Hiking Archives - OurUSAAdventures.com

Adventures in the Rockies: A Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park

Nestled in the majestic Front Range of the Rockies in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offers a stunning display of mountainous landscapes, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring vistas that attract millions of visitors each year. Spanning over 265,000 acres, this vast park is a playground for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

It’s the “highest” park in the states with 77 peaks over 12,000 feet. The highest being Long Peak at 14,259. Established in 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park has become one of the most visited national parks in the United States with between 4 to 4.5 million visitors annually.

RMNP is a testament to the rugged beauty of the American West. Amazing scenery along with the wildlife, beautiful lakes and waterfalls, 350 miles of hiking trails, alpine sites, and millions of stars will make you want to visit over and over again.

We were lucky enough to camp in this amazing park for 6 nights and upon arrival, there was a herd of elk to welcome us to the campground. It’s one of the most stunning national parks in America. you should have this park on your bucket list.

This is what we did and learned from our experience along the way.

Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park has been on my bucket list for years. You see I love seeing moose in the wild and read a long time ago that moose are on the island as well as many other species of wildlife. A national park since 1931, it’s one of the least visited national parks probably because it’s not easy to get to. It takes much planning, but it’s a wilderness paradise and once you go you will want to go back!

A Guide to Maine’s Scenic Rail Trails: Where Nature Meets History

There are 20 rail trails in Maine established from former (some current) railroads ranging from 2 miles to almost 90 miles. These multi-use rail trails are all over the state through forests, farmland, and coastal areas.

When traveling, we always plan on biking on rail trails as we know we will be able to enjoy our ride as they are usually level. Many of them go through small towns and boost the economy of the area. You get to see and experience many cultures along the trails as many of them run through rural areas.

What is a rail trail?

A rail trail is a multi-use trail that usually has a level grade making it easy for everyone to ride. From biking, hiking, running, jogging, and even cross-country skiing these flat-level trails offer an easy way to enjoy the great Maine outdoors.

Many of the rail trails in Maine are also used for ATV riding, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.

Many of the rail trails in Maine are also used for ATV riding, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.

Rail Trails New York

With over 50 trails and many more proposed these trails are opening up all over the state including several upcoming trails in downstate New York.

The 750-mile Empire State Trail includes sections that are rail trails, but it is not exclusively a rail trail. The trail spans New York SRail Trails in New York have become very popular and an economic boost to many of the areas. tate from New York City to the Canadian border and from Albany to Buffalo, connecting various types of pathways including rail trails, canalway trails, and on-road sections. Rail trails, which are pathways converted from abandoned railway lines, form significant parts of this extensive trail network, especially along sections that follow historic canal routes and disused railways.

For the best information on rail trails in New York and other states, the Rails-to-trails Conservancy is a great resource.

These recreational trail systems not only help many New Yorkers with fitness and health getting them into the great outdoors but also aid many small towns financially by the increased tourists.

Here is a list of the Best Rail Trails in New York list by region:

New York Rail Trails Catskill Region

Things To Do In the Upper Peninsula

There are so many things to do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that you can spend weeks there exploring. It spans 325 miles in length and only has one interstate. Eighty-four percent of it was covered in old-growth forests, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s heaven. Many people flock here every year to enjoy an Upper Peninsula road trip and outdoor recreation at its best. With over 200 waterfalls, 4300 inland lakes, 12000 miles of rivers and streams, and border 3 of the Great Lakes, the Upper Peninsula is a nature lover’s paradise of Pure Michigan.

Things to do in the Upper Peninsula (all regions)

Eat a Pasty

Eat a pasty as the miners did years ago. It is meat, potatoes, and onions wrapped in a crust. You won’t have any problem finding a location that has them. You can even buy them frozen in the supermarket!

Watch a Lake Superior Sunset

Nothing is more beautiful than watching the sunset over Lake Superior.

