Which way?
Photo by: Cheryl Scott (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to your Internet “home on the range” here at AllCampgrounds. As part of our continuing series on the best in hiking, we’re going to hit the trail today and showcase some of the hottest places to go hiking nationwide. Many of these scenic and historic trails are situated convenient to tent camping, and a few are accessible near RV parks and campgrounds, so nobody is left out. The longest, best-maintained trails wend their way through both modern and primitive camp grounds, and include breathtaking scenery that non-hikers just won’t get a chance to enjoy.

Obviously, everyone has their own opinion on what makes a trail memorable, but all of these are classic, unique, and historic; in other words, they’re part of the American landscape. Mountainous trails are preferred by many experienced hikers, but that doesn’t always mean that you have to scale peaks to enjoy a hike through the area. There are many well-established trails through the foothills of famous mountains – though the most strenuous mountain hikes can be dangerous due to weather conditions and heights.

AllCampgrounds Picks: Some World Class Hiking Trails

Appalachian National Scenic Trail: Offering 2,175 miles of publicly-owned footpaths running from Maine all the way down to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail, unlike the Oregon Trail below, is a purpose-made hiking trail. The trail is one of the most expansive around, and stretches across 75 parks and forests in 14 states. Naturally, conditions vary on the trail, and hikers have to be alert to trouble spots, but there are few better opportunities to enjoy truly undeveloped land across such a wide area. Check out the trail map for more information on the route and nearby facilities. On any long Appalachian Trail hike, occasional “town stops” are highly recommended.

Oregon National Historic Trail: The Oregon Trail is one of the major landmarks in American history, leading pioneers westward to the Pacific in search of fortune and freedom. Even those who aren’t history buffs are familiar with the famous Oregon Trail computer game, one of the first popular games ever released. In the real world, today’s Oregon Trail runs over 2,000 miles through six U.S. states, largely through undeveloped territory that holds traces of explorers and adventures of yore. Both short and long hikes are encouraged, but be aware that some segments of the historic trail are in private ownership and may not be accessible.

Yosemite National Park: Half Dome: Yosemite National Park is known as one of the most majestic public spaces in California, and it’s also home to an iconic hike, one of the most challenging anywhere in North America. Permits are required for the Half Dome Day Hike from Friday to Sunday; this journey usually takes about twelve hours and gains almost 5,000 feet in elevation. About 100 “search-and-rescue” operations are conducted every year on the first part of the trail alone; only top hikers with some mountaineering experience can summit Half Dome successfully, though partial hikes are possible for less seasoned hikers. Luckily, Yosemite itself provides plenty of nearby camp grounds for tent camping purposes. Cabins and lodges are also available. Don’t miss the safety video for a blow-by-blow account of the hike!

Presidential Traverse: Definitely not for beginners, the Presidential Traverse is a grueling but highly rewarding trek across New Hampshire’s White Mountains, many of which are named for U.S. presidents. Though definitions vary, most sources agree that a successful Traverse is about twenty miles long, and involves 8,500 feet in elevation gain. The Presidential Traverse is usually attempted in June, when the days are longest and the weather is mild. See the linked FAQ for more on this daunting quest! Also visit White Mountain National Forest for more from the park service in this area.

Lightning: Beautiful, deadly, and a real concern for hikers!
Photo by: Thomas Bush (Stock Exchange)

Welcome one and all to AllCampgrounds, where we’ve been learning all about hiking lately.

It’s a great activity that you can combine with tent camping, roughing it in primitive backcountry camp grounds, or just about any other visit to your local park.

No matter where you’re staying, though, the very first thing to be aware of is the weather: and if you’re in an area where lightning is possible, you know that it can whip up suddenly and unexpectedly.

Here are some tips to make sure you stay safe and sound, even if there’s a thunderstorm when you’re well along the trail.

Double-check the weather before you leave: Many camp grounds are equipped with plenty of options for keeping up to date on the outside world, including cable TV, radio, and internet access. If you’re in a public park, the ranger station is your best bet for news on the weather conditions, trail closures, and any dangers that might be looming. Don’t plan to hike on days when the weather will be against you, especially if your trail brings you through backcountry where you may be far from established shelters.

React at the first sign of an oncoming thunderstorm: If you can hear thunder, you’re near enough to be struck by lightning. Listening carefully to thunder in relation to the flash of lightning can tell you how far away the center of the storm is, but not which direction it is moving or how large it is. As soon as you hear the first rumble of thunder, even if it’s quiet or distant, take stock of your surroundings and enact an emergency plan. If you know that you’re close by a safe, well-supplied shelter, turn around. Otherwise, take action based on the surroundings you’re in.

