For many that means hitting the trail, whether for a day or several days. But for many, too, choosing the best trail on which to spend precious free time can be a head-scratching process, simply because there are so many wonderful trails.
Fortunately, there are resources, and Trails.com has gleaned from polls and guidebooks to produce a long list of premier trails in North America. Here are the first 10, with subtle commentary, all worth placing on your checklist list for when you travel to these areas:
1) Hudson Highlands State Park, near Beacon, N.Y.: 9.6 miles of a looping trail with a 1,500-foot elevation gain, making it hearty but invigorating. "Hiking New York" lists Hudson River, Shawangunk and Catskill Mountain vistas as main attractions. Flora includes mountain laurel, wildflowers and mixed forest. It's rugged in spots, requiring scrambling up and around boulders, which can be risky in wet weather. Skill level: strenuous.
2) Glacier Gorge, Estes Park, Colo.: "Hiking Colorado's Front Range" describes this as "the most beautiful spot in Rocky Mountain State Park." The 9.6-mile out-and-back trail winds past cascading waterfalls and Alpine lakes--the guidebook recommends hiking with a fishing rod--to a top elevation of 10,600 feet. Prime time is June through October. Skill level: moderate to strenuous.
3) Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle, Hamburg, Pa.: An 8.7-mile loop that might offer the best views on the Pennsylvania stretch of the renowned Appalachian Trail. "Hike America: Pennsylvania" states, "You'll get a vigorous workout climbing up the rocky path to the top (be sure to wear hiking boots). You then get a reprieve as you make a gentle descent on a wide dirt road." The trail leads through forests to a ridge-top boulder outcrop. Skill level: moderate."
4) Mount Whitney, Lone Pine, Calif.: More of a climb than a hike, to the top of the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. Trailhead begins at 8,500 feet and tops out at a breathtaking (literally and figuratively) 14,496 feet. Up-and-back distance is 22 miles. Can be done as a day hike from trailhead. Best from mid-July through September. Permits are required and sometimes difficult to obtain because of the popularity of this majestic eastern Sierra Nevada peak. Skill level: difficult.
5) Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen, Colo.: Secluded steamy pools in a remote wilderness setting. Out-and-back trail is eight miles and "Touring Colorado Hot Springs" suggests weekdays for a better chance to enjoy total exclusion. "No matter which pool you fancy or which direction you face, you will have superb views of the surrounding rocky spires and Alpine terrain," the guidebook states. They are views long ago enjoyed by Native Americans and early miners. Trailhead elevation is 9,000 feet. Elevation gain is 3,000 feet. Best to wait till summer. Skill level: moderate.
6) Bear Mountain Loop, Highland Falls, N.Y.: This 9.7-mile loop through steep wooded terrain is demanding and can be done in one or two days. Views from Bear and West mountains are of the lower Hudson River region. Elevation gain is 1,100 feet and top elevation is 1,305 feet. Best time is spring through fall. Skill level: strenuous.
7) Furnace Mountain/Trayfoot Mountain Overnight Loop, Grottoes, Va.: 20-mile loop features mountain views and camping alongside streams. Duration is about 16 hours. "Day & Overnight Hikes in Shenandoah National Park" suggests: "Head north on the Appalachian Trail and turn west toward Austin Mountain, with many views of your destination. Camp in the woods along Madison Run and then climb up to Furnace Mountain for more views. Walk along the rest of Trayfoot Mountain and drop to Paine Run for more stream-side camping." Skill level: moderate.
8) Deep Creek, Hesperia, Calif.: A 12-mile out-and-back trail that boasts natural desert hot springs in an isolated canyon and pristine setting. "Touring California and Nevada Hot Springs" warns that this has become a popular spot for nudists. Water in the springs is about 110 degrees. Air can be scorching, too, during summer. No wonder people are shedding their clothes. Skill level: easy with minimal elevation gain.
9) Appalachian Trail: Sunfish Pond & Mount Mohican, Columbia, N.J.: Extremely popular 8.8-mile hike to a glacial lake setting described by Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic as "postcard perfect." The guidebook suggests an early start or weekday trek to beat the crowds and have a better chance to glimpse wildlife. Hikers also should consult Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to learn about the area's rich history. Elevation gain: 1,150 feet. Skill level: strenuous.
10) Appalachian Trail: Springer Mountain to Hightower Gap, Suches, Ga.: The nine-mile hike leads to the broad summit of Springer Mountain--the terminus of the Appalachian Trail--and affords views of the Cohutta Mountains. Elevation gain is minimal. Skill level: moderate.
Editor's note: Consult the blue link above for a more complete list of trails and for further details and contact information.
--Images: Glacier Gorge in Colorado (top, courtesy of Rocky Mountain National Park) and Mt. Whitney in California, from a public-domain file catalog.
China Chow
Izabella Miko
Tara Reid
No comments:
Post a Comment