Beautiful creekside hiking at Bear Creek Preserve this weekend! This has been my favorite hike in NEPA thus far. We started from the trailhead at Rabbit Run Lane on the red trail and connected to the gray tail heading south along Shades Creek. This section of trail was just beautiful with many cascades flowing into deep, clear pools, waterfalls and undulating trail through rhododendron jungles, in and out of hemlock forest and mossy wetland. Before reconnecting to the red trail and heading back north, we crossed over Shades Creek on a really cool suspension bridge. The terrain for most of this hike was rocky and slippery with wet leaves, but I'm getting used to my feet taking a beating on these east coast trails and learning to slow down a bit and take my time. East coast hiking is very different from out west. There may not be much elevation to gain, but I’m starting to find some locations that feel a little more remote where we can track some decent mileage. We followed the red trail back to the trailhead and closed the loop at about 7 miles RT. Absolutely beautiful place to explore.
I recently learned about Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary which is located not far from where I live. I’ve been doing short hikes and nature walks early in the mornings and sticking close to home because it’s been too hot and humid this summer to do any long mileage or strenuous hiking. This was my first time visiting the sanctuary which is part of Natural Lands, a non-profit organization preserving open space in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Mariton is absolutely lovely. It sits on top of Bougher Hill and overlooks the Delaware River. There is a small trail system that took me through the woods and along the slopes of Bougher Hill to the River Lookout which on a clear day may have provided views of the Delaware Canal below. The woods were thick with morning mist and being the first on the trails so early in the morning I was breaking through spider silk from the previous evening. The forest was so still and quiet. The kind of quiet that almost hurts your ears. Who knew such a place existed so close to home! I kept my walk short today and didn’t bother to record any mileage. I simply enjoyed the scenery and took these wonderful photos. I will most definitely be back to do more exploring.
