Shared by Monica Hoel, as Guest Blogger.

I saw a leaf fall today. More importantly…I saw a leaf stop falling today.

It was from a tree with long-ish leaves. Something like a Pawpaw or a Cucumber tree. Because the leaf had some length, and because it was bent just right, it didn’t fall so much as it sailed. It was a lot like watching a paper airplane.

Instead of falling straight to the ground, it drifted in a zigzag fashion until it ran out of air and had to settle on land. But the most amazing part was at the beginning of its flight; at the end of its first zig, before shifting into a zag, it stopped. It just stopped in midair – for a full second or maybe two. It hovered and levitated and seemed to break all the laws of physics.

After that, how could I not watch it all the way down? It was a trick leaf! Who knew what it might do next?

We had ventured out on a walk without expecting to see much -- knowing that most of the fall color was gone. Trees full of bright yellow and orange leaves had pretty much given up their grip overnight and dropped every bit of adornment. The only leaves left were brown and dry and sparse in the branches -- so we were just out for exercise.

When leaves all fall at once, it’s a lot like watching a snow storm. What I had never noticed is that when leaves fall one at a time, it’s more like observing snowflakes: each with its own unique flight pattern.

For the rest of my walk I gawked at maple leaves that flip-flopped from treetop to trail, locust leaves that flittered down quickly, and oak leaves that lazily twirled and swirled as if circling down the bathtub drain. It was a chance to see a side of fall I had never noticed.

It’s easy to think that the only good time to enjoy a good walk in a state park is when nature is putting on a show. Is there snow on Molly’s Knob? Do the fall trees along the edge of Hungry Mother State Park still have color? Is the Service Berry in bloom along the ridges above the lake? No one is arguing that those are beautiful times to visit.

But we hope you’ll consider this a public service announcement for visiting during the “between times” when you least expect to be amazed by what you see.

Lucky for us, Mother Nature isn’t a seasonal worker – and she’s got tricks to amaze us year-round.

Editor's Note: If you'd like to experience Monica's Hungry Mother State Park in the "between times" and enjoy a crackling woodburning fireplace with your family and friends, click here. The off-season rates make this time of year even more appealing to those who wish to escape the crowds and truly get away from it all. See the cabin rates per season here.

This park has 20 wonderful cabins, from the lakeside honeymoon cabin to the 1- and 2-bedroom cabins and 1 mountain lodge. Each have bedroom(s), living room, dining area and full kitchens.

The only exception is that the cozy honeymoon cabin is a one room efficiency, as we thought you'd enjoy having the bed and fireplace in the same room.

They all have a bathroom, central heat and a porch or deck to enjoy as well.

Call 800-933-7275 for more information or to check availability.

This park is not far from Marion Virginia in Smyth County, and super easy to access from Interstate 81, just exit 47 and follow the signs. 

Drive Time: Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours; Bristol, Va., 45 minutes; Charlotte, N.C., three hours.