Lehigh Gorge State Park, Glen Onoko Falls, Pennsylvania

Today was a beautiful, brisk day in the height of Autumn for one of the prettiest hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania, Glen Onoko Falls in Lehigh Gorge State Park.

The trail ascends along a flowing stream with many beautiful little waterfalls.

I always love to hear flowing water on a hike.

The first of three gorgeous waterfalls. Because of a lot of recent rain, the falls were really full.

Droplets of mist fill the air around these falls.

Can you see the rainbow?

So many beautiful sights to see along this trail.

The highest waterfall

In the summer this is a fun waterfall to walk behind.

We saw a bear! At least I think it was a bear. Okay, maybe it was a dog.

Pretty view of the river below

Overlooking the Lehigh River and the town of Jim Thorpe.

This section of the river is known as the Oxbow.

The foliage was beautiful.

Valley Forge National Park

Today we hiked ten miles in Valley Forge National Park. We took a big loop around the park, up and over Mount Joy and then Mount Misery, along a stream, past the encampments, through the Arch, and back to the Visitor Center. Valley Forge has enough hills for a good cardio workout, and it's a beautiful park with lots of trees, wooded areas, open fields, streams, and of course, history. It was a warm day, and when hiking up the hills and then later in the direct sun we really felt the heat! It was a great day to be outside enjoying late Spring. Later, we ate at an Indian buffet, quickly making up all those calories we burned during our hiking workout!

No visit to Valley Forge is complete without a trip to Trader Joe's, where I purchased Meyer Lemon Cookie Thins, Harvest Grain Blend of Israeli Style Couscous, and Happy Trekking Mix, which is happy because it contains chocolate!

Jacobsburg State Park, Pennsylvania

Today was a brisk, windy day for hiking in Jacobsburg State Park. Falls colors are past their peak, many trees are already completely bare. However, beautiful crimson, yellow, and brilliant orange hues are still to be found in the woods.

Splashes of Autumn color reflected in the stream

Crimson, yellow, and orange leaves

Beautiful Autumn colors

More Autumn reflections

Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

Today was a beautiful day for hiking in Ricketts Glen State Park. Temperatures had finally cooled to the mid eighties and the day was slightly breezy and clear.

At 94 feet high, Ganoga Falls is the highest waterfall in the park.

At least 25 waterfalls are in this beautiful park.

Stunning scenery is around every bend.

The 36 foot high Sheldon Reynolds Falls was a nice place to relax and eat lunch.

The 27 foot high Harrison Wright Falls is my favorite waterfall in the park. I love the luminescent green color of the water below.

Glen Onoko Falls, Lehigh Gorge State Park

When the temperature climbs into the nineties, there simply is no better local place to hike than Glen Onoko Falls in Jim Thorpe. We took refuge from the heat along shaded paths, tree lined trails, and the occasional refreshing dip under a waterfall.

First waterfall

Looking into the cool mist

This little pup, named Sangria, had a fabulous time on our hike. Dogs + water = fun.

We could climb behind this pretty waterfall.

Jacobsburg State Park, Pennsylvania

Today was one of the most beautiful days in the year so far. The weather in the morning was slightly breezy, but temperatures eventually reached into the eighties. Spring has arrived with all her beauty; the trees and flowers are blossoming everywhere.

It was a great day for a hike in one of the prettiest State parks in Pennsylvania. Jacobsburg has flowing streams, cool woodlands, and sunny fields and pastures. A variety of plant life grows in all the environments in the park, attracting a diversity of birds and other wildlife. I heard cardinals, chickadees, towhees, phoebes, and woodpeckers.

I love the rebirth of Spring and the revitalization it brings. Some say that everything in the physical world is a reflection of something in the spiritual world. If that is so, then Spring to me is rebirth, new life, new possibilities, and new directions. Today was a beautiful start to that season.

Flowers catching bright sun rays

A little rivulet forms a small waterfall.

I love these hemlock forests.

A beautiful stream flows through the park. We watched some little birds nesting in some high rocks along the water. I think they were phoebes.

Stopping for a moment on the bridge

Finding some serenity in Henry's Woods

Spring is bursting forth everywhere! I love the juxtaposition of seasons, last year's leaves provide a foundation for this year's new growth.

Sunlight catching ripples in the stream

Shenandoah National Park

I just returned from a beautiful visit to Shenandoah National Park during the peak of Autumn foliage season.

My first day was a little bit drizzly so I spent some time in Luray Caverns.

The formations were amazing.

I hiked to the top of Stony Man Mountain.

Autumn foliage as seen from Skyline Drive.

Mountain views from every vista

Row upon row of mountains

A view of Old Rag, a popular spot for climbers

Yet another stunning vista

Can you see the profile of the Stony Man? Me neither.....

Last bit of sunlight on the mountain

On a clear day I hiked to Whiteoak Canyon Falls, at 86 feet the second highest waterfall in the park.

The path was covered with jewel colored leaves.

Another waterfall in Whiteoak Canyon

The woods were filled with gold and orange hues.

Beauty everywhere I looked

Lower Whiteoak Falls