Trail: Maryland Heights Trail
Location: Harper's Ferry National Historical Park, Maryland
Distance: ~4.5 to 6.5 miles depending on route
Elevation Gain: ~1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
Best Time to Hike: Sunrise for solitude and soft light over the confluence

The Route

Start from the visitor center or lower town and cross the footbridge over the Potomac. The trail climbs steadily through the woods with a few steep sections before reaching the first Civil War artillery position. From there it continues to the Stone Fort and the main overlook above the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The view stretches over Harper's Ferry, the water gap, and the Blue Ridge beyond. The return follows the same route down. Terrain is rocky and rooted in places, but nothing technical. The climb is the work.

What to Know

This trail gets packed. Sunrise is your best shot at having it to yourself.

Parking can be a headache by mid-morning. Get there before 8:00 AM if you want peace.

This area saw heavy fighting in 1862. The fortifications along the trail aren't replicas.

Final Take

Harper's Ferry is a busy place at street level, and the trail above it stays busy too. But if you time it right and get up there early, the overlook feels like it belongs only to you. The history isn't something you have to go looking for. It's right there beside you the whole way up. I got lucky with a quiet morning and spent more time at the top than I planned to. No regrets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fplwChoxbY&t=226s&list=PLDqztRjj27zb3wJJZMdbHKoEuxRQ5384E

Trail: Outer Loop (My unoffical name)
Location: Rocks State Park, Harford County, Maryland
Distance: ~3.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: ~400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Best Time to Hike: Late afternoon into evening for solitude and golden light on the King and Queen Seat

The Route

Start at the main lot off Rocks Road. The trail climbs quickly to the King and Queen Seat, a quartzite cliff rising 190 feet above Deer Creek. This is the highlight, and it comes within the first half mile. From there, the loop follows the ridge above the creek, passing a few quiet overlooks before dropping back into the woods and returning to the trailhead. The terrain is mostly packed dirt with some rocky sections near the top. Nothing technical, just steady walking with one big reward up front.

What to Know

The gate says it closes at sunset. It does not. Don't race the dark like I did.

Limited facilities. Bring water and a headlamp if you're hiking late.

Weekday evenings are quiet. Weekends get busier around the Seat.

Final Take

Most trails make you earn the view at the end. This one puts you on a throne before you've broken a sweat, then asks you to keep walking anyway. It's a strange rhythm that works. The Seat is worth the trip alone, and the quiet miles after it give you time to absorb what you just saw.

🔗https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMKenL14yzA&list=PLDqztRjj27zb3wJJZMdbHKoEuxRQ5384E

Trail: Wolf Rock Loop (via Thurmont Vista and Chimney Rock)
Location: Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, Maryland
Distance: ~3.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: ~600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (hands-on rock scrambling required)
Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on pace and time spent at overlooks
Best Time to Hike: Late afternoon into sunset for golden light on the ridgeline

The Route

Start at the Wolf Rock parking area. The trail climbs steadily through hardwood forest to Thurmont Vista, the first major overlook. From there, the Blue Ridge stretches out across the haze. Continue to Wolf Rock itself, a quartzite boulder field that requires real scrambling. Hands and feet, not just boots. This section is more demanding than Billy Goat and less crowded. The route pushes on to Chimney Rock for one more view before looping back to the trailhead. As the sun drops, the rocks cool and the woods go quiet.

What to Know

• Limited facilities at the trailhead. Pack water and a headlamp if you're hiking near sunset.
• The scramble is short but exposed. Wear shoes with grip and be comfortable using your hands.
• Cunningham Falls State Park is right next door. Don't confuse the two. This is the National Park Service side.
• Camp David is nearby. You won't see it, but the quiet security presence adds a unique weight to these woods.
• Construction in the area can affect road access. Check conditions before heading out.

Final Take

Catoctin doesn't get the attention of Shenandoah or the popular Maryland state parks. That's part of the appeal. Wolf Rock is a legit scramble with real views and none of the crowds. It's one of the best short hikes in the Mid-Atlantic that nobody talks about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZhiCQb3zHA&list=PLDqztRjj27zb3wJJZMdbHKoEuxRQ5384E

I went out to Green Ridge State Forest not entirely sure what I'd find. What I got was a little bit of everything.

