The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Outdoor Adventure Program International [OAPI] is offering a series of fall adventures and activities for campus and community members to enjoy, including an Acadia Adventure Weekend, paintballing and geocaching.

The fun starts on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18, when OAPI hosts its Acadia Adventure Weekend. On the first day, participants will be able to choose between outdoor rock climbing on the Otter Cliffs or exploring the park by foot through its vast network of trails. On day two, participants can tackle the Otter Cliffs with climbing guide Lenny Cole or take to the water with a guided sea kayak tour. The registration deadline for this event is Wednesday, Sept. 14 by 4 p.m. Non-students may sign up after Sept. 9. Cost is $85 for UMPI students, $105 for non-students. The sea kayaking option costs an additional $50 per person.

On Friday, Sept. 23, there will be a Paddle on the Presque Isle Stream. The van will depart from Gentile Hall at 1 p.m. No experience is required. The registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 22 by 4 p.m. Non-students may sign up starting Sept. 19. Cost is free for UMPI students, $5 for non-students.

Two days later, on Sunday, Sept. 25, OAPI will lead a group on a hike up Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, for some of the most spectacular views in the East. Participants must be in excellent physical condition and be able to withstand a full day of strenuous hiking. The registration deadline for this event is Wednesday, Sept. 21 by 4 p.m. Non-students may register beginning Sept. 14. Cost is $30 for UMPI students, $45 for non-students.

On Friday, Oct. 7, OAPI will take to the corn maze at Goughan’s Farm. Participants will be able to explore the labyrinth and then sample some of the homemade ice cream at the farm’s dairy bar. The van departs from Gentile Hall at 1 p.m. The registration deadline for this event is Thursday, Oct. 6 by 4 p.m. Non-students may sign up on Sept. 29. Cost is $5 for UMPI students, $10 for non-students.

In late October, OAPI will pack in three different adventures. On Saturday, Oct. 15, OAPI will take participants to the TreeGO Adventure Course in Mactaquac, New Brunswick. The aerial adventure course offers high-flying fun with the security of safety cables. The van departs from Gentile Hall at 9 a.m. The registration deadline for this event is Wednesday, Oct. 12 by 4 p.m. Non-students may register Oct. 5. Cost is $35 for UMPI students, $50 for non-students. A passport is required to take part in this adventure.

On Friday, Oct. 21, OAPI will offer a Paintball Shoot-Out. Equipment and transportation will be provided. The van departs from Gentile Hall at 1 p.m. The registration deadline for this event is Wednesday, Oct. 19 by 4 p.m. Non-students may register Oct. 12. Cost is $35 for UMPI students, $45 for non-students.

Another weekend adventure will take place from Saturday, Oct. 22 to Sunday, Oct. 23. OAPI will lead a St. Croix River Trip, taking participants to one of the most scenic rivers in Maine. Paddlers will encounter tranquil flatwater interspersed with sections of Class I and II whitewater. The group will spend the night under the stars on this 2-day, 33-mile river voyage. No experience is necessary. The registration deadline for this event is Monday, Oct. 17 by 4 p.m. Non-students may register starting Oct. 10. The cost is $45 for UMPI students, $65 for non-students.

On Friday, Nov. 4, OAPI goes high-tech with a Geocaching adventure. This modern-day treasure hunt will take place at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle. Participants will use GPS devices to locate numerous caches hidden in the vast network of ski and mountain bike trails at the center. No experience is necessary. The van departs from Gentile Hall at 1 p.m. The registration deadline for this event is Thursday, Nov. 3 by 4 p.m. Non-students may sign up beginning Oct. 26. The cost is free for UMPI students, $5 for non-students.

Finally, OAPI will end its busy fall season with a kayak roll session on Friday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in Gentile Hall. The activity will be led by whitewater guide and UMPI Recreation student Josh Stahl. No experience is needed. The registration deadline for this event is Thursday, Nov. 17 by 4 p.m. Non-students may register Nov. 2. The cost is free for UMPI students, $7 for non-students.

If you plan to head out on an adventure of your own, keep in mind that OAPI rents out gear – including snowshoes, skis, tents, sleeping bags, canoes, and kayaks — for a nominal fee, including a $20 deposit at the time of rental. Those wishing to take advantage of OAPI rentals are advised to check on availability and reserve gear in advance through Kim McCrea, Assistant Director of Gentile Hall and Manager of OAPI.

For more information about rentals or any of these fall events, contact McCrea at 768-9401 or kimberly.mccrea@maine.edu.