Staff Picks: The best nature spots at Pitt

We’ve all had those weeks when we can’t remember the last time we went outside our dorm other than to grab some food from the dining hall. Break that habit and plan a day out in the sunshine at one of Pitt’s best “nature” spots on campus. All are within walking distance, so there’s no excuse not to go check them out.

The Pete Lawn // Diana Velasquez, Culture Editor

Ah, the mysteries of upper campus. For many Pitt students there is little reason to go up there, unless it's for your bi-weekly trip to Chick-Fil-A at the Pete that may or may not be worth the 25-minute wait in line. Some people will say there’s no real reason to go up here — it’s disconnected, it’s distant. Well, it is a bit of a hike to upper campus, but for the serene atmosphere that the Pete’s big green lawn has, the hike is totally worth it.

The Pete lawn was my favorite spot to chill when I lived in Panther Hall my sophomore year. It’s just a short walk from the upper campus dorms if you’re planning on living there. It's a great place to sunbathe, read a book, do some homework or break out a soccer ball if you want to get active. It’s a giant lawn so a lot of people can fit on it without the space feeling cramped, unlike some of the spots on lower campus. So next time you make that venture up Cardiac Hill, make sure to take your tasty chicken sandwich and sweet tea and set up shop at one of the tables by the lawn, or sprawl out on the grass. Let the sound of the Presby helicopters wash over you and bask in the sunshine.

See Nature on page 52 The Cathedral lawn, one of Pitt’s best “nature” spots on campus.

Dalia Maeroff senior staff photographer