TOUCH THE EARTH
Touch the Earth, Recreational Services' outdoor recreation program, offers a wide variety of experiences designed for all skill levels and led by a team of experienced volunteer trip leaders and facilitators. Trips include equipment, transportation, leadership and logistical planning are provided. All overnight trips include meals while in the field. Unless stated, no prior experience is required.
Touch the Earth also offers a 40-foot climbing wall for drop-in use, equipment rental to help support personal adventures and a high ropes course for all your team-building needs.
Cost categories are as follows: Current students / Recreation members
Trips
*This trip will require a $15 rental of TTE caving gear to join.
**Limited spaces by gender due to lodging style
Clinics & Special Programs
**Transportation is included from the SRC to venue
Trip Leader Training & Leadership Development
*Free for those interested in becoming hired to work at the ICRA Challenge Course Program
**Transportation Included
General Information
Policies
To review the policies for Touch The Earth trips, please click here.
Registration
These programs are open to Georgia State students, faculty, staff and degree-holding alumni who purchase a Recreation membership. A moderate level of fitness will allow for a more enjoyable experience.
Register in Touch the Earth's outdoor equipment rental center or online. The entrance is on the lower level through the outside entrance behind the Student Recreation Center. For trips, you must register by the Tuesday before the trip. For clinics and special events, you must register the day before. Pay with cash, check, credit card or PantherCash. Trips fill early. A liability waiver will be signed at the time of registration.
Unless otherwise noted, trips are designed to include gear, instruction, transportation and permits. Food will be supplied for overnight trips only.
Pre-Trip Meetings
All overnight trips have a mandatory pre-trip meeting. The meeting is on Tuesday prior to the departure date, from 12 - 12:30 p.m. virtually. Participants that fail to attend the meeting or make prior alternate arrangements will be subject to being replaced on the trip without a refund.
Refunds
Individuals will receive a full refund if they cancel more than 10 days before the trip date. Individuals may receive a full refund if the coordinator cancels a trip. No refunds will be provided for cancellations made less than 10 dates prior to the trip date or for no-shows.
No refunds will be given for deposits on break trips. Money paid toward the trip balance is not refundable after the date of the pre-trip meeting. Payment deadlines must be met or trip spot and all payments will be forfeited.
Volunteer Trip Leaders
All TTE trips are led by volunteer staff that are trained to lead various style sports and often receive special certifications. If interested in becoming a Trip Leader, please email [email protected].
Hours of Operation
August 26 - December 9:
Monday - Friday: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Equipment must be picked up and returned during the above hours.
Closures and Special Rental Deals
September 2 (Free Day)
November 25-29 (40% discount)
Parking for Loading and Unloading
A voucher will be provided by the parking attendant upon arrival and validated by a TTE Staff member to exit the parking lot. Parking is valid for 20 minutes. Park in the space marked Touch the Earth. No parking on the sidewalk.
Call 404-413-1772 for assistance.
Rental Policies
- Rental equipment is limited to fee-paying students, Recreation members and non-member faculty/staff
- Reservations can be made up to five days in advance. Bikes are the only exception. Payment will be due upon pick up.
- All rentals are priced on a per night charge; no modifications to this rate will be made.
- A $1 per item per day late fee is charged in addition to the daily rental fee. Exception: Bikes are charged $20 per day.
- Upon return, all tents will receive a full inspection. Pending the number of returns, the inspection could take place within a week of return.
- For equipment that needs to be repaired or cleaned, you will be charged $15/hour, up to the original cost of the equipment. Fees associated with these costs will be assessed within a week of equipment return.
- Failure to pay late fees or damages may result in a hold on your account or suspended rental privileges.
