Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine has its readers vote on the question each year, and it’s the third year running that WCU has come in first, this year beating out 31 other schools. 

“WCU truly embraces its rural mountain environment and ability to access natural resources by emphasizing outdoor recreation as a part of our university culture,” said Shauna Sleight, director of Campus Recreation and Wellness.

From its multi-use trail system to Base Camp Cullowhee, an outdoor programming unit that works to get students outside, the university  encourages students to explore the outdoors. Its proximity to the plethora of public lands in Western North Carolina means that there’s plenty to explore. WCU even has a new “hammock hanging” lounge in store, where students can string their hammocks to study outside yet still have access to device charging and plug-ins.