Adventure | Seneca Trail

What Do I Take For My First Backpacking Expedition?

Backpacking can be fun and rewarding. However, it can also be very dangerous if there is not careful preparation. A hiker never knows what peril may be lurking off in the woods. But isn’t that exactly why we enjoy it?

Always be prepared. A backpack needs to carry all the essentials for the trail and a few things for emergencies. However, you don’t want to tote around a lot of needless items with you all day either. This can be a very delicate balance to achieve.

You will want to carry along enough water for the hike. This means you will need about a half a liter per hour. The best estimate is to figure you can hike about 2 miles per hour. This allows for terrain changes and challenges. So you need about a liter per every 2 miles of the hike. And throwing in an extra bottle is not a bad idea since you never know when you may need a little extra. If you get lost, or need to wash an injury you’ll want to know you have plenty of water to sustain you.

There should always be some snacks included even if it is a relatively short hike. One of the worst feelings in the world is to be a few miles from civilization and being famished. If you are embarking on a long day hike you’ll want to plan for three meals plus a couple of snacks. Dried fruit and nuts are always a good and light option if you are going on a short day hike.

Include a small first aid kit that will hold a couple of Band-Aids and some antibiotic ointment. There are tons of things that can be included but these are most necessary. And always make arrangements for emergencies. This will help you to cope with any problems that could arise when you are hiking. Another thing that you should remember is to bring a roll of toilet paper or tissue – just in case! You never know what may happen on a day hike!

Filed Under: Adventure, Hiking Tagged With: Backpack, Band-Aid, Litre

How Do I Find The Best Hiking Trails?

Hiking trails are as varied as those who travel on them. It is very likely that if you do a small bit of research you will find that there are many in the area in which you presently reside. They are just there, waiting for you to come play! Hiking trails can be a very rewarding past time. But it can be difficult to get started. It is not very difficult to find the right trail on which to begin.

Most of the time trails are classified according to difficulty. There are easy trails; which means the terrain is predominantly flat and there are not many obstacles along the way. These are the least strenuous to hike. There will not be any big rocks to climb or mountainous sections. It may have some gentle slopes or hills but nothing too big or challenging.

The moderate classification is for those who are at least somewhat experienced at hiking. The overall terrain is a little more difficult to navigate. There may be some areas where quite a bit of climbing may be necessary. There may be some large formations and rocks as well as water that may need to be crossed to complete the journey. The hills in this classification will be somewhat steeper and trickier to navigate. If you have already been on a few trails go ahead and try the moderate ones they can be lots of fun and very rewarding to complete.

Save the difficult trails until you have explored many miles and varieties of hiking trails. They will offer the most complicated landscape. There may be rocks and cliffs that will have to be carefully climbed. These may be in mountainous regions and require much preparation before attempting. Those categorized as difficult will need careful consideration and miles of experience before undertaking.

Since there are many health benefits that are associated with exercise, anyone who wants to have good health should start hiking. So, set some goals for hiking, start out slowly and enjoy! This will help you to enjoy good health and also commune with nature!

Filed Under: Adventure, Hiking Tagged With: Outdoors, Recreation, Trail

Insurance As Part of Your Adventure Plans

Outdoor adventures of all kinds are favorites for many of us. We love to explore the great outdoors. Many of us engage in hiking, biking, hunting or other activities on a regular basis.

We enjoy taking a hike through the mountains for a day trip. Some of us even take on the great peaks and mountaineer, hiking to the top over the course of days or even weeks. We take river-rafting trips down the Grand Canyon or other white water venues. Don’t forget about those people who love to enjoy biking across the broad expanses of our country. And then there are those who love the snow sports — skiing, snowboarding and more.

Most of us, when we set out on our adventures, take precautions against any potential dangers. We make sure we have all the proper gear, food and water when we venture to the backcountry for backpacking or camping adventures. If we are hunters, we make sure we are aware of gun safety, as well as other dangers of the outdoors including wildlife or getting lost in the wilderness.

