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Hiking Tips
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Hiking Excursions
Wildlife and Waterfalls: Navigating Cades Cove and Hiking to Abrams Falls
Top on our list while visiting Smoky Mountain National Park was exploring Cades Cove and hiking to Abrams Falls. The very enjoyable 5-mile roundtrip hike offers a dynamic blend of challenging terrain and scenic rewards within a lush forest setting.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Two Iconic Routes in the Smoky Mountains
During our visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we explored two iconic sections of the Appalachian Trail: the scenic Newfound Gap and the Kuwohi Trail, where we trekked to the AT’s highest point.
The East Coast’s Horseshoe Bend: A Morning at Grandview Main Overlook
Perched high within New River Gorge National Park, the Grandview Main Overlook offers a breathtaking perspective from 1,400 feet above the canyon floor. From this vantage point, the New River can be seen snaking around the bluff, creating a dramatic horseshoe effect.
A Drizzly Hike Along Hawks Nest Fisherman’s Trail in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia
The Hawks Nest Fisherman’s Trail follows the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Railway along the banks of the New River in West Virginia, offering an accessible experience for hikers of all skill levels. For those seeking a challenge, three distinct spurs branch off the main rail trail, providing more technical terrain and intimate views of the river’s edge.
An Easy Hike to the New River Gorge Bridge Overlook
Located in West Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve features the iconic 876-foot-high steel arch bridge which is easily viewed from the overlook located just a short walk from the Visitors Center.
Natural Bridge State Park: Hiking Under the Iconic Bridge to Lace Falls
After years of driving past Virginia’s most iconic natural landmark, we finally pulled over to see if it lived up to the legendary hype. From George Washington’s hidden initials to a surprise encounter with playful river otters, this quick detour turned into an unforgettable afternoon in the gorge.
Glacier National Park Three Falls Hike: Baring, Saint Mary, and Virginia
What began as a simple morning outing transformed into our longest and most rewarding hike in Glacier National Park, spontaneously linking three magnificent, unique waterfalls—Baring, Saint Mary, and Virginia Falls—along the beautiful St. Mary Valley.
Hiking to Hidden Lake at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park
The hike to Hidden Lake was distinct from any other we’d done in Glacier National Park, defined by long stretches of boardwalk, numerous wooden and stone steps, and snowfield crossings. The ascent culminated in a spectacular view of the striking blue-green glacial lake glittering beneath the snow-topped mountains.
Hiking to Grinnell Lake by Way of Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine
We thoroughly enjoyed our boat rides across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, and the pièce de résistance, our hike to Lake Grinnell. The hike itself featured a fun suspension bridge and a painful, freezing wade through a glacial stream, which was instantly forgotten when we were rewarded with a peaceful moose sighting at Grinnell Lake.
Hiking to Apikuni Falls in Glacier National Park
Despite the steep climb, the effort was immensely rewarded by the stunning, close-up view of Apikuni Falls, with the magnificent scenery of Sherburne Lake spread out behind us in the heart of the Many Glacier Valley with Glacier National Park.
Hiking the Beaver Pond Trail and Red Eagle Trail Loop in Glacier National Park
Despite the trails being quite secluded and overgrown, we thoroughly enjoyed the hike. The views were magnificent, ranging from the distant mountains, beaver pond, and the mix of aspen and evergreen trees to the wide variety of wildflowers and ground cover.
Glacier National Park: Paradise Falls, Appistoki Falls, Running Eagle Falls, and Three Grizzly Bears
As enjoyable as the three hikes along Paradise Falls, Appistoki Falls, and Running Eagle Falls were—with their wildflower meadows, mountain views, mountain goats, and beautiful waterfalls—they ultimately paled in comparison to the excitement (and fear) we experienced when the three grizzly bears came loping out of the forest.
Exploring Upper and Lower Mesa Falls
Our visit to the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls was an easy stop as we drove along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. As the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River meanders through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in eastern Idaho it has two significant drop-offs creating the two different falls. Of the two, Upper Mesa Falls is far more spectacular.
Hiking at Tony Grove Lake, an Alpine Treasure
Located just off in Logan Canyon, Utah, Tony Grove is known for its pristine alpine lake. The nature trail that circles the lake is easy enough for the most novice hikers and provides beautiful vistas of the lake and towering mountains.
