Just a short walk from the Wise Campus Center, the SFC John Shaw Outdoor Center (SOC) connects students to the natural landscape that surrounds Norwich. Located at the base of Paine Mountain, this outdoor hub offers access to more than 1,000 acres of forest and an extensive network of multi-use trails.
Students can take advantage of year-round outdoor recreation, including mountain biking, hiking, trail running, backcountry skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, orienteering, and disc golf. The center also loans high-quality outdoor gear, making it easy for anyone—regardless of experience—to get outside and explore.
History: Opened in 2012, the Shaw Outdoor Center was developed on the site of a former ski hill. It honors SFC John Shaw and reflects Norwich’s commitment to leadership development through outdoor experience, resilience, and adventure.
Highlights:
- Access to 1,000+ acres of forest and trails
- Equipment rentals for outdoor recreation
- Year-round activities and programming
- Direct connection to Northfield trail system
- Located at the base of Paine Mountain