Out On Trail

  Where is the Three Ridges Wilderness? The Three Ridges Wilderness is located in Virginia's George Washington National Forest, about 30 miles southwest of Charlottesville. There is parking at Reids Gap (at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Virginia 664). It's also possible to start from the Appalachian Trail trailhead at Tye River. Why visit the Three Ridges Wilderness? The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs through the Three Ridges Wilderness, which is reason enough to visit. This loop features some spectacular views along the AT and a series of waterfalls and pools on the Mau-Har side of the loop.  What should one expect on the trails in the Three Ridges Wilderness? If you are not accustomed to hiking in the mountains, this will be a strenuous hike. If you are, this will probably be a moderate hike. The trails are rocky and uneven in many places, so be sure to wear proper footwear and watch where you place your feet. Much of the hike is spent ascending or descending...

Where is the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area? Garden of the Gods Recreation area is located in the Shawnee National Forest, in southern Illinois. It's about 2 hours from St. Louis, 3 hours from Louisville, 4 hours from Indianapolis, and 5.5 hours from Chicago. Why visit the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area? The sandstone formations and cliffs are the main attraction at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. What should one expect on the trails in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area? The Observation Trail is a 1/4 mile stone trail, with panoramic views of the surrounding area. It has a few steps and short, steep grades, but is generally rather easy. Benches are located throughout the trail. The other trails in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, which includes about 5 miles of the much longer River to River Trail, are mostly dirt paths and are generally a bit more challenging than the Observation Trail. With that said, I didn't find any of the trails to be particularly ...

Where is Dolly Sods? Dolly Sods is located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, within the Monongahela National Forest.  Why visit Dolly Sods? Dolly Sods is the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River, with altitudes from around 2,600 to 4,000 feet. The wilderness area offers a variety of landscapes but is perhaps best known for its windswept meadows and extensive bogs. There are nearly 50 miles of hiking trails and several prominent overlooks, providing scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Link to .pdf of Forest Service map What should one expect on the trails at Dolly Sods? Before even hitting the trails, know that this is a rather remote area. Allow extra time to reach your parking destination, as the forest roads are narrow and littered with rocks and potholes. The trailheads are accessible by passenger car, but a high clearance vehicle would be preferable. It took me about an hour to ascend the last 8 miles of unpaved forest road to acc...