But how many of us think about our insurance coverage when we are preparing for our outdoor adventures? Do we have adequate medical or health insurance in case of an accident or injuries? Do we have travel insurance coverage in case we fall sick in a foreign country or our trip plans somehow meet difficulties, such as cancellations or political unrest? And overall, do we have life insurance to protect our family’s futures in case of our untimely death?

Insurance should be part of our adventure planning. Insurance is not as expensive as many of us believe and by spending a bit of time getting online insurance quotes, we’ll be able to see just how inexpensive that important layer of protection is.

Filed Under: Adventure, General Tagged With: Hiking, Insurance, United States

Exploring America’s National Parks

Image via Wikipedia

There are over 84 million acres in America that are devoted to our national parks. Yellowstone is perhaps one of the most popular. It should be since it was the first one to be called a “national park” way back in 1872. Now they are scattered all across the United States just waiting on us to discover and explore them.

There are lakeshores, mountainous regions, forests and wilderness areas that are national parks. There are also several military parks and even former battlefields. What a perfect blend of nature and learning!

It will really depend on what type of outing you want to plan. Most have organized and very well maintained trails of varied lengths. It is very convenient for a simple day out and a picnic for the family. However, if you are up for a good day hike many trails can accommodate. There are longer trails for the more adventurous hikers to explore. Some of the rivers offer great escapes and excursions that can last days and even weeks. Floating down the river by day and camping by night can be an exciting way to explore nature in America’s national parks.

For the family with small children who are not yet old enough to tackle the rivers and more strenuous trails, there are many national parks that are simply beautiful and educational. One can take the family out for a day of adventure and discover many of the wonders of nature. This is a great way to introduce the smaller family members to the great outdoors!

There are many ways to explore our national park system. And there are many benefits. It is a relatively inexpensive outing for the family or group of friends, nature is there for pure enjoyment, and activity levels are increased. The most difficult part will be deciding which one to visit first. Go explore nature at its best in one of the many American national parks. This is the best method of learning all about America and the many natural treasures that are present in the country.

Filed Under: Adventure, National Park Tagged With: Park, Trail, Yellowstone National Park

Educational Benefits Of Our National Parks

America has thousands of acres that are designated as national parks. These parks are maintained by the National Park Service. This ensures that they are safe places to take a family for a nice camping trip or simply a day out. Parks can be a wonderful educational benefit.

Most of our national parks are preserved in their natural settings. This allows visitors to experience nature first hand. Plants growing in each park are native to the area. Visiting in all four seasons is a great idea so that the seasonal changes can be noted. Different plants respond to each season in a unique way. This display is a very beneficial, enlightening experience.

Some of our parks are in preserves and some are situated in the middle of forests, or wilderness areas. These are homes to a wide variety of furry friends. Being able to observe animals in their natural setting can be a wonderful learning experience for children and adults alike. Many of the parks contain what is called a “nature center.” These usually have plenty of pamphlets and other information about the area available. Many have unique animals, such as snakes, that have been injured and can no longer live in the wild. This is an opportunity to see animals and features that might be missed along the trail. Most of these also have learning tools such as bird houses, bee hives or other housing projects for animals or insects.

On the less natural side of things, there are many battlefields or military type parks that have been set aside as national parks. These can be learning tools for every student. Each battlefield has information about the battles that were fought on the site. This is a piece of our history that can be taught in hands on way and will never be forgotten.

National parks are a wonderful, inexpensive educational tool. They are easily accessed and available for teaching science, nature and even history. It’s better than a book! So, there should be as many national parks as possible for people to visit and enjoy.