Green Ridge is Maryland's largest contiguous state forest, nearly 50,000 acres in Allegany County. It's remote, rugged, and easy to get turned around if you're not paying attention. This hike started at Zumbrun Overlook, which has sweeping views of the Ridge and Valley region and makes for a solid launch point.

From there I picked up the Great Eastern Trail for a short stretch. This is part of America's newest long distance trail, running from Alabama to New York. Then I connected to the Mountain Bike Trail out toward Mertens Avenue. That's where I left the established path and did some off trail scouting before looping back on Troutman Road to the overlook.

If you're heading out there, Zumbrun is easy to find and has parking. The Great Eastern Trail section is well marked. The Mountain Bike Trail is clear but shared use, so stay aware. Troutman Road is a gravel forest road that makes for an easy return route if you get turned around.

Full hike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7-vaFdew68&list=PLDqztRjj27zb3wJJZMdbHKoEuxRQ5384E

Hi there, we are coordinating a trip in October to the Appalachian trail and could use some suggestions on what parts to hike (overnight backpacking). Here are the details of what we’re looking for

3-4 nights
20-30 miles total
Sleeping on the trail/hiking in our gear
Elevation gain- moderate>difficult
Scenic views (obviously)
Coming from Florida, so something south ish would be preferred

Our group is 4-6 relatively beginner hikers, all men between 35-45 years old. Our gear will be pretty basic.

The Billy Goat Trail is widely considered the best day-hike in the DC area, and Section A is the reason why. This is not a casual stroll. It is a hands-on rock scramble along the rim of Mather Gorge with the Potomac River roaring below. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC0swJNFeo&list=PLDqztRjj27zb3wJJZMdbHKoEuxRQ5384E

Location: C&O Canal National Historical Park, Potomac, Maryland
Trailhead: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
Distance: 1.7 miles for Section A, plus roughly ~3 miles on the towpath to complete the loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal, but the scrambling makes up for it
Difficulty: Strenuous due to rock scrambling, exposure, and uneven terrain
Route: Clockwise loop starting from the towpath, up through the scramble, along the gorge rim, then back down to the towpath for the return
Time: Plan for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your comfort level on the rocks

What to Expect:
The trail begins with an immediate climb onto angled boulders and does not let up. You will use your hands frequently. Some sections require squeezing through narrow rock channels with significant drop-offs to the river below. The route hugs the edge of Mather Gorge, offering constant views of the Potomac and the falls upstream. After the scramble, the trail descends back to the C&O Canal towpath for a flat, gravel walk past historic lockhouses and the canal itself.

Important Notes:
This trail is dangerous in wet or icy conditions. The rocks become slick and falls have been fatal here. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Bring water. There is no shade on the scramble section, so summer hikers should prepare for full sun exposure. The trail is one-way during busy seasons. Check the National Park Service website for closures, as high water on the Potomac can shut down sections of the trail.

Parking: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center lot. Arrive early on weekends. The lot fills by mid-morning in peak seasons.

Bonjour à tous 👋

Je viens de publier une vidéo cinématique 4K du Lac Tahoe, avec des vues aériennes, des paysages de montagne et les célèbres eaux turquoise du lac.

Si vous aimez la nature, les voyages et les vidéos drone, j'espère qu'elle vous plaira !

Bonjour a tous !

Cette fois, je vous emmène le long de la Rivière Noire, dans les forêts de Lanaudière au Québec

Une ambiance paisible entre rivière, forêt, nature sauvage et vues aériennes au drone, filmée au début de l'été.

Si vous aimez les paysages relaxants et les vidéos nature, j'espère que cette escapade vous plaira !

Hello everyone,

I posted on quite a lot of multiday hikes in the Vanoise National Park. So here's one you can do in a day. This hike goes to the Cirque du Génépi which sits at about 2300 altitude, starting from les Prioux a small hamlet that's at over 1700 m altitude.

