Travel Tuesday: Best Hiking Destinations

 

Best Places to go Hiking in the US

Kaui –  Scenic cliff-side trails will test your stamina on the 11-mile Kalalau Trail. Nature lovers should head straight to Waimea Canyon‘s verdant trails.

Yosemite National Park – The most popular trails are in the  valley area (including the daunting Half Dome), but you’ll find more space and tranquility in the backcountry.

Yellowstone National Park – Spanning over two million acres of land, Yellowstone National Park offers more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Some of the most popular routes include those in the Canyon and Norris areas and the Continental Divide Trail. Visit during the spring months for mild weather and optimal hiking conditions.

Yosemite National Park

Arcadia National Park – Offers a variety of expeditions for hikers. With numerous rugged paths traversing the wilderness you’ll even spot harbor seals sun themselves on cliff-side rocks.

Portland, Oregon – Portland brims with natural splendors. Forest Park features over 70 miles of trails within the city boundaries.

Zion National Park (Utah) –  a hiker’s and climber’s paradise.  The park is very well organized and even has a shuttle system that passes many of the trailheads.

Grand Canyon – While wandering around the rim and seeing the Grand Canyon from above is certainly amazing, it’s even more spectacular to see the power of the Canyon from the bottom.

Rocky Mountain National Park – The highest peak reaches over 14,000 feet –  there are plenty of amazing trails to really experience the wild of the Rocky Mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains – With over 800 miles of trails, hiking in the Smokies leaves you with tons of options.

The Oregon Trail – Extending from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon, this historic trail was the way west for some 300,000 emigrants for more than 20 years from 1841. Remember learning about this in school?  Today the trail, traversing 2,170 miles of road, includes 125 historic sites and many opportunities for walks and hikes.

Appalachian Trail – stretching from Georgia to Maine, passing through 12 other states along its 2,178 miles (3,505 kilometers), making it the longest marked trail in the Unites States. It was completed in 1937 and passes through six national parks and eight national forests. More than 6,000 volunteers help to maintain the trail and its 165,000 blazes — painted markers that show the way along the trail.

Curious to take it a step farther? Check out more places to go hiking!

Best Places to go Hiking in the World

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Inca Trail, Peru

Inca Trail – Peru

Tiger Leaping Gorge, China

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Reference: 1, 2, 3, 4

Today I Climbed a Mountain

Today I climbed a mountain….ok so not an actual mountain….more like a 40 question, open-book (using not 1 but 10 different publications and/or manuals, one of which is 671 pages long….but who’s counting) test from hell. I studied, I came, and I conquered.

I’ve been quiet in blog land because I’ve been studying, sleeping, and working, and what a relief it is to be done. I was really beginning to freak out because the deadline to complete my packets and pass 2 tests is February 1st. Now that thats over I just have to prep for the final exam in May to be placed on the promotion list. E-6/OS1 here I come!

Love AGT :)

Prepping To Hit the Open Road

On of my favorite ways to travel is by car because I can control the journey. Whether I decide to stay on the beaten path, or follow the road less traveled I love packing up the car and hitting the road to discover someplace new. I’m currently prepping to visit 3 states I’ve never been to and to see the famous fall foilage of the Northeast. I’ll be making stops in New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island in 2 weeks!

My last big road trip was back in March when I went with some friends to Montreal, so I’m pretty excited to get on the road again and to see the the beautiful fall foilage of the Northeast during the peak of the season. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The crisp, cool air is a much welcomed change after hot summer days. I love watching the leaves change colors and listening to the crunching sound of fallen leaves when I walk. Plus, I get to pull out my favorite boots, cardigans, and blazers and pick up new pieces for the season.

The first stop on my trip is North Conway, NH, which I’ve heard is absolutely beautiful this time of year. I’m planning to walk the trails, get in some hiking, and take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Then its off to Portland, Maine for a quick day trip to visit lighthouses and have a yummy lunch of  lobster rolls and NE clam chowder before driving down to Newport to explore the city and visit the winery. I’ve reserved B&B’s for my trip to make it a bit more cozy, and because I’ve never stayed at one before and I’ve been hearing alot of good things about them.

Pre-Trip Check List (2 weeks until departure)

• Book B&B Accomodations
• Prepare a packing check list
• Ensure my car is serviced and ready to go
• Ensure my emergency roadside kit is stocked

I havent planned too many things out for my trip because I don’t want my schedule to be so bogged down that I’m not able to relax and enjoy the scenary, but if you have any recommendations on things I must see and/or do in North Conway, NH, Portland, ME, and/or Newport, RI I loved to hear all about it.

I’m working my way through my list of 101 Things to do in 1001 Days :)

Love AGT :)

Sources: freefoto.com