🍂 At the crossroads of autumn
On a weekend when the autumn sun gently descended, I visited Wawayanda Mountain in New Jersey. Arriving just an hour and a half from home, I felt motion sickness on the winding mountain road, a moment of regret. However, as soon as I entered the forest, the crisp air enveloped my body and quickly vanished. The lush trees, rocks, and even the small flowers blooming along the path felt like medicine and a welcome respite. The pine forest and expansive views from the summit were a reward in themselves, and after descending, I stopped by a pumpkin festival to savor apple cider and donuts, making my day even more fulfilling.
🌳 The shade of the forest and the fresh air
From the foot of the mountain, the trees cast a dense shadow, gently filtering the sunlight and leaving a fresh, crisp air. The fragrance emanating from the trees cleared my nostrils and cleared my chest. The saying, "Going to the mountains cures illness," truly resonated with me.
🪨 Harmony of rocks and trees
Large rocks, trees, smaller stones, grass, and dirt all came together in perfect harmony. The stone steps along the path seemed as if they had been sculpted by nature itself, and even the fallen trees were sprouting moss and mushrooms, nurturing new life. 🍄
The tree, with its bulging, warty joints, resembled knees or knuckles, giving the impression of arthritis. Despite its apparent illness, its resilient stance conveyed a sense of nature's resilience.
🌼 Flowers like medicinal herbs blooming on the mountain
🍀 Red clover
Although a small wildflower, it aids detoxification and blood circulation. It is known to be particularly beneficial for women's health and has been used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Rich in flavonoids and isoflavones, it also has significant antioxidant properties.
💜 Chicago Blue Flower (Chicory Flower)
A flower that blooms like a purple star. The root has long been used as a coffee substitute and is known as a medicinal herb that aids digestion and liver function. Chicory is rich in inulin, which is effective for intestinal health and blood sugar control.
🤍 White flower (white aster)
Although small, white flowers, they have anti-inflammatory properties and have long been used to relieve inflammation. They are also brewed into tea and are said to provide a relaxing effect.
🌸 Purple Aster (New England Aster)
Flowers that fill the autumn mountains. In traditional Korean medicine, they have been used to treat coughs and phlegm. The petals are also known to contain antioxidants, which are beneficial for respiratory health.
🌿 Small purple wildflowers (flowers similar to those of the common chrysanthemum or common chrysanthemum)
It has been used in folk medicine to relieve colds and fevers. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is said to have a health-boosting effect when brewed and drunk as tea.
🌲 Pine forest at the summit
Climbing to the top, I saw towering pine trees, and the ground was covered in pine needles. The pine-scented air seemed to purify my body, and even time seemed to pass slowly on the softly blanketed pine needles. 🍂.
A panoramic view of the forest and ridge stretching far away Pinwheel's Vista ObservatoryI could fully feel the reward of my hard work. 🏞
🎃 A small bonus after the hike: the pumpkin festival
After finishing the hike, cross the road Heaven Hill Farmwas being held in Pumpkin FestivalI stopped by. It wasn't as crowded as I thought, but it was nice to be able to look around leisurely.
Perhaps because I'm a farmer's daughter, I couldn't just pass up a festival like this. 🌾 Knowing how much care and dedication goes into producing even a single, tiny pumpkin, each pumpkin seemed even more special. That's why I desperately wanted to buy something, to share in the farmers' hard work.
Made directly from the farm Warm apple cider, apple cinnamon donuts, and plain breadI bought it and ate it, but I was so hungry from the hike that I ate almost all of it in an instant. 🍎🍩 That much more I could feel the sweetness and warmth seeping into my body.
What I remember most of all was the clever sign I saw at the entrance.
“Parents, please leave with as many kids as you brought.” 😂
I couldn't help but laugh at the joking instructions to make sure to bring the kids.
In addition to the pumpkin patch, they also sold crops such as vegetables, apples, and flower seedlings. The sight of the farm after the hike made the day even more fulfilling.
📝 Hiking Information
- Mountain name : Wawayanda Mountain
- location : Wawayanda State Park, New Jersey, USA
- height : about 1,470 ft (448 m)
- Total hiking time : Approximately 3-4 hours round trip (varies depending on course and speed)
- Difficulty : Middle (be careful as there are many rocky areas)
- characteristic : The forest is dense and shady 🌳 / Various wild flowers and herbs 🌼 / Pine forest on the summit 🌲 / Autumn foliage and a farm festival across the street 🎃
- parking : Parking opposite Heaven Hill Farm – ample, $8.50 per day
🍁 Looking back on today's hike
Today wasn't just a day to climb a mountain, It was a time to heal my heart in nature.. The scent of the forest, the colors of the flowers, the solidity of the rocks, and the warmth of the pine forest… I felt like all the fatigue of everyday life was being put down.
From the panoramic views at the summit, to the herbal flowers we encountered along the way, to the pumpkin festival on the way down—the day felt like a gift from nature. 🌿✨
