I recently participated in a Yoga Sunset Hike hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). It was a beautiful evening with blue skies and temps in the low 70s. About 30 of us gathered on the grass near the gazebo next to Children's Lake in Boiling Springs at 6:00 pm. The yoga instructor led us through a 30-minute gentle yoga session. The easy-to-follow moves were ideal for beginners.

After the yoga session, we gathered for our guided hike along the Appalachian Trail. Participants had the chance to choose between two hikes: one into the woods or the other into the fields. I choose to follow the AT into the fields. There were about 18 of us in the group. We walked past Children's Lake and the Iron Furnace, over the Yellow Breeches Creek, and eventually into a what looked like a never-ending field. The trail skirted the edges of a corn field to one side and a soy bean field to the other side. With the sun shining on the mountains in the distance, it was a peaceful scene.

The trail is not very wide at this point, but is easily marked with white blazes. It was also very flat and the pace of the hike was gentle to moderate. The guide mentioned that Cumberland Valley is one of the only locations where the trail is surrounded by active farm lands. As the trail came to Leidigh Road, we stopped and observed an incredibly beautiful sunset.

The guide pointed out where the trail continued and suggested a hike to Center Point Knob. Another option was to explore White Rocks Trail which intersects with the AT just south of Center Point Knob.  We then turned around and headed back to Children's Lake. With dusk falling, we returned to the ATC office at around 7:45 pm. It was an enjoyable evening and I look forward to exploring more of the AT in the Cumberland Valley.