Those familiar with their AT history will likely know the name Earl Shaffer, who was the first thru-hiker to ever complete the Appalachian Trail from start to finish. This not-so-simple achievement seemed to reinvigorate the efforts to fully complete the trail in 1948. By 1951, the AT was officially declared to be open, and additional thru-hikers were permitted on the trail to complete the longest intentional hiking trail in American hist

As at the time of writing the Mariposa Grove is open to the public. Normally there is a free shuttle bus running from the parking lot to the entrance to the grove. But as of the time of writing that service has been suspended. Updates are on the National Park Service's websi

Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous in the world boasting the Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, and more. Yosemite is also one of the most idyllic places to go hiking in . While in California, don't forget to visit the state's stunning coastal redwoods too in the Redwoods National Pa

Ordinarily, they offer a guided one-hour campfire trail ride that ventures to the wagon ride at the campfire, everyone returns by wagon. The horse-wagon ride takes riders to the campfire and back by wagon. Bring one's own food (none is provid

Zion National Park was recently given official Dark Sky Status which means it has now joined the ranks of other dark sky parks around the world. In order to achieve this, a park must be practically devoid of light pollution in order to see astronomical features that aren't usually visible to the human eye without the use of a telescope or binoculars. With the park's new status, visitors will notice an uptick in events that will occur after dark, and these are definitely something to take advantage

For those seeking to explore the park on their own, fear not - other hikers and visitors are almost always around, and trails are well-marked with blazes. Trails vary in difficulty from treks such as Angel's Landing and Observation Point, which both require a degree of tactical hiking (and require that hikers leave their fear of heights at home), as well as trails like Canyon Overlook and Emerald Pools. Both of the latter are easier hikes and the first is family-friendly while also providing spectacular views along the

When Arizona is mentioned, we all think of flat sand and heat. But let's rethink; the Arizona trail is an 800-mile trail that covers canyons, cultures from Utah to Mexico, mountains, and deserts. The endless path from the state's southern border to the northern border, mountainous and snaking Grand Canyon National Park. The Arizona Trail is suitable for all experience levels. One should carry lots of water for the extra dry sections of the trail. One should conduct proper research to avoid irrelevant struggles from congregations in the Grand Canyon and scorching temperatu

Despite its name, the Appalachian Trail snakes its way through a majority of the East Coast, not just the Appalachian Mountains . The trail received its name due in part to the fact that it begins in Georgia before winding its way through Appalachia, before ending at the summit of Katahdin, Maine. So, how did this incredible trek become conjured into existence? As it turns out, with a lot of perseverance and vision for the fut

Of course, hiking is one of the most popular activities at the park. With so many trails, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is worth spending an entire day (or several) on, and this is where guided tours can help. Not only will hikers have the chance to learn about the area from an experienced guide but they'll also have the reassurance that comes with a well-versed hiker, familiar with the trails. Some of these guided tours are all-inclusive which means that meals and extras are included, helping to curve the cost and take the stress out of planning a Zion excurs

Only a year after its initial trail completion, this hurricane not only devastated the East Coast but also damaged parts of the trail in the northeast. To add insult to injury, naturetrailinsight.Com an extension of the Blue Ridge Parkway was built in the same year, making progress even more of a challenge. While 120 miles of the AT were now displaced, arguments over private land sectors soon began with - the final blow - World War II beginning, which halted progress for deca

It should be stated that during this time, the 1940s was seeing somewhat of an industrial revolution when it came to roads and transportation. The general public had a heightened interest in travel which meant that bridging the gaps between states was a priority, thus interfering with the simpler methods of travel - such as thru-hiking. The start of the Appalachian Trail's tougher years began with the hurricane of 1

Colorado may be home to beautiful hikes that one can take in the fall , but it also houses a strenuous hike that's only suitable for experienced and daring hikers. Barr Trail, also known as Pikes Peak , is one of the most difficult hikes in the region and around the United Sta