Hidden Nature Area

Lately, I've been trying to find more local things to do and searching for small delights in my current town. One of those small findings is a nature area hidden in plain sight. There's no actual parking for this spot besides a gravel square that can only fit about two small cars. There's also a small gate that's mostly hidden by bushes and trees. Despite the sign out front, this place is easy to drive past.

It's also off a residential road which makes it hard to fathom that a little piece of preserved nature even exists here. I even live near it and had driven past it a hundred times before giving it more than a passing thought. One of my friends had actually gone to it on a whim one day and later told me. If it wasn't for her giving me a heads up, this spot might still be a mystery for me.

Upon entering, it's a large grassy area with a dirt path creating a circle. The grass surrounding the circle is filled with wildflowers and trees that act as a barrier between this hidden haven and the residential area around it.

The middle is also filled with wildflowers and tall grass, but there is a wooden bench and arch that you can sit at to take in the sights or have a peaceful moment with someone special. The day we went, we actually saw a couple taking "first look" photos for their wedding day in that particular spot (which also means I couldn't snap any photos of the arch, but I'll return to it)!

If you follow the circle you'll come to two interesting points. One is a grassy path that's been made from people continually using it. At the end of this path is what looks like a cave in the trees. They bend just enough to create a secret entrance.

The path takes you into the trees and near a pond so you can get close to the water and admire the goldfish and turtles. You're also hidden among the large huddle of trees, which I find to be very relaxing in a way. It's an enchanting side trail for the curious.

The second point of interest is a wooden deck that lets you look out onto the pond. For me this is the grand finale of the nature area. Here you can stop and admire. You can watch the turtles and frogs. You can listen to nature. You can breathe and hit pause on the chaos of daily life for just a moment. The first time I went, I didn't realize there was a pond, which was a nice surprise to wander into!

And then just like that you can leave this little bubble and venture back out into the world refreshed and a little more at peace.