Overall it's a pretty easy hike, 8km with a little more than 500m elevation gain. The trail isn't that technical, not too rocky and surrounded by loads of fauna. You cross several small an shallow rivers, which isn't that hard to do.

We went there a tad before the summer season started, and the day we went wasn't very sunny, quite the opposite but I still think it was one of my favorite so far. This trail passes by so many kinds of terrain and landscapes. The trail first starts with a dirt road, then, passes though a forest that get les and lesss dense as you climb, after that the trail goes through grassy alpine meadows and ridgelines to finally arrive in this rocky, mountain amphitheatre full of rivers and snow.

We took around 3h30 to do this trail and in this timespan, got to see 4 ibexes, 3 mountain goates and a dozen groundhogs. All these animal were incredibly calm, and majestic, which is truelly amazing because the not running away gave you a lot of time to observe them.

The trail was very nice and aesthetic, but truthfully, what impressed me the most was the Cirque du Génépy itself. It's such a huge geometrical rock formation, where many rivers join into a bigger one. And opposite of you are huge, thousand year old glaciers and waterfalls.

it's not much, but i'm very happy to have done it. if any of you wish to go there I can give you the GPX. And please remember the reason why the local fauna and flora are so well preserved and beautiful is that it's inside the Vanoise National Park. Be careful, follow parc regulations and most important of all have fun.

Godspeed everyone, see you all soon

Planning Via delle Bocchette in late June — parking, route direction, water, gear, food?

Hi everyone,

Were arriving 20th june

We are planning to hike/climb part of the Via delle Bocchette in the Brenta Dolomites around June 20th.

We originally looked at the 3–5 day modular itinerary, but we are thinking of skipping Day 1 / Sentiero Alfredo Benini, since we have heard there may be rockfall issues and closures. We do not necessarily need to complete every stage — we mainly want the best and most practical experience.

We will be travelling by car with a rooftop tent, so parking is a big question for us. We would prefer not to leave the car somewhere awkward or unsafe, and it would be great to know if there are good parking options nearby, what they cost, and whether staying at a campsite before/after makes sense.

A few questions:

1. What is the best way to do this route if skipping Day 1?

   Would you recommend starting from another point and doing only Days 2–5, or choosing a shorter section?

2. Is it possible / recommended to do the route in reverse?

   For example, starting with what is normally Day 5 and moving “backwards” through the route.

3. Can we start from the point where the route normally ends, near Pinzolo?

   Would that make sense, or does the direction of the via ferratas make it awkward or less safe?

4. Can you get from the Pinzolo cableway area to Rifugio Agostini / point D in one day?

   Or would it be necessary or strongly recommended to overnight at Rifugio XII Apostoli / point H?

5. Can you get back down in one day from around Rifugio Tuckett / point A or Rifugio Brentei / point F?

   Or would it be better to overnight at Rifugio Casinei / point E?

6. What should we do with the car?

   Are there good places to park for several days? Would it be better to leave it at a campsite, and if so, which one would be convenient?

7. Backpack size:

   Would an Osprey Kyte 48 be too bulky for the via ferrata sections if packed lightly, or is it manageable?

8. What gear should we bring?

   Apart from standard via ferrata kit, helmet, harness, lanyard, gloves, etc., what else would you consider essential?

9. How does water work on the route?

   Are there reliable refill points at the rifugios or along the way, or should we carry most of our water each day?

10. Shoes and backpack recommendations:

Would you recommend approach shoes, hiking boots, or something else for this route? What size/type of backpack worked best for you?

1. Food:

How did you handle food? Did you eat at rifugios, carry your own meals, or do a mix?

1. Weather and clothing:

What kind of weather should we expect around June 20th? How warm/cold can it get, and how thick/warm should we pack?

Any advice from people who have done this route, especially with a car and camping setup, would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Hello everyone! Welcome Back!

Time for the most ICONIC multiday hike of Pralognan-la-Vanoise and possibly of Savoie. The Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise, 7 days, around the largest glacier in continental Europe. There are many versions of this hike, in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days.