Items & Pricing
Cost categories: Students, Recreation members, non-member faculty/staff
Item | Price per Night |
Limit per Person |
Bike Rental | ||
Commuter style bike**** | $2, $3, $5 | 1 |
Bike rack | $2, $3, $5 | 1 |
Bike U-lock | $1, $1.50, $2 | 1 |
Backpacking & Camping | ||
Backpack (65 liter) | $3, $4, $6 | 4 |
Backpack stove* | $3, $4, $5 | 3 |
Backpacker camp chair | $2, $3, $4 | 4 |
Bear Canister | $1, $2, $3 | 2 |
2-burner stove* | $4, $6, $7 | 4 |
Battery lantern | $3, $4, $5 | 2 |
Cooler | $3, $4, $5 | 2 |
Cook kit (backpack or family) | $2, $3, $5 | 3 |
Camping Hammock (rainfly and bug net) | $6, $7, $8 | 2 |
Hammock: Single Person | $2, $3, $4 | 2 |
Day Pack (30 liter) | $1.50, $2, $2.50 | 4 |
Dromedary (5-10) liter | $.50, $.75, $1 | 4 |
Hammock: single person | $2, $3, $4 | 2 |
Hammock: double person | $3, $4, $5 | 2 |
Quickdry towel | $1, $2, $3 | 2 |
Tarp (10' x 10' or larger) | $2, $3, $4 | 3 |
Tent (3-4 person)*** | $4, $5, $10 | 2 |
Tent (1-2 person)*** | $3, $4, $8 | 2 |
Tent (6 person)*** | $5, $6, $12 | 2 |
Sleeping bag | $4, $5, $7 | 5 |
Sleeping bag fleece liner | $.50, $.75, $1 | 5 |
Sleeping pad | $2, $3, $4 | 5 |
Boating***** | ||
Canoe: flatwater | $10, $12, $20 | 2 |
Canoe: whitewater* | $20, $25, $30 | 1 |
Car kit | $2, $3, $5 | 4 |
Dry bag (20 Liter) | $2, $3, $4 | 2 |
Dry bag (60 Liter backpack) | $4, $6, $8 | 2 |
Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard | $10, $12, $20 | 2 |
Kayak: recreational (sit on top or sit in) | $12, $15, $20 | 2 |
Kayak: tandem recreational | $15, $18, $30 | 1 |
Kayak: whitewater* | $12, $15, $20 | 1 |
PFD | $1, $.1.50, $2 | 6 |
Splash jacket | $2, $3, $5 | 4 |
Wetsuit - Farmer John/Jane | $4, $5, $6 | 4 |
Bouldering | ||
Crash pad | $5, $7, $10 | 2 |
Rentable Park Pass | ||
Georgia State Parks Pass | $1, $1.50, $2 | 1 |
Sandrock Climbing Pass | $1, $1.50, $2 | 1 |
National Park Pass | $1, $1.50, $2 | 1 |
*Requires completion of TTE clinic/school & permission of the Assist Director of Outdoors.
**Customer will receive a stove with the equivalent of one full canister of fuel.
***A maximum of two tents per customer can be rented at one time regardless of tent size.
****See Bike Services tab for more information.
*****All watercraft rentals come with paddles and PFDs.
The Challenge Program offers people innovative ways to improve their abilities when working with others. This learn-by-doing approach focuses on creative problem solving and effective communication. Join us for a day of fun experiences that will activate inner resources, increase trust and enhance group cohesion. Each program is tailored to meet the needs of the group. The team of facilitators has experience with clubs, office units, social organizations and corporate groups. Eligible users are limited to Georgia State registered student organizations and departments.
Where is the program facilitated?
The lodge and outdoor ropes course are located in the Indian Creek Recreation Area off South Indian Creek Drive. Team building sessions can also be conducted on any of the Georgia State campuses.
Guidelines
- Submit a request by clicking "Request Challenge Program"
- Request date at least three weeks in advance
- Make final payment at least 10 days in advance to avoid cancellation
- Confirm all details no later than two weeks in advance
- A minimum of a 10-person charge is required and the maximum is 80.
- For the high ropes course, the weight limit is 250 pounds.
Ropes Course
The ropes course consists of group initiatives and high and low team-building elements. The high ropes course is over 130 feet long and has two levels topping out 38 feet above the ground. As participants progress through the course, they are challenged by completing up to six elements that they confront with a variety of facilitator-directed challenges. Exiting the course consists of five different methods to swing, leap, tumble or zip line. The three zip lines off the course total nearly 1,000 feet long and also introduce to the course a large mid-zip platform 50 feet high in a giant sweetgum tree overlooking Snapfinger Creek.
The low ropes course consists of 13 individual elements located throughout the property and serves as a great way for groups to come together and target developmental skills and collaboration. The challenges call upon every member of the group to participate and offer endless opportunities for self-discovery.
Pricing
Effective Aug. 1, 2023
- Registered Student Organizations
- 2-hour event: $10/person - (max capacity: 80)
- Half-day (low elements only) event: $17/person - (max capacity: 80)
- Half-day (high elements only) event: $29/person - (max capacity: 30)
- Full-day (high elements only) event: $35/person - (max capacity: 30)
- Full-day (highs and lows) event: $38/person - (max capacity: 60)
- Departments
- 2-hour event: $15/person - (max capacity: 80)
- Half-day (low elements only) event: $20/person - (max capacity: 80)
- Half-day (high elements only) event: $35/person - (max capacity: 30)
- Full-day (high elements only) event: $35/person - (max capacity: 30)
- Full-day event: $40/person - (max capacity: 60)
If bringing in food/catering during our programming, additional fees may be assessed based on the potential impact on the staff.
Special Programs
We now offer special Rappel the Rec programming at the Student Recreation Center! Teams can rappel off the side of the SRC from 1-3 stories in height. Available for groups 30 and under, available in 2-5 hour programs. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Hours of Operation
August 26-December 9:
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: Closed
December 10-December 17:
Monday-Friday: 12-5 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: Closed
Closures:
September 2
November 25-29
Patrons may climb for free during the posted hours. Climbing shoes may be checked out at the Equipment Issue Desk adjacent to the Climbing Wall.
Policies
- The Climbing Wall is available for use by patrons with a valid PantherCard or Guest Pass for the Student Recreation Center, and must be presented prior to each use to a Climbing Wall Attendant. A belay device and harness may be obtained this time. Shoes may be obtained at the Equipment Issue Desk.
