Circle Trail, Pipestone National Monument, July 2022 Pipestone National Monument in southwest Minnesota preserves the site of an active pipestone quarry used by the Sioux and other American Indian tribes to craft famed “peace pipes” popularized by groups in the northern plains of the United States. The Sioux Quartzite that predominates in the park dates …
Continue reading Circle Trail (Pipestone National Monument, MN)
Minnehaha Falls, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, July 2022 The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota are known—perhaps more so to locals than non-natives—for having one of the most extensive park systems in the country, centering largely around the mighty Mississippi River. The National Park Service’s Mississippi National River and Recreation Area …
Continue reading Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, MN
Cascade Falls, Osceola, July 2022 Osceola, Wisconsin, situated on the St. Croix River and border with Minnesota, is a charming small town that is a popular day trip for Twin Cities residents. It owes its destination status in part to the natural landscapes immediately surrounding it, from the high bluffs to the gentle riverside to …
Continue reading Cascade Falls & Falls Bluff Trail Loop (City of Osceola, WI)
Parfrey's Glen, Devil's Lake State Park, July 2022 Given the significant focus on Utah and the American West, narrow canyons and slots feature heavily on Live and Let Hike. But these beautiful features can be found in surprising places, such as the limestone gorges of Starved Rock State Park in northern Illinois and southwest Virginia’s …
Continue reading Parfrey’s Glen (Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area, WI)
Kaskaskia Canyon Falls, Starved Rock State Park, June 2022 Note: This is the fourth of four posts covering hikes in northern Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park, which boasts 18 sandstone canyons, dozens of waterfalls, and an impressive network of trails along the southern shores of the Illinois River. This post covers a 2.8-mile hike that …
Continue reading Ottawa, Kaskaskia, & Illinois Canyons (Starved Rock State Park, IL)
Owl Canyon, Starved Rock State Park, June 2022 Note: This is the third of four posts covering hikes in northern Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park, which boasts 18 sandstone canyons, dozens of waterfalls, and an impressive network of trails along the southern shores of the Illinois River. This post covers a 2.1-mile one-way section that …
LaSalle Canyon, Starved Rock State Park, June 2022 Note: This is the second of four posts covering hikes in northern Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park, which boasts 18 sandstone canyons, dozens of waterfalls, and an impressive network of trails along the southern shores of the Illinois River. This post covers a 4.4-mile stem-and-loop hike from …
Continue reading French, Wildcat, & LaSalle Canyons Loop (Starved Rock State Park, IL)
St. Louis Canyon, Starved Rock State Park, June 2022 Note: This is the first of four posts covering hikes in northern Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park, which boasts 18 sandstone canyons, dozens of waterfalls, and an impressive network of trails along the southern shores of the Illinois River. This post covers a 2.75-mile out-and-back from …
Continue reading St. Louis Canyon and Aurora Canyon (Starved Rock State Park, IL)
Jones Hole Trail, Dinosaur National Monument, June 2022 Although most famous for its prehistoric fossils, Dinosaur National Monument in northeast Utah and northwest Colorado covers more than 200,000 acres of canyon country that rivals the “Mighty Five” national parks farther south. Here the Green and Yampa Rivers—and their various tributaries—have carved a labyrinth of snaking …
Continue reading Jones Hole Trail & Ely Creek Falls (Dinosaur National Monument, UT)
Timpanogos Falls, Mount Timpanogos Wilderness, June 2022 Below the imposing massif of Mount Timpanogos (11,749’)—the second-highest peak in northern Utah’s Wasatch Range—lies a wonderland of aspen groves, cascading streams, and verdant meadows, many of which are a stone’s throw from the popular, 20-mile Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Ambitious day hikers can set out to tackle …
Continue reading Timpanogos Falls (Mount Timpanogos Wilderness, UT)
Live and Let Hike 