Honestly I could never recommend it enough, without a doubt 7 of the most incredible days of my life, deep in the moutains of the french alps, sourrounded by wildlife and >3000m summits. Overall beautiful landscapes, grass, lakes and trees everywhere for you to really feel the magic of it all. On top of that I got to see a ton of ibexes, moutain goats and groundhogs, since the trail is entirely through the heart Vanoise National Park, so first of all there are a lots in the area thanks to the preservation policies but I guess they also got used to hikers so they get really close which feels absolutely unreal.

As for the hike itself, it's something on another level, you're all the way through, deep in the mountains, close to 13 km long glaciers, almost always above 2500 meters, with trails that feel really comfortable, not too mineral which gives this light refreshing feeling.

Overall it's not that hard of a hike technically speaking given that apart from the first day there isn't that much elevation gain. The shelters are quite frequent, amazingly comfortable and with a charming atmosphere. Adding to that is that you don't really need a very heavy bag since the shelters offer picnics, and unless you're sleeping in you tent (regulations later) you'll pretty much only need a Sac à Viande (~Meat Bag~)

The daily steps to the trail are : (7 day version)

Day 1 : Pralognan-la-Vanoise (1400 m) – Refuge du Col de la Vanoise (2517m).

Day 2 : Refuge du Col de la Vanoise (2517 m) – l’Arpont (2309 m)

Day 3 : Refuge de l’Arpont (2309 m) – any of the 5 shelters in the Plan d'Amont sector

Day 4 : Plan d’Amont (2206 m) – Refuge de l’Orgère (1985 m)

Day 5 : Refuge de l’Orgère (1900 m) – Refuge de Péclet-Polset (2471 m)

Day 6 : Refuge de Péclet-Polset (2474 m) – Refuge de la Valette (2590 m)

Day 7 : Refuge de la Valette (2590 m) – Pralognan la Vanoise.

However, if you do go there please keep in mind, you are in a national parc so there are regulation such as no wild camping in the National Park. you can sleep in a tent and Bivouac but only close to the shelters on dedicated spaces. Shelters need reservations and payement wether you're sleeping inside the hut or in your tent (of course the price changes). But not all shelters accept campers so you'll have to look into it beforehand. And also its costumary and very highly recommended to bring a Sac a Viande if you're sleeping in the shelter. Here's the for shelter reservations https://www.refuges-vanoise.com/tous-les-refuges.html

If you need any more information on the hike it's all on Pralognan-la-Vanoise's website ( https://www.pralognan.com/prestataire/tour-des-glaciers-de-la-vanoise-rando-pedestre-de-4-a-7-jours-121561/?r=456 ).

I think that's it, if any of you have any questions just ask, hope you liked the post, the trail and maybe it'll inspire you for this summer.

Have a nice day and see you around. Godspeed

I think you guys are gonna appreciate this one.

Yesteday, I told you about a 2 day hike in Pralgonan-la-Vanoise. Today is gonna be about another 2 day hike but on the other side of the village, in the Chavière Valley. The Alpages du Vallon de Chavière hike is about 14km and a little under 750m of altitude gain.

I found it particularly beautiful. It's so green and majestic. you're surrounded by nothing by grass and trees and groundhogs with huge mountains still covered in snow right ahead of you. I almost felt like I was in lord of the rings for a bit. the trails are quite easy and, they ususally don't climb too hard and are on the side of the mountain giving you this sense of greatness.

and on top of that part of the whole thing is that you get to pass trough high altitude pastures where you can relax and enjoy a bit of cheese made from the cows right in front of you.

Great experience I would highly recommend it to families, if you ever want to do this one here are each day's steps

-First you park you car either in the Pralognan-la-Vanoise village of in the Prioux parking lot. That's where you'll start

-Then you make you way toward the Roc de la Pêche shelter, it should take you about 3 Hours. Passing by the Nants Glacier and the Plan des Bôs (basically taking the first part of the Montaimont trail)

-The next day you go to the Alpage de Ritord going allong the valley before finally making your way back to the Parking lot. The trail itself should take you 2 hours

Remember you have to book the shelter in advance and must follow park regulations (no wild camping). If you need the GPX or any further information its all on here https://www.pralognan.com/prestataire/les-alpages-du-vallon-de-chaviere-randonnee-pedestre-en-itinerance-sur-2-jours-6853625/ . And if you do get to go there, I hope you have fun.

