Baxter State Park, Maine

Sandy Stream Pond/Whidden Ponds Loop: [August 2003] This 1.5 mile loop hits two beautiful ponds where moose are often seen feeding in the waters, especially in the morning or around dusk. To get to the first pond, Sandy Stream Pond, take the Russell Pond Trail from the ranger station, until you see the sign for Sandy Stream Pond Trail—carefully laid wooden planks form most of the trail, protecting the fragile natural environment from hiker’s boots. As soon as we arrived at Sandy Stream Pond we were delighted to see a moose feeding on the underwater plants—she was standing in the water up to her shoulders in about the middle of the pond just happily grazing, and on the far shore we could also see a yearling calf wading through the pond. We spent about 30 minutes observing and photographing the moose and then we continued on to Whidden Pond, hoping to get lucky enough to see a bull moose. The trail is at times rocky and muddy in some places, but mostly it consists of the aforementioned wooden planks. Follow the Whidden Pond Trail for about a mile from Sandy Pond and you will arrive at Whidden Pond. A more serene setting can not be imagined. We were a little disappointed that no moose were out and about, but the view definitely made up for it! When you have explored the pond’s shores to your content, just head back to Roaring Brook Campground via the Russell Pond Trail and you will have completed the 1.5 mile loop.

NBH Tip: Baxter State Park is one of the best places to view moose in their natural habitat—many tips and information on viewing these animals can be obtained by visiting the ranger station at Roaring Brook Campground. Pick up the brochure entitled, “The Moose” and a trail map of the area—even though these pamphlets are helpful, your best source of info is still the friendly rangers. Before beginning your hike, be sure to stop and talk to them about where moose have been sighted and they will eagerly share their vast knowledge. There is also a trail register at the ranger station—you must sign this at the beginning and end of your hike—don’t forget to sign out when you return from the wilderness.

 

Roaring Brook Nature Trail: [August 2003] The Roaring Brook Nature Trail is a great way to observe several plant species that live in and around a bog community, and at just a little over a mile this easy trail has much to offer the perceptive hiker. When you arrive at the bog don’t be afraid to get down close and scrutinize the flora—upon close examination you will see the intricate detail in the Sphagnum moss, and you will get close-up views of the exotic looking Pitcher Plant. This carnivorous plant traps bugs and uses them for food. Other plants that you are likely to encounter include Cotton Grass, Solomon’s Seal, Bunchberry, and Painted Trillium. Your estimated hiking time to complete this trail is 45 minutes to an hour.

NBH Tip: A great brochure that points out several of the plants, and gives information about them, is available at the Roaring Brook Campground ranger station.

Walden Pond State Reservation, Massachusetts

Pond Path: [August 2003] This relaxing trail meanders around the circumference of Walden Pond for a little over a mile. Walden Pond was once the home of the renowned author, Henry David Thoreau.  Henry David Thoreau lived at Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847—his experience at Walden Pond provided the background for the book Walden, which is credited with helping to inspire awareness and respect for the natural environment. Although the pond is now a far cry from the secluded region of Thoreau’s time, (it is now a pretty popular spot for beach goers and swimmers), you can still get a taste of how it used to be by walking on this path. Above you, canopies of pine form tunnels that shade the trail, and glimpses of the glistening pond often come into view through the trees as you make your way through Walden Woods. While hiking, take time to walk down to the water’s edge and explore the many coves located around the pond, or maybe find a secluded spot where you can contemplate the life of Thoreau. Whatever else you do along your hike, you can be sure you will enjoy the serenity.

NBH Tip: Before you begin your hike along the Pond Path, be sure to check out the replica of Thoreau’s one room house located near the parking lot—as you explore the small shelter imagine life as Thoreau knew it, and perhaps one of his famous quotes will come to mind—such as “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”

Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont

Robert Frost Interpretive Trail: [August 2003] Just about everyone who has ever hiked a trail is familiar with the poet Robert Frost—his poem, The Road Not Taken, is a veritable cornerstone for all who have ventured into the woods. The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, pays homage to their poet laureate. Along the trail there are boardwalks, benches, bridges, and best of all—wooden posts bearing passages from some of Frost’s most beloved works. On the one mile trail you will have the pleasure of reading excerpts from, Winter Eden, Hardwood Groves, The Secret Sits, and of course, The Road Not Taken. You will also gain a working knowledge of the many plant species that make the Green Mountains their home—several of the trees and plants bear identification tags in order to help the hiker become familiar with the environment.

