ETSU is competing for the title of “Top Adventure College” by Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine for the second year in a row. 

The annual tournament hosted by Blue Ridge Outdoor is underway. This tournament is in the style of a six-week bracket and ETSU has just advanced to the third round. The competition is designed to name one college as the top outdoor adventure school in the Southeast region. 

Colleges in the competition must offer unique outdoor opportunities and sights. Colleges also should offer different outdoor and adventure-based clubs. 

ETSU won the title of Top Adventure College last year. ETSU’s main campus is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Roan Mountain State Park and the Cherokee National Forest. Within the region of ETSU, there are also different lakes, rivers and hiking trails.

Photo of the 2023 Top Adventure College flyer. (Contributed/ETSU)

ETSU offers its students unique geography and locations to participate in recreational activities. There are also unique places to learn more about the region such as ETSU’s Gray Fossil Site and Hands On! Museum. This museum gives visitors a look into the history of Appalachian Highlands and the native animals and fossils found in the area.

The Park and Recreation Management Program is also exclusive to ESTU and offers students an opportunity to gain a deeper education in the outdoors and park services. Aside from the beautiful location of ETSU’s campus, the activities and programs offered by the University make it one of the best colleges in the area for outdoor exploring and adventuring. 

ETSU aims to take advantage of its diverse location and exploration opportunities around campus. The Adventure College tournament voting is open now and will run for two more weeks and voting can be accessed through blueridgeoutdoors.com/. To find out more about outdoor activities on and around campus, students can visit etsu.edu/students/campusrec/oa/default.php.