A peaceful escape awaits at Distant Hill

Despite its name, Distant Hill Nature Trails isn't distant at all. Located a short drive from Keene, Alstead, Surry, Walpole and Bellows Falls, it offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature The best way I can describe it is simple: Distant Hill is an oasis. If you're looking for a quiet place to walk, unwind or spend time outdoors with family, this is it. Wildflower gardens attract monarchs and yellow swallowtail butterflies, while walking trails and a story trail offer something for visitors of all ages and abilities. It's an ideal place to step away from the pace of daily life and recharge. The landowners, the creators of Distant Hill Nature Trails, Michael and Kathy Nerrie have made a beautiful sanctuary. As of 2019, there are 35 volunteers working hard and working together as a non-profit organization called Friends of Distant Hill. All I can say is "wow." They have all worked so hard over the years and together they have done an amazingly beautiful job. They have created a space, within nature, that is accessible to a wide range of visitors, including families, pet owners and those with mobility challenges. There is a beautiful pavilion, to sit and have a picnic. Ornamental gardens feature a variety of native and ornamental plants, including mountain laurel, white forsythia, smoke bush and trout lily. There are also many gorgeous rock gardens, as well as wildlife you may see along your walk. Such as, bears — yes, I did say bear. Wildlife sightings may also include bobcats, raccoons, porcupines, frogs, turtles and a wide variety of birds. Not only do Distant Hill Nature trails offer family-friendly walking trails, educational story walks, beautiful wildflowers, and a very fun play area that is open to the community from dawn until dusk every day. Workshops throughout the year cover topics including birding, fern identification, pollinator gardens, wildlife landscaping, vernal ponds and wildlife tracking. "Our goal is to remove barriers and help more people connect with nature." That mission resonates with me. Places like Distant Hill remind us how important it is to slow down, spend time outdoors and appreciate the forests, fields and wildlife that surround us. Protecting those spaces ensures future generations can enjoy them as well.