Shaw Outdoor Center

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.

A man smiles at the camera while hiking on a green forested trail, holding a trekking pole and wearing a light-colored T-shirt and cap.

Just a short walk from the Wise Campus Center, the Shaw Outdoor Center (SOC) is your gateway to outdoor adventure. Explore over 1,000 acres of forest with miles of multi-use trails connected to the Town of Northfield trail system. Enjoy activities like mountain biking, hiking, trail running, backcountry skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, orienteering, and disc golf.

Announcements & Trail Conditions

Landslide Repair Work Complete and Skills Trail Rebuilding to Start

Contractors have completed the landslide repair work behind the Shaw Outdoor Center. The rebuilding of the mountain bike skills trail will begin this summer thanks to a VOREC grant. Please stay off the repaired slope and off the newly seeded grass area. The skills trail entrance is closed until work is complete.

Fire Danger

Please be aware that Vermont is under a high fire danger warning, and there should be no fire in the Norwich University Forest until the danger is reduced. Fires are never allowed in the Town of Northfield Forest, including Cheney (Freshman) Field. We appreciate your cooperation.

Norwich and Northfield Trails are Open

All trails in the Norwich and Northfield Town Forest are open. There is some muddy areas still around, please walk/ride through them and not around them. For Norwich University and the Town of Northfield trail status updates, check out Shaw Outdoor Center and the Northfield Town Forest webpages.

Disc Golf Course

We are preparing to complete the mapping of the Norwich Disc Golf Course by the beginning of May. Please check out our UDisc course listing for updates. Tee boxes are temporarily marked with pin flags, and temporary directional signs will be installed this summer. As we gather funding, permanent tee boxes and signage will be installed.

Construction on Cheney Field

The Northfield Water Tank replacement project on Cheney Field will continue in the Spring of 2026. The contractors will return to the Quarry area in the Spring to complete the water tank project. Before their completion, the Quarry and Cheney fields will be restored. To access Paine Mountain, please use the Green Trail by the Shaw Outdoor Center to get to the Quarry and use the old road to access the top of Cheney to Paine.

Outdoor Adventures on Paine Mountain

Maps and Trail Policies

The Shaw Outdoor Center provides access to miles of scenic trails in the Northfield Town Forest and Norwich University property. Our trail maps and policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

View trail maps, use policies & etiquette

Trips, Clinics, and Events

Challenge yourself and your team with outdoor trips, sharpen your skills in hands-on clinics, and earn certifications in first aid, climbing, and more. From mountain biking and kayaking to ice climbing and hiking, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Take an outdoor trip

Outdoor Equipment Rentals

Norwich students, staff, and faculty can rent high-quality outdoor equipment and clothing for their next adventure. Visit our rental shop during open hours, and our staff will help you find the right gear for your outdoor activities.

Rent equipment and gear