First Landing State Park – Hike the Cape Henry Trail

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Spring can be the best time to try out some coastal trails, before it gets too hot or or crowded with Summer visitors.   One great place to visit is First Landing State Park.

Situated at the juncture of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, First Landing is the most visited State Park in Virginia and includes one of the most endangered habitat types in the world – the maritime forest.

I first visited First Landing State Park several years ago, on a long Spring weekend with That Man and the puppy.

We hiked several of the park’s trails on that visit, including the Cape Henry Trail – which is the longest trail in the park.

Spanish moss hangs from the trees on the Cape Henry Trail
Spanish moss on the Cape Henry Trail

The 6.1-mile (one way) Cape Henry Trail winds through many diverse habitats, including the rarely-found maritime forest.

This past October, I had some free time and took a day trip to the park from where I was staying in nearby historic Williamsburg, specifically to hike the Cape Henry Trail again.

I wasn’t disappointed –  both the park and the trail were just as beautiful as I remembered!

Continue reading First Landing State Park – Hike the Cape Henry Trail

8 Weeks to Awesome – Hiking Training Plan

Most recently updated February 3rd, 2023

This is the time of year when everyone resolves to somehow change their lives for the better in the coming year.

This past year, my goals were pretty easy to define – at least for the first couple of months.

You see, I’d been battling a really vicious head and chest cold – since late November.

I'll be hiking on New Zealand's North Island - where all the volcanoes are!
I hiked on New Zealand’s North Island – where all the volcanoes are!

Then, that turned into an infection (of lung and sinus type) for a few weeks and that went away but the original cold came back!

This illness plus inclement weather and Holiday shenanigans kept me from doing my usual basic maintenance workouts or scheduling as many hikes as usual.

AND  – here’s where the goals come in –  I’d planned a hiking trip to New Zealand for early Spring.

So, my goal was to be healthy and strong enough to do all the things in New Zealand without any struggle. 

I had about 8 weeks to make that happen.   The good news is I did the training, went to new Zealand and had an awesome time hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

I squeaked back into the US literally hours before they shut down international travel to New Zealand.

Fast forward to now, and we’ve had some version of COVID-19 lockdown in place, limiting our activities, since I got back home in March.

That Man and I had planned a trip to Hawaii – Kauai, to be exact – for April that had to be rescheduled for this coming winter’s Holiday season.

That’s where my training program “8 Weeks to Awesome” – or Auckland, to be specific – comes back into play.

I’ve got to get back on the plan to be ready for the Hawaii trip – assuming we’re allowed to go this time.  (As of this writing, prohibitive quarantines and testing requirements are still in place for out of State visitors…)

If you’re looking for a way to get back into shape before the Holidays – even if you don’t have a big trip coming –  maybe you’d like to do it with me!

Continue reading 8 Weeks to Awesome – Hiking Training Plan

General Hiking Info

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Posts below include hiking info for families, beginning hikers and more advanced trekkers.

The list also includes hiking trails and training, hiking destinations such as National and State Parks as well as International destinations and more local trails.

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Find hiking trails and gear for hikers and families with kids of all ages, including outdoor adventure vacations for the whole family! We also have posts in our Library to help beginning and advanced hikers find the best gear and trails for your specific needs!

 

Shenandoah National Park – Visit Guide and 5 Days of Hikes

Most recently updated October 15th, 2024

The Shenandoah National Park is right on the edge of  the areas of North Carolina and Virginia that were hardest hit by Hurricane Helene.

That said, the Park is open and many of the surrounding communities are open for business and could really use your Fall vacation dollars to help rebuild!

Go to my Hurricane Helene page to get the latest updates on the latest Park, Trail and road repairs.

Mists rise from the mountains after a summer rain.
Smoky Mountains get their name from the mist that settles in the valleys.

Shenandoah National Park first opened to the public in December of 1936.  It’s located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains, less than a half days’ drive from home for me.

Though I’ve lived in the area for more than 20 years, I’ve never had the chance to spend much time in Shenandoah – until this past summer.

