Take a Hike—or Stroll!—on Stevenson’s Campus Trails

Stevenson University's trails are a great way to unplug, exercise, get your steps in, or just connect with the natural areas of campus. The mile-and-a-half long campus trail system consists of four trails-Blue, Orange, Purple, and Green-that wind through the woods and down into the watershed along the scenic Gwynns Falls to connect the North, South, and East campuses.

The trails were created by students, faculty, and staff working under the oversight of John Rosicky, Professor and Chair of Stevenson's Counseling and Human Services program.

"We created a network of walking trails to connect our campuses and provide access to the beautiful natural areas between them," Rosicky said. "The trails follow the scenic Gwynns Falls waterway and provide a peaceful and functional shortcut between the dorms, athletic fields, stadium, and the academic buildings on North campus."

"Whenever I've hit a roadblock in one of my classes or start really stressing out, I'll usually take a walk on the trails," said Evan LaPointe, a junior Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics major. "I look at all the nature and just sit and really think about the problems while in a nice, serene environment."

Beyond the recreational benefits, the trails also offer hands-on learning and research opportunities for students in the sciences. Past projects have focused on the lifecycle of trees and on life in the campus tree canopy.

"The trails are not only an escape, but they help further my academics as an environmental science major," said Abbie Peterson, a senior Environmental Science major.

Stevenson's trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk. To access a map of the trail system, simply scan the QR code on the trail signs located at any of the trailheads on campus.

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