Adventure This Mother’s Day

Looking to surprise your mom with a unique experience on Mother’s Day?

Go beyond the roses, chocolates, and 5-hour wait for a table at a chain restaurant — go for a hike.

Here are the top places to go and I know because I’ve been to all of them:

Adams County, Ohio — Get moving early and grab some donuts at one of the many Amish stores. We like the caramel cinnamon donuts — a.k.a. Amish Crack. These donuts are beyond good. Next stop, stroll up to the Buzzardroost Rock Trail. Which is a little longer of a hike but much easier since they moved the trail head across the road — so you don’t need to play your own personal game of Frogger! And, the trail doesn’t cut up that impossibly steep hillside. Don’t get me wrong — you are still going to be climbing a few hills but at least this version isn’t as steep. Plus, you’ll be treated to beautiful wildflowers!

After, enjoying the view and getting back to your car, head down the road to Wilderness Trail — just be prepared for mud. If a muddy beautiful woodland hike with awesome rocky outcroppings isn’t your thing — might i suggest the lovely Adams Lake State Park and Adams Lake Prairie State Nature Preserve or the Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve.

Madison, Indiana — There are enough chocolate, tea, coffee, cookie, cake, pie, and greasy spoons places to eat along the main street — you’ll definitely need to go hiking the gorgeous Clifty Falls State Park and Nature Preserve. I suggest starting at the Nature Center and hiking Trail 1 and climb the Observation Tower and continue to Trail 3 towards the playground. Connect to Trail 4 towards Hoffman Falls and Lilly Memorial. Connect with Trail 5 and continue to Tunnel Falls. Want to do a short section? I love Tunnel Falls the best. Want to do even shorter, check out the North Gate area and do Trail 7. Call to verify the trails are passable.

Seymour, Indiana — Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge Does your mom love watching the birds? Then, you MUST head over to this amazing refuge. Look at their Facebook page for the latest information.

Cincinnati, Ohio — Want to have the big woods experience without going to Northern California? Head over to California Woods Nature Preserve for a wonderful hike through the woods and over several hills! After, head to Terry’s Turf Club for great music and better burgers!

Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!