Ridge Run is a favorite of the Vassar cross country team. The route is short, but by no means easy, as much of it is uphill. Below are detailed directions and an interactive map. We suggest that you take notes and bring them with you to avoid getting lost - Ridge Run can be, at times, difficult to navigate.
From the corner of Ballantine Field near the storage shed, proceed straight briefly before following the road to the right down to Sunset Lake. After you cross the bridge, bear left on the gravel path, and run along the west side of the lake. Follow the gravel path as it bears right and over a wood bridge onto pavement. Follow this sidewalk up the hill to South Lot. Turn left to run on the sidewalk in front of Shipping & Receiving, and continue past the SoCos. Once into the Security Parking Lot, turn right and cross Hooker Avenue. Jog down Hooker Avenue to the Vassar Farm entrance, and head down the Farm Road. After passing through the yellow gate (which is typically open), turn right and follow the near sideline of the rugby field toward the woods. At the corner of the field, look ahead and see the trail entrance about 100 feet in front of you. Enter the trail there, and follow straight. This trail eventually ends at a stream crossing where it intersects with two other trails. Bear left onto a new trail that heads up a hill. Now you're on a clear cut trail with no confusing spots. This is the Ridge. Only one trail runs along the ridge, so just keep following it straight. The trail runs up and down several hills, running parallel to the Farm Road. After about a mile and a half, you'll finally come to a turn in the trail. This is a T-intersection at which you can go straight or turn left. The spot is marked by an old piece of foundation or a chimney with a rock on top that resembles a squirrel. This is cleverly known as the Squirrel Statue. Turn left at the Squirrel and follow the trail through a clearing. At the end of the clearing, you can go straight across a bridge, or left along a pond. Follow along the pond to the left. This trail will soon end at the Farm Road. Head straight on the Farm Road, up the hill, and follow it for about a mile back to Hooker Ave. Head back to campus and finish at Ballantine Field.
For an interactive map powered by Gmap-Pedometer and Google Maps, click here. (Map will open in new window)