Now that the snow has melted and the weather is somewhat warm again, it’s time to get in some quality running before the snow comes back. The bike path is still beautifully decked out in fall foliage, and the crisp November temperatures are perfect for running! Whether you’ve never run in your life, or you’re a half-marathon veteran, you can find a run for you here:
Left On the Bike Path: If you head behind the tennis courts to the bike path and take a left, the trail continues on for 2 miles. Past fields and across bridges, this 4 mile out-and-back run is very scenic, and great for intermediate runners. If you’re looking for some variety, take the path off to the left once you’ve run about a half a mile on the bike path. It will lead you to a loop through an open field, which will land you back on the bike path. Not feeling up for four miles? If you take this short loop and then head back towards the tennis courts, your run will be about 2 miles total.
Right On the Bike Path: If you turn right on the bike path, the trail continues for about 7 miles and eventually lands you in Northampton. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can run all the way to Herrel’s, grab an ice cream sundae, and then catch the PVTA back to campus. But of course, no one says you have to run all the way to the end of the path! That’s the great thing about the bike path. You can make your run as long or as short as you want. On your run, you’ll go under a bridge, through a tunnel, and past a golf course. The varied scenery is one of the great perks of this run.
Atkins Farm: Running is so much more fun if you get a reward at the end! Atkins Farm is only four miles off campus, and PVTA stops right there, so you can catch the bus back. Head South West past the gym, and continue running straight on the road. Once you pass Hampshire, you know you’re almost there. When you get to Atkins, treat yourself to an Apple Cider milkshake and stock up on fresh fruit! Atkins is the perfect destination for a fall run.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Amherst chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.