Hiking Buddy Is A Must For These Trail

Screw thunder buddies, it's all about hiking buddies now.  I really don't think I could hike these trails by myself after reading about there history. Check out the link below and see if you have the gonads to do these trails without getting scared.

Haunted New England Hiking Trails

50 State Challenge - Louisiana

This weeks 50 state challenge is Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. Kisatchie National Forest has more than 604,000 acres and it is spread across seven parishes in Louisiana. The forest is divided into five managed units called Ranger Districts: Calcasieu, Caney, Catahoula, Kisatchie and Winn.

CALCASIEU DISTRICT:

• Southernmost district
• Features Valentine Lake and Fullerton Lake.
• The Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail, Ouiski Chito Creek Trail, and the Indian Ridge Trail are just some of the trails found in this district.
• The remains of Camp Claiborne can be found here.

CANEY DISTRICT:

• Located northeast of Shreveport.
• Great place for boating in the many lakes. 

CATAHOULA RANGER DISTRICT:

• Great area for hiking and biking.
• Remains of Camp Livingston can be found here.
• There is a hummingbird and butterfly garden.

KISATCHIE RANGER DISTRICT:

• Longleaf Trail National Byway.
• Several horse trails.
• Sandstone Bluffs can be found here.

WINN RANGER DISTRACT:

• Popular spot for hunting.
• Cloud Crossing Recreation Complex is an ideal spot for canoeing and boating.

What's so special about Kisatchie National Forest? Well, for starters it is protects a wide array of plant species including carnivorous plants and wild orchids like the Pink Pogonia Orchid. It also protects rare animals like the Louisiana Pine Snake, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, the Louisiana Black Bear and the Louisiana Pearlshell Mussel.

Some Things To Do:

• Bicycling - There are several different trails for mountain biking and for road cycling. More info HERE
• Canoeing 
• Fishing - There are over 10 lakes and ponds to fish in. More info HERE 
• Birdwatching
• Hiking - Over 100 miles of trails Info on trails HERE
• Horse back riding
• Hunting - The forest allows big game and small game hunting. More info HERE
• Camping

50 State Challenge - Illinois

Illinois was a tough one to write about. I am stilling hurting from when the Blackhawks beat the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals.  I'll put aside my envy of the Stanley Cup win and write something nice about Illinois. Even though Chicago is probably one of the top 5 cities in the world, I decided not to write about it. Instead I am going to write about a beautiful place called Starved Rock State Park.

Starved Rock 

Starved Rock State Park is located along the South bank of the Illinois River. Starved Rock is known for it's outcrops of St. Peter's Sandstone, which is found all over the park. The park gets its name from a Native American legend where it is said that two tribes (Illinois & Pottawatomies) fought a long hard battle. The Illinois tribe decided to ascend a 125 ft sandstone butte. The Pottawatomies discovered them and surrounded the rock. The Illinois were trapped on top of the rock and eventually died of thirst and starvation.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE AT STARVED ROCK

• Hiking - Has 13 miles of well marked hiking trails. A map of the trails can be found here and a list of the trails can be found here
• Water Activities - You can canoe or kayak down the Fox River. The Illinois River near Starved Rock is known as the "Sauger Capital" of the world. There is an annual fishing tournament for anglers to compete for the biggest sauger. 
• Camping - The campground has 133 campsites that come equipped with electricity, showers, and toilers. The campground is located about 1 mile from the Visitor Center. For more info about the campground click here
• Canyons & Waterfalls - You can see waterfalls in 14 out of the 18 canyons. 
• Bird Watching - Click here for a bird watch check list. Bald Eagles are a guaranteed sighting here.

P.O. Box 509, Utica, IL 61373

815-667-4726

50 State Challenge - IDAHO

Idaho may not come to mind as an ideal spot to spend a vacation there. However, Idaho has some amazing natural oddities that you can't find anywhere else. For example, who knew that Idaho had an ancient lava field?

The Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho is truly one of a kind. Craters of the Moon is in south-central Idaho, half way between Boise and Yellowstone National Park. Craters of the Moon is one of the largest lava fields in the United States. There are 60 visible lava flows here and the oldest was formed 15,000 years ago.

One of the many lava fields at the park

The park is open all year round, but the winter snow may prevent cars from accessing some of the park. The visitor center is also open year round from 8 am to 4:30 pm.  The entrance fee is only $8 per vehicle and those entering the park by bike, motorcycle or foot only have to pay $4 per person. People under the age of 15 are free to enter and during the winter when the park roads are close there is no fee.

Day trips are very common here, but a lot of people love to stay the night as well. There is a campground that is open from May through November and has 51 sites available. There are no reservations at this campground as it is a first come first served basis. During the summer months its only $10 per site and $6 for non summer months. Water, restrooms, charcoal grills and picnic tables are also available at the campsite.