- The Climbing Wall Attendants have authority and responsibility to enforce all Climbing Wall procedures. Any violation of procedures by the patrons may result in suspension of climbing privileges.
- Activities are allowed during designated hours only when staff are present.
- Interfering with the duties or safety of the belayer, climber, staff of others will not be allowed. Indirect observers of participants must remain behind the rubber flooring areas.
- Appropriate climbing shoes and clothing must be worn at all times while using the Wall. Only climbing shoes or athletic shoes are allowed, no hiking boots, sandals or bare feet.
- Loose chalk is not allowed within the Bouldering Cave or Climbing Wall. Climbers may use chalk balls or liquid chalk.
- Climbers should not make contact with the suspended lights, windows, or window sills.
- Vertical climbers are required to use Climbing Wall ropes, carabiners, and belay devices. Participants may use the following personal safety equipment providing it is UIAA and staff approved: harness, shoes, helmets and chalk bags.
- Climbers and belayers must use the supplied equipment and their own equipment in a manner consistent with all rules, regulations, and certification criteria. If you choose to climb using your personal harness you assume the risk of injury. Please report to the staff any equipment that is being abused (stepped on or dropped). You could be using it next time.
- All personal possessions such clothes, bags, and jewelry: watches, rings, loose hanging necklaces and earrings. Should be removed when climbing or belaying. If wearing a hoodie, the hood must be tucked inside the shirt reduce chocking risk. Possessions should be stored by the provided bench or outside cubbies. The Climbing Wall is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Belayers must be approved by the Climbing Wall Attendant before checking out belay device and must belay by Georgia State standards. If the climber has not been approved to belay a Climbing Wall Attendant must perform second check each time the climber leaves the ground.
- Absolutely NO VERTICAL CLIMBING ABOVE THE DESIGNATED HEIGHT ALLOWED UNLESS BELAYED BY CERTIFIED BELAYER. You must be accompanied by a certified belayer and actually be on belay while climbing. No climber is allowed to climb directly below any other climber, only one climber per vertical section. Vertical climbers have priority over boulderers.
- Correct climbing commands must be used by both the climber and belayer.
- Climbers are NOT allowed to hang on the top of the Climbing Wall or attempt to top out on the wall.
- Any damage holds must be immediately brought to the attention of the Wall Attendants. Only the Wall Attendants have the authority to move, remove or alter any hand or foot holds on the Climbing Wall.
- Children between ages 8-15 may use the Climbing Wall only when accompanied by their parent or guardian. Climbers must be at least 16 years old to be considered as belayers for other climbers.
- No food or drink (other than water) is allowed in the Climbing Wall.
- Participants are responsible for abiding by specific Climbing Wall activity procedures and attending the necessary clinic and orientations before climbing.
- Questions and concerns regarding specific Climbing Wall procedures, clinics and sign-up procedures can be answered by Hailey Hester, Assistant Director, Outdoor Recreation, at [email protected] or 404-413-1773.
Any infractions of these procedure will result in the suspension of Georgia State Climbing Wall privileges.
Please direct any questions to the Georgia State Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation.
Belay Certification Clinics
Includes belay skills, policies and procedures and a written and practical test. Certification is valid for one year. View the clinic schedule and register online.
Cost: $4, $6
For certification renewal, you can demonstrate practical skills to the on-duty climbing supervisor at no cost. Experienced climbers may take the written and practical tests without the clinic. Certification is valid for one year. By appointment only.
Lead Climbing
Experienced climbers may lead climb routes during normal hours. You must follow the designated lead route. Ask about a Lead Climbing Certification Clinic to certify or challenge out. You must prove significant belay experience before taking the Lead Climbing Clinic.
Cost: $8, $10
ADA Climbing
Adaptive climbing harnesses are available upon request. Please ask a Climbing Wall Staff member for assistance.
Minor Climbers
Children ages eight to 18 may use the climbing wall when accompanied by their parent/guardian. Any climber 14 years or older may qualify to become a belayer after the appropriate lessons/examination. Children under 14 are designated as "Climber Only" and cannot belay other patrons.
At the TTE Rental center, we offer commuter-style bike rentals. We also offer tube sales and referrals to local bike shops for bike repairs you may need. Check out Panther Bikes!
Commuter Style Bike Rental (per day)
$2: Students
$3: Rec members
$5: Non-members
Rental period up to three consecutive days maximum. Helmet, lock and lights provided. Late fee $10/day. Can't be reserved in advance.
Tube sale
$7
General Questions
Email
[email protected]
Phone
404-413-1750 - Atlanta campus
678-891-2728 - Perimeter campuses
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Locations
Atlanta
Student Recreation Center
101 Piedmont Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Clarkston
Building CG
555 N Indian Creek Dr
Clarkston, GA 30021
Decatur
Building SC
3251 Panthersville Rd
Decatur, GA 30034
Dunwoody
Building NF
2101 Womack Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Indian Creek Recreation Area
900 S. Indian Creek Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Newton
3N - Field House
239 Cedar Ln
Covington, GA 30014
Panthersville
2401 Wildcat Rd.
Decatur, GA 30034