Hiking Posts

  • The Abrams Falls Trail (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
    Abrams Falls is one of the most popular trails in the Smokies, and for good reason! Although only 20-feet high, this waterfall does not disappoint. The amount of water that flows over the falls is impressive. The trail is well-marked and follows along a creek, giving you the peaceful sound of flowing water while you…
  • Hiking the Hickman Bridge Trail (Capitol Reef National Park)
    Hickman Bridge is a natural sandstone bridge that was carved by water many years ago. This impressive bridge spans 133 feet and is named after an early advocate for the Capitol Reef area, Joseph Hickman. If you only have time for one hike, hiking the Hickman Bridge trail is THE must-do hike in Capitol Reef….
  • Hiking the Trail to Clingmans Dome
    At 6,643 feet high, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the highest point in Tennessee, and the third tallest point in the eastern US. This short yet steep hike rewards you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Once at the top, you’ll immediately realize why…
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • 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! These are the best budget trekking poles for 2021 If you’re like me, when I first searched REI’s website for a…
  • 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…
  • Hiking the Narrows in Zion: How to Successfully Hike Bottom-Up!
    Last October I had the opportunity to visit Zion National Park for 3 days during my 2-week road trip visiting Utah’s Mighty Five. The highlight of visiting Zion was definitely hiking the Narrows! If you’re like me, I pretty much knew nothing going into this adventurous hike beforehand. I did some quick research a few…
  • Best Hikes in Yosemite: Your Ultimate Guide to the Park’s Most Stunning Views
    Yosemite National Park does not disappoint when it comes to beautiful scenery and jaw-dropping views. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, Yosemite has something for everyone. Whether you are a non-hiker who prefers a short stroll or an expert hiker looking for a challenge at altitude, Yosemite has a trail for you! A few…