Trail | Expect Experience

An Adventurer’s Dream

July 9, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

A waterbar in New York's Catskill Mountains. T...

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A great way to stay in shape is to take up the hobby of hiking. Hiking can be a very enjoyable and relaxing activity, but it will also help you to stay in shape. Hiking in the great outdoors allows you to get some fresh air and to see wildlife in its natural environment.

Finding great places to hike isn’t very difficult. Most government parks include hiking trails. You can also check various websites that list hiking trails in your area. Take advantage of resources such as canada 411 to find hiking opportunities close to where you live.

You will want to make sure that the trails you choose are at or below your skill level. Some trails are designed for more experienced hikers and you should be aware of the skill level of a trail before you begin your hike.

Choosing the right trails is important, particularly if you are a little out of shape and need easier trails with little rough terrain and virtually no significant elevation. Once these trails become easier for you, it’s time to move to the more advanced option. Some of the more difficult trails may include hiking through forests, hills or even mountains.

The point of hiking is simple – to get or stay active, enjoy the great outdoors, and have fun. This is a family activity that even your children will enjoy. Use it as a learning tool to become educated about plants and animals and identify different types and species. The possibilities for fun while hiking are endless.

Hiking Advice for Beginners

January 6, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

People take up hiking for a number of reasons. It’s a fun way to get in shape, explore some of the nation’s most beautiful areas, and bond with family or friends. Unlike other hobbies, inadequately preparing for a hike can have disastrous or dangerous results. Following some basic safety tips can make for a fun, safe, and exciting hiking trip.

Before you go on your first hike, pick the location carefully. There are guides that rate different hiking trails, and you should utilize these guides. Starting with a difficult or strenuous hiking path can set you up for disaster and leave you exhausted halfway through a hike. Consider the length, terrain, and location of the first hike you pick. It’s better to pick one that is too easy than one that is too difficult.

Bring a hiking buddy, preferably someone who has experience hiking. Having a knowledgeable hiker with you can often be enough to avoid common hiking mistakes and accidents. Be sure that your hiking companion has their own maps, food, and water. This is not an optional tip! Falling or getting lost is bad when you’re in a group; it can be fatal if you are alone.

As you pack for your hike, bring plenty of food and water. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of time you will spend hiking, so bring a little bit more water than you think you will need. For snacks, bring food that will boost your energy. Some good examples are granola bars, trail mix, and nuts. To save space in your hiking equipment, put your water in water bottles that stand up straight when full and lay flat when empty.

Once you become a more experienced hiker, you’ll be ready to tackle some of the country’s more difficult hiking paths. Until then, get your feet wet with these hiking tips!

Filed Under: All About Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Trail

Hiking is for Everyone

November 19, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Hiking is one of those activities that anyone can afford and everyone will love. In a time of economic difficulty, finding activities to share with friends and family can be a bit of a task. A hiking a trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the summer of fall will bring happiness to everyone involved. There are many things to draw individuals to the large number of trails in the woods and mountains of northern New Hampshire. Whether you are hiking with a family or on your own, the sites are amazing. White Mountain views and trails through the woods will surely leave memories of great times for all that participate. Or you can try hiking out of country with some Canada 411. This basic information will help you determine which hiking experience is best for you.

For individuals new to the world of hiking it is not difficult to find trials that offer excellent views and still allow slow progression up the trails. These are great opportunities for hikers to take some time for great photo opportunities, a chance to get intimate with nature and the great opportunity to increase the quality of health while taking in the basics of the world without all the technologies of today. Taking time to care for health and enjoy nature is vital to a higher quality of life.

Hikers should take a few precautions when going out onto the trails. Take plenty of water on the journey and keep health snacks like granola and trail mix handy for the journey. Be sure to dress in layers in the event you need to load on or take off some clothing for comfort while hiking. Make sure that comfortable shoes are worn and that loose clothing is worn. Also, never go hiking without telling someone where you will be going.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques Tagged With: Canada, Hiking, New Hampshire, Outdoors, Recreation, Trail, United States, White Mountains (New Hampshire)

mount Pilchuck

October 28, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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It is not a particularly difficult six mile climb if you are in good shape. It is strenuous and you are actually climbing to the top of a small peak which makes it interesting. There is an ancient ranger fire lookout on top as well. It is a day hike with no place to camp on top.

Partly due to the ease of access, the steepness of the trial, and the sheer cliffs at top with a shocking long way to the bottom, hikers are lost here almost every year. Lost as in dead. When you make the climb and stick to the trail, you can’t imagine why this occurs but it does. Part of the problem is the steepness of the mountain and the jagged cliffs that loom in unexpected places. The trail is steep and easy to keep to, but wander off and you may put your life at risk
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The other problem with this hike is that it is heavily used and seems deceptively simple. The peak stands at 5,300 feet which does not seem like much, but at these elevations in the Cascade Range, a storm can do you in if you are not prepared. Going up in tennis shoes and shorts with no supplies? Not a good idea. Don’t do it.

Once on top the view is incredible which is why it used to be a fire lookout. Peek over one cliff and you may see sun bathers way below stretched out on a snow field during certain parts of the year! Don’t ask how they got there and don’t lean over too far!

