Norwich University Shaw Outdoor Center

04/28/2025

Check out our new website. This is where you can find any future announcements and details on what we offer.

The Shaw Outdoor Center at Norwich University provides access to outdoor adventure with trails, equipment rentals, and educational programs. Located at the base of Paine Mountain, it offers diverse activities and learning opportunities for students, staff, and faculty.

07/31/2024

The Paine Mountain Trail Race is this Saturday, August 3, sign-ups are still open. The route will use the Blue/Green, Yellow, Paine Mountain, Summit, Hawk Watch, Ridgeline, Orange, and Red Trails. Mountain bikers please be aware of runners on these trails from 5p-7p.

04/09/2024

Norwich University and Northfield trails are closed to biking until they dry out. If you are leaving a rut, the trail is too muddy.

04/09/2024

Hi all, As we enter our 3rd-ish mud season please be kind to the Norwich and Northfield trails. The Norwich University trails are open for foot traffic only. Bikers please stay off the trails until the trails dry out.

On the Northfield side, all trails are closed above Cheney Field.
"Please see the post from Vermont Emergency Management. This includes trails on Paine Mountain above Cheney Field until they dry out." Northfield Conservation Committee

11/10/2023

Adventurer and extreme skier, Craig "Chunk" Bernard, will share his adventures at the Northfield Methodist Church tomorrow. Come check out his slideshow in person or online!

10/11/2023

NU Mountain Events for the week of 10/9. The Navy ROTC, Air Force ROTC, and Army ROTC will be holding Field Exercises 10/13 to 10/15. The NROTC will be on NU property throughout the weekend and camping on Cheney Field the night of 10/13. Army ROTC will also be on NU property including the Quarry and marching up to Dole Hill Rd. on 10/14. Air Force ROTC will be in the Quarry and surrounding NU property on Sunday 10/15.

09/15/2023

NU Mountain Events Week of 9/18 and 9/25
We have two upcoming running events on the mountain, The Paine Moutain Trail Race https://alumni.norwich.edu/painemountaintrailrace and the Painemeister 100 Ultra race https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=105280

On 9/22 at 1500 the following trails will be closed for the Paine Mountain Trail Race Yellow, Red, Orange, and Green until 2000.

Starting 9/29 at 1600 through 10/1 the Red Trail and the lift line from the Red Trail to the anchor will be closed for the Painemeister 100 Ultra Race

Register Now!

09/05/2023

NU Mountain Events Update: Week of 9/4.
9.10 Sempre Fi Sociey's Levy Challenge 0630 to 1900. There will be activities and runners from the Shaw Outdoor Center to the Anchor following the Red Trail. Please hike with caution. Bikers please use alternate trails.

09/05/2023

08/30/2023

Welcome Back Everyone!
The SOC will open for rentals starting Friday, September 1st with new hours.

Monday- Friday 1300 to Sunset
Saturday and Sunday 1100 to Sunset

We will be closed for Labor Day

08/28/2023

Congrats to Andrew Padilla who has been appointed to be the new manager of the Shaw Outdoor Center!