Styler Gannon

Contributing Writer

A couple miles down the highway, over the New Jersey border, lies a long trail with beautiful scenery. Walking here you can see all aspects of nature: bugs, animals, rocks, trees, bushes and flowing bodies of water. This specific trail holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its beauty, but because of the memory it holds. My boyfriend, who knows my connection and affection for nature, gifted me with an unforgettable experience. It was just what I needed. While at home, High Rocks Trail is my hideaway. He found a new one for me. The trails of Mount Tammany.

Along the trail, you go up and down small hills and over old wooden bridges. The sound of the flowing water as you walk through the magnificent beauty of nature is like getting a massage and listening to spa music. As my boyfriend and I explored hand in hand, we took in the sun, appreciating the outdoors. Every step felt like a testament to our shared gratefulness. The small hills and old wooden bridges felt like chapters in our love story, each one revealing a new aspect of our journey.

Our first stop was a small river with a big patch of rocks that allowed us to get up close and personal with the water. I remember watching little kids as they ran in its shallows, screaming happily. The gentle murmur as it flowed over the small pebbles and rocks was like the crescendo of a love song, forged with power and grace, leaving us speechless and delighted. The water’s surface reflected the sunlight, creating mesmerizing waves that shadowed the rocks below. Running my fingers through the cool, clear water, I felt connected to nature, a witness to the eons of time spent shaping this landscape. A place where our worries melted away, and the world faded, allowing us to be ourselves in the moment.

That trail, like the twists and turns of our relationship, had its own surprise, hidden at the top of a small hill. Two majestic waterfalls cascaded before us. They weren’t as big or loud as I thought they were going to be, but they were still as fascinating. Because there were two, it became more appealing to the eyes. There were a couple trees on the edge of each waterfall that had fallen, making an X in the middle. And, right in front of the waterfalls, was another fallen tree, which made the perfect spot to sit and admire what was right in front of our faces. That tree was where lunch was eaten, memories were stored and nature was admired.

When I reflect on the enchanting experiences of the waterfalls and the moments spent by that small river surrounded by tiny rocks, all made possible by the thoughtful gesture of my boyfriend, I admire how nature can bring people closer together. I used to go to High Rocks Trail with my best friend and now I go to Mount Tammany with my boyfriend. Waterfalls, with their inspiring beauty, reminded me of the delicacy of the world around us. I find the simplicity of nature to be a pure form of love and connection. Being able to explore Mount Tammany was breathtaking, becoming a bridge connecting nature and love.