Hiking for Fitness: 5 Reasons Why Hiking is the Perfect Exercise
I don’t know about you, but I strongly dislike the concept of working out at a gym. And the thought of doing cardio, no thanks. Even at-home workouts are difficult for me to get through. As a nurse, I know it’s important to stay in shape, but working out at home or at the gym are just boring to me and I have zero motivation to do either. Hiking on the other hand… I don’t mind doing that at all! No, you won’t build large biceps by hiking, but hiking can be a great overall workout. Listed below are the 5 reasons why I believe hiking for fitness is one…
Visiting Mesa Arch at Sunrise (Canyonlands National Park)
Seeing Mesa Arch at sunrise (and photographing it) is on many people’s bucket list and it is THE most visited place in Canyonlands National Park. As it should be. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. I thought the photos I’d seen were enhanced in Lightroom or Photoshop to give the underside of the arch that bright orange effect. Nope. It actually turns that fire red-orange in real life! Even if you aren’t a photographer, this is something people of all ages can enjoy. Keep reading for more information about watching the sun rise at this awesome place! We’ll cover trail stats, tips for photography, and recommendations…
Hiking to Alum Cave Bluffs (Great Smoky Mountain National Park)
Hike a trail full of history of scenic views! The trail to Alum Cave Bluffs is rich in history AND packs a mean punch of beautiful scenery. Enjoy an easy stroll to Arch Rock along a well-marked trail that is accompanied by the soothing sound of a flowing creek. Turn around here for an easy hike or continue further to the cave bluffs for outstanding views of the Smoky Mountains. After the cave bluffs, you can continue on another 2.4 miles to Mt LeConte. This is the shortest (and most difficult) of the 5 trails leading up to Mt LeConte. In this post, I will recount the hike from the…
Best Budget Trekking Poles for Beginners (Under $60)
Curious about trekking poles but don’t know where to start? This post has you covered. We will review the basics and provide you with several options, all for under $60 to get you started! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase through a link, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read full disclosure here. These are the best budget trekking poles for 2020 If you’re like me, when I first searched REI’s website for a pair of trekking poles I was floored at the prices! $120 walking sticks? No thanks. Fortunately I was able to find a decent set on…
Hiking the Laurel Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains
I recently visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for my birthday this fall and finally got the chance to hike the Laurel Falls trail! This is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in the park & I definitely consider it a “must-do” when visiting the Smokies, especially in the fall. In this post, I will tell you about the trail, share some pics, and give you a few tips for hiking this beautiful trail to this 80-foot waterfall! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through a link, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Click here…
