Hike: Ken Lockwood Gorge Trail

Ken Lockwood Gorge Trail located between Califon and High Bridge in Hunterdon County, New Jersey is a 2.5 mile trail which is good for all skill levels. The trail features a relaxing and scenic hike along Raritan River’s South Branch flowing through the gorge and cascading over boulders.

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Summer Camping: Bass River State Forest

Bass River State Forest is located in Ocean County in the state of New Jersey. This 23,563-acre forest is the first forest acquired by the state in 1905 for water conservation, wildlife and timber management and public recreation.

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Autumn 2014: A walk around Showa Kinen Park

Visit Date: 11/17/2014 (Best viewing Time: early November to early December)

Showakinen Park (officially known as Showa Commemorative National Government Park 国営昭和記念公園) is located in Tachikawa, which is only a little over 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku station. With its about 163 hectares land area, the park includes sport fields, barbecue pits, a boating pond, pools, and different magnificent gardens that blooms at various time throughout the year.

Visitors to the park can choose to get off from several stations and we chose the Nishi-Tachikawa station as it is only less than five minutes walk to the entrance gate.

The koyo season around the park usually tends to begin earlier than most of the Tokyo parks, which starts around late October and peak either mid or late November. The colors in this entrance however is still very green, only few trees have changed color.

Showakinen Park Autumn 2014 - 01 Maple tree with orange, green, and red leaves along the path to the park’s open field.

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Autumn 2014: Biking and Hiking in Karuizawa

Visit Date: 11/02/2014 (Best viewing Time: mid October to early November)

Karuizawa is a laid-back town located at the foot of the active volcano Mt. Asama in southeastern Nagano, Japan. The town is situated on a plateau with an altitude of about 1,000 meters and surrounded by various mountains giving it a breezy and refreshing environment. It was introduced as a mountain resort by a Canadian missionary in the late 1800s.

The town offers various outdoor activities, scenic locations, shopping opportunities, and relaxing dining places. It is an ideal venue for nature as well as fashion lovers. Its lovely natural attractions provides magnificent views of fall colors and offers many sight-seeing activities.

 Pond near the Yagasaki Park, a few meters away from Karuizawa Station.

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