Discovery Trips

horseback tripSUUSI's Discovery trips are where we dive into humans' interaction with Nature. You can visit historic sites and museums or go shopping in nearby towns. Take a walking tour and learn about the area's rich, African American history and sit around a fire listening to stories about the ancient, Native American culture. Go horseback riding, visit waterfalls, learn which plants in your backyard are edible, or learn how to tie and cast a fly for fly fishing. And new this year, we are offering ADA-accessible adventures nearby! We’ve identified many local spots and activities that require little physical exertion and provide a high yield for learning opportunities, exposure to new adventures, and just plain beautiful sites. And, we make sure to keep the fun in every trip we take!

Discovery Difficulty Ratings

Gentle: Level terrain.

Moderate: Slight elevation change, some stairs, some physical exertion required.

Required Equipment for Discovery Trips

It is recommended that you wear sturdy shoes and bring a quart of water and rain gear for all Discovery trips. 

  • 501: Under the Wisdom Tree: Caves of VirginiaLimit 99

    Yup, there are holes in the ground here with raindrops flowing, bats flying through, and spelunkers exploring. We even have one cavern filled with natural gas (no smoking, please).

  • 502: Under the Wisdom Tree: Who Was Here First? Native Americans of SWVALimit 99

    When you hear a land acknowledgment here…who are we acknowledging? When did they get here – and does any culture date back 10,000 years?

  • 503: Under the Wisdom Tree: If I Were a Fish, or a Mussel…Limit 99

    Southwest Virginia is a world-class biodiversity hotspot. You won’t find Aquaman or a mermaid in our rivers, but we've got some really special critters breathing underwater.

  • 504: Under the Wisdom Tree: Birds and Flutter-bysLimit 99

    Superman would have to eat a double Big Mac in order to fuel up and match the migrations of the birds and butterflies we see all around us at SUUSI. New River Valley is good enough to attract critters from South America and Central Mexico to spend the summer.

  • 509: A Natural HighLimit 14

    The woods are known for eliciting a sense of awe and ecstasy in those who open themselves to the energies of these pristine natural settings. This guided meditation is especially appropriate for outdoor lovers who are open to the possibilities of a heightened connection with nature. The leader, Phoenix Putney, recommends the following book as being complementary to the spirit of this experience: "The Isle of Is: A Guide to Awakening" by Caroline Cottom and Thom Cronkite, published byThe Center Within, Koro Island, Fiji. The book also will be available in the SUUSI bookstore. Drive Time: 30 min one-way.

  • 515: Fossil HuntLimit 14

    Get ready for a fossil-hunting adventure! Explore the ancient world as you search for well-preserved specimens! So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the dirt, and don't forget to bring a bag to collect your treasures. It's time to unearth some prehistoric fun! 30 minute drive time.

  • 560: Forest Bathing to start your SUUSIUnlimited

    We start the week with an early morning reverent immersion in the forest. Enjoy the silent mindfulness practice of Forest Bathing. It’s the perfect opportunity to center yourself and begin your SUUSI week energized by the coolness of the early morning in slow movement, silent meditation, and acute observation of the forest flora and fauna. Drive Time: 20 mins.

  • 561: Forest Bathing mid week Limit 14

    Refresh in the middle of the week with a deep, sensory immersion in the forest. Enjoy the outdoor mindfulness practice of Forest Bathing on a relatively flat trail where we can commune with the living earth. Learn how to walk like a fox, listen like a deer, and see like an owl. We will spend the morning in slow movement, silent meditation, and acute observation of the forest flora and fauna. Drive Time: 25 mins.

  • 562: Fossil HuntLimit 14

    Get ready for a fossil-hunting adventure! Explore the ancient world as you search for well-preserved specimens! So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the dirt, and don't forget to bring a bag to collect your treasures. It's time to unearth some prehistoric fun! 30 minute drive time.

  • 563: Exploring Wildwood ParkLimit 14

    Wildwood Park is a city park that is located along a stream which flows through a limestone gorge. We will walk through the park on a paved path as well as follow some of the side trails on the gorge sides. The flora is very different on each side. The park was once the source of water for Radford and the site of an open-air swimming pool. The limestone walls contain sinkholes, small caves, and springs making this a very rich natural area. 10 minute drive time.