Besides enjoying the scenery, Craters of the Moon National Park has several outdoor activities to enjoy. Hiking is probably the most popular activity to do. For a list of hiking trail, you can check them out here.  Another popular activity here is exploring the vast cave system and lava tubes. For more information on cave exploration click here 

Craters of the Moon 

P.O. Box 29

Arco, ID 83213

Visitor Info - 208-527-1335

The Petrified Forest of Arizona

The Painted Desert

Arizona is a state who's rough landscape makes for some of the most beautiful places in the Southwest. By the four corners of the state lies the Petrified Forest National Park. In the northern part of the park is the breath taking Painted Desert.

The Painted Desert region is in the Navajo Nation and they have lived here for almost 1,000 years. Most of the desert is accessible only by foot or off road vehicles. A permit is required for all back road travel in the Navajo Nation, so make sure you get one. As you can tell the Painted Desert emits beautiful colors and watching a sunset/sunrise will be one of the most unforgettable experiences in your life. 

Petrified Wood found at the park

The Painted Desert is not the only attraction in the park. The forest is know for its fossils and for the many fallen trees (Petrified Wood) that lived 225 million years ago. This is heaven for Paleontologist because they have been unearthing and studying the park's fossils since the 20th century. When you are hiking and/or backpacking through the park you may even come across an archeological dig. Evidence from the digs suggest that the earliest humans in the park arrived about 8,000 years ago. 

Petroglyphs at the park

Also scattered within the park are petroglyphs. These petroglyphs are believed to be between 500 and 2,000 years. You can make a fun game out of trying to find the most petroglyphs out of your friends. You'll be surprised how many there are. Along with the ancient petroglyphs are the ruins of pueblos that were built sometime in 1380 CE. 

When you are visiting this park you will be tempted to take home a piece of history but please refrain from stealing the petrified wood. There are gift shops in the park were you can buy petrified wood if you really want to get some. 

For Park Hours click here and for more info about the park click here 

Fees & Reservation info click here

Follow along on twitter

Traveling the A.T.

The West coast has the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and the East coast has the A. T.  (Appalachian Trail). The Appalachian Trail is about 2,200 miles long and goes through 14 states. It ranges from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.

 

Some adventurers, know as "thru-hikers" try their hand at hiking the entire trail in a single season. I've only done trails in Massachusetts but would love to hike the Appalachian Trail in it's entirely. I've heard that the best way to hike the whole trail, is to start in Georgia and work your way up to Maine in the fall for the changing of the leaves. It's an absolutely beautiful hike and I can't wait to do it. 

The Appalachian Trail has more than 250 shelters and campsites that are available to hikers. The shelters and campsites are mostly maintained by local volunteers and the shelters are in great condition. I remember watching a program about the trail on Discovery Channel and they talked about how friendly the locals are. 

The trail crosses numerous roads, which give the hikers a chance to hitchhike into a near by "trail town". The trail towns are use to seeing hikers, so there are a lot of accommodations specifically geared to those hiking the trail. Trail towns are where the hikers get to see the generosity of the locals. Locals almost always provided food, a hot meal, or shelter for hikers. 

Scenic lookout from the trail in Massachusetts

The Appalachian Trail has increased in popularity over the years and it can get crowed at times. You will run into a lot of fellow hikers, so if you are looking for a more secluded trail this is not the one for you. I'm hoping within 2 years I'll be hiking the entire trail, and you bet your ass I'll write about it!

If you have ever hike the Appalachian Trail in its entirely don't be afraid to share your story with me. I would love to hear some personal stories. 

Follow me on twitter @Cheap_Adventure

The Gila Cliff Dwellings of New Mexico

If you ever find yourself in the beautiful state of New Mexico, you have to see the Gila Cliff Dwellings.  The Gila Cliff Dwellings take you back in time to 1300 AD. 

Gila Cliff Dwellings

First, let's start off with a quick history lesson about this site. The cliff contains the ruins of several interlocked cave dwellings built by the Mogollon people. The Mogollons lived in these cliff dwellings from 1275AD to about 1300AD.  As you can see, the dwellings provide excellent shelter from mother nature and predators. 

Hikes through the cliff dwellings are not the only thing you can do here. Bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing, and stargazing are also excellent activities offered here. You can also camp at many of the camp grounds near by but you can not do an over night at the dwellings. 

Photo from Wikipedia. Looking out from the cliff dwellings

The trail to get to the Gila Cliff Dwellings is open everyday (even holidays) from 9 am to 4 pm and everyone must be off the trail by 5 pm. A museum and visitor center is located near by and staff members are always at the dwellings. To visit this breath taking historical site you don't have to break the bank. It costs families only $10 per day and for the lone Adventurer is only cost $3 per day to explore. 

For more info click here

Don't forget to follow along on twitter: @Cheap_Adventure

The Grand Canyon of the East

Letchworth State Park 

I doubt any one from outside of New York State has heard of Letchworth State Park.  It's a shame more people haven't heard of this natural beauty that's in Americas backyard.

