Facility Series: Hydaway Outdoor Center
June 5, 2020
Written By Victoria Dissmore, Marketing Employee
Pack your bags, all you outdoor-adventure lovers out there! Grab your bug-spray, granola bars, and sense of adventure and head down to Liberty’s very own outdoor recreation facility: Hydaway Outdoor Center. There are so many fun, outdoor opportunities at Hydaway, less than 5 miles from campus. If you don’t have a car, you can request an On-Demand Ride through Liberty’s transit system. There really is no excuse—adventure is calling!
Camping
One of the activities Hydaway offers is camping for Liberty students, faculty, and staff. You can reserve a campsite for Friday and Saturday nights during the school year, complete with a fire pit, plenty of tent space, and bear boxes for food storage. Each site is only $5 per night, and with your Flames Pass you can rent camping equipment, including tents and sleeping bags, free of charge.
If you’re looking to go on an off-campus camping adventure, Hydaway can rent out all the camping equipment you need, including a hiking backpack, a camp cook set, and even a flashlight. Check out the website for a complete list of available items at a low cost.
Hydaway Lake
Another feature of Hydaway Outdoor Center is the beautiful Hydaway Lake. During the school year you can take part in a variety of lake-fun activities, including…
- swimming
- lounging on the beach
- going down the waterslide
- jumping off the floating dock (no diving!)
- kayaking
- canoeing
- paddleboarding
- fishing
Full time students, faculty, and staff with a valid Flames Pass can check out boats and fishing equipment from The Outfitter to be used on the premises at no cost. The equipment can also be rented to take off campus at a low cost.
Fishing
The Liberty community and general public can spend a relaxing day at Hydaway Lake fishing an array of fish species, including largemouth bass, pickerel, sunfish (like bluegill and crappie), and, in season, rainbow trout. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can check out poles and tackle boxes from the Outfitter.
For information about fishing rules and regulations, please visit the website.
Zipline
For all you thrill-seekers, take a ride on the Hydaway zipline! You’ll start by climbing up to the launching platform and securing your harness. From there, you’ll have two options: attach the line to your back and soar like a bird to the other side. Or, attach the line to your front so you’re in a sitting position as you zoom through the air. The line ends safely on grass, not in the water.
Programming
Students can go on a variety of trips throughout the school year as a part of Hydaway’s Outdoor Adventure program. Past trips have included white-water rafting, caving, spring break camping, and river tubing. Check out the website and stay tuned on social media for trip announcements and a calendar.
The Liberty Mountain Trail Series is also a part of Hydaway’s programming. The facility hosts several different types of themed races in both fall and spring, including 5Ks, 2-milers, and half marathons. Participants get specially designed t-shirts for race day and a chance to compete for prizes.
Challenge Course
Hydaway’s very own challenge course is a great way to test your limits and practice critical thinking skills. Trained staff will guide you and your team through different activities, encouraging you to think outside the box and work together in order to complete your challenge.
Activities will train balance, teamwork, self-trust, courage, and physical strength.
Groups of 8–12 people are ideal for our sessions. The challenge course staff will work with you to customize your experience and make sure that you get the most out of your time. Ideal sessions last around 2–4 hours. Visit the website to learn more about the different experience packages your team can choose.
Events
Hydaway also hosts a variety of outdoor events throughout the school year, including…
- Bonfire Nights
- Zipline Saturdays
- Wellness in the Wilderness
Stay updated on Facebook and Instagram for event announcements.
Facility Reservations
If you’re looking for a place to host an event, Hydaway has great outdoor and indoor spaces available to reserve.
- Hydaway Pavilion
- Multi-purpose room and Kitchen
- Bonfire Area
- Woods Pavilion
Visit the website for more information on seating capacity, available amenities for each facility, and how to reserve.
As you now know, Hydaway Outdoor Center has a lot to offer! If you’re craving time in the great outdoors, be sure to visit when school starts again to make the most of this blessing!