The Appalachian Trail runs for almost 100 miles through North Carolina, so a great way to get a lay of the land without hitting the actual AT is by hiking the Art Loeb Trail. Rated difficult, the trail goes through the Pisgah National Forest and crosses over the peaks of four mountains, the tallest being the Black Balsam Knob at 6,214 feet. There is an elevation gain of 8,257 feet, challenging the endurance of any hiker looking to conquer the

Some of the other noteworthy trees in the grove are the Fallen Monarch (which fell reviews over at Naturetrailinsight 300 years ago). The Bachelor and Three Graces (they grow so close to each other that if one was to fall, they would all likely fall). The Columbia tree (the tallest tree in the grove at 286 feet or 87 meters). The Faithful Couple (an unusual example where the trees have grown so close that their trunks have fused together at the ba

Just like Mt. Washington, this trail is a 12-mile trek to the top that can take from six to ten hours, depending on how experienced a hiker is. With an elevation of over 7500 feet, it is definitely not an easy peak to trek. However, a breathtaking view of Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak makes the hassle worth

The Giant Sequoia trees of Yosemite National Park are one of the most famous attractions of the park and a must-see. The famous Mariposa Grove is located just out of the Yosemite Valley right by the entrance to the p

Giant sequoias are the most massive trees on Earth and are listed as an endangered species but the IUCN. There are believed to be fewer than 80,000 trees left. Additionally, it is thought that another 10-14% of the population was destroyed in the recent Castle Fire in 2020 and the KNP Complex & Windy Fire in 2021 (around 9,761 to 13,637 mature trees) according to a new repo

Zion National Park brings millions of visitors each year to enjoy its scenic hikes that weave through the desert environment at the corners of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. This also makes it one of the most visited national parks in the country and it ranks high on many hiker's, and camper's bucket lists. Over the last few years, the park has only seen more people wanting to explore this remote wilderness and it's easy to see why - its somewhat otherworldly landscapes and breathtaking canyon vistas rival that of any other park ( except the Grand Canyon ) in the coun

One, therefore, needs to hike from the parking lot to the grove. This is a four-mile round trip with 500 feet of elevation change. Expect to hike 5.5 miles round trip to see the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. Remember to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water in the gr

The Florida Trail is less about the elevation gains and more about the stamina it takes to travel on foot for months at a time. It usually takes a thru-hiker between 5 and 7 months to complete the Appalachian Trail, so a couple of month stint on the Florida Trail will help prepare for a life dominated by seemingly endless walking. Starting from the south, the hardest part of the trail happens right off the bat through Big Cypress National Preserve, an incredibly wet swamp with dense and wild vegetation (more training for boot r

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

According to the National Park Service , this trail requires mental and physical strength and rises over 1,000 feet in 0.9 miles. Precipice Trail in Maine is not one for newbies and may even be intimidating for lifelong nature enthusia

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

The Presidential Traverse demands a high level of preparedness due to its exposure, long distance, and extreme weather possibilities. Adventurers risk prolonged high winds and low temperatures exposure, even when hiking during the warmer mon

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