Filed Under: Adventure, National Park Tagged With: NationalPark, NationalParkService, Park

Trying the Dry: Why You Should Spend Some Time in the Desert

As far as outdoor locales go, the desert can often get a bad rap. It’s dry, hot, and devoid of green, or so say the desert clime naysayers. If you have little experience in the desert, you may not yet have learned how to appreciate its particular brand of beauty. Here are a couple of reasons why you should make the desert your next stop, and give this dry paradise a try.

The sun – While the sun can burn you if you are not careful, it is also a luxurious feeling to have the sunlight on your skin. In the desert, you can get 300 days of sunshine a year or more. Be safe and use sunscreen, but be sure to soak up the glorious sunlight.

Evaporation – If you are coming to the desert from a humid climate, you may never have experience the magic that is evaporation. In a dry climate like the desert, clothes that happen to get wet from sweat or from the occasional raincloud can be dry in minutes!

Wildflowers – Vegetation can be a bit sparse in the desert, but what you do find possesses a secret, rugged beauty that can survive in a hostile home. Have fun looking for wildflowers. Play a kind of botanical “Where’s Waldo?” Even the cacti have flowers if you come at the right time.

Sunsets – The sunsets are by far the biggest benefit of exploring the desert. The explosion of colors is magnificent, and golden light coats the mountains and hills. If you happen to miss the sunset one night, never fear. The sunsets are beautiful almost every night, so you will have another opportunity if you are staying in the desert for another day.

You do not have to live in the desert to embrace fully its benefits and beauties. Head out for a day, pack appropriately, and enjoy what this almost alien clime at times has to offer.

Filed Under: Adventure, Hiking Tagged With: Desert

The Dangerous Desert: What to Remember When You’re Hiking in the Desert

While the desert may not be your first choice if given a slew of glamorous hiking locations, it can be a rewarding and exciting ground for adventure. If you prepare adequately, and pack appropriately, the desert can provide you with a hiking experience unlike any other, and a new favorite hiking destination. Here are a few suggestions to keep you safer (and make your hiking happier) in the desert.

Water – As you may have guessed, the desert is not exactly overflowing with sources of water. If you see any at all, they are likely to be very few and far between. Be smart: carry a large supply with you, and do not forget to drink some periodically throughout your adventure. It does no good to carry water if you forget to drink it!

Sunscreen – Especially if your skin burns easily, the desert sun can be intense when no clouds swoop in to shield you from its rays. Apply some strong, sweat-proof sunscreen before you leave, and reapply throughout your hike. Do not forget to put some on your ears.

Sunglasses and a hat – While you are at it, add some additional protection from the sun to your bag. Pack a set of sunglasses for your eyes and a hat that can provide some shade for your face and neck.

The Appropriate Clothes – If you have never lived in the desert, you might be surprised at the difference between the day temperatures and the night temperatures. The days can be horribly hot, and the nights frigidly cold. Be sure to have some clothes for colder temps if you’ll be out after dark.

Now that you are prepared for your desert hike, be sure to look for its beauty. If you get a chance, check out the desert sunset. The beautiful colors will be worth the time and effort you put into preparing for your desert adventure.

Filed Under: Adventure, Hiking Tagged With: Desert, Hiking

Hiking Pine Creek in Zion National Park

: Image by andrew mace— via Flickr

Zion National Park, located in Southern Utah, is one of the most beautiful hiking spots I have ever explored. The winding canyons of red hued sandstone, the trickling streams, the towering cliffs, and the breathtaking views make Zion a true hikers paradise. With trails designed for the novice hiker to the advanced, you can find a hike that will fit everybody in your party. For those who enjoy a hike with some difficulty and variety, Pine Creek is a perfect day hike.

Many of the canyons and trails in Zion require a hiking permit in order to limit the amount of traffic in the area. Pine Creek is one of these trails. You can often apply online, enter a lottery, or try your luck at the visitor center office. If your party is large, I suggest securing a permit far in advance. If you want to try your luck, get in line outside the office around five or six in the morning.