  • 564: Herb Farm Tour and Herbal LunchLimit 14

    Visit Beagle Ridge Garden and Herb Farm in Wytheville, just over an hour's drive from campus. Their 14 theme display gardens showcase herb and perennial collections. We will stroll through the gardens, eat lunch, and watch the hummingbirds feast on the flowers. We will also visit the “Flying Flowers” butterfly conservatory. Time permitting, individuals may walk one of the many trails on the property or visit the fish pond. The shop contains herbal soaps, lotions, bath gels, and plants. Bring money for lunch, they have a wood-fired oven for some delectable options. Required: sturdy shoes and drinking water. Recommended: extra money for the store. 75 minute one way drive time.

  • 565: Mushroom ForayLimit 14

    There will be a short informational session on fungi facts on campus followed by a foray into the wild to learn about the areas most hospitable for their growth. It is likely we will locate and harvest some edible ones. 20 minute drive time.

  • 566: Hahn GardenLimit 14

    The Hahn Horticulture Garden at Va Tech, spanning nearly six acres, combines numerous smaller gardens and features. Constructed mainly by Robert McDuffie's Landscape Construction classes, it includes pergolas, arbors, decks, walls, and bridges. Display beds are created and planted by students, volunteers, faculty, and staff. The garden showcases hundreds of plant species from around the world in various features, such as a shade garden, perennial border, mixed border, xerophytic garden, water features including the Jane Andrews Memorial Stream Garden, Pavilion tent lawn and folly, meadow garden, and the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion, serving as a special event facility and staff offices. 30 minute drive time.

  • 567: Historic SmithfieldLimit 14

    Join us for a guided tour of the beautiful historic grounds. From their website: “Eighteenth-century plantations like Smithfield were large and nearly self-sufficient agricultural enterprises. Vital support for the plantation’s inhabitants and business activities was provided by numerous outbuildings called “dependencies”. To date, we have reconstructed several of these outbuildings: a smokehouse, a weaver’s/ cook’s cabin, and a cider press shed.” Bring money for the gift shop if you want souvenirs. 30 minute drive.

  • 568: The Berry PatchLimit 14

    We’re going berry-pickin! This trip takes us to 3 Birds Berry Farm in Blacksburg which features “local, unsprayed goodness” in the form of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. The farm is owned and operated by a family that describes itself as passionate about berries. The experience is sure to be friendly, fun, and down-to-earth. We’ll take a short tour of the farm and then pick all the raspberries and blackberries you and your SUUSI friends can eat! Prices are $3/pint or $20/gallon, prices may vary. (pint containers provided and gallon containers available for purchase). Come on out and enjoy the fruits of summer - and bring the kids! This is one of the few nature trips featuring a “comfort station” on site, but they suggest you bring what comforts you while picking, such as water, hats, bug spray, etc. 20 minute drive time.

  • 569: Dixie Caverns afternoon Limit 14

    A caving trip, easy enough for everyone. This is your opportunity to see a cave while avoiding all the mud and hard work of wild cave trips. The cavern is well-lit and has comfortable walkways with many small steps. It’s cool inside; you may wish to bring a light jacket. Great for families or those wanting to explore in comfort. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must register for this trip. Caving equipment is not needed, but sturdy, slip-resistant shoes are required. The environment is moist and surfaces are slippery. The drive is 35 minutes one way. Required: car seat or booster seat for children under 8. ($18/adults; $8 5-12)

  • 572: Dixie Caverns morning tripLimit 14

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  • 573: Downtown Delights: Museum Galore in Roanoke!Limit 14

    Explore downtown Roanoke's vibrant museum scene! Take your pick from three exciting options, including the Museum of Transportation, Taubman Museum of Art, and the O. Winston Link Museum, conveniently located within walking distance. After immersing yourself in history and culture, indulge in some retail therapy at nearby shops. It's a day filled with discovery and fun! Museum admission is part of the trip cost. 45 minute drive time.

  • 574: Claytor LakeLimit 14

    Sunning and Soaking - for families. This is a great outing for families with small children, persons with physical limitations, and anyone who just wants to relax, soak up the sun, and swim in lovely Claytor Lake. All children must be accompanied by an adult(s), and parents/ guardians are responsible for the safety of their children. Recommended: swimsuit. Required: dry change of clothes, towel; car seat or booster seat for children under 8. 20 minute drive time.

  • 575: Horseback rideLimit 14

    Ride on breathtaking trails where you will pass through landscapes of dense forest to windswept ridge tops. Just 5 minutes from campus, Winterfrost Farms is a non-profit horse rescue that offers a 500-acre home to 60 horses. The horses are fostered at Winterfrost until they can be adopted out to a forever home. The Ride-A-Rescue horseback riding program was started to help support the rescue horses, as part of their rehabilitation. Ride-a-Rescue trail rides use only healthy rescue horses eager and ready to work. All proceeds go to the care of the horses. 10 minute drive time.

