How to Stay Hydrated While Hiking and Biking

Posted on: Hiking

Stay hydrated while hiking and biking to get the most from the exercise and the experience. Hikers and bikers have choices across America and all around the world to experience nature up close. Maintaining their health and energy levels are key to getting the most from the experiences.

Drink Enough Water

Experts say that hikers should drink one-half a liter of water per mile. So if you're planning a 10-mile hike, you need to carry or have access to at least 5 liters of water. The hotter the temperature, the more water you'll need. Plan ahead to stay healthy on your hiking trips or biking trips. The most important fact of hiking or biking and staying hydrated is to fill your water containers at every opportunity so you don't run out of water.

Carry Bottled Water

One of the simplest ways to stay hydrated is to carry bottled water in …

Hiking in a Haunted Forest: Dawson Forest in North Georgia

Posted on: Hiking

We had gorgeous weather here in Georgia this weekend. After lots of cold and cloudy days, it was a relief to have a beautiful, sunny Saturday with temperatures nearing 60. My family and I have taken up the sport of kayaking after a good family friend showed us what great fun it is. We are not river kayakers. That sort of thing can get you killed if you don’t know what you are doing. We generally just paddle around in some of the lakes nearby. We haven’t been kayaking for a couple of months since it has been so cold. It’s still too cold to kayak, with the water in the 40s, but it’s not too cold for hiking. With this in mind, we planned a hike for Saturday afternoon.

I have a great book called “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Atlanta.” I believe there are other books with this …

Awesome Free Outdoor Hiking Trips in Colorado

Posted on: Hiking

Colorado is a land of natural beauty and rugged wilderness, with plenty of gorgeous hikes for those who love the outdoors. While many places charge an entry fee, there are plenty of free parks with free hikes available. Here are three recommended free hikes, two in the Fort Collins area and one at the famous Pikes Peak. Get outside and enjoy these freebies!

Fossil Creek Open Space:
Situated alongside the picturesque Fossil Creek Reservoir, the Fossil Creek Open Space offers three trails and 843 acres of habitat to a variety of species. Unfortunately, fishermen, pets and biking are not welcome at this park, but bird watchers and hikers will enjoy Fossil Creek Open Space. This park is located off of Carpenter Road, roughly a mile west of I-25. Trail names include Sandpiper Flats Trail, Heron Loop Trail, and the Cattail Flats Trail. The longest of these is the Cattail …

The Ultimate Hiking Experience

Posted on: Hiking

It was 1948 and Dave was fresh out of the marines after a four-year term when he and his best friend Roy agreed to go hiking and camping. Dave wanted to spend a few days with his parents first and the day before they were supposed to head out, he got a call from Roy.

“Sorry, Dave, but I think we should wait a while. It’s too far into the rainy season and too dangerous this time of year.”

“Come on, Roy, we’ve been up there so many times we know it like the back of our hands.”

“We’re not teenagers anymore, Dave. I know you’re anxious to catch up on missed time but the mountain isn’t going anywhere.”

No matter how much Dave pleaded, Roy wouldn’t budge.

During his four years in the marines, Dave developed a close relationship with Jesus Christ who became his Savior and Lord through …

Hiking to La Mina Falls at El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico

Posted on: Hiking

My husband Bill and I spent four nights in San Juan, Puerto Rico last month before we boarded a cruise. Since neither of us had ever been to Puerto Rico before, I did some research before we made the trip. One of the places I wanted to see the most during the days before our cruise was El Yunque, Puerto Rico’s rainforest.

Bill and I rented a car and drove to El Yunque, which is located about an hour east of San Juan. We arrived at the rainforest just in time for lunch. There was a roadside stand near what has to be El Yunque’s most popular trail, the hike to La Mina Falls. While we ate barbecue in the rain under an umbrella, we heard tourist after tourist ask the grillmaster where La Mina was. And the very patient grillmaster told each and every one of them that La …

Top Ten Mountain Hiking Movies

Posted on: Movies

It’s the thrill of a lifetime to be able to climb to the top of the mountain, or even to get to hike and take ann adventure outdoors. Some people may find enough excitement simply camping for a few nights, while others may want to take on the challenge of climbing Mt. Everest or the second highest mountain in the world, K2. The following are my choices for the best ten movies about hiking and climbing.

