monkey mountain nature reserve

I have mentioned previously that our family enjoys a good hike

Our Thanksgiving holiday was more on the cool side, 

but when I suggested a hike my husband was more than willing.

Desiring a new path, we chose on Monkey Mountain Nature Reserve.

When exploring a new area, you never know what you might find.

As an 855 acre nature reserve, it honestly felt desolate, 

but in a good way.

We were the only ones hiking that day, as far as we could see.

We first hiked through a thick forest on a horse trail,

and then the reserve opened to an open prairie.

I enjoyed the contrast in our hike.

I loved feeling like we were in the middle of nowhere.

The exercise from a two hour plus hike was perfect

for a holiday weekend when one has eaten more than usual!

It was a beautiful area and a wonderful discovery.
The trail is really too long to hike
in the Winter with our children,
but I'd love to return in the Spring.