While at Tech, make it a point to enjoy an adventure like no other – Caving! This is among our most popular trips. The “TAG” region – the spot where Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia intersect – is the center of world-class caving.
Explore the dark, wet, and muddy regions of caves where fantastic formations hang from ceilings and tiny cave life like bats and salamanders abound.
- Horizontal trips are anything but flat. They feature scrambling, squeezing, crawling, climbing, and walking through beautiful, twisting underground passages. They’re an exciting intro to caving where you'll get muddy and bring home with plenty of great stories.
- Vertical trips build on skills mastered during horizontal trips. They require technical ropework to rappel into remote sections of caves and then to climb out again. Vertical caving is true high-adventure! You'll learn the basics of rappelling and ascending with specialized gear similar to what rock climbers use -- but you'll do it in the dark! Caving experiences are always quite memorable.
Horizontal Trips
Horizontal Trips - $45
| Date: | Trip: | Registration Opens |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 27 | Horizontal A | January 8 |
| Feb 10 | Horizontal B | January 10 |
| Mar 10 | Horizontal C | February 10 |
| Mar 30 | Horizontal D | February 28 |
Vertical Trips
Vertical Trips - $55
| Date: | Trip: | Registration Opens: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 3 | Vertical A | January 8 | |
| Feb 24 | Vertical B | January 29 | |
| Apr 6 | Vertical C | March 7 |
Additional Trip Information
Cancellations
While we do not often cancel trips, it does happen occasionally--most often due to inclement weather. If we cancel a trip due to poor weather or some other factor, you are entitled to a full refund. If you cancel your registration at least 7 days before the trip, you are entitled to a credit that can be applied to future trips or rentals. The only exception is if you are graduating at the end of that semester and then we will authorize a refund. To cancel your registration, email the Wilderness Outpost at outdoorrec@crc.gatech.edu. Refunds are not given if you fail to show-up for your trip.
What is Provided
We provide staff expertise, specialty equipment, pre-trip planning, transportation, and oversight. Campsite reservations, etc. are included in the trip fee.
What to Bring
We’ll provide a "What to Bring" list so participants are prepared for factors such as weather and physical activity, but typically, participants should NOT need to purchase any equipment in order to participate. ORGT does not provide food on weekend IP trips, including overnights. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and snacks, as well as money to purchase breakfast and/or dinner if they want to eat out along the way. We usually stop at a fast-food restaurant on the way out of town and an inexpensive sit-down restaurant on the way back to campus.
Group Sizes
Adventure trips typically involve 8-12 participants and 3-5 supporting ORGT staff. Group sizes vary depending on the specific sport and trip logistics.
Parking
Parking is available only in the two specially marked drives behind the CRC for participants who are: a) picking up gear, b) attending pre-trip orientations, or c) participating on ORGT trips. Drivers must pick up a temporary ORGT parking pass inside at the Wilderness Outpost and display it in their window to avoid getting ticketed. Parking is limited.
Pre-Trip Orientation
A mandatory pre-trip orientation, also referred to as a ‘classroom session’, is a part of every adventure trip. Required sessions take place earlier in the week of trip departure and are usually two hours long. If a participant misses the pre-trip session and does not contact Wilderness Outpost or the trip leader, they cannot attend the trip and they are not eligible for a refund. Pre-trip sessions typically take place within ORGT’s space in the CRC.
Transportation
Transportation in University-owned or arranged vehicles is provided as part of every trip. Participants are not allowed to drive themselves to program destinations.
Travel Distance and Time
Most trips are 2-3 hours of campus. Both day and overnight trips leave ORGT around 8:00 a.m. Exact return times vary, but the trip leader will inform you of the general schedule in advance. Trips typically return before 10:00 p.m.