With fall foliage creating a beautiful backdrop of vibrant colors and mild temperatures, autumn is one of the best times to go out on a hike and enjoy nature. Whether you’re by yourself or with family, friends, or even pets, it’s always beneficial to get some fresh air and exercise through hiking.
Hiking has been proven to improve mental health, help with high stress levels, regulate emotions and possibly reduce the risk of depression. A study by Stanford University found that a 90-minute walk in nature, as opposed to one in a busy urban area, decreased activity in the part of the brain associated with a key factor in depression. In addition, it has been discovered that hiking for as little as 30 minutes can reduce stress hormones by up to 28%. A quick walk in nature is an optimal way to clear your mind and reflect.
There are many different physical benefits from hiking. Navigating the different terrains and the obstacles, whether that be loose rocks or tree roots sticking out of the dirt, exercises your brain and keeps your mind sharp. Hiking also decreases blood pressure, builds strength and endurance and increases cardiovascular health. Ascending and descending hills use different muscles and a rigorous hike may offer the same benefits as interval training.
Lancaster and its surrounding areas offer many different trails, here are some of my recommendations in no particular order:
Landis Woods – 2369 Lititz Pike
Across nearly 70 acres, Landis Woods is one of Manheim Township’s largest areas of natural undeveloped land. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, running and picnics on the benches and tables scattered around the park. There are 3.6 miles of trails and the difficulties range from easy to medium.
Kiwanis Loop at Mill Creek – Eshelman Mill Rd. & Kiwanis Dr.
This trail is just one of the many hikes available at Mill Creek and goes through woods and open fields. It is 1.5 miles long and takes an average of 31 minutes to complete. The terrain is generally flat with some incline in the beginning and towards the end. Dogs are welcome and can be unleashed in specific areas.
Kelly’s Run Nature Preserve – 9 New Village Rd., Hollywood
Crossing streams, bedrock and boulders, Kelly’s Run is considered difficult to strenuous and is a 3.8-mile loop that goes through steep terrain. The trail is part of the Conestoga Trail and is connected to Pinnacle Overlook by a network of trails. You can spot deer, turkeys and many types of birds along with small waterfalls.
Overlook Park – 301 Golf Drive
Around 140 acres, Overlook Park offers many paved walking trails and athletic fields. This park is developed with many different buildings including Stoner Grille, the Manheim Township Public Library, and two different playgrounds. The trails take you through a wooded area, open fields and loops through the disc golf course.
Climbers Run Nature Preserve – 226 Frogtown Rd., Pequea
A little over a mile loop, this trail is considered moderately challenging with some elevation. Highlights include picturesque waterfalls, ponds, wetlands, meadows, forests and a few rivers you have to cross over. The hike is dog-friendly and they can run unleashed in the open areas. Two other trails in the reserve can also be checked out.
Chickies Rock County Park – 880 Chickies Hill Rd., Columbia
The park spans over 400 acres and is home to Chickies Rock, an outcropping of rock more than 100 feet above the water and railroad tracks. The hike up to the rocks is roughly half a mile and relatively easy with only a steep climb in the beginning. The overlook is the highlight of the trail, giving you an unobstructed view of the Susquehanna River far below.
