Beauty in My Backyard

After exploring the Southwest and visiting Florida during the first half of the summer, I set out to discover the beauty that resides closer to home, in most cases only an hour's drive (or less) away. Nearly every Saturday (my little part of the world was blessed with several consecutive warm, sunny weekends), I chose a new (to me) Googled hiking place to spend part of the day. 

I wasn't disappointed by any of them.

Akron Falls Park

I skipped my high-school reunion (can you blame me?) in favor of an afternoon hike here. The falls were easily accessible via a short (less than a mile) upward climb. The crazy thing was I saw people (young, reckless, foolish people) actually jumping from atop the rocks into the water despite posted warnings against doing so. I guess they just couldn't help themselves. The park itself had something for everyone, brave or not. I saw several parties and picnics in the pavilions, as well as campers and hikers throughout the park's many acres.

Beaver Meadow

Okay, so I didn't see any beavers here, but the good news was I didn't see any people while hiking either (minus three people in the visitor center). I chose the right Saturday to visit because it was like my own private paradise, undisturbed by human noise (if you're introverted like me, you know how glorious that is), alone with nature and its inhabitants. I spent several hours here, walking along the pond, hiking the trails, and reading in the arboretum This place offers so much for so little (free admission, though a donation is suggested).

Griffis Sculpture Park

Griffis was the most unique place I visited in N.Y. this summer, hands down. This is where cultured hikers roam, if they're willing to travel to what seems like the end of the world, in the approximate vicinity of the middle of nowhere. Anyway, the long drive was exhausting but worthwhile because this is basically an art gallery of sculptures (many nudes) set amid a field of hiking trails. This is a family-friendly place (despite the nudes), judging by the large number of children I saw scampering around the climbable tower and insect sculptures. This park can't be truly summed up with just one photo (there's so much variety, from busts (ha ha) to mushrooms) but I'm trying to keep this brief, so check it out for yourself!