Chelsea DeCicco’s dogs Bosco and Devina hiking at Old Jail Lane (Chelsea DeCicco)
By Chelsea DeCicco
College is often described as “the best years of your life,” but for many students it comes with academic stress, financial strain and a decline in social connections. A 2021American College Health Association survey found that more than 48% of students reported moderate to severe psychological distress. The National Health Assessment has also documented declining social connections among students compared with previous generations.
One effective antidote to isolation is hiking with a dog. While counseling and medication are common solutions, research shows animal companionship and nature exposure can significantly reduce stress and loneliness. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology, an open-access academic journal, found that outdoor recreation paired with pets is a powerful combination for mental well-being.
The World Health Organization identifies three protective factors of mental health: physical activity, social connection and stress management. Exercise improves resilience and cognition, according to Harvard Medical School. Meanwhile, The American Psychology Association reports that animal companionship can reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. In their public health article “How the Outdoors Can Improve Your Mood,” Cleveland Clinic explains how time outdoors has been shown to lower cortisol, the stress hormone, while boosting serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and focus. For students burdened by exams or social pressures, a hike can provide a reset and sharpen concentration back on campus.
Hiking is budget-friendly, and bringing a dog adds benefits. For introverted students who avoid campus clubs, a dog reduces loneliness and provides companionship. Research from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute found that caring for a dog instills responsibility and encourages routines. Walking a dog creates built-in study breaks and structured mental resets. Dogs also foster mindfulness, helping students focus on the present rather than deadlines. Each hike becomes more than exercise — it’s self-care with a four-legged companion.
Local students can explore nearby trails such as Cape Cod Pathways and Old Jail Lane, accessible from Cape Cod Community College Parking Lots 3 and 7. The trails feature color-coded markers and kiosks, guiding hikers through glacial moraines and woodlands. Old Jail Lane can also be reached from its own lot at 354 Old Jail Lane and connects to more than 10 miles of footpaths
For students tethered to screens, dogs provide a healthy reason to unplug and establish structure. And really — what college student couldn’t use a digital detox?
