It is now more important than ever to find ways to "decompress" and to learn ways of managing your stress. Everyone will have different techniques to accomplish this feat, but for those who enjoy the outdoors there are a number of options available. The foliage will soon be in full bloom and the temperatures in the perfect range for outdoor activities. It's time to put those books down for a while and enjoy the wonders of Western New England.
While Amherst students may be unfamiliar with the Mt. Holyoke Range State Park, we have all seen it. It encompasses the panoramic view of Mt. Norwottock seen from Memorial Hill and is host to over 30 miles of hiking, horseback riding and some of the best single-track mountain biking in Massachusetts. The 3,000-acre park includes the seven-mile ridge that spans Hadley and Belchertown. Hikers in the Park must negotiate steep reliefs but will be pleased by incredible vistas, including that of the Amherst College campus. Atop Mount Holyoke, one can see the entire length of Route 9 from Amherst College to the Connecticut River.
The Park's mountain biking trails range from beginner to technical and include many unmarked trails that can be viewed on a topography map with a difficulty rating legend from Hampshire College's Outdoor Club Web site (www.hampshire.edu/cms_html/Holyoke_Range.htm). E-mail gbiedron08@amherst.edu for more information on Saturday morning and mid-week group mountain bike rides.
The Park's visitor center is a 10-minute drive from campus: travel south on Route 116 for five miles and view their Web site for a map of marked trails and seasonal activities, www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/hksp.htm.
If you like water activities, rent a canoe and paddle on the Connecticut River or go whitewater rafting down the Deerfield River. For more information on canoeing the Connecticut River visit www.crjc.org/recreation.htm or www.rafting.com/deerfield-river-rafting.htm and www.zoaroutdoor.com/deerfielddriverrafting.htm for more information on whitewater rafting.
For more relaxing activities, you should consider apple picking, which is currently at the peak of its season. Two orchards, Atkins Farm and Buczala Farm, are less than five minutes from the College south on Route 116. Visit www.apples-ne.com/masspickyourown.html for more information on local orchards and the availability of specific apples.
Also, for an intellectual challenge visit Mike's Maze-a maze that cuts through corn stalks. If you'd like a little more thrill in your life, visit www.pioneervalleyballoons.com for information on local hot air balloon rides.
Are you a real daredevil? Go skydiving at the Northampton Airport (www.airborne-adventures.com/about/index.html). Information about local horse stables can be found at www.amherstarea.com/business/index.cfm/fa/showBusiness/CompanyID/1183.cfm.
Don't forget about the eight-and-a-half mile Norwottock Rail to Trail that was converted from the old Boston and Main Railroad. Located right behind the Amherst College tennis courts, it links Northampton, Hadley and Amherst.
It's time to get outside before the weather gets cold and to enjoy this incredible New England season. Get out there!