When hiking, I prefer solitude and wild places. While I appreciate the role that nature centers, State Parks and urban greenbelts play in recreation and public education, I would rather tramp through conservation areas and undeveloped preserves. Manicured trails, rustic bridges, educational signs and modern restrooms come with a price: plenty of other people. It's difficult to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of nature when cell phones are ringing!
And, if you hope to see a good variety of wildlife, secluded woods, fields or wetlands should be your destination. Veteran naturalists know that wildlife is best observed by unhurried walks through natural habitats; early morning or late day hikes tend to be most rewarding.
