As someone who enjoys the outdoors, I love a good walk, especially this time of year when it’s not too hot but also not freezing. I have found that a simple 15-minute walk can help me disconnect from the stress of school and help me refocus. That being said, some places tend to be more interesting than others for a stroll.
First up on my list for the best place to walk is Mount Trashmore. Starting life as a landfill, it accumulated six million pounds of garbage in its day; however in 2012, the city converted it into a makeshift “mountain” complete with information boards and multiple trails.
At the top is a great overlook of the city, and if you’re interested, it even has a mountain bike trail. Overall, it’s a fun and easy way to get out and experience a little bit of nature, even if you’re standing on six million pounds of trash.
The next stop takes us down south to Iowa City to wonderful Hickory Hill Park. I have been to this park probably more times than the rest of this list combined. Hickory Hill is one of the few places left in Iowa with some real prairie left. It also has a large, wooded area if you’re more into that sort of thing.
With a creek that runs through it and the prairie, you’re very likely to see some wildlife. I personally have seen some snapping turtles, multiple red-tail hawks, a family of possums and many, many deer. A little side note about Hickory Hill is that it’s a great place to go sledding as well.
Lake McBride near Solon is another place I have frequented with multiple different trails. You can plan to go on a longer hike or just a quick stroll through some of the woods. It can be a great place to unwind.
My personal favorite part of the park is the spillway where the lake meets the river; it’s a very unique feature that you don’t see too much in Iowa. Lake McBride is also home to some great fishing spots with Largemouth bass, channel catfish, and even muskie.
The place I would most recommend, however, is somewhere you can walk every day. This doesn’t have to have natural park-level scenery; it could just be a 10- to 15-minute walk home or a quick lap or two around the neighborhood.
Walking home every day has really helped me to refocus and just be in the moment. I have found myself noticing new things and really appreciating the world around me, something I feel many people don’t experience enough.
A simple, small walk can also help me get through the stress of college, whether it’s an assignment I have to get done or a test I have to prepare for. Taking a walk and then coming back to studying can really improve my production and understanding of the concept, as I don’t feel burnt out but refreshed.
This week, take the challenge and experience the benefits of walking for yourself.
Categories: Editorials, Opinion
