Think beautiful views…think green mountains all around you…think historic structures…think memorial towers…think J. R. R. Tolkien… Wait…Tolkien, in the middle of mountains and historic structures? Yes, think Tolkien! On top of Mount Greylock in the Berkshires of Massachusetts (you knew…

Mount Greylock: Middle Earth in Massachusetts?

Maidenhair Falls in a Desert Canyon
Have you ever dreamed of walking through a desert canyon, discovering a stream, and then palm groves, and finally ending at a lovely waterfall? Well, maybe not that exactly, but have you ever dreamed of a hike somewhat similar to…

Garden of Rock Formations – Devil’s Garden
I love hiking. It’s great to get out and stretch your legs, and it’s so rewarding to see a beautiful vista or interesting sight at the end of the trail. However, there are times when it’s nice not to hike,…

Walk through the Giant Sequoias in the Mariposa Grove
So you’ve seen Yosemite Valley and you’re looking for something new. Or else you’re visiting the park during the summer or fall and the famous falls aren’t falling. Whatever the reason, you’re looking for another trail that’s different from other…

Great Views of Devil’s Tower: Red Beds Trail
I’ve always wondered why you’d want to go to Devil’s Tower National Monument. After all, the best views are from a ways away from the tower—like, outside the park—right? You could just drive along the highway and get a great…

Walk Across a Real Earthquake Fault Line at Carrizo Plain!
Carrizo Plain National Monument is fairly new as national monuments go. The park was established in 2001 from land in Southern California that had been a part of the Carrizo Plain Natural Area. When I visited the monument a couple…

‘Round the Rim of Crater Lake
I often write about trails that can be hiked in various parks. However, this week I’d like to take you on a driving tour of Crater Lake—you don’t have to even get out of your vehicle! You’ll enjoy it more…

Straddle the Headwaters of the Mississippi!
What’s your mental image of the Mississippi River? If it’s a huge river filled with paddle boats playing Jazz music, it’s probably similar to most American’s thoughts on the Mighty Mississippi. However, at the headwaters, the “mighty” river is anything…

Highlands of Colorado: The Causeway
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like the Flattops Wilderness in northern Colorado. Ever. This pristine wilderness has some of the most grand views I’ve seen, and the top-of-the-world feeling is simply out of this world. I can…
100 Posts!
Wow! This will be post #100! I can hardly believe that I have been adding posts for almost two years now. Many thanks to all of you who have followed the blog and helped to make it a success by…