Outdoor Adventures

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Southern Miss Outdoor Adventures is bringing tons of fun along with new locations for trips such as hiking, paddling, camping, snorkeling and more. To sign up or pay for a trip, visit the Payne Center Sales Desk or the Campus Recreation Online Payment Portal. For questions, call 266-5405 or email Bill%20Powe, Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures Coordinator.

Spring 2026 Trips

- February 21 - Backpacking the Longleaf Trace - $25 per person
  - Students will hike along Hattiesburg's Longleaf Trace before setting up a campsite and cooking over a campfire. All camping and hiking gear and food is included in the price. No prior hiking or camping experience needed.
- March 14-17 - Swimming with the Manatees - $425 per person
  - Don't miss this popular trip where you'll get to swim with manatees on the Chassahowitzka River in Florida. Attendees will camp at the Chassahowitzka River Campground and enjoy cooking meals over a campfire. All transportation, snorkeling gear, a guide to take you to the manatees, camping equipment and meals are included in the price. Sign up today!
- April 11 - Okatoma Paddle Day - Price TBD
  - In this fun day trip, students will get to kayak along the Okatoma River. All gear, transportation and food are included in the price. No previous paddling experience needed.

All USM students and Payne Center members are invited to participate! To sign up and pay for a trip, visit the Payne Center Sales Desk or go online to the Campus Recreation Payment Portal.

Directions to Lake Sehoy Challenge Course

*All trips are subject to change. Pre-trip meetings will be held the Wednesday prior to each trip at 5pm in the Payne Center's Wet Classroom (inside the Natatorium.) All trips include transportation, lodging, food on location and necessary gear and equipment. Visit the Payne Center Sales Desk or the Campus Recreation Online Payment Portal to sign up and pay for trips.

Rock Wall

Fall Hours

- Monday: 5-8pm
- Tuesday: 5-8pm
- Wednesday: 5-9pm
- Thursday: 5pm-8pm
- Friday: 5pm-8pm*
- Saturday & Sunday: 2pm-5pm*
  - *The Rock Wall is open to the public on Fridays from 5pm-8pm and from 2pm-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays with purchase of a $10 climbing pass.

FAQ

Q: What are the dimensions of the climbing wall?
A: The climbing wall is approximately 30 feet tall and 40 feet wide.

Q: How can you tell the difficulty of routes on the wall?
A: The routes get harder from right to left.

Q: Are there any requirements to climb the wall?
A: All climbers must first read and complete a waiver stating the inherent risks of climbing. All climbers are required to wear harnesses while top roping. (Climbers do not need to wear a harness while bouldering.)

Q: What is bouldering?
A: Bouldering is climbing horizontally (traversing) the wall without being "connected to a wall with a rope." USM's bouldering line/limit is three panels up, or approximately 10 feet up the wall.

Q: Is it possible to climb outside of normal operating hours?
A: Yes, but by reservation ONLY. Reservations can be made by emailing Bill%20Powe, Coordinator of Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures.

Q: What if I want to belay my friend?
A: You must be certified by our staff to belay on your own. We offer belay clinics frequently to teach you the basics of climbing and belay techniques. Each belay clinic is $10 per participant and the certification is good for 1 year.

Q: What should I wear to climb on the wall?
A: Athletic clothing is the most appropriate to wear while climbing. Any attire that has loose or dangling pieces should be avoided. Close-toed athletic shoes and socks are required to climb as well. We do offer climbing shoes to be rented out.

Belaying

Interested in learning how to belay? Attend one of our clinics to get certified.

Contact Bill%20Powe to schedule a belaying class.
Sign up at the Payne Center Sales Desk. Certifications are $10.

Need a refresher? Watch the below tutorial video.

Questions or Comments?

Contact Bill%20Powe, Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures Coordinator at 601.266.5408