If above the treeline, be extra careful of water: It’s an essential fact that lightning is most likely to strike the tallest object around. Seek out the lowest point you can find, in an open area far from trees; lone trees are more likely to be struck. Make yourself as small as you can by picking a dry spot and squatting down, but don’t lie down! This increases the danger by making you “larger” and widening your point of contact with the ground, which could be wet. Don’t settle in an area with running water or flooding potential.

If below the treeline, take shelter as best you can: Buildings are your best bet in severe weather, and most cars with full roofs are a good alternative. Be aware of dangers like overhangs, lone tall objects that might act as lightning rods, and metal items. If you have no alternative, consider abandoning metal objects, including cell phones, tent poles, cookware, and other items that conduct electricity. Shallow caves that might flood are not safe, but deeper caves might be a safe alternative if you know that you won’t be disturbing animals such as bears or other potential predators.

Whoo! Getting caught out in lightning far from safe camp grounds is a scary thought, but you can minimize the danger by being prepared and keeping a cool head. Remember that, even though a lightning storm can be lethal, about a third of lightning strikes occur at work, not during camping trips; and the odds of being struck by lightning are very low, something like 1 in 84,000! Nature is powerful, but fear is much more likely to put you in harm’s way. Always have a plan!

Thanks for visiting with AllCampgrounds! See you next time with more hiking, camping, and everything else you need outdoors!

Evidence of beachfront hiking!
Photo by: Timo Balk (Stock Exchange)

Good to see you again at AllCampgrounds, your premier guide to camping on the web.

You know, in theory nothing could be simpler than hiking: at heart, it’s just walking, set in someplace fun and interesting to be.

Just about all campsites have some kind of hiking opportunity, whether it’s a full-fledged nature trail, a nearby mountain, or a landscaped pathway around the camp grounds.

But as simple as it seems, if you’ve never hiked before or you’re new to camping the best hiking trails, there are a few things you should know.

And, naturally, AllCampgrounds is here to give you the inside scoop.

Hiking: What to Know Before You Go

Pack light, but smart: No matter where you are, tent camping or RV, day or night, winter or summer, one of the major factors in how well you hike is how well you pack. Extra water is a must, but don’t weigh yourself down; you could sap your endurance, slow your progress, and throw off your plans. Bring healthy, energy-packed snacks like trail mix – that’s exactly why it’s called that – and don’t forget first aid supplies just in case. Stop to hydrate whenever you feel even a little thirsty; don’t wait!

Invest in the item that makes the most difference: If you have the wrong footwear, you may not even make it down the trail. Hiking boots are made to cushion your feet and protect your body on uneven trails; sneakers aren’t. If you’re shopping for hiking shoes for the first time, make sure they fit correctly, and “wear them around” before you use them in the outdoors: not just for a few minutes, but several hours, to understand if there are any points of friction. Soon, you’ll know what works for you – and there’s nothing worse than getting a blister on the trail. If you feel discomfort, turn back.

Pick the right trail and know it well: Choosing the right trail is a combination of your experience, endurance, and the natural setting you want to hike in. Obviously, trails in the foothills and mountains are more difficult than trails in the woods, which are more difficult than trails in fields and open areas. There are many “starter” trails maintained in established national parks. The terrain that you choose is going to make a big difference in how long you can stay out; you should always bring a map, compass, and a flashlight in case a hike takes longer than you expect. Consult with weather reports and ranger stations, and be sure you’re “in the know” about any trail challenges.

It pays to be prepared: Keeping point #1 in mind, there are several things you might consider bringing along in case of an emergency. I definitely recommend a first aid kit for unexpected falls or sprains, especially when working on a harder trail or visiting one for the first time. Other helpful items you might consider are matches, a whistle, a knife, extra clothing, and blankets. With practice, it’s possible to “be ready for anything” (within reason!) without overburdening yourself.

In an upcoming AllCampgrounds post, we’ll share more hot tips on hiking enjoyment and safety, and visit some of the wildest, most popular, and most stunning scenic hiking trails around the United States. Until then, campers!

The first step in determining what trail or how long you will hike is to evaluate whom you will be hiking with. If you are hiking with small children or babies, you will want to start with a relatively short trail. Remember it is not a race. You came to the great outdoors to relax. Young children tend to dawdle and if it is their first time in the woods they will want to explore every rock, tree, bug and pile of animal poop that they come across. What may start as a short, two-mile hike may take a couple of hours.

Also, if it the first time your family or group has engaged in this type of activity, you may find that you have to carry a smaller child if you try to hike too far. This is not as easy as it may sound. Most parents have carried their kids around the mall, or the carnival. Most parents have carried babies at one time in some type of pack. But if you are out hiking you will already be carrying some type of pack already, and the additional weight of a tired child can be brutal. You need to carry what you need, but don’t take too much. Be prepared for every emergency, but the heavier the pack when you start, the heavier it becomes as you exert yourself. Huh?

