There are certain moments in life that don’t feel big at the time… but somehow stay with you long after they’re over.
This hike wasn’t recent – it was a few years ago when I visited my best friend Holly in Tennessee. We spent time exploring, laughing, and just being present in a way that’s easy to forget in everyday life. Looking back now, I realize it wasn’t just a hike… it was one of those quiet moments that became a part of my healing.
While I was visiting Holly, we did a lot of hiking and sightseeing. Some trails were short and easy, while others pushed a little more. But Burgess Falls stood out from all of them. There was something about it – the sound of water, the way the trail led us there, and the feeling you get when you finally see it – that made it unforgettable.
Burgess Falls, located about 18 miles south of Cookeville, is a stunning waterfall that drops 136 feet into a limestone gorge. Surrounded by tall rock walls and thick forest, it’s one of those places that makes you stop and take it all in.
Getting there wasn’t effortless. The trail had its moments – narrow paths, uneven footing, and areas where we had to slow down and really pay attention. I remember gripping the railing in certain spots, focusing on each step so I wouldn’t slip. It was a little intimidating at times… but also exciting in a way that made it all worth it.
Standing there at the falls, hearing the water crash down and feeling the mist in the air, I remember thinking how incredible it was that places like this exist. And even more special… I got to experience it with someone who means so much to me.
If you’re looking for another simple way to slow down and reconnect, I shared a recipe here for dandelion honey
Looking back, I didn’t realize at the time how much I needed that day. The laughter, the challenge, the beauty of it all – it reminded me that even in the middle of life’s chaos, there are still moments that bring you back to yourself.
Sometimes healing doesn’t come in big, obvious ways. Sometimes… it’s just a walk in nature with someone who matters. And maybe that’s what healing really looks like… not something big and dramatic, but quiet moments that find you when you need them most.
A few more moments from the day…