If you decide to do this climb, be prepared with a pack full of food, water and perhaps a change of clothes . . . and a coat! Wear good hiking boots and do it when the weather is known to be good. You can get there via the Mountain Loop Highway out of Granite Falls, Washington. There is a ranger station on the way. Stop and ask questions about the current conditions of the trail and weather. Make it a safe trip.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Cascade Range, Climb, Hiking, Mountain Loop Highway, Outdoors, Recreation, Trail, United States

Washington Park Loop

October 25, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image by UW Digital Collections via Flickr

This is a city park! Anacortes, Washington is a small Puget Sound town that is mostly ignored but for the ferry service that resides there. Hikers do not see this as a ‘destination’ which is why it’s a destination! If you are tired of the steep trails, the blisters from tough leather hiking boots and the biting flies, this may be your choice for a gentle and beautiful hike.

This is a 220 acre park right on the Sound. The park covers all of Fidalgo Head, a rocky peninsula with a forest covered crown. It is almost totally surrounded by water so elevation gain? Ha! Relax. You can walk it or bike it. Part of the trail lands you back on the road to re-connect with other trails, but it is a slow one laner with many speed bumps so no worries. You can sit on the beach and watch the ferries come and go as well as the occasional tanker and fishing boats. Since it is pretty much a local hang-out you won’t be inundated by crowds. It’s a lazy little town so relax. The light weight day-hike boots are fine here.

Get there from I-5 out of Seattle heading north for about 64 miles. Take exit 230 at Mount Vernon and turn west (left) to go under the freeway and follow the signs for Anacortes for about 14 miles. The highway has two designations: 20 and 237. Once in Anacortes, turn left at the sign for the Victoria/San Juan Ferry which is another incredible side trip one day when you have the time to trek into Canada and into Victoria BC. That is a wonder in its own right.

One final note: if you plan this trip right, do it in the spring when the tulips are in bloom. Mount Vernon is one of the world’s largest growers of tulips and daffodils. When in bloom, fields stretch forever with purples, reds, and yellows that are a shock to the system. You can walk through the fields in some cases and of course you can buy the flowers and bulbs.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Anacortes Washington, Canada, Ferry, Hiking, PugetSound, Seattle, Trail, Washington

Glacier Basin: Ugly Hike. Destination: Heaven

October 19, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Monte Cristo, Washington used to be a gold mining town at a turn in the Mountain Loop Highway out of Granite Falls. The road washed out many years ago and a gate was put up at the entrance, leaving the place to serine calm for the few residents without a road. There was, for many years, more than grumblings about the fact that these residents were erased and ignored by the State of Washington. No surprise. Governments do that. Although the story ends painfully for the residents, it is not so painful to those who want the area pristine. Some of the most beautiful hikes in the Cascade Range, such as Gothic Basin, are in this neck of the woods and the oddly hidden nature of the trailheads keeps most hikers away. That’s good for you.

If you want maps and descriptions of the area, stop at the Verlot Ranger Station about twelve miles out of Granite Falls and they can fill you in on current trail conditions in the area. You will also need to purchase a parking permit. With economy’s ups and downs, there are years that certain trails are no longer maintained as lack of money eliminates the effort. The parking permit money is well worth it.

Walk four miles along an unkempt road into Monte Cristo. Two miles from Monte Cristo, over monstrous trail is Glacier Basin, a beauty of a place worth exploring for a few days. Like the journey to Gothic Basin, this climb is very tough with the last mile seeming to be near vertical.

The gold mines that resided there are all blasted shut. Just as well. Pack the tent and the gear and stay awhile. It is sometimes crowded with climbers readying themselves for Cadet and Monte Cristo Peaks and Wilmon Spires. It can be an enjoyable time watching the climbers and sitting in flower covered meadows surrounded by jagged mountains. To maintain the beauty, hikers are asked to stay on the trails and camp at Ray’s Knoll or Mystery Ridge. The journey is worth the stay.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mountain Loop Highway, Outdoors, Recreation, Trail, United States, Washington

Avoiding an Adventure to Regret

October 11, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

There are several things that can ruin an otherwise great hiking trip. Bad weather, poor choice of clothing, and other such factors can turn a hiking trip into a disaster; however, there are several things you can do to make sure that your hikes are as fun and safe as possible.

If you have hiked very much you have probably either discovered the effects of wearing the wrong clothes personally or learned from watching someone else learning their lesson. When hiking make sure you wear comfortable clothes that are not so tight that they restrict your movements, but are not so loose that they get in the way and trip you. Jeans are usually a good choice for hiking. True Religion brand, on the other hand, makes jeans that are perfect for hiking paths, trails, and wilderness. Also, footwear should be suitable for the area and the weather. You obviously do not want to hike a snow-covered path in sandals. Shoes should be tough, such as hiking boots, and should have good grip. Also plan for clothing options that could help in certain environments, such as a hat if it is going to be very sunny or a jacket if it could get cold or windy.

