Midterm exams are approaching, the to-do list is growing, and your brain is working overtime.
Step outside. That cool breeze across your skin, that warm sunshine, the clouds in the sky, those crunching acorns underfoot – they all help you feel good. Time in nature has real, well-documented benefits for college students. Even brief periods outdoors can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve mood and cognitive function
- Boost your immune system
- Improve sleep quality
Take a short walk between classes or set up a study session outside. When you have time for something longer, Chapel Hill and the surrounding area are worth exploring.
Start Close to Campus: Walk or run to these
There’s more nature on and around campus than most students realize.
- Coker Arboretum: Right in the heart of campus. A quiet, beautiful spot for a walk, a study break, or just a few minutes outside between classes.
- Battle Park: Located on the east side of campus, just downhill from Coker Arboretum. Hiking and trail running options are available, and the park connects to the community beyond. You might also notice the longstanding connection between nature and the arts at UNC. Download a trail map before you go.
- Outdoor Education Center: Located just off country club road, enjoy this 67 acre facility including a network of multi-use nature trails and an 18-hole disc golf course.
A Little Further Out: You could bike to get to these
- Mason Farm Biological Reserve: Hiking, trail running, and bird watching, just 2 miles from campus. Located southeast of the Botanical Gardens, easy to pair with a visit there too.
- Bolin Creek, Seawell School, and Carolina North: Mountain biking, hiking, and trail running about 15 minutes away in Carrboro and Chapel Hill.
Day Trip Options: You’ll need a vehicle to reach these
When you need a real reset, these spots are close enough for a day trip and offer a wide range of activities:
- Duke Forest: Hiking, trail running, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking, about 20 minutes away (and don’t let the name deter you. The sky is still Carolina blue there!).
- Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area: The highest point in Orange County, with 190 acres and nearly 3 miles of trails. Hiking, trail running, fishing, camping, and picnicking available, about 25 minutes away. Free to visit.
- William B. Umstead State Park: One of the most versatile options on this list. Boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, trail running, camping, cycling, and picnicking, about 25 minutes away. Shelters, campsites, canoes, and kayaks available to reserve for a reasonable fee.
- Eno River State Park: Hiking, trail running, camping, fishing, and canoeing, about 30 minutes away. A great place to rock hop up the river on a good day
- Haw River: Fishing, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, and paddling, about 30 minutes away. Bonus: visit the Haw River Ballroom after a day outside for some live music.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Campus Recreation has you covered. Through Carolina Adventures Expeditions, you can have a fully guided and geared experience outdoors. Or you can borrow gear and talk about routes for outdoor adventures. They offer kayaking, rock climbing, outdoor yoga, nature walks, and more throughout the semester. Check their expedition calendar to see what’s coming up.
Sometimes a deadline feels a lot more manageable after an hour outside. Carolina is a great place to connect with nature and learn. Enjoy the sweater weather with some time outside this week.