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| The gorgeous scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains. |
Showing posts with label Hiking Trails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hiking Trails. Show all posts
Visit Inyo National Forest and Sierra Nevada Mountain
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Visit Point Mugu State Park
Monday, August 26, 2019
This is our first time hiking the trails in these beautiful Santa Monica mountains. We got to the trailhead soon after finding ample parking on the side street. We loved the fact that it did not feel crowded. We were hiking alone most of the time. At a couple of spots we passed hikers coming back but pretty much you're on your own.
The trail is moderately easy for most of the length, with a few fairly steep sections. Suitable for any age group. The initial climb is steep , go right for the longer gentler ascent or go left for the steep and shorter climb you can also just do a loop.
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| Picture of the trail during this spring's Super Bloom. Easy hike to lookout. Don't miss this beautiful trail. |
Visiting Lake Elsinore California for Poppies Superbloom
Sunday, March 24, 2019
It rained a lot in Southern California last winter that have caused a so-called Superbloom of wildflowers. Lake Elsinore was the first place to experience an abundance of flowers. Its about a 90-minute drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. The bloom in Lake Elsinore started the last week of February. Now the hillsides are carpeted in velvety orange, California poppies are beautiful and rare. This year it had really vibrant bloom mainly because of the right amount of water and the right soil temperature. As a result, tens of thousands of visitors have flocked to see a superbloom of poppies.
This town has been overwhelmed by Disneyland-size crowds and the traffic has come to a complete stop on Interstate 15 passing by the flowery hillsides. Few days later the city reopens the access to the fields after the massive crowds incident. Then, we decided to make a trip here to see what the poppy fields look like and take photos and see nature that we’ve never seen before so worth it.
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| Wildflower super bloom becomes California town's "apocalypse". |
Cataract Falls Hike in the Smoky Mountain
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
We enjoyed our short hike to Cataract Falls, one of the most popular falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located just a half mile behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls is an easy hike with a small set of stairs near the falls. The first part of the trail was flat and featured a small foot bridge that crossed the creek next to a tree that had some very interesting features.
At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is comprised of two low-flow streams totaling a 25-foot drop into a small pool below. After periods of rain, the waterfall is quite impressive!
📌 Hike the Smokies Challenge
At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is comprised of two low-flow streams totaling a 25-foot drop into a small pool below. After periods of rain, the waterfall is quite impressive!
📌 Hike the Smokies Challenge
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| Our very first hike at Smokies. |
Hike to Charlies Bunion in the Smoky Mountains
Sunday, July 22, 2018
From the popular tourist stop Newfound Gap, Charlie's Bunion is an eight mile round-trip moderate to strenuous hike along the historic Appalachian Trail. The views will take your breath away and the hike is definitely a strong cardio workout. One of the toughest hike we've ever did. Its almost 2.7 miles uphill and 1.3 miles downhill. Hiking path is rocky so be sure to have sturdy hiking shoes. There is no washroom until you get to shelter which is 3 miles away from starting point. There will be two intersection on the way so do check sign board and follow correct trail. It will be better if you start hiking early like 9 am or so. Although it was super smoky that time, we did get to see a little bit of the view and watch the clouds roll over the mountains.
Life is simple- Eat, Sleep, Hike!
Friday, May 19, 2017
Summer is fast approaching here in East Tennessee everyday is a great time for hiking or to be outdoor. We recently moved to Oak Ridge, TN a small town on the valley. Close to the lakes and different level of hiking trails. We discovered this trail right across the street from where we live. Isn't it so awesome how convenient it is to just pack and go. The hike is easy perfect for the whole family , gravel path and not crowded.
We hike about 2 miles there and back. Then you'll see a man-made hole filled with rain water with fish and surrounded by trees. If you are looking for something that is more quiet and out of the way this trail is for you. Very beautiful scenery and fun to hike occasionally you'll see deer, wild turkey and other wildlife. A must go for everyone new and experienced next time when your near Oak Ridge hit it up!
We hike about 2 miles there and back. Then you'll see a man-made hole filled with rain water with fish and surrounded by trees. If you are looking for something that is more quiet and out of the way this trail is for you. Very beautiful scenery and fun to hike occasionally you'll see deer, wild turkey and other wildlife. A must go for everyone new and experienced next time when your near Oak Ridge hit it up!
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| If you like the outdoors, fresh air and fantastic views, this is the place for you. |
The Downstream Trails at Rock Island State Park
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
If you like waterfalls this is a nice place to stop off we were on our way home from Nashville. We decided to stop over in Rock Island State Park and do some short hike. We took the steps down to the falls area and have to say they are moderate, treacherous in both directions - wear proper hiking shoes, its rocky and some part is muddy. Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of the Twin Giant Falls our GPS is not being helpful either. Instead we are leading to one of the few small waterfalls in the area. This is our first time in Rock Island and we will go back soon to see the famous Twin Falls.
Sunset at Clingman's Dome
Sunday, August 7, 2016
📌 Highest Peak of Great Smoky Mountain National Park
We went to Clingman's Dome to watch sunset for the first time. You have to hike to get there, its a steep and tough hike up but only about 1/2 mile so with frequent stops it can be done. We are both in decent shape but had to stop several times just to catch our breathe. There are number of benches , rocks, along the trail for you to rest so it's not that bad. The hike down is a breeze!
Once you get to the top the
hike is well worth it. We saw a layer of cloud in front of us, somewhat
like cotton candy, with mountain peaks peeking out above the layer. Felt
like at the top of the world.
