As Falvey’s Cat in the Stax, Rebecca writes articles covering a broad range of topics, from academics to hobbies to random events. All the while highlighting how Falvey Library can enhance your Villanova experience!

With the beautiful fall weather we’ve been having, now is the perfect time to put on a good pair of sneakers and traverse the beautiful landscapes Pennsylvania has to offer! Whether you want to take a short walk or have a day-long hike, getting outside and moving your body can help you de-stress while being physically active.

Hiking not your thing? No worries! Villanova’s campus is a great place to stroll and take in scenery! Simply set aside 10-20 minutes to take a walk around campus. Nothing beats cold, crisp air, no matter where you are.

If you are feeling adventurous, check out some of these parks and trails near campus:

Photo by Sam Nestory from Stoneleighgarden.org

Stoneleigh Loop

Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden is a 15 min. walk from campus. This public garden hosts a diversity of native plants to celebrate the beauty of nature. The Loop itself is less than one mile, a simple 20 minute walk through beautiful garden landscapes. The best part? Stoneleigh is free for public access! Visiting hours are 10am-5pm on Tuesday through Sunday, so check it out if you can!

Photo by Melissa Lynne from Alltrails.com

Ithan Valley Park 

A short 10 min. drive from Villanova, Ithan Valley Park has a trail slightly longer than one mile. This hike shouldn’t take more than 30 min. to walk. The trail features Ithan Creek, which runs the length of the park.

Photo By Sarah Dunn from Alltrails.com

Skunk Hollow Park

This park is also a quick 10 min. drive from campus. Located between Willows and Saw Mill Park, Skunk Hollow Park contains 93.7 acres of undeveloped land. With multiple trails for hiking, running, and walking, you can choose the path that suits you best.

Photo by Shashank Singhai from Alltrails.com

Radnor Trail

The Radnor Trail is a paved path perfect for biking, running, and walking. Running from Radnor-Chester Road to Sugartown Road, this 2.4 mi trail offers a scenic view of northwestern Philly. Radnor Trail also runs parallel to what used to be the Philadelphia & Western Railway Company track, which was in operation from 1907-1956. Signs along the trail mark old train stations and provide some history on the railroad. If you’re a history buff who enjoys the outdoors, this trail is for you!

Reminder:

In the spirit of spooky season, Falvey will be hosting two Halloween-themed events next week! On Sunday, Oct. 29, the Library will be having a Halloween Tent-or-Treat where we will be giving out snacks and other goodies. On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Falvey will host its annual DCDE Halloween Event: Tricks and Treats from the Vault. This event features items from the Library’s Distinctive Collections as well as some delicious Halloween treats.

Rebecca Amrick is a first year graduate student in the English Department and a Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.