Hiking Along Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef National Park
The hike along the well-maintained Hickman Bridge Trail provides visitors with high-desert vistas culminating with an up-close view of the majestic 133-foot natural bridge. As the trail makes its way from Highway 24 to the bridge, hikers climb out of the arroyo as they make their way along slickrock, rocky steps, and sand to the point of interest.
Combining Hikes Between Goosenecks Point and Sunset Point in Capitol Reef National Park
Located just across the parking lot from each other, Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point are two easy and short hikes which I treated as one continuous hike. True to its name, Goosenecks Overlook provides visitors with a stunning view of the San Juan River winding like two goosenecks in the canyon far below. Equally accurate to its name is Sunset Point which wows visitors with stunning sunset views.
Hiking in Natural Bridges National Monument to Sipapu Bridge, Horsecollar House Overlook, Kachina Bridge, and Owachomo Bridge
Natural Bridges National Monument is home to Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge, and Owachomo Bridge as well as to the overlook for Horsecollar House cliff dwellings. It also has the honor of being Utah’s first national park unit as proclaimed by Teddy Roosevelt in 1908.
Hike Around Pothole Point Trail in The Needles District in Canyonlands National Park
Pothole Point Trail is a fun, easy to navigate .6-mile loop located in the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park. The trail gets its name from the many potholes formed by erosion over time creating these depressions in the sandstone. Whether wet or dry, the potholes are filled with delicate ecosystems and visitors are reminded not to step in the potholes.
Creating a Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Hike
With limited time while visiting this lesser known, but beautiful national park, we didn’t have time to take explore of the longer trails. Instead, I created a hike by combining Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s Cedar Point Trail and Painted Wall Overlook hikes together with the walk in between on South Rim Road.
Exploring Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Established by congress in 1966 following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam and managed by the National Park Service, Bighorn National Recreation Area encompasses over 120,000 acres and is divided into two districts, the North District (mostly water based recreation) and the South District (largely land based recreation).
Hiking Around Devils Tower National Monument
With only 350 feet of climbing, the paved loop hike around Devils Tower National Monument gives you a 360° view of the iconic rock structure. While the basic trail is easy enough for most people, there are adjacent longer dirt trails for those looking for a more adventuresome workout.
Spearfish Canyon: Stopping by Bridal Veil Falls and Hiking Devil’s Bathtub
Spearfish Canyon is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota just south of the town of Spearfish. Located within Spearfish Canyon are Bridal Veil Falls right off Highway 14A, and Devil’s Bathtub, a 1.6-mile roundtrip moderately difficult hike. Both beautiful and worth the stop to explore.
Visiting Badlands National Park
Designated as a national park in 1978, Badlands’ 244,000 acres of semi-arid landscape is made up of vast prairie dotted with buttes, many eroded away over millions of years into rugged spires, deep canyons, and layered rock formations. The park can be enjoyed as part of a quick drive through or time can be spent exploring any of the many trails just off Badlands Loop Road.
Hiking Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park
The hike from Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park down to Dark Hollow Falls provides plenty of photo opportunities. The hike down is easy, but if you’re not used to regular cardiovascular exercise, be prepared to take a few rest breaks during the hike back up.
A Winter Hike at Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park
Wanting to keep it local, we took our granddog Pablo to Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park located in middle of suburbia. Our relatively short hike took us through parts of a 67-acre forest and gave us beautiful panoramic views of the Potomac River.
An Impromptu Hike at Sky Meadows State Park
It was wonderful to venture beyond our pandemic bubble and hike at Sky Meadows State Park. The views from the top of the mountain into the valley below are beautiful and well worth the moderately difficult hike.
Visiting Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam
Our visit to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam was quite fun. The spectacular views of the massive dam and beautiful lake provided us with unforgettable memories.
Lower Antelope Canyon, a Photographer’s Paradise
The walking tour through Lower Antelope Canyon located on Navajo Land near Page, Arizona takes visitors through breathtakingly beautiful slot canyons. It’s a photographer’s paradise, so Bill and I were in heaven!
Visiting Horseshoe Bend, the Darling of Social Media
Located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Horseshoe Bend is a beautiful horseshoe shaped carving etched away over the course of millions of years by the Colorado River which now extends 1,000 feet deep into the sandstone desert landscape.
Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, one of Utah’s Mighty 5, is one of my favorite parks. There’s always been a special place in my heart for those cute hoodoos.
Shredding the Dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Whether choosing to sand board, motorbike, ride your dune buggy, or hike, Coral Pink Sand Dunes has 3,730 acres of coral pink desert sand just waiting to be explored.
