Lately, many of my favorite hikes have been demanding trails that require high effort for the rewards of dramatic views or sparking jewel lakes. Then, along came the Old Sauk River trail, which asks very little, but gives so much tranquility and beauty in return. This is a trail that makes you slow down. Surrounded by the giant, moss covered trees, your eye is forced to the tiny details of the forest. When I hiked it on the first day of spring, those details were primarily budding leaves and blooming flowers.