The Root Glen is one of my favorite things about Hamilton College. If you’ve never walked through, I urge you to check it out before it gets chilly enough for you to use the weather as an excuse not to – also, once it starts snowing, it gets muddy and icy for a while, so I wouldn’t actually recommend going in the winter.
One entrance to the Root Glen is near the Alumni Building on College Hill Road. There’s a gazebo nearby, perfect for taking pictures or just taking a break and enjoying your surroundings. There’s also a garden and lawn nearby, featuring beautiful flowers and other plants. Among the trees in this area stands one of the oldest in the U.S.! It’s a lovely place to explore, especially with visiting family members, but great with friends on campus as well, or just for a personal connection with nature. The lawn would be perfect for a picnic, though the ground does slope, or for lying back and cloud-watching.
The path through the Glen itself is just as enjoyable, if not more. Sloping walkways circle through, guiding you past many types of trees, plants, and animals, as well as over a stream. It’s always a peaceful walk, and it’s nice to experience nature. You’ll often cross paths with other people – students, faculty/staff, and community members alike – who are always friendly, and sometimes walking their dogs. Technical, the Glen only reaches so far, but there are a couple of paths leading out of it in case you want to extend your walk but don’t want to fight with brambles or get lost.
The Root Glen is perfect for meeting so many of your needs. Not sure how to kill time before dinner when family visits? Take them on a nature tour. In desperate need of exercise after an indulgent night out? Take a walk or jog in a much nicer environment than the fitness center, and get fresh air in your lungs. When stress from assignments and exams and other pressures starts to become too much, calm yourself down with a gentle stroll (or therapeutic run) in a quiet, pretty place. If you need a change of pace or natural inspiration for a writing assignment, turn to the interesting plants and creatures of the Glen.
Even if you don’t think of yourself as an outdoorsy person, give the Root Glen a chance. Traveling through it can be a great way to get a workout it, or you can take it easy and appreciate the relaxing atmosphere.