The United States contains a wealth of beautiful landscapes and striking scenery that can be found in every part of the country. Many Americans and visitors from around the globe are aware of the numerous state and national parks that contain verdant groves and diverse natural biomes that remain largely untouched by human civilization. But in most communities, including Lancaster County, people who seek to experience the beauty of nature don't need to travel to Yellowstone to find it; from remote trails scattered across the Southern End to nature parks nestled between the Hempfield area and the Susquehanna River, an outdoor adventure is often only a short drive from home.

On July 11, the Quarryville Library hosted Keith Greenawalt for his program "Adventures in our Natural Parks." Greenawalt, a Lancaster County native and director of the Dillsburg Area Public Library, highlighted local destinations and historic sites found within a couple hours of Lancaster. "(Lancaster County) Central Park has always been a favorite of mine, and I spent a lot of time on the Conewago Trail in college," Greenawalt said. "York has more state parks, but Lancaster has more rail trails."

Greenawalt said he first became interested in the outdoors as a high school student after he joined the cross-country team, and he discovered several hiking trails when he would go on runs. Over the years, Greenawalt has accumulated a list of destinations throughout the area, including Muddy Run Park and the Enola Low Grade Trail in the Southern End. Outdoor attractions can be found in other parts of the county as well, including Lake Grubb Nature Park in West Hempfield Township and Blue Rock Park just north of Millersville. Lancaster Conservancy maintains several nature preserves throughout the county, such as Shiprock Woods Nature Preserve in Willow Street.

Greenawalt recommends a few different methods to local residents hoping to find a little slice of quiet in the wilderness: Smartphone applications such as AllTrails allow hikers to find nearby nature paths, and most areas' local governments have resources for tourists on their official websites. Greenawalt also advised checking local libraries for books on destinations in the community as well as national parks throughout the country. Alternatively, Greenawalt recommends taking a bird's-eye-view approach. "I am a bit of a Google Maps junkie; it's a good place to start," Greenawalt said. "If you know where you're going, look at the big-picture view."

Greenawalt holds a few other programs at the Quarryville Library throughout the year. During the Museum a Minute program, Greenawalt times himself as he presents a list of destinations, and the audience has an opportunity ask questions once he is finished. In October, Greenawalt will return to the library for Haunted Lancaster, during which he will discuss ghost stories and folk tales.

For more information, visit https://quarryvillelibrary.org.