Casinos

There are 10 casinos throughout the Upper Peninsula. Kewadin Casino operates facilities in Christmas, St. Ignace, Manistique, Sault Ste Marie, and Hessel. Kings Club Casino is located in Brimley, Northern Waters Casino in Watersmeet, MI, the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, and Ojibwa Casino in Baraga and Marquette, MI. So when you’re visiting the UP, try your luck at any of these casinos and enjoy!

Badlands National Park

Nestled in the rugged southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park offers a striking landscape of stark beauty and dramatic contrasts. Renowned for its unique geological formations, the park encompasses a sprawling wilderness of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States.

Here, visitors can explore the remnants of a long-past era where ancient mammals once roamed, and today, where bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs continue to thrive. As we explore what makes Badlands National Park a must-visit destination, prepare to discover a world where science, history, and wild beauty converge in an unforgettable landscape.

Majestic Moose at Fishercap Lake: a Glacier Park Gem

Welcome to Fishercap Lake

There is nothing like seeing a moose in the wild and Fishercap Lake in Glacier National Park is a great place to see one. Here is one of the park’s hidden treasures, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Fishercap Lake is not only accessible with a short easy hike, but it’s also one of the most reliable spots to see the majestic moose in their natural habitat. Just a short walk away from the popular Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, the lake serves as a stage for an array of wildlife activities, with an emphasis on moose watching.

You can’t go to Glacier without hiking the Fishercap Lake trail. The easy terrain invites hikers of all levels to indulge in the beauty of the park without the strain of steep inclines. On my recent visit, I was graced by the sight of a cow moose in the lake and her calves grazing by the water’s edge, an image that encapsulates the essence of this incredible park. The lake’s setting describes a tranquil, unspoiled corner of wilderness, idyllic for photographers, families, and hikers alike.

Best Hiking Trails Central Adirondacks

“Hike Your Own Hike.” – Thru-Hiker

The Adirondacks Mountains in New York are bigger than several national parks combined ( Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, and the Smokie). With over 6 million acres to explore, hiking is a favorite pastime in this neck of the woods. There are thousands of hiking trails in the Adirondacks park just waiting for your to explore. The article covers the best hiking trails in Central Adirondacks of New York. These towns include Old Forge, Inlet, Long Lake, and Raquette Lake.

We are going to break them down for you in terms of length, difficulty, and location.

101 Things to see in South Dakota

There are so many things to see in South Dakota that you could probably spend months there without doing them all. Let’s face it, South Dakota wouldn’t really be on most people got to see list but you would be wrong to think that. From outdoor recreation, family attractions several with an old west vibe, and an abundance of wildlife South Dakota offers so much to explore. After all, where else can you see a 12-foot-tall prairie dog!

Love outdoor recreations, well you will love South Dakota. With 2 national parks and several national monuments, most people would think of the Badlands and Mount Rushmore. And of course, Sturgis we all have seen pictures of the famous bike week held each August, but South Dakota is so much more. So here is a list of 101 things to see in South Dakota. What are you waiting for, let’s take that road trip!

Hiking Gear for the Day Hiker

So you want to go on a day hike, you don’t think that you need a lot, after all, you are only going to be gone for a few hours or maybe even the full day but think again. Amazon is a great place to look for hiking gear for the day hiker without breaking the bank and prime makes it easy and fast.

So many things can change in a second in the mountains or wherever you choose, so in order to have an enjoyable time, you such always be prepared.

I know you really don’t want to make your backpack heavy, after all, you aren’t backpacking, you’re just out for the day. I usually hike with my husband and we each carry our own backpack. But who I’m I kidding, he carries the heavier pack and I always take the lighter one even if it’s not mine!

But there are things you need to bring with you on your day hike.

One of the benefits of hiking is that it’s not an expensive sport. You will need a few things to get started but once you have them, it becomes a free thing to do while on vacation or anywhere you may roam.

You get to see some of the most beautiful places on earth once you get on that trail.

Here are a few things that will make your hike memorable without literally without breaking your back or your wallet: