Trail guides, day hikes, backpacking routes, and national park adventures across the US.
want to tell you about my first real hike, because it's instructive in the worst possible way. It was a Saturday morning in late spring. A friend had suggested we do a "short hike" in the mountains — maybe five miles, nothing crazy, bring some water. I wore khaki pants.
Hiking safety is not about fear — it is about preparation. This complete guide covers the Ten Essentials, navigation, weather, wildlife encounters, common trail injuries, and how to call for help when you need it.
2.5 miles · 200 ft gain
Not every great trail needs to climb a mountain. Cascade Springs Nature Trail proves the point beautifully — a 2.5-mile loop through the kind of flat, expansive, wind-scoured landscape that has its own intense beauty, different in character from alpine scenery but no less compelling. Located at...
3.0 ·
Explore Grand Isle State Park Beach Trail in Grand Isle, LA. A easy 3.0-mile out-and-back through Louisiana's unique landscapes.
3.5 ·
Explore Holly Beach Wildlife Trail in Cameron, LA. A easy 3.5-mile loop through Louisiana's unique landscapes.
6.4 miles · 2600 ft gain
Mount Mansfield: Long Trail Summit is one of Vermont's most rewarding hiking destinations, offering 6.4 miles of challenging terrain with 2600 feet of elevation gain through some of the region's most dramatic high-country scenery. The trailhead is located Stowe, VT, making it accessible from nearby
1.5 ·
Explore Sabine NWR Marsh Trail in Hackberry, LA. A easy 1.5-mile loop through Louisiana's unique landscapes.
7.5 miles · 2600 ft gain
Camel's Hump: Forest City Loop is one of Vermont's most rewarding hiking destinations, offering 7.5 miles of challenging terrain with 2600 feet of elevation gain through some of the region's most dramatic high-country scenery. The trailhead is located Duxbury, VT, making it accessible from nearby...
2.0 ·
Explore Lacassine NWR Loop in Lake Arthur, LA. A easy 2.0-mile loop through Louisiana's unique landscapes.
6.0 miles · 2200 ft gain
Stratton Mountain: Long Trail is one of Vermont's most rewarding hiking destinations, offering 6.0 miles of challenging terrain with 2200 feet of elevation gain through some of the region's most dramatic high-country scenery. The trailhead is located Stratton, VT, making it accessible from nearby...
5.0 · 200 gain
Explore Lake Claiborne State Park Trail in Homer, LA. A easy 5.0-mile loop through Louisiana's unique landscapes.
2.8 miles · 900 ft gain
Snake Mountain Loop is one of Vermont's most rewarding hiking destinations, offering 2.8 miles of challenging terrain with 900 feet of elevation gain through some of the region's most dramatic high-country scenery. The trailhead is located Addison, VT, making it accessible from nearby towns and a...
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