Even on a day hike you need to be prepared for emergencies. This takes advanced preparation. A basic first-aid kit should be put together ahead of time. Be sure to include any medication necessary. You should take extra doses with you just incase you get lost, but don’t take the entire supply in case it gets lost. Sunscreen is also necessary, along with insect repellant, sunglasses, some type of rain gear (folding ponchos are very lightweight), and a plastic bag to pack out your trash. If you know how to use it, bring a compass. If you don’t know how to use it, don’t bring it now is not the time to learn! If you are a parent you will need to take some baby wipes and perhaps a roll of toilet paper.

Each hiker will require at least 1 bottle of water, 2 or more if it is hot or you will be hiking all day. Even young children are capable of carrying their own water bottles in a front pack with some snacks or a sandwich. Food should provide energy. Trail-mix, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bagels, fruit, and chocolate chip cookies are easy and agreeable fare for most day hikers. Make sure children take only what’s necessary. Leave toys and games at the campsite. Not only do you not want them to get left in the woods, you don’t want to end up carry them too.

What about clothing and shoes? The old adage dress in layers still applies. Check the weather and prepare. There are many types of clothing designed for hikers that are necessary if you are going on a long or over night hike. If you are just hiking day trails you can get by on your everyday cloths, but take a jacket or sweatshirt even if the day is hot when you start out. Anything can happen in the woods and you might find yourself spending the night with Bambi if you or someone in your group gets lost or injured. Long, strenuous hikes in wild terrain require hiking boots. Shorter day hikes can be competed in a good sturdy pair of sneakers, provided they have a good, aggressive tread. No smooth Keds or China flats. Remember to wear socks to prevent blisters. If you do go all out and purchase hiking boots, have them properly fitted, and for God’s sake break them in before you get in the woods!

Have a great hike.

by Sandra M. Webaster

Pine Creek Gorge - Photo by S. Webster

Deep in the woods of Northeastern Pennsylvania, near the small town of Wellsboro, you will find some of the most beautiful camping and hiking spots anywhere. This is the location of the Pennsylvania “Grand Canyon,” also known of as Pine Creek Gorge. If you are looking for peace and quiet, or you prefer hiking, rafting, fishing or photography you will find it all and more.

State Parks Near the Canyon

Leonard Harrison State Park is located on the east rim of the canyon. This is where you will find the most famous scenic views of the Pine Creek Gorge. Leonard Harrison also is the more modern of the two state parks surrounding the canyon and includes flush toilet, hot showers, a playground for the kids and a sanitary dump station. Some sites have electricity.

Leonard Harrison is also home to the famous “Turkey Path Trail.” Along the two miles trail down, you will find beautiful waterfalls and scenic views. Wildlife and wild flowers are abundant, and the fall foliage is breathtaking.

Colton Point State Park is located on the west rim of the canyon. It is a much more rustic facility if you really want to experience the outdoors. Hiking trails are abundant and fishing is great if you don’t mind carrying the equipment down the trail and the catch back up! There are no facilities for kids on this side, so unless your kids really like camping and hiking, it probably isn’t the best option.

Hills Creek State Park is located about 20 miles from the actual canyon. It does, however, have boating and swimming facilities, a snack bar, and modern facilities.

Army Corp of Engineer Parks

Ives Run Camp Ground, also known as Tioga Hammond Lake, is another great place to camp that is near the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It is a great facility for kids. There are RV sites with full hook-ups down to tent sites in a primitive area. There are playgrounds, a beach for swimming along with swimming from campsites in certain areas, boating, water-skiing and other water sports, hiking trails and gardens, and just a whole lot to do.

Ives run is also located close to the New York State Border and the Corning Glass Museum as well as other attractions for rainy days.

Wynken, Blynken, & Nod Statue - Photo by S. Webster

What Else is There to Do?

If you are tired of camping, fishing and hiking, or it’s raining, there are several other options.

Animaland Zoological Park is right near Leonard Harrison State Park. It has over 200 exotic, wild, and domestic animals housed in a 12 acre landscaped exhibit. There is a snack bar and gift shop.

Wellsboro is located about 12 miles from the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. This picturesque town has gift shops, antique stores, and great restaurants. Don’t forget to visit “The Green,” located across from the Tioga County Court House, and view the famous Wynken, Blynken and Nod sculpture and fountain inspired by the poem of the same name by Eugene Field.

Wellsboro, PA - Photo by S. Webster

If you still need more to do, stop at the visitors center and learn about Pennsylvania’s scenic Route 6 and all it has to offer.