Western New York is home to some of the most incredible views of nature on this side of the Mississippi. Be it camping, biking, or hiking, I make every effort to enjoy the natural surroundings, whether near my home or along an interstate highway.
I owe Sunday’s adventure to fellow columnist Bob Confer, whose August column — RidgeWalk offers a connect to nature and community — appealed to my outdoorsy spirit. On Sunday, I participated in the 34th RidgeWalk and Run.
It’s one of those rare community events you have to see to believe and offers something for everyone: 2-, 6-, and 9-mile walks; a 2-mile road walk perfect for small children and parents with strollers; a 2-mile trail walk for slow-to-moderate walkers; plus, a 5K and 10K trail run. There’s even a 25K trail walk or run for people who enjoy suffering.
My partner and I chose the 6-mile walk, which sits comfortably in the “We want to feel accomplished but still be able to function on Monday” category.
Because participant numbers are capped, I was glad we enrolled in the event ahead of time. Check-in started for our event at 9:30 a.m. at Wellsville High School, home of the Wellsville Lions. Friendly volunteers gave us a surprisingly generous swag bag — always a good omen — and directed us toward one of several yellow school buses waiting to ferry us to the trailhead.
There’s something oddly comforting about bouncing along on a school bus full of cheerful strangers who decided that tromping through the woods on a Sunday morning was a great idea. Thankfully the weather was sunny, dry and not very chilly. It was the kind of fall day that tricks you into believing that perhaps winter won’t actually show up this year.
Dozens of outdoor enthusiasts disembarked at the drop-off point, forming a caravan of Leki poles, water bottles, and optimism. Because 100% of the trails run on private property, the event depends on landowners who open their woods. We felt the generosity immediately, grateful for this borrowed beauty shared for one day only.
The trails were well marked with arrows and tree branches adorned with blue and white ribbons. Many trees carried labels explaining their species, turning the walk into a casual botany lesson.
The climb towards Alma Hill was steady, and the crowds thinned into small clusters of hikers. When we reached the ridge, we were met by something I absolutely did not expect: a violinist standing in a lean-to playing the hymn, “It is Well With My Soul.”
It’s one of my favorite hymns, and hearing it in that setting — sunlight filtering through amber and golden-colored leaves, the valley stretching out below — was almost too perfect. I stood there, singing along in a whisper,
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.
The hymn fit the moment so well that it felt like Alma Hill had requested it.
From there the trail wound gently, giving us time to appreciate the scenery and take photos. As we began our ascent up what is nicknamed “Cardiac Hill,” we chatted with people, occasionally comparing notes on which muscles were beginning to complain. We were among strangers sharing the same temporary challenge and the same reward.
Back at the finish, we were greeted with a fall-style meal of hot dogs, apple cider, bananas, cookies, beer, and potatoes. Everything tastes like gourmet cuisine after walking six miles. We left Wellsville tired and grateful. It was a pretty good Sunday.
The RidgeWalk & Run is exactly what Bob Confer promised: a connection to nature and community. It’s a reminder that borrowed beauty, shared for one day, is still beauty worth showing up for.