article and photo by Jessica Plance

1. Braiding Sweetgrass:

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

This beautifully written collection weaves together Native ways of knowing, science, and gratitude for the land. It invites readers to rethink not only how they hike or camp but also how they relate to the natural world.

2. A Walk in the Woods:

Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

A hilariously human and surprisingly insightful journey along one of America’s most iconic trails. Bryson blends humor, history, and self-discovery, reminding us that the outdoors is for everyone, not just expert hikers.

3. The Nature Fix:

Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams

Drawing on neuroscience and field research from around the globe, Williams explores how even small doses of time outside, such as a daily walk, transform our well-being.

4. The Outermost House:

A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod by Henry Beston

A lyrical, immersive look at a year spent in near solitude with the tides and seasons. It reframes outdoor time from recreation to deep presence and observation.

5. The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs:

Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Locate Water, Track Animals, and Other Forgotten Skills by Tristan Gooley

Part fieldcraft manual, part mindfulness guide, this book trains your eye and mind to notice patterns in the natural world, from clouds and wind to animal behavior, enriching every hike or walk.

Originally printed in the April 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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