While this past spring and summer have been unlike any other, it has also been a unique opportunity to slow down a bit and enjoy all the natural beauty our area has to offer. I’ve learned I don’t need to drive far to get some much needed time to get into the woods and de-stress from the crazy world we are in right now.
There is a word for this in Japanese, shinrin-yoku (森林浴), which translates to ‘forest bathing’. I’ll think of this when I am out in the woods sometimes, when being immersed in the forest does literally feel cleansing.
There is evidence that being in nature really does improve many aspects of health. A 2017 study found that: “Spending time in nature can improve immune, cardiovascular, and respiratory functioning. Nature therapy can provide emotional healing, decrease blood pressure, improve a person’s general sleep-wake cycle, improve relationship skills, and reduce stress.”
So there you go! In case you needed another excuse to get out of the house.
Here are some of the CCJ team’s favorite local spots for you to check out! One of them might just become a new favorite.
Veronica Coptis
Executive Director
Since I have moved to the eastern half of Greene County, I have enjoyed exploring the public parks near me. Here are two of my favorite places to get outdoors near Carmichaels:
First is the Green River Trail. I get on it at the parking area in Rices Landing and walk south towards Crucible. The view of the Monongahela River is breathtaking in the morning as the mist is rising off of it, and there are many small waterfalls along the route too. There are always friendly faces to see.
Second, when I need somewhere to burn some calories and let my kids burn off energy, I love Wana B Park in Carmichaels. They have two awesome playgrounds and a great one-mile walking/running path.
Sarah Martik
Campaign Manager
Willow and I love going to Cedar Creek Park in Rostraver! There’s a great dog park, wonderful bike paths, and really nice trails. Willow likes to walk in the creek and pick up sticks, but she’s not a big fan of the wobbly bridges.
Lisa DePaoli
Outreach Coordinator
This is Enlow Fork Natural Area, and it is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming. It encompasses Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek in Greene County, within State Game Land 302. An easy and scenic trail follows a closed dirt road with two iron bridges along the stream through a delightful forest ecosystem, with special interest for bird watchers and wildflower enthusiasts. The typical hike though the area is an in-and-out trek of about 6.5 miles.
Lovell Johnson
Operations & Data Manager
I enjoy hikes with my friend (Dakota) within Wingfield Pines, which is located in Upper St. Clair just southwest of Allegheny County. This park acts as a treatment system for water passing through a nearby abandoned mine. Note: this part of the park does not allow dogs, although the main park (Boyce) does.
Ethan Story
Community Advocate
I really enjoy Raccoon state park. It is an easy drive and offers miles of diverse trails. Plus, the spring flowers are fantastic. Here is my wife, daughter, and dog enjoying one of its many trails.
Kristen Locy
Intern
One of my favorite parks within a few hours’ drive is Cook Forest State Park. This picture is from this past December when I was “tree hugging” the ancient Hemlocks on the North Country Scenic Trail that passes through the park. The park contains some of the last virgin forest (meaning it wasn’t logged) in Pennsylvania. It was given to the state by the Cook family who were prosperous loggers in the area. Check out any of the trails within the “Forest Cathedral” area and you won’t be disappointed. Plus, it stays nice and shady and cool in the summer. The Clarion River that passes through the park is also nice for kayaking; you can rent a kayak near the park. You can see a beautiful view of the river from the fire tower, which you can either drive or hike to (I recommend the hike if you are able!).
