Travel by Trail

Nothing beats the sound of sweet escape when your feet are kicking the dirt, the wind is rustling the trees and a stream is chasing down the mountain. Except of course, when you are on a 15 mile hike through the woods and that silence is forcing you to think about all the miles ahead. Sometimes, hiking can be a great time to listen to music. You are alone with your thoughts and nature, why not share that serenity with some great tunes? Check out this list of my favorite songs to listen to when I want to escape into nature and get lost in my mind.  Photo Credit: masterfile.com Take Me Home, Country Road - John Denver - It is safe to say that any John Denver song can make for a great soundtrack to your hike. This one in particular is a personal favorite. The Weight - The Band - A song about traveling that makes you feel like traveling is exactly what you're suppose to be doing. Can't You See - The Marshall Tucker Band - The bluegrass instruments and soulful lyrics wi...

photo credit: Celtic Trails One of the best things to do on a hiking or camping trip is to read a good book. Few places are better to kick back and get lost in a nice story than in in the wilderness. Maybe it's at your campsite, or maybe it's during your halfway break on a day hike. One of my favorite ways is to take a load off and escape into some pages while lounging in my Eno . Wherever you like to read when exploring, check out some of these titles that will get your spirit for adventure lifted. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien.  This trilogy makes for an excellent read on a long trip, because well, the characters take a very long trip. Hopefully you don't run into the same problems as the protagonists in this fantasy world, but you can still travel along side them while you read this one on your next walkabout. The Call of the Wild by Jack London. A great adventure novel that follows the journey of a dog named Buck, this novel makes for a great bring-al...

When starting a new hobby one of the most intimidating factors is the jargon. The new lingo can seem overwhelming, and honestly, nobody wants to sound like a noob. The same concept applies to hiking. There are countless terms that might get lost on the novice backpacker. Fortunately, the hiking community is open and friendly, so you won't be shunned for not knowing any proper phrases. Some are good to know, and others are just for fun. Either way, here's a list of hiking terms with explanations so you can begin to familiarize yourself with your new and exciting hobby.  10 Essentials. This simply refers to the ten most important items you would keep in your pack on any hike. It is good to keep this in mind when preparing for every trip. Check out this list of hiking essentials . Alpine Zone. In higher elevations, this refers to the tops of mountain peaks where trees no longer grow. The A.T. The Appalachian Trail is perhaps the most famous trail amongst hikers and non-...

What's better than a day on the trails? A day on the trails with your favorite furry friend. Dogs make excellent traveling companions when spending time in the great outdoors. While all dogs love a good walk, not all dogs might be up for a strenuous hike. Check out this list of some of the best dogs to take hiking. photo credit: rei.com Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese Mountain Dog has tough terrain in its middle name. These large dogs are built for rough trails, and they can even help carry some of the load. These powerful dogs have an interesting history.  Siberian Husky Most people are familiar with the rich, athletic history of these dogs. They are known as choice sleigh dogs because of their strength and endurance in the face of treacherous trails. Vizsla This dog was originally bred in Hungary for the purpose of hunting. While it is still used for hunting today, it also makes an excellent partner on a peaceful hike. These dogs need plenty of exercise and love to...

Having trouble deciding where to plan your next trip? Maybe you're torn between a big city excursion and an outdoor retreat. There are some great destinations across the United States that offer big city thrills and outdoor escapes within an hour away. Get the best of both worlds with any of these great trails located near major cities. Photo Credit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471 Indiana Dunes State Park Located south of Chicago, Illinois, this park provides over 5 miles of hiking through dunes, wetlands and forests. Once you're done hitting the trails, head into the windy city to keep the good times rolling. Mount Tamalpais State Park Of course, the scenic Redwoods are a must when visiting San Fransisco. This seven-mile trail just north of this major city provides awesome views of the magnificent trees and a great escape into nature. The City by the Bay offers fun for city slickers and adventures seekers alike. Check out some of these outdoor opportunities...

It doesn't matter if you're a professional or beginner, if you don't properly prepare for your hike, it could be a disaster. One of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don't have to be an expert to enjoy it. All you have to be is prepared. Here are four crucial tips for planning a safe and enjoyable hike. 1. Check the Weather Before any hike, it is important to check the weather. Hiking can be enjoyed in any conditions as long as they aren't dangerous. Dress and pack based off of the forecast. If it is warm, wear thin, light clothing. Bring a hat and sunscreen if the trail is open with little shade. If there is rain in the forecast, pack a raincoat and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. Also check if your gear is waterproof. If the forecast calls for a thunderstorm or lightning, it's best to postpone the hike for another time. If you are hiking in a place where the weather is unpredictable, consider taking some rain gear in your pack. When...