Seasonal Strolls
At Paris Mountain State Park
Reconnect with nature during Seasonal Strolls, a monthly guided program for adults led by retired park ranger and naturalist Cathy Taylor. Each month features a new seasonal theme with an easy walk, hands-on activities, and opportunities to explore the changing forest, plants, and wildlife at Paris Mountain State Park. Meeting locations, hike distances, and details vary by program. Designed for adults, but all ages are welcome. Monthly Themes: August 25 Creek Explorations for Adults Cool off in Mountain Creek while learning how aquatic ecologists study stream life. Search for aquatic animals, measure water temperature and pH, and discover what these creatures reveal about the health of the creek. Meet: Shelter 6, Sulphur Springs Picnic Area Bring: Water shoes if you have them. September 22 Mindful Meander Welcome fall with a relaxing morning of mindful nature exploration. Through sensory activities, journaling or sketching, citizen science apps, and forest bathing, you'll discover the changing forest in a whole new way. Meet: Campfire Circle, Sulphur Springs Picnic Area Walk: Approximately ½ mile round trip on Sassafras Trail. October 27 Autumn's Colors Why do leaves change color? Discover the science behind fall foliage and use a leaf ID sheet (to keep) to identify the leaves while observing the forest's brilliant transformation. Meet: Shelter 6, Sulphur Springs Picnic Area Walk: 1½ miles round trip. November 17 Reading the Woods What’s the story? Learn how to read the stories being told in the landscape, the trees, and in the behavior of the animals as winter draws near, using naturalist skills and drawing inspiration from writings of famous naturalist storytellers. Meet: Shelters A & B Parking Area Walk: Approximately 1½ miles on part of Mountain Creek Trail.
DETAILS
Registration Deadline
Registration is required by 5pm of the day before the program.
Event Hours
9:00 am - 11:00am
Meeting Place
Locations vary depending on the month's theme. August 25 Shelter 6, Sulphur Springs Picnic Area September 22 Campfire Circle, Sulphur Springs Picnic Area October 27 Shelter 6, Sulphur Springs Picnic Area November 17 Shelters A & B Parking Area
What to Bring
August 25th: Water shoes or old sneakers that can get wet, & water bottle. September 22nd: Water bottle, Closed-toe walking shoes, and a phone (optional) for trying citizen science apps October 27th: Closed-toe shoes, water bottle, Light jacket (weather dependent), dress for weather November 17th: Closed-toe shoes, water bottle, layered clothing or a light jacket, Binoculars (optional)
Price
$6 plus park admission