A Mile in the Woods: The Quiet Joy of Local Trails
I still want to see the world, but I hope this is a reminder that hiking doesn't have to be a grand adventure every time. It can be a mile in your local forest, appreciating the sounds, scents, and sights of the wildlife in your area.
A Mile in the Woods: The Quiet Joy of Local Trails
By Karen R.
I have always loved being outside, and my preferred way of seeing the world was always through skiing. I love being high up and taking in the world around me. I started hiking around 2013-2014 when skiing became less accessible to me. I live in Pennsylvania and it always felt like hiking had to be done somewhere else - like our mountains aren't big or grand enough, our forests are boring, etc. I spent years making trips to Maine, Colorado, Utah, and Tennessee in search of "good" hiking.
As I've gotten older, I've learned that beauty is everywhere, even right in my backyard. A day trip to our local hawk sanctuary gives me the same feeling of awe and appreciation of our world as a trip across the country.
While hiking started out as a way for me to see more of the world, it now serves its purpose for me in teaching me to appreciate the nature around me. Instead of feeling like my state isn't "good enough" to be worthy of hikes, I want to learn more about how to protect our native flora and fauna.
I still want to see the world, but I hope this is a reminder that hiking doesn't have to be a grand adventure every time. It can be a mile in your local forest, appreciating the sounds, scents, and sights of the wildlife in your area.
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