Pine Creek is a great hike for those who love variety. This hike does require ropes and repelling gear. The last drop is about 100 feet, so you need to be prepared with enough rope. There are also sections where you must swim. Depending on the time of year, you may have more or less swimming to do. The water in slot canyons is almost always cold, even when it is near 100 degrees outside. If you are sensitive to cold water it is a good idea to bring a wet suit, however, it can be done without one.

Pine Creek is a day hike, and while you will want to get an early start, don’t rush through the beautiful canyon. Enjoy the mystery and adventure of exploring a slot canyon, carved out of the rock by centuries of patient water. Look for signs of local wildlife and take a break in the shade of an overhang for some lunch. Pine Creek is an exhilarating hike and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys canyoneering.

Filed Under: Adventure, Hiking, National Park Tagged With: adventures, Adventures travel, Arches National Park, Backpacking (wilderness), Hiking, National park, National Parks and Monuments, Pine Creek, Travel and Tourism, U.S adventures tourism places, Utah, Zion National Park

Hiking Your Way to Fitness

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Getting outside and venturing off into the great outdoors is one of the best ways to work on your mental and physical fitness. Almost anyone will tell you that staring at a treadmill is one of the most tedious and boring fitness experiences you can have. But what if you could get a better work out while experiencing natural beauty and having social time with friends?

One of the most enjoyable ways to work on your fitness is to go on a hike. The beauty of the mountains, fresh air, and solitude (or social time, depending on your preference of hiking partners) will deceive you into thinking you are just having a good time. In reality, you are enduring one of the most strenuous workouts around. Almost any hiking trail has natural gradients that make sure your muscle groups are working at all times whether you are going up or down. It is great for toning the body but also is a wonderful cardiovascular workout.

While you won’t get the same results that you would if you were cycling on triathlon bikes, several good hikes a month will definitely help you get the fitness level and physique you want. As an added benefit, hiking is also a mental workout. Exposure to vitamin D in the sun and the fact that you have to be aware of what is coming up next rather than staring aimlessly at the wall ensure that you stay mentally, as well as physically, sharp.

The added exposure to vitamin D from the sun, fresh air, and endorphins released by being in a naturally beautiful setting make it far superior to any gym workout you can think of. Even if you don’t tackle a mountain, you can enjoy the benefits of hiking.

Filed Under: Adventure, Fun, Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Organizations, Outdoors, Physical exercise, Physical fitness, Recreation, Trail, United States

Visiting Zion National Park? Check Out the Pet-Friendly Parus Trail

: Image by James Marvin Phelps via Flickr

If you have been wanting to visit Utah’s Zion National Park but don’t know if you would be allowed to take your pet on a hike with you, then you’ll be happy to know that you can do so on the Pa’rus Trail.

The Pa’rus Trail is the easiest of all hiking trails in the Zion National Park. It is only 3.6 miles in length, and starts at about 3,950 feet and goes up to about 4,025 feet, so extreme altitude changes won’t be an issue here.

In addition, the Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River, and there are several places where you can actually get into the river. You and your pet might enjoy this, especially on a warm day.

This trail is the only one that pets are allowed on, and they must remain leashed at all times. This is for your pet’s protection, as it is possible that you may encounter some of the local wildlife on the trail, such as turkey, deer, skunks, snakes, and even mountain lions. By keeping your pet under control at all times, you will be able to better avoid untimely and possibly dangerous encounters.

You should always clean up after your pet. This is simple common courtesy.

You can choose to either walk or bike the Pa’rus Trail; it has been designed for both types of traffic. The trail makes for a very nice, fairly short hike or bike ride that you and your pet can enjoy.

Because you will be on a nature trail, there is always the possibility that your pet may be injured. If you have obtained a pet insurance policy, and something should happen, you would have coverage for medical treatment and other expenses.

Filed Under: Adventure, General Tagged With: Hiking, National park, Parks, Travel and Tourism, United States, Utah, Virgin River, Zion National Park