One of my favorite activities is hiking, particularly in Bar Harbor, Maine during the summer season. Bar Harbor is home to Acadia National Park, which is the third oldest national park east of the Mississippi River.  It is ripe with trails and places to explore.

For one, it’s a great change of pace from my normal workout routine—using a boring cardio machine, lifting some weights and playing basketball. There is a calming feeling about being outside in nature.

When I go hiking I completely disconnect; no phone, which means no social media, texting or anything like that for at least an hour. It not only reduces stress, but gives me a chance to appreciate trees, leaves, rocks and all the wildlife I encounter on one of those excursions.

My favorite mountain trail to hike in Bar Harbor is called Precipice Trail located on Champlain Mountain. My friend and I always hike it when we are up there on vacation. Although it is a very challenging 1,000-foot climb up the mountain, the view at the top is unbelievable. The vantage point at the top is so nice because one can see the Atlantic Ocean, other mountains, trees and lakes—it really is something special.

Since I have been working in Pearl River County, a place that I enjoy going to and walking around is the Crosby Arboretum. Although it doesn’t have any mountains to hike, it still provides me with a nice place to get some exercise and unplugging for a little bit.

The densely wooded area, full of wildlife and plants is a nice place to get outside for some time.

There is something to be said about having time alone to reflect in a serene place like the arboretum. This is definitely one of my favorite places in Picayune to kick back.