As I step on the charcoal stones, I can feel myself losing my balance. How will I be able to walk down these steps without falling head first into the rocky stream that lay before me. I couldn’t control my nervousness as I stumbled my way down the steps into the grounds of the breathtaking Cascadilla gorge. I couldn’t control my admiration for the raging waters that were rushing into the ground and settling into a stream of serenity. I wanted to touch the water and feel it against my hot skin. I wanted to cool my sore feet in the stream. However, as soon as I set foot on the rocks, I could feel my feet slipping against the stone, so I decided that I was better off being a safe admirer. I knew that the gorge wasn’t safe enough to  bathe in, so I focused my attention on hearing the sound of the waterfall to calm the tensions in my body. I felt so refreshed after completing the whole trail. My groggy morning was replaced with an afternoon bliss, and I was ready to attack my day head on.

Even though I have constantly been told about the beauty of the trail, I have been too cynical to believe that it could actually live up to my expectations. I mean I have seen the Niagara falls and what could ever beat that view. However, completing the trial has made me realize the difference between seeing something and actually experiencing it. I have absorbed so much knowledge and energy walking along the trial that I felt like I had completed a big journey. I never felt so close to the natural landscape of Cornell; therefore, I didn’t want the hike to end. The hike allowed me to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life, so that I could experience the serenity of nature  and see a different part of my community. I will definitely recommend this trail to all my friends and family in the future.