I could not possibly list all of the good hiking trails in this article, so if the destinations listed in here are too far of a drive, here are a few tips for how to find a nature destination near you:
1. Look up state parks near you.
State parks are great places to
enjoy nature, and most offer
hiking trails.
2. If you live near a national forest,
those usually have plenty of
places to pull off the road and
take a short walk or a long trek.
3. Look on maps for local nature
preserves or parks.
The next pages list some of my favorite hikes in the southwest.
September 2013 8
La Cueva recreation area
Santa Fe National Forest, NM
-Eamon Decker
As summer comes to an end, the hectic rush of school, work and everything else we have planned for the fall seems to take over our minds. The best way to relieve stress is simple: take a stroll. Let your worries slip away while lying under a tall old pine tree. Or relax to the sound of a mountain stream swiftly flowing by a secluded hiking path.
No matter where you live, relaxing nature opportunities are just a short drive away. So next weekend, hop in your car with the kids, or your friends, or that special someone and hit the road for a day of bliss in the great outdoors.
If you can't find anybody to go with you, just let the birds and wildlife keep you company.