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With only a recommendation I ventured in expecting a walking hike but found that I was able to jog at least a third of it. There is a level crushed rock road from the Hardluck Trail Head all the way to the NC Arboretum with numerous branch trails best explored with map. This section of [...]

I had some concern for reptiles, or rather — my bare skin legs as I traversed a narrow trail with dry summer range grass and rocks to either side (the next peak over is named Rattlesnake Mountain) A mountain bike might have provided more clearance and a sense of isolation. However, the only creature that [...]

I believe that the graphic designers/writers for the PC game MYST received inspiration from this place. The seawall greenway has wonderful views. The interior is laced with trails shaded with Redwoods. Stanley Park has a distinct island feel with Coal Harbour, Burrard Inlet, and English Bay on the perimeter. This is a great close-in escape [...]

If you’ve never been on a granite dome before this one would be considered fairly good. But I’ve been on the mother of all Stone Mountains, in Georgia, so this one was anticlimactic. Nevertheless the Stone Mountain Loop Trail with a side excursion to Middle and Lower Falls was a nice afternoon hike. The path [...]

Nice to have a loop trail for continuous new scenery. The reward view from the observation tower (former fire lookout) on the summit ridge line follows a 600 step rise. The 4 mile Moore’s Wall Loop Trail begins behind the Bath House on the Hanging Rock State Park Lake. Tips: Travel counter clockwise to overcome [...]

Worth a side trip excursion in the Hanging Rock State Park, are various short hikes to access some scenic areas. We sampled the Lower Cascades Falls, a place popular during prime time season as the plunge pool water is refreshing. Its base has easy accessibility. Following an unmarked path around the rock it is possible [...]

We have entered a less traveled remote area of Lake George in the Adirondacks. We were somewhat intimidated; there were authentically costumed role players armed with hatchets, muskets and gear. Halloween was weeks away. We had to ask… There are no trail-head identifiers or trail markings. This is by design: The Shelving Rock Falls, when [...]

There must be a way to avoid the annoyance. You can’t see but you sure can feel the web as it brushes across your face. A walking stick swung in an arc while proceeding between trees on the narrow parts? I was on a 5 mile loop but wondering how hikers on a longer hike [...]

With plenty of daylight after a light supper at the country Inn we ventured for a walk onto the Glen. The hillsides were once wooded but are now green grass and devoid of trees; grazed for years by sheep. The area, beginning at the River Devon, is now protected and is undergoing a re-creation by [...]

Not to blow their horn but their map makes claims: one of the… 100 Best Small Arts Towns and one of 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die… My early Sunday morning walk route proved a nice small town escape. There are many preserved historical home sites framed in lush [...]