Tag: nature

Falling for West Virginia

Hiking Adventures

Exploring the great outdoors offers a fantastic sense of adventure and discovery, especially when it involves chasing waterfalls. Accordingly, we embarked on a series of hikes to some of West Virginia’s most picturesque trails, each boasting its own unique charm and natural beauty.

Albert Falls, nestled in the formidable forests of West Virginia, captivated us with its tranquil atmosphere and stunning cascades of water. The trail meandered through lush greenery, and despite an amusing mishap where our professor took an unexpected plunge (much to everyone’s amusement), the experience was unforgettable.

Sammy, our trusty hiking companion, added to the camaraderie, making it a day filled with laughter and shared memories. 

At Blackwater Falls State Park, anticipation built as we approached the main attraction: Blackwater Falls–a breathtaking, thundering waterfall framed by rugged cliffs. The name, “Blackwater,” derives from the water, which is darker because of the chemicals in the leaves that populate the trees in the State Park.

We made our way down a boardwalk that leads to several overlooks, offering views of the 57-foot tall waterfall. While there, we had opportunities to (1) race our professor and (2) see a beaver doing its thing. We even saw its home, a dam downstream from the waterfall, prompting Chrissy to say, “It has its own little Fallingwater”!

But our water fall adventures were not complete. Also in Blackwater Falls State Park is Elakala Falls, which provided a more tranquil yet equally captivating adventure. The trail wound through a tranquil forest, leading us to a smaller but still beautiful waterfall. Venturing into the river’s edge, we explored underneath the falls, marveling at the sheer power of nature. The slippery rocks added an element of excitement, reminding us to tread carefully while soaking in the beauty surrounding us.

Before the night ended, and before we left the Park, we also had the opportunity to enjoy the sunset!

Each of our adventures offered a glimpse into the natural wonders of West Virginia, from serene forest trails to dramatic waterfalls to a beautiful sunset. These experiences not only rejuvenated our spirits but also strengthened our bond as adventurers seeking to uncover the beauty of our world, one trail at a time.

Visit Huntsville: Eastham-Thomason Park

By Cinthia Villarreal

With today being International Earth Day, the City Fellows and LEAP Ambassadors decided it was a good time to explore one of the City of Huntsville’s Parks: the Eastham-Thomason Park. But it’s not just Earth Day that makes for a good time to hike, walk, or stroll in Huntsville, any day is a great opportunity to take advantage of the natural hills, beautiful wooded areas, or one of the many hiking trails in the area.

Eastham-Thomason Park first opened in 1993 and now consists of a total of 143 acres, including the donation from the estate of Marguerite Eastham-Thomason, for who the park is named.

As we embarked on our journey, the park welcomed us by displaying a variety of Texas’s beautiful wildflowers, including the our state’s flower, the Bluebonnet.

Throughout our hike, we were able to encounter different ecosystems that the park is home to. We saw an array of plants which went from the colorful wildflowers to prickly cacti, a variation of footprints from the wildlife that reside in the park, and the change of terrain, which at one point, involved us jumping over Town Creek.

On any given day, you might see a photo shoot (as we did)…

…any number of birds or other wildlife…

The Park also has a surprising varieties of trails, which offer new experiences each time you visit, from tight trails covered by low-hanging canopies…

…to wide-open prairies.


Eastham Thomason has many amenities for all City of Huntsville residents and visitors and it quite literally has something for everyone. It includes an incredible dog park for dog owners to take their pet out, an aquatic center for hot summer days, and a playground for kids to play. For athletic enthusiasts, the park also includes a variety of bike and foot trails, a nine-Frisbee golf course, a Basketball court and a Volleyball court. The park has three parking lots and restrooms for the visitor’s convenience.

A map of the Park, including the different trails, parking, restrooms, and more can be found here.

Leaving the trail behind, the City Fellows and LEAP Ambassadors left with a deeper understanding of wildlife, the knowledge of why cities like Huntsville promote and appreciate green spaces, and a much bigger gratitude of our home, the earth.