10 Northern Arizona University

FlagStaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University is a beautiful campus with great weather for people who love to be outside. They even offer a Park Ranger Training program. Near Campus are Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments. These sites include 40,000 acres of varied terrain that include high deserts, canyons, mountains, mesas, and volcanic features.

9. Northland College

Ashland, WI

Northland College is a very eco- friendly college and are known as an environmental and liberal arts college. Northland is always offering students the ability to learn outside the classroom. Great places for hiking near campus include The Chequamegon Bay , Cable hiking trails and Copper falls.

8. University of Oregon

Eugene, OR

Oregon not only offers some of the nation’s best college football but also gives students the chance to explore the beautiful state. Some beautiful places to hike near campus include Mount June Summit, Fall Creek Trail, Mary’s Peak and William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge Mega loop.

7. College of the Atlantic

Bar Harbor, ME

The College of the Atlantic offers students some of the best hiking and outdoor adventures that the east has to offer. Located in Bar Harbor, Maine, this school offers amazing hiking and rock climbing in Acadia National Park as well as ocean access that lends itself to ocean kayaking and sailing.

6.University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan which sits right on beautiful Lake Erie. This offers students beautiful walking trails and summer and winter adventures. Some great local hiking includes Waterloo, West Lake Preserve, and Blind Lake.

5. Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT

Middlebury College offers students what only one other college in the US can offer — its own personal mountain only 20 minutes from campus. It is also located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont which offers some of the best hiking on the East Coast. Some amazing hiking locations include Green Mountain National Park, Long Trail and Trail Around Middlebury.

4.Lewis and Clark College

Portland, OR

Lewis and Clark College is situated in the perfect location for those who are looking for a young city vibe and the beautiful mountain ranges. The hiking around Portland is stunning and has something for everyone from families to expert hikers looking for multiple day trips.

3. University of Colorado, Boulder

Boulder, CO

Boulder, Colorado has a lot to offer to those who want to be outside. It is located near mountains for snowboarding and hiking, lakes for boating and swimming and rivers for kayaking. It also offers students all four seasons and ample time to enjoy each season and different outdoor activities. Some local hiking includes The Full Mesa Trail, NCAR, Mount Sanitas, and Flag Staff Mountain.

2. University of California Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA

The University of California — Santa Cruz creates a great outdoor experience for students. The students are within driving distance of almost all outdoor activities including boating, skiing, surfing, hiking and mountain climbing. With beautiful summers and winters that only drop the temperature to the high 50's this is a year-round hiking location. Some great hiking nearby includes Beer Creek Falls, Natural Bridges State Beach, and Pacific to Redwoods.

1. Evergreen State College

Olympia, WA

Evergreen State College offers students the ability to do some amazing hiking. This campus is surrounded by organic farms and beautiful views. The views from hiking spots like Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Trail are just breathtaking. Other amazing hiking locations include Capital peak and Mt. Molly.

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Photo Credit for Title photo: Sujay Sarkhel