  • 576: Evening Horseback rideLimit 14

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  • 577: last Horseback RideLimit 14

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  • 578: Mabry Mill History and Chocolate FactoryLimit 14

    The historic Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most photographed mills in the United States. Besides the restored gristmill and sawmill where interpreters demonstrate the milling process, the grounds have a cabin and outbuildings with exhibits and staff demonstrating skills such as tanning, shoemaking, basket weaving, spinning, weaving, and seat caning. There is also a whiskey still, a sorghum mill, and a working blacksmith shop. We will also stop at a nearby locally-owned chocolate factory, “Nancy’s”, where we can see the factory in operation and sample the fudge. Required: Bring $15-25 for lunch. Recommended: extra money for the gift stores. 60 minute drive time.

  • 579: Floyd Shop and DineLimit 14

    Embark on a whimsical adventure to Floyd, VA – a charming small town bursting with creativity! Explore the eclectic dining scene, from the delightful flavors of the Floyd Country Store to the sweet treats at Cocoa Mia. Dive into the vibrant art scene with visits to numerous galleries, where you can discover unique masterpieces. Feeling crafty? Head to Lichen or Knot and create your own terrarium masterpiece! It's a day filled with culinary delights, artistic discoveries, and hands-on fun in the heart of Floyd. Bring money for lunch. 45 minute drive time.

  • 580: West Wind Farm and Vineyard and WineryLimit 14

    West Wind Farm is a winery on a fourth-generation family farm in the rolling hills of Southwest Virginia . Take in the views, learn about the winemaking process, talk to the winemakers, enjoy a glass on the terrace, and share lunch with new friends. An elegant lunch and wine tasting are included in the trip cost. You may wish to bring money for local art in the gift shop or for a bottle of your favorite wine. Bring money for lunch and tasting fee. 45 minute drive time.

  • 581: Chateau Morrisette WineryLimit 14

    After a scenic drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway, we’ll visit the winery for an elegant lunch, winery tour, and wine tasting. Required: $15-25 for lunch (wine with lunch is extra).60 minute drive. Recommended: extra money for wine or gifts to bring back.

  • 582: Long Way Brewing Limit 14

    Long Way Brewing started with a vision: to bring a local craft brewery to Radford's West End, revitalizing the area. After much research and setbacks, an old Seventh Day Adventist church became the chosen location. Amidst brainstorming names and logos, "Long Way" was chosen for its regional significance. However, as the journey progressed, "Long Way" came to symbolize the challenging path from idea to pint glass for a small craft brewery. Come and enjoy one of the many beers on tap! 15 minute drive time.

  • 583: Rising Silo BrewingLimit 14

    Quench your thirst and soak up the summer vibes at Rising Silo Brewery! Founded in 2014 at the Farm at Glade Road Growing, this unique spot in Blacksburg is more than just a brewery—it's a community hub. Brewed with organic malts and farm-fresh water, our lineup of 10-14 beers offers something for every taste bud. Plus, we get creative with local produce, giving each brew a seasonal twist. Swing by to grab some farm-fresh goodies, fill your growler, or just kick back and relax with friends amidst the scenic beauty of the New River Valley. With a 3-barrel brewing system, each batch is crafted with care. Join us for a refreshing experience that celebrates local flavors and good company! A staff member will share story, philosophy and about their sustainable farming practices and how they have connected with the community, tour includes a curated flight of up to 6 beers. 30 minute drive time.

  • 584: Selu Conservancy 7 sided meditation room, Mexican yarn art and trail walkLimit 19

    Embarking on John's Laughing Place walking Trail at the Selu Conservancy, the steep ascent promises excitement at every turn. Laughter dances through the air as the trail reveals a stunning vista of the Little River below. We will travel down the road to the retreat center where Appalachian architectural heritage unfolds in a blend of log cabin and Victorian styles. We will sit in the meditation room where John Bowles, who granted the land to Radford University, will share more information about the seven-sided meeting room, inspired by Cherokee tradition. Within its walls, Wixárika yarn paintings tell tales of creation and spirituality, offering glimpses into a rich cultural tapestry. John will share his more than 40 years of studying this art form and answer any questions you may have. Lunch on the porch or on the grassy lawn. 20 minute drive.