The drive down into the Hudson Valley was quick and before I knew it I was crossing the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. While driving I saw a fire tower peeking out from above the treeline. Yup, that’s where we’re headed, to Ferncliff Forest [68 Mt Rutsen Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572] for a […]
nature
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Birding bonanza and gators galore! A visit to Pinckney National Wildlife Refuge [1/2 miles west of Hilton Head Island off of U.S. Highway 278] is a nature lovers dream come true. Just outside of Hilton Head it is a must visit if you are in the area, and was a […]
Quiet trails in the sleepy hamlet of Rexford are a great spot for birding, learning, fresh air, and exercise. Garnsey Park [Route 146 between Waite and Wing roads, Rexford NY 12148] has over two miles of trails through meadow, forest, and wetland habitats. Clear blue skies on an early spring […]
Bike, jog, or walk your way back through history. One day this trail will take you from Lake Champlain at Whitehall to the Erie Canal at Waterford, over 60 miles. Today there are 7 miles open to the public connecting Waterford to Mechanicville. There are a few different entrances to […]
Every spring I have to swing by Five Rivers Environmental Education Center [56 Game Farm Rd, Delmar, NY 12054] to see all of the chicks and listen to the frogs. It’s one of my favorite close to home gems (just 20 minutes away!) that whisks me far away from the […]
When we discovered that there was a national forest just minutes from Charleston excitement ran deep. The boots were strapped and the bug spray was slathered on thick. To Francis Marion National Forest we go! First stop was a visit to Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center [5821 Highway 17 […]
It’s just a tree. But if you’re the kind of tree hugger who has a book about identifying trees on your shelf or the type leaf lover that is willing to hike a few miles to check out a particularly extraordinary tree, you may understand the draw to see this […]
One of my ‘musts’ when visiting Charleston was to visit a plantation. There are so many to choose from in the city, Drayton, Boone, and Middleton just to name a few, it can make your head swim! After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each, I decided to go […]
A mild, yet scenic nature walk right outside the town Woodstock was naturally filled with hikers, families, and dog walkers on a sunny day. Comeau [1 Comeau Dr Woodstock, New York 12498 – upper lot is closer to trail entrance] has just over a mile of trails to explore so […]
So close to the bustling town of Woodstock, but so far away. Follow the quiet country roads passed the interesting historical signs and beautiful homes. Mount Guardian [Byrdcliffe Theater Parking, 380 Upper Byrdcliffe Road, Woodstock NY] is a hike just outside of a popular town, but we didn’t see anyone […]
If you want to take a great hike in the Catskills with rewarding views, but you aren’t into climbing up a mountain, a trip to Phoenicia is in order. The Tanbark Trail [8 Ava Maria Dr, Phoenicia, NY 12464] starts beside the red bench on the far side of Phoenicia […]
Philly is full of surprises. My mom and I went for an early morning hike, despite drizzly conditions it was remarkably warm on and pleasant at the end of December. Our destination was John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge [8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153] America’s first urban refuge and another […]
After traversing through the dense city center of Philadelphia I was more than happy to have stop number three be a densely treed space. Driving to the outer limits of the city showed me another side of Philadelphia, gorgeous mansions with room in between them and yards. It was hard […]
Are you a turtle lover? Who can resist the allure of these magical creatures, ancient and dinosaur like? Who doesn’t want a shell to hide in every once in a while? They’re so lovable, so relatable. Everyone seems to have a great turtle story. One of my friends used to […]
When heading up the northway I always like to visit a few of the fantastic little preserves along the way in Saratoga County. Woodcock Preserve [721 Tanner Road, Clifton Park NY] is a small and quiet park with just over 2 miles of trails, so its a perfect place to get some […]