Experience in a Natural Setting: The Noland Trail

Tucked against the rapid flowing James River, the Noland Trail winds and twists through heavy forest before opening up to the glimmering water. Immersed under the trees, the canopy is painted with shapes and colors unique to each species. Maple, dogwood, oak, and pine are among the giants shading the sun. Not only is each tree unique in shape, size, and color, but also touch and smell as well. Prickly thorns line the branches of some while other leaves are matted with soft fuzz. Some drop nuts on the woodland floor while others bloom beautiful flowers and fruit. Autumn winds that rip through the canopy create a song only experienced when surrounded by the trees. A faint orchestra of gravel and mud is constant with each continuing step. Giving way to the James, the trail opens up to a melody of splashes, as if the river itself is attempting to swallow and gulp the tree roots and sand lining the base of the land. The cool water breeze creeps up the skin the closer you are to shore. It is calming yet captivating. A sense of security is felt listening to the constant flow of water and studying the strength of the tree roots worn out and battered by the water. Despite the nagging erosion the trees stand tall. In awe I look up at the tree line, reflecting on the simple act of existing in nature; realizing, at least for a second, that my problems are much smaller than life itself.