Alexander Leyva S.
Google
I recently took a trip to Mt. St. Francis Trailhead, and wow, what an experience! I didn’t expect to get so much out of a simple hike, but this place was full of surprises. The moment I stepped onto the trail, I could feel the stress melting away. There’s something about the air—fresh, earthy, and clean—that immediately puts you at ease.
The trails are a good mix of easy and a bit more challenging, but nothing too crazy, so anyone can enjoy it. I spent most of my time wandering around the lake trail, and it was just gorgeous! You’ve got these beautiful reflections of the sky and trees dancing on the water. I sat down by the shore at one point and just soaked it all in. It was peaceful, almost like the world slowed down for a bit. But the cool part is, I was learning as I went!
I had no idea this spot had such a rich history, connected to the friary nearby. They even have a little stone chapel tucked into the woods, and finding it felt like stumbling on a piece of the past. It gave me this sense of connection to the land and its history that I wasn’t expecting to get from a simple hike.
The best part, though, was just how alive the place is. I saw deer, a bunch of birds, and even a few frogs near the water. It was like nature was showing off that day. I left with this sense of calm and a deeper appreciation for how amazing the outdoors can be. Definitely coming back—next time, I’m bringing a picnic!