Research has shown that time spent outdoors provides significant benefits to one's mental health. Gain ideas, tips, tricks, and strategies to ensure you are comfortable getting outdoors during the COVID-19 Pandemic, brought to you by Campus Recreation's Outdoor Pursuits program. 

Resources

Field Notes from OP

• Kelsey and Jordan's second trip to Cuyahoga. Check out their trip report
• Kelsey and Jordan visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Check out their trip report
• Keep an eye out for more trip reports!

Trail Maps

• The Ridges Trail Map- Head out for some hiking right across the river from campus
• Strouds Run State Park Trail Map- The trails of our very own state park right here in Athens
• Sells City Park- Don't miss this hidden gem right off East State Street
• Lake Hope State Park- If you have a bit more time, take a quick drive over to see the old brick kilns that built Athens
• Burr Oak State Park- A short trip outside of Athens could lead you to this beautiful place

Tips, Tricks and Best Practices

• Remember to stay 6 feet apart. You can still practice social distance running, hiking or walking with friends!
• Stay local, traveling to other communities puts them at risk (sorry, no visiting your favorite climbing crag for a while)
• Smile and Say Hi. A smile is contagious, but not dangerous. Make your daily outing an opportunity to say hi and see other people. Just remember to keep 6 feet of distance between you and others.
• Join an online support group, encourage your friends, create challenges among your group
• Schedule it into your day, go outside NO MATTER WHAT
• Take advantage of your local parks (but remember that the facilities might be closed)
• Get creative! Always wanted to build a bouldering wall at home? Plant a garden? No better time than now

Interested in seeing what the OP team is up to? Check out our Strava club at: Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits