An on-campus loop can be an excellent, safe alternative to running the local trails. The Vassar campus conveniently measures almost exactly 2 miles around the perimeter making it great for short runs and even longer runs (run three Campus Loops for 6 miles). Below are detailed directions and an interactive map. The Campus Loop doesn't leave the walls of Vassar, so you shouldn't get lost!
Start in the northwest corner of Ballantine Field (near the storage shed), facing away from the TAs, with Walker Fieldhouse on your left. About 80 meters ahead you should see a yellow gate, which is your first target. Run past the yellow gate, and continue along the well-beaten ridge overlooking Sunset Lake. Just before you head into the woods, drop down Sunset Hill to your right. Pick up the path around the lake, and cross the bridge over the small dam there. After crossing the bridge, continue straight, veering off the path, and pick up the sidewalk leading up toward South Lot. Run up the paved hill, but don't enter South Lot. Instead, turn right on the well-lit path that drops down a hill and follows along the marsh. Run past Skinner Hall and veer off this path into the parking lot behind Olmstead Hall (next to the greenhouses). Run through this parking lot and up the hill behind the Chapel. Here, turn onto a walking path that leads in front of the Chapel. Follow the sidewalk that runs parallel to the glass corridor of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, and cross the main entrance drive near Main Gate. Then, run in front of the Library, and veer left toward Chicago Hall. Run all the way around Chicago Hall onto Joss Beach, and run straight for the Tennis Courts behind Josselyn House. Run around the Tennis courts on the well-lit path, and veer right onto the gravel path that parallels Collegeview Ave. Follow this gravel path past North Lot and behind ACDC. As the road bends right towards the Noyes House parking lot, veer left onto a trail. Follow this trail until it ends near Blodgett Hall. Follow the road downhill in front of Kenyon Hall, and turn right toward the TAs. Go up the hill next to the Golf Course Pro Shop, and run in front of Walker to finish at Ballantine Field. Repeat as desired.