To make sure your hike does not get interrupted you should also check the weather in advance. If the weather channel calls for rain you may want to reschedule. It might also be a good idea to get a small radio you can bring with you on the hike to check on any incoming storms. If you go hiking often, you might also want to get into the habit of packing a rain poncho in case of rain or a jacket in case of snow, depending on the areas you typically hike.

Filed Under: Adventures, All About Hiking, Boating Tagged With: Clothing, Foot (unit), Hiking, Outdoor, Recreation, Trail, United States, Weather

Hiking Safety

August 19, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Hiking is one of the most popular sports, and with good reason–fresh air, the beauty of nature, and a fun way to get exercise are just some of the things that draw people to the great outdoors to enjoy a hike.

As with any sport, safety should be your priority. These tips will help ensure you have the safest experience possible while hiking:

• Don’t hike alone. There is too much that could go wrong during a hike to go hiking alone–you could get lost, fall down and sprain an ankle or worse, lose your water and become dehydrated, and so forth. Instead, make sure you hike with at least one other person and make sure someone at home who isn’t going knows where you’ll be and when to expect you back.

• Protect yourself from the sun. Sunblock, hats, and even a lip balm with an SPF are all important for ensuring you don’t get burned while on your hike. Reapply often, even if it is cloudy outside or you are in shaded areas.

• Get a good idea of the area and weather first. Do a little research of the area you will be hiking in before you go. Find out what the terrain is like, whether the trails are paved or marked, whether there is wildlife in the area, and so forth. Knowing what to expect will also help you know what to avoid. Check the weather before you go as well. If a storm is moving in, you may want to postpone your hike.

• Stay away from restricted areas. It may sound like common sense, but each year many hikers are injured because they have gone into areas that are clearly marked as dangerous or restricted. Even if it looks harmless or beautiful, trust that park rangers know best and steer clear from areas that should be avoided.

Practicing these safety tips will help ensure your hiking experiences are enjoyable.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Outdoors, Trail

Hiking Basics

August 17, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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Hiking is a great sport and excellent exercise. While it may seem that hiking is as simple as finding a trail and walking, there is more to it than that. These hiking basics will help beginner hikers learn hiking and nature etiquette and tips so their hiking experience will be fun and enjoyable.

1) Stay on the trail. Sometimes it’s tempting to veer off of the marked trails you’re hiking and go exploring on your own, but it’s in your own best interest if you stay on the trail. It’s easy to get lost, and even if an area looks safe at first glance, you never know why an area may be marked restricted.

2) Respect nature. Don’t pick flowers, capture or feed wildlife like frogs or lizards, or tuck articles in your backpack as souvenirs. Nature is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. In some national parks and places, it is actually illegal to remove or disturb natural artifacts and surroundings. At the same time, never litter and make sure you follow guidelines for proper trash and waste disposal.

3) Choose your hikes carefully. New hikers start slow and pick a few easy day hikes to start with. Then you will get a good idea of your actual fitness level and hiking basics, like how often you need to rest. When choosing a hike take into account such things as altitude (higher altitudes can make breathing more difficult), your fitness level, steepness of the hike, and length of the hike.

4) Be prepared. You should always be prepared for your hike. This means taking enough water and snacks or food on your hike, depending on the length, making sure you are protected from the sun with plenty of sunscreen and hats, and dressing appropriately for the climate and duration of your hike.

These hiking basics are important for anyone who is new to hiking.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Sports Tagged With: Hiking, Outdoors, Trail

Basic Hiking Courtesy

July 20, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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On various trail systems, you will encounter all varieties of hikers, each with different skills sets and expectations for what the behavior should be like between one hiker and another on the trail. Despite the inherent humility and kindness endemic to the idea of hiking, there are always people who harbor certain pretensions and suppositions about what is and is not permissible on the trail.

When you’re out exploring nature, it’s best to know what is expected of you and of other hikers, though the question whether or not you should moderate the behavior of others is entirely up to you. Nobody likes a preacher, but sometimes, a sermon is what is needed.

Some basic things to know about hiking etiquette start with a respect for nature. When you’re in the woods, you should bring nothing out that you didn’t come in with. This means you shouldn’t destroy plants, trees, or even dislodge rocks when possible. Additionally, you shouldn’t leave anything behind. Bring what you need, and don’t leave yourself or the woods wont for anything.

If you’re on a longer hiking trip that involves camping, don’t make a new site if it’s not necessary. If you’re on trails already made by other park districts and hikers, most chances are that someone has already camped out there before you. Stay within the boundaries of the campsite, avoid spreading out, and be sure to bury your waste. Doing these things make life easier for the people after you and more pleasant for the surrounding forest and its intricate eco-system.

Above all, when it comes to hiking, be considerate. Nature has its own rhythm and music. Don’t interrupt it with boisterous yelling and loud music. This is disrespectful to nature as well as other hikers trying to enjoy it. And if the trails are narrow, or you and your group are moving at a more deliberate pace, don’t hold up or block the trail for the faster-paced hikers.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Following a few basic principles of hiking etiquette can make your trip better for everyone.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques Tagged With: Camping, Hiking, Trail