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In the East
Elk aren't just in the West. If you want to hear the other-wordly mating call of an elk in rut, and you're located near the mid-Atlantic region, try Pennsylvannia's Quehanna Trail. A remote trail wandering through dark woods, there is an added chilling air to hearing the lusting male's call. In north central Pennsylvania a herd of western elk was introduced in 1915 after eastern elk were nearly hunted out. Now the elk thrive in the aptly titled Elk State Forest. During the fall, an elk's bugle can be heard for miles, making the chances of hearing several highly likely on most any hike.
Or, look up in the trees for the wildlife. After aggressive environmental policies of the past decade, the bald eagle is back in force. To view these birds in action, try a paddling trip on the Delaware River. A 40-mile length of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a protected area for these birds and the wintering home of these magnificent creatures for 4 to 6 of the colder months. This point of the river is also slow moving and easy to paddle, and in the fall and winter seasons, relatively deserted by humans. Also of note, the popular long trail, the Appalachian Trail cuts through the Water Gap NRA.
Each winter thousands of tourists flock to Florida heading for the beaches and amusement parks. But some thousands of others flock to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and they aren't all human. Each November to Februaray, thousands of migrating cranes overtake this wet backcountry. Joining them are all sorts of migrating birds, including herons, egrets, osprey, hawks and ibises, as well as the year-round native birds. With over 120 miles of canoe trails, most choose to paddle their way around, also my preferred choice for a relaxing adventure and an unobstructed view of these wonderful waterfowl. Permits are required for some activities, see the contact info. to find out how to get details.
Contact information and websites for all of these areas can be found at the end of this article.
