Destinations

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 …

The Randolph Mountain Club (RMC) manages about 100 miles of trails in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, including the major routes to the Northern Presidentials, trails connecting the club’s four camps, scenic paths on the lower slopes, and trails in the Crescent Range near the towns of Jefferson and …

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 …

Munroe’s Family Restaurant in Twin Mountain, New Hampshire is a mandatory stop if you want to fuel up before or after winter recreational activities. A family style restaurant, it’s a great place to get strong coffee, huge omelets, pancakes, or waffles before you venture into the cold for winter hiking, …

One of my favorite multi-day backpacking trips in the Catskills of New York is The Escarpment Trail, which is notable for it’s 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, …