Bridge over the trout stream at Rapidan Camp
Bridge over the trout stream at Rapidan Camp

With 200,000 acres of protected land, Shenandoah National Park has some of the best hiking in Virginia –  and the entire mid-Atlantic region of the US – so you can imagine how excited I was to visit!

I had a great time exploring on my own,  but the park hosts a variety of  trails and attractions for everyone from expert hikers to families with small children.

Where is Shenandoah National Park?

Shenandoah National Park is only  115 miles from Washington, D.C., 95 miles from Richmond VA, and 250 miles from Raleigh NC.

That’s close enough for a great long weekend or longer family vacation, without getting on an airplane! 

I allowed a week for my trip – 2 days for travel, and 5 whole days to explore 🙂

Continue reading Shenandoah National Park – Visit Guide and 5 Days of Hikes

Hike, Bike or Just Relax at the North Carolina Museum of Art Park

Most recently updated September 17th, 2024

Signpost on the Green trail at the edge of the NCMA park.
Signpost on the Green trail at the edge of the NCMA park.

The North Carolina Museum of Art Park has been a tremendous gift to the whole Raleigh community.

The park’s trails and open lawns, ponds and pools, larger than life outdoor art, plus the amphitheater and outdoor movie screen provide a beautiful open air gathering place for everyone.

NOTE: We were just named a local NCMA expert on ApartmentGuide.   

Read the full article here: Unique Things To Do in Raleigh, NC 

I’ve gotten a lot of good use from the safe – and inexpensive – outdoor activities for kids the Museum Park has made available over the years.

From the time my daughter was in kindergarten through her college years  – and even now as a young adult in the community –  the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and the Museum Park events and grounds have been a big part of both of our lives.

Continue reading Hike, Bike or Just Relax at the North Carolina Museum of Art Park

Adventures For You!

Most recently updated June 8th, 2023

I’ve built an expanded section just for G Adventures  active trips because I’ve had so many wonderful experiences with them!

Author with G Adventures group at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand.
Author with G Adventures group at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand.

There are plenty of trips to choose from – one of them could be just perfect for you  🙂

Click here to see Current Promotions and Specials 

 

The trips are remarkable not just because of the destinations or the activities, but because of the underlying vision of the company for sustainable, ecologically friendly travel.

Helicopter rescue on a G Adventures hike in the Mont Blanc area.
Helicopter rescue on a G Adventures hike in the Mont Blanc area. 

G Adventures Beginnings

It all began in 1990 when a very inspired young man named Bruce Poon Tip returned from a backpacking tour of Asia, determined to share his vision of how to experience travel adventures in an authentic and sustainable manner.

G Adventures has custom-made travel adventures for everyone!
G Adventures has custom-made travel adventures for everyone! (Click logo to go to the G Adventure website.

By offering adventure-craving travelers an affordable small-group alternative to crowded resorts and cruises,  Bruce (G Adventures CEO) changed the way people looked at their holiday time.

What started off as a one-man show in 1990 has since grown to become the world’s largest adventure travel company with more than 2,200 employees in 28 offices worldwide. Continue reading Adventures For You!

Pilot Mountain State Park – Hike, Climb, Paddle and Camp

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Pilot Mountain State Park  views from the top are especially spectacular when the Fall colors come out!  It’s a great place to take a family trip any time of year, with miles of trails, camping, climbing, canoeing, and lots of Ranger programs.

I’ve been visiting this park for many years, first with my daughter when she was young, and later with hiking friends or on my own.

View from the Ledges trail
View from the Ledges trail

Like the rocky escarpments in nearby Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain is a remnant of the ancient Sauratown Mountains.

In fact, the Sauratown Trail, a 22-mile (30 miles with spurs) trail for both hikers and equestrians, crosses the range and interconnects the two state parks.

This is a hike I’ve been dreaming of tackling for a while now – you’ll hear all about it when I do!

Perfect for Day Trips
Map of NC State Parks within an easy drive of Winston-Salem
Map of NC State Parks within an easy drive of Winston-Salem

Several NC State Parks are just far enough away to be special trips but still close enough to make good day or weekend trips from the Raleigh area.

Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, and  – just squeaking in as do-able with a 3 hour drive – Stone Mountain State Park.

Pilot Mountain SP is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Raleigh, so you can easily get there, hike all day and still make it home before bedtime – especially on longer summer days.  Of course, if you live in Winston-Salem it’s an even shorter trip 🙂

Every time I visit, there’s something new to see, and the view from the summit never loses it’s charm.

If you’re looking for something a little bit closer to the Raleigh area, try Umstead State Park or for younger kids, try  Yates Mill County Park.

Where To Stay
Talking to a llama at Divine Llama Winery
Chatting up a llama at Divine Llama Vineyards

If you want to spend more time to thoroughly explore the park and visit  local attractions like Horne Creek Farm or Divine Llama Vineyards, you’ll need to find a place to stay.

There are camping sites and canoe-in camp sites available in the park.   You can reserve a campsite on the ReserveAmerica site.

You could also find Pilot Mountain cabins to rent or stay at a Mount Airy or Pilot Mountain hotel. Continue reading Pilot Mountain State Park – Hike, Climb, Paddle and Camp

Explore the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

The Flume Gorge natural area in New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park is spectacular and pictures just don’t do it justice.

Avalanche Falls i the Flume Gorge
Avalanche Falls in the Flume Gorge

Eight hundred feet long and about 20 feet from side to side at its widest, with granite walls 90 feet high, the Flume feels like you’ve entered a different world or stepped back in time.

It’s something you really have to see for yourself to appreciate.

I returned last week from my second visit (in the past year!) to the area – the first was early last November, and a freak storm had covered the place deep in snow, so I wasn’t able to hike very far.

But my most recent visit, in early May, was perfect weather for visiting the gorge, and well worth the return trip!

I went on my own, but walking the self-guided 2-mile Flume Trail through the Flume Gorge is a great way to spend some time outdoors with the whole family.

Bear Cave near the Flume Trail boardwalk
Bear Cave near the Flume Trail boardwalk

Though there are many more difficult hikes in the Franconia Notch area for seasoned hikers, the Flume Trail is an easy manicured walk for hikers of all ages and abilities.

But don’t think you’ll be bored because it’s an easier hike. 

In addition to the prehistoric beauty of the gorge, you’ll be splashed by waterfalls and cooled by mist, see huge Ice Age boulders, walk through historic covered bridges, and take in some beautiful mountain views. Continue reading Explore the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park

Run and Hike the Lake Pine Trail – Even if You Have Asthma!

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

The Lake Pine Trail is a paved loop that circles the lake in Apex Community Park, located near the dividing line between the towns of Cary and Apex, close to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Like nearby Bond Park, Lake Crabtree County Park, and Umstead State Park,  Apex Community Park has the benefit of being in town, plus the appeal of hosting a fairly large recreational lake.

Another nearby park with paved walking trails is the North Carolina Museum of Art Park – but they don’t have a lake, just a pond. 🙂

The Lake Pine Trail Loop

Lake Pine is a great trail for running or walking, is smooth and wide enough to use your stroller or baby jogger, too – and is good for all skill levels.

Apex Community Park entry sign at Laura Duncan Road
Apex Community Park entry sign at Laura Duncan Road

The trail runs between the lake and other natural areas, so there’s a good chance to see wildlife.

I’ve seen deer, otters, loons, cranes, turtles – and fish 🙂

Dogs are also allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash.

The loop is about 2 miles long, and you have the option to venture off the main path to other unpaved nature trails, too. Continue reading Run and Hike the Lake Pine Trail – Even if You Have Asthma!

Hikes and History at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

I first heard about Palo Duro Canyon State Park a couple of years ago.  It was February, and I wanted a good place to hike for a few days that was out of the cold, but not out of the USA.

Park headquarters at the entry

A couple of hiker friends recommended Palo Duro Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”. 

After doing a some follow-up research,  I decided that the park sounded perfect for my short solo hiking trip.

I  booked a flight, bought some new boots, and went on down to Texas to see it for myself. Continue reading Hikes and History at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas