Breaking out of the bubble is difficult when there’s so much fun to be had on campus. Between Greek socials, ACE events (hello, BU After Dark!), sports games, arts events and much, much more, Bucknell isn’t an easy place to give up for a weekend. Yet if you’re feeling like you need a brief break from campus, try out these awesome outdoor options that are seriously the equivalent of a mini vacation. Even if you miss a Super Saturday, you’ll thank yourself later for the much needed-and much deserved!-break. While you disconnect from your iPhone for part of the day, you’ll end up connecting to the great outdoors and the wonderful nature of Central Pa. that surrounds us!
1. Buffalo Valley Rail Trail
LOCATION: From the Rt. 15 and Rt. 45 intersection, head west on Rt. 45, away from downtown Lewisburg. Go to 15th St and turn right/north. Look for parking lot entrance just before the rail trail crosswalk.
The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail is a walking path that follows the tracks of an old railroad line. These tracks have since been paved and now make for an awesome walking, biking or running path. The Rail Trail includes 9.2 miles of finished trail, trailheads, facilities, and parking areas, as well as interpretive signage along the route. As you follow the trail, beautiful trees, wild berry plants, shrubbery, and farmland surround you. Walking along the Rail Trail is a great way to catch up with friends or family members that are visiting you for the weekend…without being interrupted by texts or Tweets.
2. Bucknell Outdoor Education & Leadership
LOCATION: EVERYWHERE.
Bucknell’s Department of Outdoor Education & Leadership offers trips EACH WEEKEND to some beautiful, amazing places. Trips range from white water rafting; to horseback riding in Gettysburg, PA; to backpacking (for all levels of backpackers); to mountain biking and much, much more. Even if you aren’t the “outdoorsy” type, try a trip with friends or go by yourself to meet a new group of people! You’ll enjoy a healthy, fulfilling weekend and will love yourself for trying something new. The deadline for trip sign-ups is every Monday before the trip at 4:30 p.m. Sign up in the CAP Center in the ELC, or at the Outdoor Education & Leadership Basecamp in Tustin! For more information about trips, visit facebook.com/BucknellOutdoorEd.
3. Ricketts Glen State Park
LOCATION: 695 S.R. 487, Benton, PA 17814. Park Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Phone #: (570) 477-5675
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the largest public parks in Pennsylvania and boasts some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the state. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of the 22 named waterfalls in the park. Hike the Falls Trail with friends to explore (and Instagram about, of course) these beautiful waterfalls. At Ricketts Glen, you can also picnic, swim, boat, fish, camp and horseback ride! Who says there isn’t enough to do near Lewisburg?
4. R. B. Winter State Park
LOCATION: 17215 Buffalo Rd, Mifflinburg, PA 17844. Open year-round. Phone #: (570) 966-1455
At R. B. Winter State Park, life’s a beach! THAT’S RIGHT…A BEACH NEAR LEWISBURG!!! Who wouldda thought?! The main feature of this 695-acre park is Halfway Lake, which is filled by spring-fed mountain streams and contained by a hand-laid, native sandstone dam. Sand, water, some food and friends…sounds like the most perfect, relaxing day to me!
5. Mount Nittany
LOCATION: State College, PA (Near Penn State University)
Mount Nittany, arguably the most popular hiking spot in Centre County, Pa., is a landmark for Penn State University. It takes about 2 hours to hike the circle path to the top of the mountain and about 4-5 hours to see the whole thing. Plus, if you make the road trip out to Penn State to hike, you can also stop by Chipotle on your way home ;).
Even if you don’t think you’re cut out for a hike, walk, run or camping expedition, think again. Connecting to the outdoors is something everyone should try-at least once-and you may be surprised to find that you actually love it. Just because you may think it’s not for you now, give one of these options a try with some friends, and your opinion just might change. Plus, it’s something new and exciting to do while we’re still in college…who knows if you’ll ever live in Central Pa. again? Give it a try. Enjoy nature. Disconnect. Make memories. Get out there.