Fall Hiking

It’s a warm November here in Greenville, SC! But the weather and the changing of leaves make the perfect set-up for hiking. One of the simplest and more direct ways to enjoy nature is by submerging yourself in a hike. There are many trails with rated levels of difficulties to hike; whether you have the abilities to walk miles upon miles and scale mountainous rocks or whether hiking through your local park on well-worn trails is more your style. Either way you can get out there! A good start would be visiting your local park and checking out the trails. Most parks have several trails ranging from easy to difficult. Even families with children can enjoy them. Sometimes little legs need some motivation, so why not try letter boxing? It is a “treasure hunt” style game done outdoors by following clues online. There are hundreds of boxes at different locations all over North America!

 

Our Nature Play Club recently went on a few hikes at Poinsett Bridge and Paris Mountain. The hike at Poinsett Bridge was purely for exploration, 

while the hike at Paris Mountain was a letter boxing hunt. At the Poinsett Bridge we were gratefully surprised by a trail that took us to a rock cave! What I loved about the family in the photos was their spirit of adventure. The parents practiced hands off parenting as they allowed their children to safely experiment with their own physical abilities. Nature play theories were put into action as the children crossed the creek and climbed the steep hill to the entrance of the rock cave. The children were able to explore with curiosity as their guide, hands in the dirt and their own physical skills the limit.

Our next hike was just as fun as we searched for letter boxes along the Sulphur Springs trail at Paris Mountain. I had some girl scouts in the group who were learning how to create their own letter box and stamps for a badge.

After each box the children’s hunger for the boxes got stronger and soon they were leading the group eager to keep hiking. When we found all three boxes on our list they begged to go looking for more. It was such a great way to introduce and expose them to hiking, as well as get the whole family involved in a rewarding outdoor activity.

In conclusion, each family had a great time exploring nature’s riches. They hiked further than they previously thought they would, and found new hobbies to partake in. New friends and memories were made all while being submerged in the beauties of the outdoors. Get outside and see what nature brings to you!