Letchworth State Park is located about 40 miles southwest of Rochester and about 60 miles southeast of Buffalo, New York. The park itself is about 16-18 miles long and covers 14,350 acres of land.

Some of the major attractions at the park are the 3 large waterfalls on the Genesee River. The three major waterfalls are called the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls and they are located in the southern part of the park. The highest waterfall in the state of New York is located at Letchworth Park. There are also 50 other small waterfalls found in the tributaries.

Middle Falls

Letchworth Park got the name "Grand Canyon of the East" because of the gorge formed by the river. Some rock walls reach heights of over 600ft. Hikers can choose from 66 miles of hiking trails that take you to some of the most scenic places on the East Coast.

The park also offers trails for horseback riding, biking, and snowmobiling. If you don't want to go on the trails there are a number of other activities to do. Whitewater rafting, kayaking and hot air ballooning are also available. If you choose to go hot air ballooning make sure you do it in the fall, it is an unforgettable experience.

If you find yourself in New York and you are sick of the city, come visit Letchworth Park. It's only $8 to park, but it's completely free to explore one of the most beautiful sights on the East Coast.

For more info click here

An Unlikely Place for Redwoods

When you think of Redwoods trees, I bet you automatically think of California. I bet if I told you there is a Redwood forest in Maui, you would tell me to stop smoking all that Maui Wowie.

Now, I've been to Maui a number of times it was only on my last day in Maui in August of 2012 that I found out about the Redwood forest. I didn't have enough time to go, but the next time I'm in Maui it will be one of my first stops.

I've heard that the trails are almost never packed here, so you essentially have the forest to yourself. This is not a tourist destination but a local destination. If you choose to visit, make sure you have a 4x4 vehicle because the roads can easily become impassible. Remember you will be ascending so the temperature will be significantly cooler than it is at the coast, so make sure to bring a sweatshirt.

I don't have much personal information about this place and all I can tell you is what I've been told. I'm simply writing this post because I don't want any one to miss out on Redwood forest like I did.

For information about Maui's Redwood forest, click here

The Redwood forest is often covered in fog giving it a mystical appearance. 

Trail Map of Poli Poli State Park


MAHALO!

The magic of Iao Valley

The Needle from the ridge top lookout

If you ever find yourself in Maui, then you have to visit Iao Valley. My first time visiting this place was in August 2012 and I can't wait to go back. There is something magical about this place. You feel a sense of calmness and peacefulness when you walk through here, even thought it is the sight of one of Hawaii's deadliest battle.

The Iao Stream. Locals often swim here

Iao Valley is rich in history. In 1790 it was at the Battle of Kepaniwai that King Kamenhameha I clashed with Maui's army in his attempt to unify the islands. Kamenhameha ultimately defeated Maui's army in bloody battle and thus changing the course of Hawaiian history. 

Paved pathway through the valley. 

Iao Valley State Park is an excellent CHEAP way to explore the island. Parking is only $5 and once you park you are free to walk around at your own pace. Paved pathways take you along streams, through botanical gardens and at times it seems like it is taking you through a lost world. At any minute I was expecting a T-Rex to jump out from the trees.

Took an unpaved path to get a closer look at the stream

I noticed that there are also unpaved trails that require more of a strenuous hike. I ventured down an unpaved trail to get closer to the stream, but because I was by myself I didn't go to far. The unpaved trails go through thick rainforest jungle and one can easily loose there way here, so be careful.

The Needle at Iao Valley

The Needle is the main attraction here. There is a path with many stairs to take you to a lookout right next to the Needle. If you are up for climbing up several stairs then this lookout is definitely worth the trip. Since you are in the mountains it does get a little chilly up there. I would bring a sweatshirt or a rain jacket because you never know when it might rain. I went in the afternoon and a large cloud hung over head the whole time. After returning home from the trip I was told by a local that the morning is the best time to visit the park because of less cloud coverage.

View from The Needle lookout

Click here for more info about Iao Valley State Park

A hike through Purgatory Chasm....Not as scary as you would think!

View of "Fat Mans Misery" If you are thin enough you might be able to fit through it

For those that aren't familar, Purgatory Chasm is a state park located in Sutton, Massachusetts. It's famous for it's 70ft deep chasm of granite bedrock.  There is about two miles of hiking trails and with a special permit you are allowed to rock climb. The best part of this natural wonder is that it is completely FREE!!

This is also a great place to take the family. There is a picnic area with grills, a playground and the famous sliding rock where kids love to slide down. The park is open year round with ample area to go snow shoeing during the winter. However, hiking is closed during the winter because of ice hazards.

Sliding Rock at Purgatory Chasm

There are many trails that very in difficulty. Just bring a hiking buddy and good shoes and you should be all set. Map of the trails is available here