As the leaves finish falling and the air turns crisp, November offers a quieter kind of beauty outdoors. While many people start heading indoors this time of year, it’s actually the perfect time to try something peaceful and grounding: a forest sound walk.
What’s a sound walk? It’s a mindful, slow-paced walk where the goal isn’t exercise or a destination—it’s listening. And Bedford Reservation is the perfect place to do it. As the forest settles into late autumn, the usual bustle quiets down, making the sounds of nature more noticeable. You might hear the crunch of your boots on the leaves, the chatter of squirrels preparing for winter, or the distant call of birds cutting through the still air.
Choose a quiet trail like the section near the Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook or around the Alexander Road Trailhead. Walk slowly, take breaks, and close your eyes from time to time to really tune in. Leave your headphones at home and let the natural soundtrack of Bedford calm your mind.
Bring a journal if you’d like to reflect afterward, or even a thermos of tea to sip while you sit and listen. It’s a simple activity, but one that can refresh your spirit before the holiday rush begins.
So this November, bundle up, slow down, and let the quiet of the Bedford woods remind you how much beauty there is in stillness.