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| Who doesn't enjoy Smokies sunset? The sight is even more
rewarding when you hike to a destination with a spectacular view. |
The Jump Off trail
Saturday, June 25, 2016
We hiked this trail on 7th of May 2016, this is a challenging 7-mile round trip hike on the Appalachian Trail. Mostly uphill the first couple miles with a mix of downhill and uphill the rest of way, making the return much easier. Take your time and you'll make it. This is a very popular hike so expect people to be there and on the trail. When you reach the Jump Off the views are spectacular. A little bit chilly that day and I spotted some snow on the ground so always bring a coat when you hike even on late spring.
Drive on Newfound Gap Road to Newfound Gap parking lot
The trailhead is to the left of the overlook, at the end of the parking lot near the restrooms.
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| Don't see the Smokies from just the seat of your car, you'll never regret it! |
The Summit of Mount LeConte
Saturday, November 7, 2015
We decided to hike up to the Mount LeConte roughly 2.7 miles further from Alum Cave. On the way up its gets a little steeper and rockier. A little rough on our joints but it was definitely worth it. At some points you have to hold on to a rope to get up the slick rocks. This did not stop us, as the views on the way are amazing. It took us about 6 hours round-trip and that's with a few breaks. Overall, if you are in decent shape I would definitely recommend hiking Mt. LeConte. Literally you get a little bit of everything with this hike like different types of terrain, the cave, rocks, narrow spots, slick spots, multiple bridges and wires to hold on.
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| Panoramic views to die for - Mission accomplished |
Alum Cave Trail
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Looking for a challenging yet scenic hike in the Smoky Mountains? Look no further than Alum Cave Trail also known as Alum Bluffs. It is the shortest and steepest of the several trails leading to the top of Mount LeConte. Due to its short length and beautiful scenery it is often considered Le Conte's most scenic route and the most common footpath for hikers seeking to reach the summit of Le Conte.
My husband been wanted to hike this trail ever since we moved to Tennessee , and I'm glad he appreciates my enthusiasm. We hiked two trails in a day, for total of 10 miles. My body is sore
and tired, but I feel very satisfied. Personal challenge completed.
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| Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Great Smoky Mountain |
A hike to heaven at Charlies Bunion
Sunday, October 18, 2015
We hiked to the Bunion from Newfound Gap on 30th of August 2015. Got started about 1:00pm and returned to the Gap at 6:00. Weather was gorgeous, partly sunny with temps in the high 70s. I say the hike is challenging, my husband says it is moderate. If you are carrying a heavy backpack, it can added weight on the back. The views are awesome especially with the fairly clear skies we had that day. We spend at least an hour at the Bunion and we enjoyed sitting there, totally in love at God's country. If you still have the energy on your return trip, take the relatively short side trail to visit the Jump Off, located near the Boulevard Trail junction. Going there we ran into a few hikers which is okay, over all we enjoy this hike.
Trail Features: Panoramic Views
Roundtrip Length: 8.1 Miles
Highest Elevation: 6122 Feet
Trail Difficulty Rating: 11.38 (strenuous)
Take a Day Hike at Andrews Bald in Smokies
Monday, September 7, 2015
The trail had a lot of man-made steps out of rock and timber. It also had a lot of planks over the land for pathways. The trail went downhill most of the way there and it had a few rocks and roots here and there. Once we get to the top of Andrew's ball we had a beautiful view of the mountains. The viewing area was about as big as a football field. We brought some food and had a nice, little picnic out there and baked in the sun for a while. There was a lot of room to spread out. The climb back up to the parking area was pretty steady and much more difficult. It's a good place to get your cardio workout. It took us almost 3 hours including the stay at the top.
Directions to Trailhead: From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive 13.2 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road. Turn right onto Clingmans Dome Road and drive another 7 miles to the end of the road. Due to its popularity, the parking area for the highest point in the Smokies is quite large. Andrews Bald is accessed via the Forney Ridge Trail, which is located at the far end of the parking lot.
Hiking Distance (Roundtrip Length): 3.5 Miles
Trail Difficulty Rating: 5.30 (moderate)
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| A reminder of God's amazing creation |
Spectacular view at Clingman's Dome
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Late October of this year as we drove to the dome the temperature continued to drop and we began to see areas of foggy on the mountain tops. It was our first time here and it was definitely a must see. The scenery on the way up is great, month of October is a good time to see the fall colors anywhere. At 6,643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park. And the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi.
Clingmans Dome is one of the best places in the Smokies to watch a sunrise or sunset. The hiking trail is steep but smooth paved walkway . Good thing they have few benches to stop and catch our breath many times over. At the top they have built an
interesting structure that gets you above the treeline and gives you the
best view from inside the park. The observation tower provides a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of the park. On a clear day like this you could see forever. On our way down there are pathways that are the actual Appalachian trail. We chose to walk a small portion of it. What else can I say. Even our pictures don't do it justice.
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| The view from the parking lot |
Rock City Gardens | Chattanooga's Iconic Attraction
Friday, August 2, 2013
Now I know where all those See Rock City birdhouses come from! We visited Rock City for the first time. This is an attraction taking advantage of nature's rock formations and adding landscaping, stone bridge and walking paths. This is a self guided walking tour of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. You enter The Enchanted Trail passing beautiful gardens with an array of seasonal flowers and trees. The stone artworks (massive formations) includes a garden of piled up pebbles, a rock shaped like a mushroom, and statues along the way. The music as you go along the trail is very relaxing too. If you like lookout points, valleys, and waterfalls, you should probably see Rock City.
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| The Enchanted Flagstone Trail. |
Haw Ridge Park Trek
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
This is our first time to really hike on the woods, we just both so excited moving in this area. Best choice to pick Oak Ridge as our city to settle down. There so many things to do in this beautiful city.