NBH Tip: This easy, level, walk is perfect for families with young children, and in addition to enjoying the poetry, be sure to take note of the many bird species found along the trail. Furthermore, if you happen to visit in August you could be in for a trailside treat—blueberries can be found all along the trail and they are yours for the picking!

 

Colton Point State Park, Pennsylvania

Turkey Path Trail: [October 2003] Waterfalls, wildlife, lush forest, and a fast-flowing, sparkling river await the hiker on this 3 mile roundtrip trek—to access the Turkey Path Trailhead, find your way to Colton Point State Park on the west rim of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, also known as Pine Creek Gorge. From this point, the Turkey Path Trail steeply descends 1.5 miles to the bottom of the canyon, where you will find yourself standing along the shores of Pine Creek. As you make your way to Pine Creek, you will be awed by the excellent scenery—less than 0.5 mile into the hike you will be greeted by a 70 foot cascading waterfall, truly a highlight of the trail. Once at the waterfall, take the little spur trails in order to get closer to the cascade, but watch your footing—the rocks can be slippery and some of the paths are quite narrow. If you undertake this hike in the fall, you will be treated to wonderful displays of color—the deciduous hardwood forest glows with yellows, browns, oranges, and reds during the month of October. Moreover, keep your eyes open for wildlife—deer, porcupine, eagles, coyote, and even black bear have been spotted in the area. Once at the bottom of the gorge, you can walk along the shores of Pine Creek and watch the bikers riding along the Pine Creek Rail trail on the opposite shore—the location of Leonard Harrison State Park. The hike back up is rather steep, but the trail was built with switchbacks that aid in the ascent—just take your time and enjoy the scenery—it took us 1.5 hours roundtrip, and that included lots of stops for photos.

NBH Tip: If you hike down into the gorge, keep in mind that this trail is an out and back venture—at the time of this writing there was no foot bridge across Pine Creek. Therefore, if you want to hike the Turkey Path Trail on the east rim—located at Leonard Harrison State Park, then you must ford the river or drive to the other rim.

 

Rim Trail: [October 2003] Not to be confused with the 30 mile West Rim trail, the 1.0 mile Rim Trail follows the perimeter of the west rim of Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon linking all of the overlooks together.  We hiked this easy trail early one October morning, while the canyon was still filled with clouds—watching the fog filled gorge slowly come into view as the clouds burned off was a magical sight.

NBH Tip: The Rim Trail is perfect for families with young kids, or for those who can’t hike long distances—most likely, everyone will enjoy this short, level hike. Several overlooks are located along the course of the Rim Trail, and each one offers a unique view of the canyon—so be sure to stop at all of them.

 

Barbour Rock Nature Trail: [October 2003] One of the best views of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania is found at the overlook at the end of the Barbour Rock Nature Trail, just follow the blue blazes a little over a half-mile from the trailhead. From the viewpoint you get fantastic vistas of the dramatically sloping walls of the canyon as they plummet down to the banks of Pine Creek—the classic view of the gorge. The beech, birch, oak, and maple put on a colorful display in fall, and the mountain laurel show their stuff in the spring—this is a great little 1.2 mile loop hike that is sure to please in any season.

NBH Tip: Eventually the Barbour Rock Nature Trail joins up with the West Rim Trail, a backcountry adventure that covers 30 miles down the canyon—someday we plan on backpacking that bad boy! The West Rim Trail is orange blazed, and the Barbour Rock Trail is blue blazed—so don’t accidentally start trekking down the wrong path—watch those blazes! By the way, that white water you see 900 feet below is Pine Creek's Owassee Rapids—great for a fast-paced canoe trip!

