Bumping Trap Music on the Appalachian Trail
(Photo Peter Zhang/The Gettysburgian)
By Peter Zhang, Staff Writer
What is the best way to step into the first day of September? One would say hiking. But even better, 16 Gettysburg students hiked with trap music to start off the month.
Hiking with Trap Music was a collaboration between Gettysburg Recreational Adventure Board (GRAB) and the Office of Multicultural Engagement (OME). The idea was simple: hike with trap music, enjoy the nature, and release stress that comes with the new school year.
After driving northeast of Gettysburg for 25 minutes, we arrived at Michaux State Forest, where the famous Appalachian Trail passes by. This location near campus is utilized well by students who enjoy day-hikes on weekends.
Despite the possibility of rain in the forecast, the sky surprisingly cleared up and the sun came out as everyone stepped onto the Appalacian Trail.
Shantanique Johnson, Assistant Director of OME, equipped with speaker and playlist of trap music at the back of the group, started bumping popular trap songs like “Congratulations,” “Bad and Boujee,”and “Rockstar.”
Dancing on the trail is not a common thing to do, but we felt right. We were dancing, hopping, and admiring the trees, snakes, and bridges.
With no signal, a phone was no longer a communication tool. It was just a camera to capture the beautiful trees and shadows. Without it, we communicated with each other: conversations about classes, future plans, hometowns, high schools, and social issues. Even the birds felt our liveness, singing along with the music.
After walking three miles, we stopped for lunch. Eating turkey sandwiches provided by the OME with a group of delightful people, time flew by quickly.
After the trip, students such as Zoe Marinacci ‘22 expressed to me that it was a wonderful experience and that they want to do it more often.
GRAB hosts day trips, including hiking, kayaking, and climbing every weekend. The GRAB office is located in the basement of Plank Hall, and students are able to rent any equipments and sign up for trips. The GRAB staff hopes to see more students on their next trip!
