“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” ~Albert Einstein

I’m no certified genius, but I do agree with old Al. When I’m outdoors here in the Black Hills, I feel at ease. Everything just seems clearer, simpler, less hurried.

People go on vacations to get away. To relax and unwind. To leave everything familiar behind and explore something new. And the Black Hills are the perfect place to do that.

My favorite times here in the hills are those when I get off the main roads and hike on in to the forest until all that I can hear are the sounds of nature.

No vehicle traffic, no cell phones ringing, no people talking. Just the wind whispering through the pines, the birds singing their songs, the occasional rustle of a chipmunk or a wild turkey and the crisp, clean sound of a Black Hills stream splashing alongside.

If you’re able, take some time to explore the Black Hills. And I mean really explore. Hike a little-traveled trail, camp in the backwoods on Forest Service land or climb to the top of one of the region’s 7,000-foot peaks.

Truly allow yourself to stop and absorb the Black Hills – there is something special about this place. I didn’t realize it myself until my wife and I moved out here a few years ago. And, even once we were here – it took a while for me to notice it. That special something about the area.

It’s difficult to put into words, but if you come visit and take the time to just soak in the natural beauty of the region, you’ll begin to understand.