As the summer winds to a close, it can be easy to switch gears into hibernation mode. While we're not facing the chill of winter just yet, the sun is going down earlier and things are getting a little more cozy every day. But! Don't let that stop you from getting outside. There are still lots of beautiful days left to explore and we want to maximize them all. One way to do that is by exploring some of the Granite State's ecological areas. The coolest and easiest way to do it? Boardwalk trails! This boardwalk trail in New Hampshire might not be the most well-known, but it's certainly lovely, offering a solid mile of trail winding through a beautiful bog.

Do a quick search of reviews for The Joe Kent Trail at Quincy Bog Natural Area and you'll find visitors describing it in words like "sublime," "magical," and "ethereal." After one visit, you're likely to find this to be true.

The nature center here was inspired by George N. "Joe" Kent, who was an avid naturalist and birder. After studying at Oberlin, he went on to graduate studies at the University of New Hampshire where his love of bogs began.

The nature center includes a small library, a work room and a room where special programs take place. It serves as a great resource for learning before or after exploring the trail.

The bog area itself features a pond and the wetlands that are associated with ponds. You'll also find an upland forest surrounding the trail, making for an almost completely shaded experience.

There are tons of plant and animal life living within the area.

Look closely and you might spot a Belted Kingfisher.

Keep your eyes to the skies and look for Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows.

Moose have been spotted here as well.

But, the real stars here are the beavers who have built dams here requiring man made trails to explore. This is where the boardwalk comes in!

The boardwalk goes clockwise around the edge of the bog area, crossing the stream and then eventually leading back to the Nature Center.

You'll find the trail, which is about one mile, starting on the porch of the Nature Center.

While the map might make the route look short and simple, the walkway actually meanders throughout the woods, over the water and back to the outskirts. You'll constantly see new parts of the bog, bringing the ecology of New Hampshire waterways to life.

While visiting any time is beautiful, we're especially partial to the fall when the leaves of the trees put on a spectacular show.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the hard work of the beavers!

The Quincy Bog Natural Area is located at 131 Quincy Bog Rd., Rumney, New Hampshire. Admission and parking are free. You can see the full trail guide here. Or, check out a map of the area here. For more information, you can visit their website.

Another wonderful boardwalk trail is The Flume. It's popular, often packed with tourists, but there's a good reason for that! Check it out here.