Exploring the great outdoors near you
Many of our friends and colleagues have begun asking questions about how one goes about preparing for hiking the AT. I think the first step is to begin exploring the great hiking opportunities near you. The nation's parks are an incredible resource, and while I can be a curmudgeon when it comes to government agencies, I have a newfound appreciation for the Department of the Interior and the great wisdom of those who helped create today's amazing park system. Far superior, IMHO, than any Disney World or action park, the state and national parks are an amazing national treasure and accessible to all.
To find a park near you, check out the National Parks Service. Billy Goat and I have been incredibly fortunate to be located in close proximity to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. We're heading there this weekend to escape as our realtor kicks off our open house (pray for us that this condo sells).
Some recommendations for Shenandoah:
(1) -- drive along Skyline drive;
(2) -- hike the Jeremy's Run trail;
(3) -- visit Herbert Hoover's retreat - Rapidan Camp -- his "summer White House" (the predecessor to Camp David) that Mr. & Mrs. Hoover built to escape the hot DC summers (imagine that!)
If you have a tent, there are many campsite options -- if you aren't one for "roughing it" check out the lovely cabins or resort facilities available for visitors (we stayed in Skyland Resort when the Makievsky clan visited in Sept. 2006 and loved it!).
1 comment:
when I lived in Maine I would always escape to Acadia National Park for a Summmer hike - bike riding the old carriage roads is also a rare treat.
It also has one of the nicest sand beaches in all of coastal Maine - only the wee ones are fearless enough to swim even in the dog days of July and August - but basking in the sun by the sea is pure delight
It has year round appeal with a plethora of trails for snowshoeing - and the seaside sites are spectacular
not to be missed
Post a Comment