The place I visit most to encounter nature and its beauty is Doe Run Lake and trails in Independence Ky.  I really enjoy hiking in the trails or just sitting on my car at the top of the hill and just take it all in.  It is a beautiful place where you can be away from our suburban area and really surround yourself with nature.  The lake, streams, and wildlife in this wooded area is quite incredible.  This is the place I go to when I have had a stressful or bad day and just escape from everything and clear my head.  This place provides me with a sense of tranquility and really allows me to gather my thoughts and experience nature close to home.