Destinations

Start with two of the most photographed 14ers in the world (Colorado slang for peaks over 14,000 feet).  Then wrap a 28-mile, picturesque route around them.  Add enough elevation change (16,000 feet of combined up and down) to deter the masses that are anchored near the trailhead by the beauties …

The Cape Wrath Trail is considered the hardest hiking route in the United Kingdom. Located in Scotland, it runs from Fort William, through the Highlands and Western Scotland, to the lighthouse at Cape Wrath, the northwestern-most point of Scotland. Approximately 230 miles in length, most people take 2-3 weeks to backpack the …

  Mohonk Mountain House is one of the last great inns in the Hudson River Valley, just 90 miles north of New York City. It’s a special place for me because I rediscovered my love of hiking there amidst the Shawanagunk Mountains and nearby Catskills Mountain Range. Resembling Harry Potter’s …

A British television presenter once described the Lake District as a “pocket paradise.” I’ve been walking there for twenty five years, for about ten years did so extensively, and I still return. The Lakes have a particular charm which is a combination of outstanding beauty in compact proportion. I’ve been …

Cold River Camp is a rustic, family style camp run by the Appalachian Mountain Club in the Evans Notch on the border between New Hampshire and Maine. It’s unique among the AMC lodging facilities because it’s managed entirely by volunteers, although there is paid croo (crew) on-site to cook and maintain the …

I arrived in Beirut three days before the start of my month-long hike in the mountains of Lebanon, the eastern Mediterranean nation bordered by Israel and Syria. I wanted to explore Beirut before heading off into the countryside, but I knew no one and spoke no Arabic, so I looked …

Make no mistake about it, while the 22 mile trail to the top of Mt. Whitney is no Everest, it does take preparation and planning to summit the tallest mountain in the continental United States. One part physical training, two parts logistical preparation, plus drive and determination to taste is …

If you drive up to the White Mountains for hiking or skiing there are a couple of notorious speed traps that you should be aware of. Twin Mountain The tiny town of Twin Mountain, New Hampshire is located at the junction of Route 3 and Route 302. Do yourself a …

The Catskill’s Escarpment Trail is notable for its open vistas and fine views of the Hudson River Valley. This 23.9 mile hike is moderately challenging and is best spread over a 3 day trip, including shuttles, so you can enjoy the views without feeling rushed. The last time I hiked …

The Cohos Trail runs the length of Coos County, starting in the White Mountains to the south, and threading its way through Northern New Hampshire to the Canadian Border. While I’ve hiked most of the southern sections of the Cohos (pronounced co’-haus), this was the first section I’d hiked north …

The Perch Shelter – Randolph Mountain Club Last weekend, I spend a night at The Perch Shelter and Campsite located on Mt Adams in the Northern Presidential Range of the White Mountains. It’s located between the Israel Ridge Trail and Randolph Path, on the north face of Mt Adams, just …

Shenandoah National Park is a hiker’s park. Never mind that eighty five percent of the visitors never lose sight of their car. With their extensive trail system, almost any part and feature of the park is accessible to anyone willing to walk away from the overlooks. This eight mile loop …

“ The mountain is eight miles up, and eight miles down the other side, and seems to touch the sky. Climb it and you’ll feel you could push the sky with your hand.” -Codex Calixtinus, ca. 1139 These words come from the Codex Calixtinus, the first guidebook written to the …

New England has a wide variety of mountains and trails to choose from when looking for a good day-hike. The Appalachian Trail, the White Mountains, and Acadia draw visitors from across the world, but I prefer the places with more local character. Tumbledown, a secluded ridge in western Maine, has …