Are you searching for exciting outdoor adventures?

Spots are available for two upcoming trips to Tennessee being offered by the West Virginia University School of Physical Educations Adventure Sports Program.

The trips to the Savage Gulf State Natural Area and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open to members of the WVU community and the general public.

The Savage Gulf Spring Break trip will be March 23-29. Participants will backpack in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area and have the opportunity to go rock climbing, caving and rappelling.

One of the great things about these trips is that the group size is kept small,Program Coordinator Nathan Kile said.This allows for a very laidback and friendly atmosphere.

Participants often become friends, exchanging numbers and planning their own adventures by the end of the trip, he said.

The cost is $300 per person, which includes transportation, camping and technical equipment and backcountry meals. Registration ends March 14, or when the trip is filled.

Kile said each trip is a memorable adventure.

On the last Savage Gulf trip, we awoke one morning to an unexpected two inches of snow,he recalled.Somehow, we ended up having a snowball fight at 8 oclock in the morning. It was hilarious.

While snow is unusual where we are going and I dont expect any this year, it never fails that something spontaneous and fun happens to make the trip that much more memorable,he said.

The Great Smoky Mountains backpacking trip will be May 10-17. Participants will hike the rugged and challenging 70-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Covering about 12 miles a day over the six-day hike, participants will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas, unique wildlife viewing and memories to last a lifetime.

The cost is $350 per person. Registration ends April 28.

To register for either trip or for more information, contact Kile at 304-293-3295 ext. 5290 or Nathan.Kile@mail.wvu.edu .