Out On Trail

Why visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park? Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The canyon is approximately 120 miles long, with an average width of 6 miles. Geological layering can be seen within the rocks. The park is quite beautiful and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Where is Palo Duro Canyon State Park? Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in Canyon, Texas. Canyon is in northern Texas, about 30 minutes southeast of Amarillo.  What should one expect on the Lighthouse Trail?   The Lighthouse is a rock formation, which is the crown jewel of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It is approximately 2.75 miles from the trailhead to the base of the Lighthouse (5.5 miles round trip). The trail is mostly dirt and can be quite muddy after rain. The final quarter mile of the trail, approaching the Lighthouse, is quite steep and rocky. Please do exercise caution on this section of the trail, as the loose rocks can cause you to lose your balanc...

Where is Newport State Park? Newport State Park is located in Wisconsin, on the on the eastern side of the Door County Peninsula. Near the northern end of the peninsula, the park is approximately two hours from Green Bay, three hours from Milwaukee, and four hours from Madison. Why visit Newport State Park? Per the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:  " Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing." The park is a great destination for anyone seeking a wilderness experience in the Midwest. It is also an excellent place for stargazers.    What should one expect on the trails at Newport State Park? There are four parking lots in the park and one additional parking area solely for campers ...

Why visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park? Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The canyon is approximately 120 miles long, with an average width of 6 miles. Geological layering can be seen within the rocks. The park is quite beautiful and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Where is Palo Duro Canyon State Park? Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in Canyon, Texas. Canyon is in northern Texas, about 30 minutes southeast of Amarillo.  What should one expect on the CCC Trail? The trail is 1.4 miles (2.8 miles out and back), with 500 feet of elevation change from the top of the canyon to the canyon floor. The tail descends rather steeply for the final .5 miles. This is the trail the Civilian Conservation Corps used, back in the 30s, when constructing other trails and infrastructure within the park.You will cross four bridges, constructed by the CCC, while hiking this trail. You will also pass through four geological layers, from the top of the...

  Where is the Tracy Ridge Trail System? The Tracy Ridge Trail system is located in Pennsylvania, within Allegheny National Forest. The trailhead parking lot is 18 miles west of Bradford, on PA-321. What should one expect on the trails that make up the Tracy Ridge Trail System? The Tracy Ridge Trail System offers 33.69 miles of interconnected loop trails, primarily identified with gray markers along the trail. The trail also joins the North Country National Scenic Trail for 10 miles, where blue markers are present. Additionally, maps are mounted on signposts at trail junctions. The trails are maintained for hiking and cross country skiing; mountain bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other motorized vehicles are prohibited. The US Forest Service classifies the trails as "more difficult." Elevation on the trail ranges from 1328 to 2245 feet. The trail passes by the Allegheny Reservoir, in several locations, and slopes along the reservoir can be steep. There are also 8 small streams ...