Belly of the Dragon Hike, the Shortened Version
The Belly of the Dragon hike can be cut as short as a half mile by just going from one end of the tunnel to the other and back, or it can be extended for another four to five miles to view the little slot canyon at the far end of the sandy trail.
Exploring Sand Caves, a Man-Made Beauty
Even though Sand Caves in Southern Utah were not created by Mother Nature, it’s well-worth the easy hike off of Highway 89 to see these beautiful caves.
Discovering Dinosaur Tracks in Southern Utah
The short hike to Dinosaur Tracks required a steep climb on loose rocks before we reached the top of the mesa where we found well-preserved bipedal three-toed dinosaur footprints. The views of the surrounding area from the top of the mesa weren’t too bad either!
Hiking the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Annually, only 10% of visitors of the Grand Canyon make their way to the North Rim. After having visited both rims, I enjoyed the contrast of the North Rim’s greenery to the South Rim’s desert and consider myself lucky to have visited both sides. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon provides a variety of hikes so there’s something for everyone from easy short hikes to strenuous and much longer hikes.
Four Hikes Providing Varying Perspectives of Zion National Park
We loved Zion for the variety of hikes and types of scenery that’s spread across its 146,597 acres. There’s something for everyone from easy to strenuous hikes on trails that stay low along the canyon floor to others that reach high into the sky with long dangerous drop-offs.
Hiking into Ice Box Canyon in Red Rock Canyon
While driving from the airport to our vacation destination, we stopped to explore Red Rock Canyon, a 195,819-acre National Conservation Area within the Mojave Desert. With time for only one hike, we chose Ice Box Canyon and were rewarded with a little of all types of terrain.
Scouting out Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is a beautiful state park in Southern Utah just 32 miles from Moab. The park has spectacular views of the Colorado River winding its way below the mesa. We had an ulterior motive for visiting during the day because we planned to return again at sunset. We wanted to search out the perfect view so we could be perched and ready for the sun to set!
Exploring Canyonlands National Park in Southern Utah
Designated as one of the Mighty Five in Southern Utah, Canyonlands is 337,598 acres of breathtaking canyons, buttes, mesas, and arches. Canyonlands National Park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, and The River (Colorado and Green). On our most recent visit we spent a day in Island in the Sky, the district closest to our home base in Moab.
Hiking in Arches National Park in Southern Utah
It’s hard to find a desert more beautiful and majestic, than Arches National Park located on the Colorado Plateau in Southern Utah’s Moab. The park’s 76,679 acres has wide expanses of open red desert dotted with scrub brush and cacti which are occasionally interrupted with spectacular sandstone arches formed by millions of years of erosion. Hiking trails marked with cairns take visitors off the road to explore some of Arches most prized features in the high desert.
A Deer Valley Hike and a Self-Guided Tour of the Winter Olympics Training Facility
When planning our trip to Wyoming and Utah, we had specific items on our agenda; obviously running in the Grand Teton Half was top on my list, but hiking in the Grand Tetons, visiting some of the southern Utah national and state parks, and seeing our friends was also part of the plan. A Deer Valley hike wasn’t initially on our radar, but we’re glad our friends suggested it.
A Phelps Lake Hike and a Million Dollar Excuse for Going so Slowly
Just a few short hours after completing the Grand Teton Half Marathon, my husband convinced me that in order to make the most out of our vacation, a Phelps Lake hike was in order and there was no time like the present. I, on the other hand, thought a shower and a long afternoon nap would be the perfect way to relax and celebrate running a great race…
Hiking Cascade Falls on a Gorgeous Fall Day
If we have time when we’re in Blacksburg for a Virginia Tech football game, Bill and I like to go to one of the many local trails to hike. On this particular trip, we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and changing leaves and headed to Jefferson National Forest for a hike to Cascade Falls.
Hiking to Cascade Falls
Not too far from Virginia Tech is Cascade Falls, a nice little four-mile round trip hike where Little Stony Creek falls 69 feet over a cliff face and boulders into a pool below. It’s a favorite place for outdoorsy Virginia Tech students to hike, and in our case, returning alumni.
Honeymoon Hiking in the Grand Tetons
Bill and I broke our honeymoon into three segments – immediately following our wedding we spent a week at the beach, then another week driving cross-country for our move to Utah for grad school, and for our grand finale, we spent a week in the Tetons and Yellowstone. Our highlight of the three weeks was a 15-mile roundtrip hike from Jenny Lake to Lake Solitude where we enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Tetons and Lake Solitude.