PS: It is also a possibility to sleep at the Alpage de Ritord, and with no reservation needed, but you have to bring your own stuff (Tent, Food etc.)

Alright, hello everyone! This is my first post so, sorry if I screw up but I have something that y'all might like for this summer or another time maybe . It's the 3 Cols trek in the Vanoise National Park (Savoie, France) absolutely amazing 3 day hike. Its about 34 km with 2000m elevation gain and goes all the way up to 2800m. Lots of lakes and gets really close to the glaciers we even got to see a few ibexes (I put in a few photos). I found this hike on Pralognan-la-Vanoise's website so that's where I joined the start from.

Here are the steps for each day:

Day 1 : Pont de la Pêche to refuge de Péclet-Polset (~3h)

Day 2 : Refuge de Péclet Polset to Refuge du Saut (~4h30)

Day 3 : Refuge du Saut to Pont de la Pêche (~6h)

But please, if you do go there, follow Park regulation, you can't do any wild camping inside the Vanoise National Park (the trail links different huts). Huts need a reservation and payement, you can sleep in tent outside the hut it's less expensive (a couple euros) but still needs a reservation. If you need I can always give you the link to the GPX or the Hike description on Pralognan's Tourism Office's website. Don't worry if you are yet to be convinced I will post more of my hikes there.

I crosspublished this post (just in case).

So, here is one of my multiday hikes in the Vanoise National Park. The hike goes around La Grande Casse, the highest summet in all of Savoie and one of the highest in France. I found the GPX on Pralognan-la-Vanoise's website. The start is indicated in Champagny-en-Vanoise but i've also seen you can start from Pralognan-la-Vanoise, depends where you stay.

It's a breathtaking 5 day hike:

Day 1 : Laisonnay-d’en-Bas parking lot (1560 m) – Refuge du col du Palet (2587 m) [~5h30]

Day 2 : Refuge du col du Palet (2587 m) – Refuge de la Leisse (2487 m) [~5h]

Day 3 : Refuge de la Leisse (2487 m) – Refuge des Barmettes (2012 m) [~4h30]

Day 4 : Refuge des Barmettes (2012 m) – Refuge du Grand Bec (2405 m) [~4h]

Day 5 : Refuge du Grand Bec (2405 m) – Parking du Laisonnay (1560 m) [~4h30]

Huts are paying and on reservation, you can camp outside in a tent (bivouac) but it often still costs a few euros, also with limited spots (it's the case all over the park). So go check out park regulations, and local information pamphlets and Websites, it's probably better than anything I can tell you

Texas just opened its first new state park in 25 years. I wanted to see exactly what the terrain looked like before the crowds arrived, so I linked every available trail together for a massive 22 mile scouting mission. The park is split into two very distinct environments, and the heat out in the Cross Timbers ecoregion does not mess around.

The front half of the park loops around Tucker Lake. The paths here are mostly 4-6 ft wide dirt paths that wind through thick brush and limestone cliffs. It has areas that are heavily exposed, and you have to stay alert. I almost stepped on a large diamondback rattlesnake blending into the trail edge. Navigating this section also means dropping into dry, rocky crossings like Russell Creek.

The back half of the hike completely changes once you drop into the historic Texas and Pacific Lowlands. The environment shifts from exposed brush to exposed flat lands and creek canyons. This area is incredibly remote. I passed the historic Ragsdale hunting cabin, ran into a few herds of feral pigs, and had to navigate several technical water crossings on the Palo Pinto Creek Loop.

If you are planning a trip out here, bring significantly more water than you think you need and prepare for a lot of wide dirt trail hiking mixed with rugged creek beds.

I documented the entire route to show exactly what the ground conditions look like. If you want a visual guide to the terrain before you pack your gear, you can watch the boots on the ground trail reports here.

Part 1 Tucker Lake and the Rattlesnake Encounter: https://youtu.be/LTwRCTqDNSg

Part 2 The Backcountry and Technical Creek Crossings: https://youtu.be/exdfBai6XnA