“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by” — Robert Frost
Cabin Fever is usually a winter phenomenon, but this spring many of us are experiencing the COVID-19 version. If standing in line for the grocery store or going on a toilet paper scavenger hunt isn’t curing your itch to get some outdoor recreation, consider a walk through the neighborhood or walk to trails in local parks.
Going outside safely may help to cure those cabin fever blues by giving you a physical and mental boost. But if you do journey outside, please do so safely by maintaining social distancing. This is not the time to expose yourself or others to the coronavirus by gathering in groups or crowded areas.
Long before anyone heard of COVID-19, American poet Robert Frost wrote:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
To borrow from Frost, taking the less traveled path these days could make a huge difference, too. As we all work to flatten the curve, carefully consider where to get your exercise. If you arrive at your destination and find lots of cars or people, find another spot or consider walking at a less popular time of day.
The parking lots at county parks and many trailheads are closed now to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, so look around, and you might just be able to find a place nearby to take that walk or take the dog for a walk through your neighborhood. There are more than 330 miles of trail in Fairfax County, and that means for many, trailheads can be discovered nearby. Check the Trails web page or Trail Buddy to find a spot to explore.
When you go out, please don’t make this a group outing. Use your walk as an excuse to get a little alone time, or head out with just the members of your household. Whichever you choose, just remember to keep your distance from others along the trail. Step to the side. Walk single file. Do keep the recommended six feet of space between you and others. But don’t forget to say “hi” to folks as you pass. You can still be friendly at a distance and maybe bring a much-needed smile to someone else’s day.
As you head outside, embrace the idea of packing out whatever you pack in. Trash collection in parks is limited at this time, so please do your part to help the environment.
Finally — and maybe most important — please don’t go to a trail if you or your family members are sick or experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19. Consider making a virtual visit to a park until you’re ready to go out exploring again. You can find information about county parks on the Park Authority website.
Here are some other links to help you safely treat your case of cabin fever:
Park Information and a Park FAQ
The Fairfax County COVID-19 website
Parks with Trails (use the filter to select Trails)
Our Stories and Perspectives 