Autumn at Hornbecks Falls in the Poconos

And all at once, summer collapsed into fall. – Oscar Wilde

Autumn touches us like no other season. Perhaps it’s the sudden yet gentle nudge of change; the beautiful whisper of time; the reminder that letting go can be beautiful.

If you Google autumn quotes, you will find a wealth of poetry, sweet words, and thought-provoking statements about the time of year when the air turns crisp and the leaves change. Our clothes shift to soft, thick knitted textures and cozy feels, and the palette delights in sweet pumpkin and hearty soups.

If you are like me, you relish even the darkness: the rainy days blanketed with grey mist and falling leaves. I have always said I welcome sunshine, but I feel most soothed on gloomy days; perhaps because it reminds me that even less-than-ideal weather can be beautiful, and it’s a much-needed part of our natural world, just as our imperfections are part of humanity.

What follows in the Northeast takes courage to face. Months upon months of what seems like an eternity of sunless skies and barren trees can bring even the most wintry of spirits down. Which is why fall begs us to slow down, to be present, to take the time to look around and most importantly to be grateful.

Last week I had several slower days which at first felt very unwelcome to someone who enjoys being productive. I made the most of them by hitting the local trails with my camera, slowing my walks and searching for beauty. I didn’t have to look far.

On this particular day, my travels took me along the Hornbecks Creek Trail beside the Delaware River. Also known as Indian Ladders, this mellow but beautiful trail follows an old roadbed to Indian Falls. Although the drop is short, the falls are a stunning site framed by yellow maples and oak.

Along the way, a series of wooden bridges adds a cozy touch and is one of my favorite elements for landscape photography.

The walk is about 2.7 miles, and I would encourage you to take your time. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife encounters like downy woodpeckers (the smallest woodpeckers in North America) and Wood Frogs.

Although the walk was short, it was a peaceful reminder that sometimes we don’t have to go far to find something breathtaking, especially in the natural world. Afterward, I tried my hand at a homemade pumpkin spiced chai latte and honey-glazed acorn squash stuffed with goat cheese and cranberries. It was a perfect fall day, tucked inside an imperfect life, and perhaps that’s what makes fall so great: it reminds us that even though things change, we can still be something to marvel at.