 

Chugach National Forest, Alaska

Russian River Falls: [July 2004] This 4.6 mile roundtrip hike traverses through the Chugach National Forest to viewing platforms above the Russian River—from these vantage points it is often possible, in season, to see scores of bright red sockeye salmon swimming in the pools and leaping over the falls. Of course, where there are salmon there are often bears, so be prepared for encounters. It was a beautiful sunny summer day when we hiked this trail and we couldn’t have enjoyed the weather and sights more. Also out enjoying the sunshine was a spruce grouse and her brood of chicks, who we followed for several feet as they investigated all areas along the trail for a potential meal. In addition to forest scenery, there are several points along the trail where the Russian River is visible and audible, thus adding tranquility to the path. After hiking just over 2.0 miles you reach the two viewing platforms from which you can gaze down into the gorge to the river and falls below. We could see several salmon making their journey upstream on that July day, but no bears were visible in the area.

NBH Tip: Before heading back to the trailhead we decided to hike an additional trail down to the river bank, and we really regret that decision. The view along the river bank was pretty obscured, and I think the local fishermen had not been feeding the mosquitoes well enough—we were swarmed by tons of the little buggers and had to get out of there as soon as possible! I even ended up with bites on the palms of my hands—so be prepared if you venture down to the water’s edge.

 

Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska

Boreal Forest-Valdez Loop Trail: [July 2004] Walk along this 0.5 mile trail for incredible panoramas of volcanic peaks, historical routes, and views of the dense boreal foliage. Located along the trail you will find interpretive markers that point out peaks of the Wrangell Mountains and other info about the forest. We especially liked the info about the Spruce Broom Rust—a fungus which causes branch clustering creating a perfect home for squirrels and birds. This trail provides the hiker with a great opportunity to become familiar with the boreal forest of Alaska—circling the earth’s high latitudes in a green swath of spruce, aspen, willow, and birch, this circumpolar northern forest is the largest land ecosystem on the planet. From points along the trail you also have great views of the Copper River, which is the main drainage of the Wrangell Mountains and the only river to penetrate through the coastal barrier of the Chugach Mountains. The last portion of the trail follows the original Valdez Trail. During the Klondike gold rush, this was the main route from Valdez to Fairbanks, and the first all-American route into the interior of Alaska.

NBH Tip: This is a great trail for those who don’t have the time or the expertise to hike trails in Wrangell’s backcountry, but if you hike this trail be sure that you have plenty of insect repellant—the mosquitoes are killers in the boreal forest!

 

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls: [August 2004] Access to Horsetail Falls and the trail that leads to Ponytail Falls (aka Upper Horsetail Falls) can be found along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon, just 2.75 miles from Multnomah Falls. Horsetail Falls displays its beauty just a few feet from the highway—so when you park your car you will immediately see the 176 foot cascade, which is a perfect example of a horsetail formation, plunging over a cliff on the northwest side of Larch Mountain. There are steps that lead down to the plunge pool where you can get some great views of the falls, but for even better views check out the seldom hiked trail just to the left of the falls. The hike to the spectacular 80 foot tall Ponytail Falls is just a little less than half a mile (0.4 miles one way) and the elevation gain is small. Therefore, for most fit hikers it is a pretty easy undertaking with a big payoff in scenery. The trail switchbacks up the hill away from Horsetail Falls until it levels out and then turns back to the creek. The trail then follows the creek upstream to where you can see Ponytail Falls spraying out of a narrow opening in the basalt cliff—behind the falls is a recess cave where the trail actually passes behind the flowing water. On a hot summer day the cave is a perfect place to sit and cool off while enjoying the scenery.

NBH Tip: There are several other waterfalls to be seen along this trail if you wish to continue past Ponytail Falls. Among the beauties are Triple Falls and Oneonta Falls, not to mention the beauty of Oneonta Gorge itself. So for a longer hike check out these options, but if you are short on time hike to at least Ponytail Falls—you will be glad you did!

