Oftentimes when I am leading a campus tour as a tour guide, I like to point out some of my favourite outdoor spots on campus. I find the natural beauty one of the many highlights of Swarthmore. I personally think campus looks most beautiful during fall with all of the fall foliage. But below is a quick ranking of some of my favorite nature spots on campus!
Cherry Border
This field is located on the edge of campus near the arboretum office. Essentially, it is a field full of cherry blossom trees. Although it is a nice spot to relax during the warmer months, it is most beautiful during April when the cherry blossoms bloom. The pinks and whites add a different color palette in contrast to much of the greenery on campus, adding a unique place to walk through, study, and relax next to. One nice tradition we have is our Cherry Blossom Festival. Held during April, many of the affinity groups have face painting, present dances, singing, and food!
Cherry Border
The Fragrance Garden
This courtyard is not that large, but nonetheless is an ideal study and relaxing place on campus. Students study outside here, relax, have picnics, or even sunbathe. Since I’m living this summer on campus, I’ve come here on numerous occasions to sit on one of the benches to read. Overall, the courtyard is located in a beautiful area– next to the bell tower and the Intercenter. The Intercenter is our center dedicated to all things intercultural, interfaith, and international for students.
The Fragrance Garden and Bell Tower
Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
This amphitheater is an iconic spot and a symbol of Swarthmore. It is used for all of the same reasons as the other spots listed above. However, with the many trees in the amphitheater, students can set up hammocks between the trees. In addition, there are free events that are hosted by the Scott Arboretum here! For example, earlier this summer, they hosted a free yoga class open to the public! After snowstorms during the winter, I came here often to make snow angels! I also spent many nights during the year watching the sunset. I personally find it to be a nice spot to unwind after a stressful day.
The amphitheater after a snowstorm
Rose Garden
The rose garden is a garden full of roses and other plants too. I love to walk through here during the summer months or even on my way to class. There are also benches scattered around the garden if you want to sit. At the end of your senior year, all seniors receive a rose from the Rose Garden to put on their gown for commencement.
Crum Woods
The Crum Woods consists of more than two hundred acres of land that runs along the Crum Creek. As such, this is a great perk of Swarthmore for anyone who enjoys hiking or nature in general. The trails generally easy to walk along for a hiker of any skill level. In addition, the woods contain Crumhedge– a circular arrangement of boulders inspired by Stonehenge. In the middle of the arrangement, there is also a fire pit that students and groups use for bonfires and to make s’mores! Below is a picture I took when I walked on one of the trails in the Crum Woods with my friends. We came across some geese in the Crum Creek.
Some geese in the Crum Creek
