Take a Hike!
By: Charisse Thompson & Natasha Murray
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from campus without going too far, this walk may just be the perfect fit for you. Beginning right next to the Central Campus and the Canal Street Parking Lot you’ll see a bike trail sign for the “Salem Bike Path”.
You can either ride your bike, walk or jog down this picturesque pathway, depending on your preference. The walk itself can take you all the way into Marblehead, as it parallels Salem Harbor. It is a scenic, peaceful route to take if you want to clear your head before or after class. Also, if you don’t like walking or biking alone, ask a buddy, your roommate(s), or any group of friends to tag along with you to explore SSU’s Bike Path.
Although it’s close to our busy campus, once you’re on the path it’s very tranquil. It’s as if you are one with nature. You are able to take in all the beautiful scenery such as the changing leaves on the trees and the yellow, orange, brown, and red leaves on the pavement. Birds sing in the trees overhead and if you're especially lucky there are bunnies that will cross your path, ducks will swim by you in the harbor, and in the ponds turtles and croaking frogs. If you enjoy photography or like taking Instagram-worthy nature pictures, the Salem Bike Path may become your new photography hotspot.
As you begin, you will pass the Bertolon School of Business, University Police Station, Marsh and Atlantic Halls, and the baseball field, before the pathway crosses Lafayette Street. If you continue walking, the paved path ends where two hiking trails begin. In case you weren’t aware that there were hiking paths within walking distance of campus, now you know!
As the weather is getting colder, be sure to check out the bike path and the hiking trails before it gets too frosty! Spending some time away from the noise of campus and walking in nature is the perfect way to de-stress from classes, and life in general.