"A walk in the woods is a delightful way to connect with God and with friends. But not all woods are created the same. Some are prettier than others, especially in the fall when every leaf is a flower. My favorite landscape scene involves a water body that is so still that one can see an undisturbed reflection of the surrounding trees and maybe even a mountain. The stillness of the moment soothes the soul, and I feel God saying: 'Be still and know that I am God.' (Psalm 46:11) As we approach the quiet of winter after a busy summer, may God bless us with a restful and reflective heart.
Last year, I had the blessing of catching the peak fall foliage at the Noanet Woodlands near Dover. A late afternoon stroll around a still pond with a good friend was a soul soothing experience. "
-Daniel Mascarenhas, S.J., M.Div. '26
"I discovered Middlesex Fells Reservation as a local and easily accessible hiking spot in Boston. I have hiked here several times with friends and especially love the fall foliage in the area. The trails are easy to follow and allow you to choose your own adventure, as many paths intersect throughout the reservation. If you have not been, take a friend and explore the trails and spend some time at the pond as well!"
-Aubree Barr, M.A./M.S.W. ‘26
"My favorite challenging hikes are in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, especially in the Presidential Range. Because the ridge is above the treeline, the views are superb. Different segments are possible, focusing on a single peak or a few ones. A wonderful recent discovery (for me) was the loop of Mt. Pierce and Mt. Eisenhower. The various shades of blue of the mountains on the horizon are breathtaking! A closer and beautiful alternative, if you are looking for a nice hike not far from Boston, are the Blue Hills, a great park with a variety of trails half an hour away from campus!"
-Rev. André Brouillette, S.J., Ph.D./STD, Associate Professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology