As the cooler weather kicks in, fall can be the perfect time to get active outdoors. For those who aren’t sure where to go, students suggest numerous places to visit this season, and each spot has its own unique features to be explored.
“Seeing all of these cool, natural things helps you feel more connected to yourself and the world around us,” senior Sierra Getz said. “Especially in this rapidly industrializing age, it’s nice to go and see some natural beauty and take a step back and have a moment to yourself and the world.”
With 63 national parks and only one in Missouri, there may not be a ton of close options for national parks to check out. However, there are a multitude of state and local parks to be explored. Cuivre River, Johnson Shut-Ins, Babler and Elephant Rocks are all highly recommended places within a two hour drive.
“I’ve been to Elephant Rocks,” freshman Ayden Jones said. “I just like looking at all the nature stuff and taking pictures.”
Photo opportunities abound during autumn, and Babler State Park is known for its good hiking trails and beautiful scenery in the fall. Likewise with the Lewis and Clark trail, which has an overlook spot of the Missouri River.
“Not a lot of people appreciate the beauty, qualities and benefits you get of taking a vacation away from the modern world and in nature,” Getz said.
For longer trips on breaks from school or weekend getaways, exploring somewhere further away from home can be a great option as well. Some students may go to Disneyland or visit family, but others like to explore outdoors. National parks can be a great way to see more of the country, and just about anyone will have some sort of recommendation.
“I really like the Garden of the Gods National Park. It was really fun hiking through and climbing on all the boulders,” freshman Nora Bauer said. “And it was different from [other parks], it was very clean.”
Several factors can play into where people prefer to go, such as photogenicity, cleanliness, popularity and activity options: things like hiking, fishing and camping, though some students find their own ways to connect with nature.
“I also like playing my Native American flute in national parks,” Getz said. “It makes it 10 times more rejuvenating. It’s a very soulful instrument and playing it in the natural world makes me feel so nice.”
There are always popular national parks to check off the bucket list, but students who explore parks regularly have more secluded suggestions.
“[I would recommend] Sleeping Bear Dunes and Shenandoah, because there weren’t a lot of people there, they were even more clean than other parks and they were just as pretty,” Bauer said.
Many students feel more relaxed and less stressed when they are able to break away from the business of everyday life, which has been backed by research for years.
“Being out in these beautiful natural environments is very peaceful,” Getz said. “Not being connected with the modern world, slowing down and taking a breath, and the whole experience is calmer. It feels like there’s not as much pressure, and you’re almost free.”
Stepping away from the normal routine of our lives encourages us to rethink about what we do regularly. Getting into nature, even for a few minutes a day, can greatly improve both physical and mental health.
“It’s a very different experience from what we’re used to, and I think that change, a little switchup from what we’re used to, can be very beneficial to us,” Getz said.
