“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ― Margaret Atwood, Bluebeard's Egg
Warm weather has officially arrived, and the best way to celebrate the return of springtime flora and fauna is to get out and inundate yourself in it. My name is Christian Kogler and I'm a firm believer in remaining consistently awestruck by nature. My undergraduate career began at Bucknell University here in Pennsylvania and eventually brought me to the University of Denver in sunshiny Denver, Colorado. Being a young twenty-something-year-old student in Denver allowed me to experience a lifestyle very unlike the one I was used to in Pennsylvania. I would describe Denver life as being extremely geophilic—that is to say everyone I encountered seemed to love the planet we live on and was eager to experience nature in a very authentic way. I have always enjoyed hiking, but after spending the past two years hoofing my way up, down, around, and through the seemingly endless miles of trails the Rocky Mountains have to offer, I can officially say that I am obsessed with it. Now that I've graduated and returned home to Easton, however, I find myself longing for the Rockies. Thus, I have started a new process to soften this longing feeling—finding my CO in PA.To find my Colorado here in Pennsylvania, I've returned to some of my old favorite spots and explored a few new trails. Here are my favorite places at which you can channel your inner Rocky Mountain high in and around the Lehigh Valley this spring
Jacobsburg State Park | 40.788701, -75.303360
Distance from Easton: 15 minutes
Tip: Bring your dog! Take your pup along the orange blazed Henry's Woods Trail—it has Bushkill Creek access points so don't forget a towel or two too.
Photo courtesy of verticalearthinc.com
Photo courtesy of peakery.com
Bake Oven Knob | 40.744701, -75.738183
Distance from Easton: 60 minutes
Tip: Grab a headlamp or some flashlights and get on the short trail before the sun. You'll experience an amazing sunrise while avoiding the inevitable daytime crowds.
Photo courtesy of sneakersister.com
Trexler Nature Preserve | 40.656315, -75.617507
Distance from Easton: 40 minutes
Tip: From the Environmental Education center parking lot, head north on the red blazed Trexler Border Trail past the bison range. Link up with the white blazed Fireman's Trail and follow it to the covered bridge. Cross the street and go uphill along the double blue blazed Elk Viewing Trail. When you hit the ford, take the teal blazed Trexler Nature Trail uphill back to the parking lot.
Photo courtesy of boomerstravels.wordpress.com
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary | 40.640849, -75.998024
Distance from Easton: 60 minutes
Tip: After a brief walk uphill past the trail entrance, head east downhill along the red blazed River of Rocks Trail. Ignore the River of Rocks Loop Trail and head north to the yellow blazed Golden Eagle Connector Trail. Follow this trail uphill until you reach the breathtaking views of the light blue blazed Skyline Trail. Toward the end of the Skyline Trail, prepare yourself for some light scrambling up to the North Lookout. From here, follow the orange blazed Lookout Trail back to the trail entrance.
Photo courtesy of njhiking.com
Merrill Creek Reservoir | 40.738703, -75.091067
Distance from Easton: 30 minutes
Tip: Run the trail! Strap on some sturdy trail running shoes and head south along the black blazed perimeter trail. This will eventually lead you past the inlet/outlet tower, over a dike and back into the woods. Follow the trail over a small footbridge to where it links with the yellow blazed trail. Continue along the yellow blazed trail until you reach the green blazed trail which will lead you back to the boat launch. This is a lengthy loop, so don't forget to bring a readily available water supply.
Photo courtesy of endlessmountains.wordpress.com
Glen Onoko Falls | 40.883401, -75.760723
Distance from Easton: 60 minutes
Tip: Don't forget to get to catch the view from the top of the tall waterfall furthest up along the trail. The ascent isn't horribly long but it can be very steep and at some points the ground is covered in scree so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.