 

Multnomah Falls: [August 2004] Plummeting 621 feet (upper falls 542 feet/lower falls 69 feet) from its origins on Larch Mountain, Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States. Nearly two million visitors a year come to see this ancient waterfall, making it Oregon’s number one public destination. The amount of water coming over the falls can vary since it is fed by an underground spring at Larch Mountain, usually the highest flows are during winter and spring, but the falls never disappoint no matter what time of year you visit. Multnomah Falls offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology. Look closely at the cliff face around the falls and you will see formations reminiscent of the columnar basalt of Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, or Devil’s Postpile in California. These formations represent five separate flows of Yakima basalt. To get a closer look at the falls follow the 1.2 mile trail that climbs approximately 600 feet to the top of Multnomah Falls. The views from the bridge are the best, in our opinion, because you can see the Columbia Gorge and the upper falls from this vantage point.

NBH Tip: You can’t go wrong in the Columbia River Gorge, so stop and see as many waterfalls as possible along your way, especially the jaw-dropper Multnomah. Even if you can’t make it to the top of the falls, you should really try to get as far as the bridge. The views are spectacular! Be sure to stop in the information center to see some great photos of the falls and some historical scenes from floods in the past.

 

 

White River National Forest, Colorado

Independence Ghost Town: [August 2005] Located 13.5 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82, this 1878 mining town is open daily for self-guided tours until winter closure of Independence Pass. A tour of the old Independence town site, located at an elevation of 10, 830 feet, offers a glimpse into the hard life of nineteenth century miners. As you hike through the deserted streets of Independence you will notice that not many of the buildings are left standing, the reasons for this are both expected and unexpected.  Of course time, weather and heavy winter snows have taken their toll on the old town, that is to be expected, but a far more destructive force is to blame for the majority of buildings lost at Independence. During the 1970s, Colorado went through a decorating craze for barn wood which ultimately brought ruin to this ghost town. People from nearby towns and visitors alike literally walked away with Independence. However, don’t let this discourage a visit; there are still some interesting sights to see. A diagram of the town site can be found in the bottom left-hand corner of the large sign near the parking lot, this diagram points out some of the town’s features. If you have a photographic memory make a mental note of this map, or better yet take a digital picture, and then set out to explore the old buildings.

NBH Tip: Stay on the trails and respect the history of this special place by not disturbing any of the relics.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Warner Point Nature Trail: [August 2005] This 1.5 mile roundtrip hike is rated as moderate by the National Park Service, and is perfect for a family trek. The trailhead is located at the end of South Rim Road at the High Point Overlook, it is here that you can pick up the trail guide entitled “A Walk with Mark Warner” or grab one at the South Rim Visitor Center before starting off down the trail. This shady trail offers the hiker a glimpse into the natural world of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison by providing access to many tree species, animals, and outstanding views. Trees such as mountain mahogany, pinyon pine, Douglas fir, Gambel oak, and juniper graciously provide shade for the weary hiker, and strategically placed benches offer a different kind of respite. As you near the end of the trail you will notice that the views start to open up, to the south you can see the San Juan Mountains, and the Uncompahgre Valley, and to the north the West Elk Mountains. However, nothing compares to the view at the very end of the trail, there stretched out before you is the Black Canyon and its creator the Gunnison River.

 NBH Tip: Don’t overlook the overlooks! Each and every one of the designated lookout points offers a unique view of the Black Canyon—among our favorites were, in order of wow factor, Painted Wall View, Sunset View, and Devils Lookout.

 

Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia

Anna Ruby Falls: [July 2006] Anna Ruby Falls is the most popular waterfall in north Georgia, and for good reason, the view of the twin falls of York and Curtis creeks is outstanding. A paved 0.4-mile (0.8-mile roundtrip) trail climbs 170 feet from the visitor center parking area to an elevation of 2,150 feet. The hike is easy to moderate and provides benches along the way for those who want to rest or just reflect on the beauty of the surroundings. The paved trail, which follows scenic Smith Creek to the waterfall, ends at the base of Anna Ruby Falls where two well-placed observation decks and a bridge allow for excellent views of both falls. The rare double waterfall is formed by two creeks, Curtis and York that drop 50 and 153 feet before joining to form the boulder-strewn Smith Creek. Anna Ruby Falls is fed by underground springs and run-off from Tray Mountain, located directly behind the falls. It took us approximately 40 minutes to hike the 0.8-mile roundtrip trail, including a 20-minute stop at the observation platforms.

