Outdoors
Interest Groups provide opportunities for employees to connect, share experiences, and engage in activities they are passionate about.
They serve as a platform for employees to come together and foster connections both within the workplace and the wider community. Most groups are independent initiatives and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Virginia Tech. Any Virginia Tech-affiliated groups are open to all employees. Additionally, some groups may have fees associated with membership.
- Weekend Hikers
- Established in 2022, Weekend Hikers is an informal gathering of community members who are interested in spending time outdoors in the Blacksburg, VA region. Hikes are scheduled for Saturday or Sunday morning, usually between 5 and 10 miles in length, and typically within a 1-hour drive of campus. Everyone hikes at their own pace and carpooling is available for many trails. We hike year-round with pre-planned hikes scheduled during the academic year and flexible destinations during the summer and winter months.
| Date | Day | Hike location | Estimated Distance | Difficulty | Notes |
| 8/23/2025 | Saturday | Pandapas | variable | Easy/Moderate | Choose your own hike: multiple trail system for variable distance/difficulty |
| 8/31/2025 | Sunday | Stiles Falls | 3 miles | Easy | |
| 9/7/2025 | Sunday | Cascades | 4 miles | Moderate | |
| 9/21/2025 | Sunday | Dragon's Tooth | 4.5 miles | Difficult | Includes some tactical hiking areas using hands, rock scrambles |
| 10/5/2025 | Sunday | McAfee Knob | 8 miles | Difficult | One of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail |
| 10/12/2025 | Sunday | Tinker Cliffs | 7.5 miles | Difficult | Dan's favorite hike |
| 10/19/2025 | Sunday | New River Gorge | variable | Moderate | (NEW part) +1.5 hours from Blacksburg |
| 10/26/2025 | Sunday | Peaks of Otter | 3 miles; 4.5 miles | Difficult | Sunrise hike on Sharp Top followed by optional Flat Top hike |
| 11/2/2025 | Sunday | Poor Mountain | 3.5 miles | Moderate | (NEW) |
| 11/8/2025 | Saturday | Bottom Creek Gorge | 5 miles | Moderate | Hidden gem |
| 11/15/2025 | Saturday | Hay Rock | 7.5 miles | Moderate | |
| 11/23/2025 | Sunday | War Branch Loop | 7 miles | Moderate | |
| 12/7/2025 | Sunday | Gateway Trail | 5 miles | Moderate | 3.5 miles up/down Brush Mt with optional hike along ridgeline to overlook |
- Paddleboarding and kayaking classes
- Through Christiansburg Rec Center.
- Roanoke Outside Foundation
- Interest groups include birding, astronomy, hiking, rock climbing, caving and more
- The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech
- Open to Blacksburg community members.