides endless opportunities for students to explore the outdoors, and OA plays a huge role in fostering a welcoming, adventurous community,” said Gatewood. “I’m grateful to be part of a program that inspires students to get outside, try new things and experience the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.”


The rich adventure culture at ETSU is undeniable, but within the classroom, students are pioneering the way careers parallel with outdoor adventure and recreation.


ETSU’s parks and recreation management concentration is providing opportunities for professionals interested in working within National Parks in the area and beyond. Due to ETSU’s optimal location in the Appalachian Mountains, the program has become regionally accredited with incredible student success stories spanning across the nation. The program works directly with state and national parks in the area, allowing students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field and create a close-knit community rooted in support and prosperity.


“Our students are our success story,” said Dr. Jason Davis, coordinator for the Park and Recreation Management Program. “They are making an impact by utilizing their knowledge and passion for the outdoors in the professional world. Our alumni regularly return to share their stories with current undergraduates, demonstrating our commitment to the growth of our students and the dynamics of their success.”


Made up of several unique courses that are distinctive from other universities in Appalachia, the program opens the door for students to take courses that dive deeper into their specific interests- such as Appalachian Flora and Fauna or History of Appalachian Coal Mining.


With both academic and physical adventure opportunities, ETSU is leading the way for students searching to explore the rich culture and natural elements of the region.


Voting for the first round of the Top Adventure College contest is open until April 8, and ETSU will go head-to-head with 32 other universities in the area to defend its back-to-back titles. Cast your vote at blueridgeoutdoors.com/top-adventure-college/!


To learn more about outdoor adventure at ETSU, visit etsu.edu/students/campusrec/oa. For more information about Top Adventure College and Blue Ridge Outdoors, visit blueridgeoutdoors.com.