  1. K2 (1991). In this climbing adventure movie, two best friends decide to join a team that will reach the summit of K2. The movie gives a realistic portrayal of what it would be like to actually venture out and climb K2, and the perils that could be faced. The scenery is incredible.
  2. Into the Wild (2007). Imagine being a rich kid and having everything you ever wanted, but becoming totally disenchanted by the whole
…

Hiking the Rugged WV Mountains

Posted on: Hiking

Mountain hiking is at its best at Holly River State Park. Located on Route 20, 32 miles south of Buckhannon and 20 miles north of Webster Springs and easily found from I-79 that runs north and south through West Virginia. Holly River offers camping, cabins, restaurant, swimming pool and tennis and of course hiking. There are 11 trails to choose from and the one I choose most often is the Reverie Trail.

Starting at the campground entrance the trail parallels Big Run stream with steep mountains on each side. There are many rock outcroppings along the way. The trail then turns right and you approach Dreamer’s Meadow. Here the sky opens up briefly within the dense forest. The climb here is very steep. A rest along the climb will be welcome. You will come to Tecumseh Falls where the path goes under the falls. Up the mountain to the top…

Hiking Eagle Mountain Park with the Kids

Posted on: Adventure

I’ve lived in my house for almost two years and just last week I discovered a great park for hiking with my three young children just 15 minutes away. Actually, Eagle Mountain Park was discovered for me by my sister-in-law but our shared love of spending time with our combined six children had us both heading over there twice in the last two weeks. Located just north of Fort Worth, Texas not far from highway 287, Eagle Mountain Park offers a selection of trails that all lead down to the shores of Eagle Mountain Lake.

Something about exploring the woods makes my children happy to spend hours walking along these rustic trails. The park prohibits bikes, dogs and camping. The trails are not stroller friendly and there are some spots that were challenging for the youngest in our group. My four-year-old son stumbled up a few rocky inclines but was …

Great Hiking Trails Near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Posted on: Hiking

Fox Run Regional Park

This is a park nestled in the Black Forest just north of Colorado Springs. These are fairly easy trails which wind through a pine forest. The trails are well-marked and well-maintained. There is rolling terrain with little real elevation gain. There is also a little duck pond near the parking lot that is quite scenic. Exit I-25 on Exit 156A then take Northgate Road east, then turn left on Rollercoaster Road. Drive about 1.5 miles until you see the Fox Run Park sign.

Black Forest Regional Park

Shoup and Milam

Located at the intersection of Shoup and Milam. Take Highway 83 north to Shoup Road, then go east on Shoup Road for 2.5 miles. There are some beautiful peaceful trails here which meander through the Ponderosa Pine forest. There are also restrooms. In the winter, this is a popular place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as …

Seniors' Hiking Group Tackles Tough Treks

Posted on: Hiking

Strenuous hikes through some of California’s most rugged and remote landscapes are not for the faint of heart.

But one group of retirees can’t imagine life without those weekly 6-to-10-mile-hikes, which have taken them to places like Mount Toro, Point Lobos, and the Ventana Wilderness, among other beautiful and picturesque places.

Add this to the picture: The men making these treks aren’t youngsters – in fact, their oldest member is 94, with the rest ranging between late 50s and early 90s.

“I’m 71, and consider myself to be quite fit, but I can’t keep up with five or six of the older hikers,” said Paul Danielson, a member for the last nine years. “It’s an unusual and most interesting group.”

Don Burnett, another member, said the hiking is great, but what he really enjoys is the camaraderie.

“I’ve established some friendships with people who I would not have met otherwise,” …