The temperatures outside have been really cold lately. Despite what the weatherman says, I always make a yearly pilgrimage to hike at Brown County State Park this time of year.
It’s become a ritual for me. It’s my way of keeping holiday traditions alive in remembrance of my parents and grandparents. My grandparents lived in Brown County when I was a little girl. I spent many a Thanksgiving and Christmas at their little cottage, nestled in the Brown County forest.
I recently made a trip over to the park to hike for a couple of hours. The park is located near Nashville, Indiana and was first opened to the public in 1929.
At 15,696 acres, it is the largest state park in Indiana.
I had chosen to hike the Strahl Lake trail − Trail 6. This trail circles the lake and it has a short spur trailthat cuts off and leads to the Nature Center.
Trail 6 is considered easy to moderate in ease of hiking. I chose it because of it’s boardwalks and it’s scenic landscape. It’s one of my favorites.
When I arrived at the park, I drove straight to the trailhead. The parking lot wasn’t as crowded this time of year probably due to the cold. It was so quiet − unusual but welcome.
I glanced about at the terrain and saw that the landscape was colored in earth tones. December has always been one of my favorite months to hike in the woods.
The forest floor was covered in leaves from the fall. The moss on the old logs and trees was retaining its bright shade of green in contrast to the dark, wet bark on the trees. It was going to be a scenic hike. This forest was a very familiar place to me. It felt like I was visiting an old friend.
I climbed up the steps of the trail head and across the first boardwalk. This one had a tree growing up through it. The boardwalk had been built around the tree which I thought was pretty awesome.
I was feeling comfortable in my hiking boots when I stepped down on the dirt path in front of me. The forest takes on a life of its own this time of year.
I noticed right away that the dampness of the woods held the scent of pine − clean and fresh.
These small pilgrimages to familiar places this time of year have become an annual event for me. The trails in Brown County evoke nostalgia about being a little girl and visiting my family. This woods reminded me of them.
Back on the trail, the lake was beautiful and reflective as always. Earlier in the day a mist had hung over the lake and the forest, giving them an eerie feel.
But the sun came out and then the sky was blue. The landscape was stunning.
It was peaceful around the lake. Almost the end of yet another year.
A big sigh, a peaceful heart and good memories swirling in my head. It had been a good hike. One to remember.
To get to this place: Take Highway 46 East to Bloomington. Continue on Highway 46 East to Brown County. Before you get to Nashville you’ll see a sign that points to the turn to the West Gate park entrance.
A quote for your week: “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” – Oscar Wilde (Irish novelist, playwright and poet).
Susan Anderson is a resident of Owen County who enjoys hiking and backpacking and writes a weekly column about her experiences. Readers can reach her via email at saanders@hotmail.com or on Instagram @farsideoftheedge.
This article originally appeared on Evening World: Trip to trail at Strahl Lake is like visiting an old friend
Reporting by Susan Anderson, Special to the Evening World / Evening World
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