Spring is finally on its way! After what feels like the longest winter known to man, warm weather is finally returning to the upstate. Now that the sun is shining, it’s time to start thinking about spending some time outdoors. Whether it’s playing soccer on Bowman, or going on a hike to Table Rock, there are endless ways to start absorbing some vitamin D.
The easiest way to get some time in the sun with your friends would be a quick game of pick-up football on Bowman. This provides a way for everyone to get together and enjoy some free time in the nice spring air between classes. You can make teams as small or big as you want and expand your field as far as you see fit on Bowman. Two-hand touch or tackle works just fine.
Not much of an active person? There’s still tons of things to do outside without having to get all hot and sweaty. Setting up an ENO in a tree on campus in between classes is a perfect way to relax outside without having to get physical. Listen to some music or bring a book and just enjoy the beautiful weather. If you’re not much for hammock set up, you can lay in the amphitheater during lunch. Bring some food, take off your shoes and lay around in the grass. Watching the fountains in the Reflection Pond is the perfect way to relax in the sun.
Start working on your tan and get some time on the water through kayak rentals. CORE offers free kayak rentals to Clemson students anytime during their office hours. There’s simply nothing like spending a morning on Lake Hartwell with your best buds when the sun is shining and the water feels incredible. Don’t want to be separated from your friends? You can even rent a canoe and hit the lake together. Bring a cooler and chill out on the
beach when you’re done! Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
By far the most scenic option to spend some time with nature this spring would have to be hiking at Table Rock. The Table Rock trail itself is rather challenging—a whole 6.3 miles of gorgeous scenery. It is located near Pickens County and features an amazing waterfall.
If you don’t feel up to the long hike, don’t worry! They also offer a smaller trail, the Carrick Creek Loop, which is only 1.8 miles and still incredibly beautiful. “Table Rock really lets you appreciate how beautiful South Carolina is,” said Emma Frank, a sophomore at Clemson who frequently visits the trail. “My friends and I have gone before and we had a great time!” So take a day, park your car and go explore nature in the sun. Bring water and comfortable shoes and get lost in the mountains—math can wait!
Whether it’s laying out in the amphitheater, setting up an ENO outside in a tree or taking on a hiking trail with your friends, there are countless opportunities to have fun in the sun this spring!
