"Teaching was the hardest work I had ever done, and it remains the hardest work I have done to date."Ann Richards
|
| |
Hiking with Children
There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The thrill of introducing these young ones to the wonder of nature is matched only by their eyes as they take it all in. If you follow a few simple rules when hiking with children, things go ...
Safe Hiking Practices
Summertime is the time when folks want to take to the wilderness. If you are planning a hiking trip into the mountainous areas there are special considerations. One of these is making sure that you are physically fit enough to undertake this sort of ...
Trekking Poles And Hiking Staffs
Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking staffs and hiking sticks? Whatever you call them, and whatever their differences, they are supposed to help your knees more than anything. This they do very well, at least when you're going ...
|
|
|
| |
If you are in the mood for a hiking vacation then you will probably want to consider the many trails in either the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee or Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
Of course there are many other parks and trails throughout the United States but these two destinations offer some of the most scenic and majestic mountain vistas available.
Both the Smoky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain National park offer different levels of trails for your hiking vacation.
Whether you are taking the family for a casual vacation or are looking for more adventure and exercise in a very strenuous hike, either location can accommodate your plans.
There are more than 850 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, more than enough to keep you busy for your hiking vacation.
With the miles of trails available, my favorite in the Smoky Mountains is the hike to Chimney Tops. The Chimney Tops trail is a mildly strenuous hike with some incredible views. The last 50 yards is very steep, with a spectacular view at the very top. It is a 4 mile round trip that is well worth the effort.
While the Smoky Mountains are exceptionally beautiful, the grandeur of the Colorado Rockies is unmatched in the continental United States.
Majestic snow covered peaks rise out of the plains to reach heights above 14,000 feet in the case of Long's Peak and more than 60 other peaks rise above 12,000 feet.
Within the 416 square miles of the park there are 355 miles of hiking trails. My favorite hike by far is the hike to Chasm Lake a the base of Longs Peak.
The hike is a 9.5 mile round trip that changes in altitude from 9,000 feet to almost 12,000 feet. This is a fun, scenic hike, but it is moderately strenuous, so be well prepared with food and water.
Preparing For Your Hiking Vacation
Tens of thousands of people hike the trails of our national parks every year without incident and a hiking vacation can be an enjoyable and invigorating experience.
However, it is essential that you are prepared for your hiking experience.
This is a no-brainer, but one of the biggest mistakes hikers make is not realizing the total length of the hikes they are on. If the sign at the trail head says that the hike is 4 miles, remember you have to hike back also, making that an 8 mile round trip.
Don't forget food and water. While food is needed on hikes of 3 to 4 miles and longer water is an essential on every hike. Even short hikes at higher altitudes can cause you to get thirsty faster than you would think.
You will also need the proper gear for hiking. I can't stress this enough, hiking boots are an essential part of a hiker's equipment just as a water bottle and back pack are.
Do not try to hike a rocky trail in your tennis shoes. At the least you will have very sore feet and you could twist your ankle, making the rest of your hiking vacation an unpleasant experience, not to mention getting back to the car an adventure. Please get yourself some decent hiking boots. Your feet will thank you!
A hiking vacation can be an exhilarating experience for the serious hiker or for the whole family. You will get to see some beautiful scenery that you just can't experience by passing by in your car or RV.
Plan your vacation, decide on a destination, get your equipment ready and off you go to the great outdoors.
where you can find comfortable vacation cabin rentals, recreational and hiking vacation information and information on log cabin decor. Written By: Alan LeStourgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Custer State Park to Host Snowshoe HikeRapid City JournalThe Lover's Leap Snowshoe Hike will guide participants through a dense pine forest, meandering near Grace Coolidge Creek. The three-mile hike is geared toward beginners, allowing participants the opportunity to try the recreational event and explore ...and more » |
|
In Photos: Hiking Galvin Ranch With Save Mount DiabloPatch.comThe nonprofit leads its last guided hike of the property Saturday, now owned by the East Bay Regional Park District. By Adalto Nascimento Hikers maker their way to Galvin Ranch's summit rocks. A group of approximately 20 hikers joined Save Mount Diablo ...and more » |
|
Hiker Dies After Fall at CT ParkPatch.comAccording to The Hartford Courant, Engel was hiking in the area known as “the chin” when, shortly before 4:30 pm, he fell. Spokesman Dennis Schain said Engel was pronounced dead at Yale New Haven Hospital Sunday night. The park, a popular hiking ... |
|
