Autumn means crisp air, colorful leaves, and the sun isn’t hiding behind clouds or too far away to be of any use! Falling in love with the weather this time of year is easy. Any excuse to get outside on a cool day helps us deal with the fact that in a few short months we will be forced inside for winter. One of my favorite things to do this time of year is run. During the heat of summer the DAC provides us with a comfy climate controlled location to work out. Running on the indoor track is convenient but this time of year I love to get outside and go for a run in the crisp fall air.
Whether it’s running or walking I have composed a list of my favorite paths to take from the comfort of campus at all sorts of distances. With the fall term starting we are always trying to balance a packed schedule with staying active. Getting outside and enjoying the weather is a great motivator! Grab a friend or two and go for a walk or jog without having to travel too far from campus to experience the beauty that comes with the changing season.
One of my personal favorites is a quick trip to the Philly Art Museum. From Mario the Dragon to the steps of the museum is just over a mile. From Mario the Dragon take 32nd Street all the way up to the Spring Garden Street Bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the sidewalk to the front stairs of the Art Museum where you will find other locals enjoying the fall weather with a little exercise. Once you’re there, feel free to run the stairs like Rocky and get a little stair workout while you’re at it. Then once you’ve had your fill, turn right around and take the same path back to Mario the Dragon. Round trip this path gives you about 2.2 miles of exercise, not including the run up the stairs!
If you’re looking for a little longer of a path there is a great 3 mile loop that will take you to and from campus with some exciting scenery along the way. Starting at Mario again, take 32nd Street up to the Spring Garden Bridge and continue on the path to the right, down to the river trail. Then just simply follow the river trail until you hit the park and the South Street Bridge. Cross the bridge to Penn’s campus and follow 33rd Street back up to Mario the Dragon! This loop stays nice and cool down by the river and passes the Art Museum, river, a park, and you even get a taste of Penn’s Campus.
If a city run is more your scene, try taking a trip to Rittenhouse Square on foot! With a round trip distance of just over two miles Rittenhouse is closer than you think. Just take Market Street to 21st Street and take a right. Once you hit Walnut Street hang a left and only a few short blocks away you will see Rittenhouse Park. The park has a nice little taste of fall with the changing leaves and constant outdoor festivals! Try to relax and enjoy everything Rittenhouse has to offer before you take your path back home.
Whether it’s a walk or a run, with a few friends or a solo party, it doesn’t matter, just get outside and get active! Sometimes we are all looking for a change of scenery from campus, and taking walking or running paths through the city is a great way to do so. Looking for even more fun fall paths to take? The DAC offers a packet of running and walking trails around campus from one mile to eight miles. Exercise is a great way to blow off steam and stay healthy, so why not get out there and enjoy everything this beautiful fall weather has to offer?