Even with all of the people passing me, this part of the hike was gorgeous. Dense trees from the top of the hill down to the bottom of the ravine. I had entered a forest with all of the layers of nature that I love. As I admired the rocky ledge and hollowed out tree trunks and all of the surrounding shades of green, I turned the corner and was greeted by a spectacular waterfall.

The trail was stunning and ever-changing. I walked along packed dirt, kicked up loose sand, weaved around puddles of water, tripped on rocky terrain, crossed streams while balancing on wobbly rocks, and climbed on basalt rock formations as the water cascaded between the massive boulders.

Even though so many signs of city life were surrounding me, with the canopy of the trees above and birds flitting from branch to branch, and the sound of the shallow creek cascading over the rocky bottom, I felt like I was walking in a forest.

It was the middle of winter, a blanket of clouds hovered above the trees, it was cold enough to see my breath, precipitation fluctuated between a heavy mist and a light sprinkle, the ground was muddy in some areas, and the trees were covered in bright green moss. It’s like a party is happening on those bare branches.

I opened my eyes and was surrounded by deep red shades of mahogany and rust, browns resembling milk chocolate and cinnamon, and hints of black brushed in long upward strokes along the trunks.

Humans may have built the road, but it is very clear that the forest owns this space and the humans are only visiting.

May this be the year you look back upon and realize you have lived an entire lifetime within it... ~ Brianna Wiest

"I had not been on a trail in over a month and when I passed the threshold into the meadow it was as if Mother Nature herself enveloped me and said, 'Welcome home.'"

This week I found a few bridges and a waterfall, and realized that humidity is not my friend.

This easy, flat hike led us through the forest, across a bridge, around an island, and provided stunning views and something that looked like a giant Root Beer Float.

We took a trip down memory lane and ended up at a roadside stream, crossing a ferry, and reminiscing at a little river where I used to catch crayfish.

This super easy hike keeps you in the shade with the river rushing along beside you while you meander through the forest.

An easy hike on a rainy day where we found mossy trees, lacy lichen, grass growing in the middle of the river, and a glassy pool surrounded by silence.

A gorgeous hike on an old dirt road that leads to the ruins of a resort built in 1887 and a beautiful waterfall.

We walked along a wooden path along a lazy river, through a forest of birch trees, and emerged in a field of gold surrounded by gorgeous mountain views.

This trail allows hikers to get right down to river level and wade in the water.

An easy loop with varying landscapes on each side and two bridges that cross over the creek. A troll just might live under one of them!

An easy, lush trail leaving you feeling like you might have just walked through Pixie Hollow.