Photo Courtesy: Claire Fisher/ The Bona Venture
Any day the weather is above 50 degrees during the school year, sophomores Natalie Merrill and Elizabeth Foley are most likely not far from the Allegheny River Valley Trail.
“I think the trail is such a unique thing to Bonaventure. It reminds us of the fact that our campus is in a beautiful spot,” Merrill said.
The 6.2-mile loop running alongside Allegany, Olean and the Allegheny River is warmly referred to as ‘the trail’ among many in the wider Bonaventure area.
“Everyone should go on the trail. You’ll see me there tomorrow,” Foley said.
Since its opening in the nineties, the trail has been widely used by many students, staff, faculty and community members, especially on New York’s warmer days.
“The trail is such an important part of Bonaventure’s culture,” Foley said. “It connects Bonaventure with the Allegany and Olean community.”
More than just the local community, it touches people who do not live close by.
“After talking about it so much with my parents, I finally got to take my dad on the trail when he came for parents weekend,” Foley added. “We made it a big deal.”
Along with this being a common touchpoint for students and locals alike, the trail offers a place of refuge for those on campus who may need to destress.
“I like to use the benches along the trail to sit and have some alone time to do some self reflection,” Merrill said. “It’s a great way to get energy out and disconnect for a little bit.”
Whether you are running, walking or biking, students noted that it’s a great way to connect with nature and clear their minds.
“The trail is a great place to get off campus for a while, especially if you do not have a car,” Foley said. “You come back and your mind is refreshed.”
Merrill, as a student ambassador, makes sure to point out this piece of history to potential Bonaventure students and their families.
“I’ve been on a couple student panels where they ask what our favorite part of campus is,” Merrill said. “My answer is always the trail.”
As the end of the school year approaches, more students spend their afternoons on the trail because of the increased sunlight.
“Every time I’m on the trail I feel blessed to go to such a beautiful school,” Merrill said.
