Epic cliffs, stunning views, and bushy rhododendrons define the setting of the Endless Wall Trail, one of the finest short hikes at West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River. Take a moment along this 2.9-mile loop hike to soak in the vista from Diamond Point, where the deep gorge drops nearly 900 feet to the …
Continue reading Endless Wall Trail (New River Gorge National River, WV)
Marys Rock from The Pinnacle, Shenandoah National Park, July 2015 Situated high above Thornton Gap in Shenandoah National Park’s Central District, Marys Rock is one of the park’s most popular summits. It is a highlight of Shenandoah’s 105-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail; most visitors, however, climb Marys Rock on a short—but steep—day hike. While …
Continue reading Appalachian Trail to The Pinnacle and Marys Rock (Shenandoah National Park, VA)
Kentucky’s Red River Gorge Geological Area in Daniel Boone National Forest boasts more than 150 natural arches—the largest collection east of the Mississippi. Among the easiest to access is Sky Bridge, a peculiarly-shaped aperture resembling something of a mix between a blocky anvil and a brontosaurus. It’s a short (1/4 mile) walk to the top …
Continue reading Sky Bridge Loop Trail (Red River Gorge Geological Area, KY)
Kentucky is not a state known for its hiking opportunities, per sé. But a trip through Kentucky’s Appalachians may surprise you with its natural beauty. Perhaps chief among the must-sees is the Red River Geological Area, a beautiful tract of land administered by Daniel Boone National Forest, situated around an hour east of Lexington. Judging …
Continue reading Rock Bridge Trail (Red River Gorge Geological Area, KY)
Having finally completed the backlog of blog posts from my four months in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park, I’ve decided to roll out a whole new reference titled the “Capitol Reef Trail Guide.” Here you will find a comprehensive list of trails and routes in Capitol Reef, as well as an interactive map and an …
Most hikers in Capitol Reef National Park will stick to the 15 maintained trails in the principal Fremont River District. But it is the remote and scintillating backcountry that harbors the park’s greatest gems. After last month presenting a (subjective) list of the ten best hikes in the park’s “frontcountry,” this post will outline the …
Continue reading Top 10 Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park’s “Backcountry”
A hike through Little Devils Stairs, featuring a narrow gorge with countless cascades, is one of the highlights of the North District in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. The 1,900-foot elevation gain makes this 7.4-mile “lariat” (or stem-and-loop) a demanding outing, but for those in good shape, intimate stony rambles and an abundance of peaceful waterfalls …
Continue reading Little Devils Stairs Trail Loop (Shenandoah National Park, VA)
Interstate 70, a principal artery for long-distance travelers across the United States, covers 2,153 and crosses nine state lines between Utah and Baltimore, Maryland—and most of the route, admittedly, is less than scintillating. After all, America’s mega-highways were built primarily for ease of travel, not to catch scenic views. There are a few spots where …
Less than an hour’s drive from Moab, Utah, the Island in the Sky District is the most frequented of Canyonlands National Park’s four sections. What squiggly canyons and spindly knobs are to the nearby Needles District, sweeping overlooks are to Island in the Sky. While hiking is the most encouraged activity of this blog, Island …
Continue reading Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park (photo collection)
Pictures of iconic Mesa Arch, often photographed in the early morning glow, frequently grace the pages of calendars and coffee table books. There is something about the arch, maybe the most popular destination in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, which catches the eye. Perhaps it is the setting—the rare instance in which a natural arch is …
Continue reading Mesa Arch Trail (Canyonlands National Park, UT)
Live and Let Hike 