The hike to Mary's Rock follows the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. It's just over three-miles round trip yet manages to get the heart pumping, offers expansive views, and is pet-friendly. Mary's Rock is an extremely popular hike, especially on a beautiful day.
On my first trip to Mt. Rainier National Park, I took a few steps on the Wonderland Trail and knew that I would be back to hike the 93-loop. A year later, I was back to take on the trail. Nothing much went according to plan, but that’s always the beauty of a backpacking trip isn't it?
I ran through a range of emotions climbing up to Half Dome, one of the most recognizable rock faces in Yosemite, holding onto wobbly cables - excitement, awe, fear, anxiety, and exhaustion! And I’d still argue this hike should be on the Yosemite hike list for most people.
I’m usually a slow hiker but rarely do I doubt my ability to actually make it to my destination. The hike to Camp Muir challenged my physical and mental stamina, but each time I was ready to turn around I found a little more to push on.
Even a thick layer of haze from wildfires couldn’t fully contain the majestic presence of the Teton range! I only had one day in Grand Teton National Park, so I packed all the beauty (lakes, mountain views, and wildlife) into one hike - Hermitage Point.
Making Rocky Mountain National Park the first stop on a road trip is epic. Adding a hike above 12,000 feet to the summit of Mount Ida on gusty day was definitely pushing past boundaries. But what better way is there to start an adventure?
A favorite among new and experienced hikers in the D.C. area, Old Rag is a fun, boulder-hopping hike that offers plenty of views of Shenandoah National Park. The mountain offers something unique every season, but fall is my favorite time to take on this hike!
There are many ways to experience Grand Canyon National Park. I can’t deny there was something wondrous about experiencing it by walking through all the parts of the canyon (North Rim - Canyon Floor - South Rim) in a rim-to-rim backpacking trip.
Hiking Misadventures 