NBH Tip: An afternoon spent at Anna Ruby Falls will be a day worth remembering—pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic surrounded by azaleas, dogwood, rhododendron, mountain laurel and a spectacular waterfall.   

 

Amicalola State Park, Georgia

Base of the Falls Trail: [July 2006] Amicalola, a Cherokee word meaning, “tumbling waters”, plunges 729 feet in several cascades creating a visual masterpiece for the hiker to enjoy. Amicalola Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and hiking to its base requires only a 0.4-mile long walk along a paved trail. The trail starts near the reflection pool near the parking area, and then follows Little Amicalola Creek as it cascades through a beautiful southern Appalachian hardwood forest. The last portion of the hike requires a climb up a well-constructed staircase, which consists of 175 steps, leading to an observation bridge.

NBH Tip: If you so desire, you can continue on the trail past the observation bridge to the platform at the top of the falls, where you can look down at the water plunging over the cliffside.

 

Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

Tallulah Gorge Loop Trail: [July 2006] One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern United States, Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge is 2 miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. In addition, it is one of the oldest geological features in North America. Five major waterfalls are located in the bottom of the gorge: L’Eau d’Or at 46 feet high, Tempesta at 76 feet high, Hurricane at 96 feet high, Oceana at 50 feet, and Bridal Veil at 17 feet high. The best way to enjoy all that this gorge has to offer is to hike the 3-mile Tallulah Gorge Loop Trail, a combination of the North and South Rim Trails. The hike begins on the bottom floor of the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center, a must-see visitor center, where a wood chip trail enters the woods. In a few more feet, the wood chips give way to a rubberized trail made from recycled tires—great for sore knees. You are now hiking on the North Rim Trail, and if you turn left you will find Overlook 1, and the site of the North Wallenda Tower—a remnant from tightrope walker Karl Wallenda’s acrobatic crossing of the gorge. Additionally, you can see Oceana Falls and Bridal Veil Falls from this vantage point. We skipped this overlook and took a right towards Overlook 3, where L’Eau d’Or Falls, Hawthorne Pool, and the vertiginously perched Overlook 2 come into view. From Overlook 2 (350 feet into the gorge) begin descending the 375 steps to the suspension bridge, which connects the North and South Rim Trails, deep within the gorge. The bridge crosses the gorge above the 96-foot tall Hurricane Falls, and then just after crossing the bridge you can choose to begin climbing back up the South Rim, or you can take the 225-step staircase down to the base of Hurricane Falls. The hike down to the falls, via the 225 steps, leads to beautiful views of Hurricane Falls making it worth the effort to climb back up. When you reach the top of the Hurricane Falls Staircase, you are faced with even more steps—340 to be exact, as you climb up the South Rim Trail. Climbing hundreds of steps out of a 1,000-foot deep gorge in the middle of July in 100-degree weather with 100 % humidity is an experience we will not soon forget; I can honestly say that I have never been so hot and so sweaty in my entire life! My clothes were literally soaking wet, you would have thought I had jumped into the plunge pool! Once at the top of the South Rim, turn left at the intersection in order to see Overlooks 8, 9, and 10, all of which afford great views of the gorge, including views of Hurricane Falls, Oceana Falls, and the Interpretive Center. After checking out the view from each overlook, return to the intersection and continue hiking towards Overlooks 7, and 6 where you can see Hawthorne Pool and Tempesta Falls. We stopped briefly at Overlook 6 and rested under the pavilion before taking the path that leads to US 441. From the pavilion, the trail leads to a concrete wall that has been painted by local school kids—soon after the wall, you reach the road where you turn right and cross the highway bridge that parallels the dam. Once across the bridge, turn right again climbing down a set of stairs leading to the trail. The remainder of the trail takes you past Overlooks 5 and 4 before ending back at the Interpretive Center.

NBH Tip: If you plan to hike this trail, you might want to get familiar with a Stairmaster, since this hike is basically a never-ending stepper machine. You will definitely get a good aerobic workout on this hike, which is rated as very strenuous by the state park, so just take your time and enjoy the beauty of Tallulah Gorge.