This site in Centennial Woods is a hidden little ledge protruding out over a brook in the heart of the woods. There are several fallen trees that stretch over the width of the brook, forming a bridge. This site is more than meets the eye; it has a hidden gem that you won’t notice from looking at a distance. One of the fallen trees is rooted at the bottom of the ledge, causing it to fall into the stream. It forms a small waterfall as water flows over it down the hill. A small oak sapling branches over you like an umbrella as you stand at the site. Small saplings and shrubbery along the banks of the stream form an archway over it as the stream continues to flow down the hill.
To get there, follow the path beginning at the entrance to Centennial Woods. Keep going past the foot bridge over the brook until you reach a large clearing. At the clearing, walk to the center, then take a left and walk downhill toward the stream. You may have to duck under the low branches of a pine sapling that guards it. The site is right at the edge of the stream. You will know you are in the right place if you see fallen trees across the brook; look underneath the trees and you will see the waterfall.
The experience of being in this spot brings you peace. The calming sound of the running water mixed with the breeze rustling the leaves of surrounding trees makes you momentarily forget your troubles and truly connect with nature. Its a secret hideaway at the bottom of a hill, hidden away from the paths by trees. This place has character; it experiences changes from day to day. During the summer when its hot and dry, the brook is shallow and the waterfall is nothing but a small trickle. After it rains, the brook swells and water rushes downhill, creating a surging waterfall over the log. When I first discovered this spot, it was mid-September; the leaves on the trees were still green and the air was warm. The brook was shallow and calm. By my second visit, the leaves had turned and the ground was littered with shades of yellow and red, and the brook was rushing past me downhill from recent rainfall. Visit this spot and experience the peace brought by observing nature.