All of our students know Elizabethtown is a small town. The college does not lie far from Market Street, a busy street packed with stores, restaurants, coffee shops and prices that just keep climbing.
As a broke college student myself, I am constantly looking for entertainment and excitement that won’t cost me a dime. If you’re open to venturing out of town, the river trail to the White Cliffs of Conoy in Bainbridge is a perfect place. With a walkable public trail and breathtaking sights, this hiking spot is unforgettable and easily accessible.
There are multiple trail entrances; take your pick and start hiking. This trail stretches all the way to Columbia, you will be occupied for hours. During the warmer months this trail is overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of summer living. This is a popular walking spot and you will often cross paths with families, dog walkers and lone hikers enjoying the sunshine.
In these colder months, the trail is more difficult to travel. The path isn’t maintained, yet still traveled. It is covered in compacted snow, shoe and paw prints preserved in the layers of ice and slush. I must say, while hiking in the cold may not be ideal, it is worth it. Bundle up, strap on your snow boots and head up to the White Cliffs.
The trail is less busy in the winter, making this a semi-secluded getaway. For those skeptical of the creepy-crawlers who hide in the tall grass, most tick species go dormant during the winter. While you still need to be vigilant and keep an eye out, your chances of bringing home a tick are significantly reduced in the winter. Just ensure you have bug spray at the ready. This is not the only danger, however. As it is a wooded trail, there are animals in your midst. Most will stay away, but you can occasionally spot their small paw prints in the snow.
The best time to visit this trail is during the summer when the sun is shining and there is no precipitation. However I find it to be a fun challenge to make the hike in the snow and rain. Wear your rain coat and bring your umbrella to stay dry, and try not to slip in the mud.
While it’s not recommended, if you veer slightly off the trail, there is an edge that looks over the water. The view is heart-stopping. I am always mesmerized by the sun’s reflection and the layer of fog that blankets the water in unsavory weather.
For the scavengers, this may be the perfect place to look for rocks, sticks, flowers, leaves, pine cones and anything else your heart desires. In your journey you are bound to find just what you are looking for.
This is not just a spot for the hikers and sightseers out there, but the artists. From photography to poetry, this location is oozing with inspiration. It is a superb place to clear your mind, take in every detail, put your cell phone on do-not-disturb and forget about the stresses of daily life. Live in the moment at this magnificent natural spectacle.
