Death Valley National Park Trails
Back-country hiking and overnight hiking trips are allowed throughout the park. Permits are required by the national park but are free. Permits can be obtained at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. The park does not allow pets or campfires in the wilderness.http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm Maps for hiking can found at the Visitors Center.http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/backcamp.htm
updated 2011-01-03 01:54:38
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Hidden Canyon Trail
The trailhead for the Hidden Canyon trail is located at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop.http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/hiking-in-zion.htm This trailhead can be reached via the shuttle system in Zion National Park, which runs from April through October each year. The remaining months of the year, the trail is accessible by car.http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-shuttle-system.htm
Upon arriving at the trailhead, hikers can take advantage of restrooms near the parking area before making the steep climb; however, there is no water available along the trail.http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-hidden-canyon-trail.htm The Hidden Canyon trail begins across a footbridge just past the Weeping Rock trail.http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-hidden-canyon-trail.htm From here, hikers encounter a steep trail that follows a series of switchbacks which also lead to the Observation Point trail.http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/zion_national_park/hidden_canyon.html
Hikers follow signs where the trail splits and continue on through more switchbacks until reaching a section of trail carved directly into the rock face.http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-hidden-canyon-trail.htm http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/zion_national_park/hidden_canyon.html Here, hikers encounter steep drop-offs hundreds of feet above the canyon floor. Chains are available in some areas for safety.http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/zion_national_park/hidden_canyon.html
The maintained trail ends at the mouth of Hidden Canyon, and hikers can then continue on as far into the canyon as they are able. This area of the trail is shaded, fairly flat, and ...
updated 2010-09-25 03:33:42
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Yellowstone National Park Trails
If visitors wish to backcountry hike and desire an overnight stay, a permit is required. Permits must be obtained in person and no more then 48 hours in advance of the trip. However, backcountry campsites can be reserved in advance by mail or in person. Conditions of the trail that visitors wish to hike can be found at the ranger station or visitor center. Yellowstone National Park has bears and bear activity. All bear precautions are advised by the park.http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm Many trails are closed during certain parts of the year.http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/bctripplanner_2010Mar.PDF
updated 2010-11-06 02:02:19
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Yosemite National Park Trails
Best Easy Hikes
Bridalveil Fall is considered an easy to moderate hike. It is a total of .8 miles with an elevation gain of 50 feet. This trail takes hikers to Bridalveil Falls.
Chilnulana Falls trail is a quarter mile trail with a 100 feet elevation gain. Considered an easy to moderate hike, this trail takes hikers to the action of the falls.
East Valley Floor hike is a total mileage of 2.6 miles. This loop trail is considered easy to moderate and offers unique views of North Dome, rapids, cedars, dogwoods and azaleas.
Glacier Point hike is a half-mile trail considered easy to moderate. The view offers the best view in the park.
Happy Isles to Vernal Fall trail is a 1.6-mile hike. Considered easy to moderate this hike takes hikers to the Merced River as it plunges over the Giant Staircase as Nevada Fall and then Vernal Fall and moves out to the Yosemite Valley.http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XFA021-002
Best Backpacking Hikes
Hatch Hetchy-Vernon Lake Loop - 28.7 mile overnight trail with scenic views and waterfalls in spring.
Pacific Crest Trail: CA Section 21 - 63-mile section travels remote sections from Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass. Excellent scenery is on this trail.
Mariposa Grove Loop is a 4-mile loop through 1,000 year-sequoias.
Pacific Crest Trail: CA Section 20 runs from Kennedy Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows. A 209-mile trail through three national parks with remarkable views and no roads.
Dewey Point Snowshoe is ...
updated 2010-07-18 03:12:05
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Emerald Pools Trail
The trailhead for all three pools is located at the Zion Lodge.http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/hiking-in-zion.htm The Zion Lodge can be reached via park shuttle from April to November each year, and by car during the other months.http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-shuttle-system.htm
- Lower Emerald Pool: Across the road from the Zion Lodge, hikers cross a short footbridge over the Virgin River to the start of the actual trails.http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/emeraldpools.cfm A right turn takes hikers on an easy, semi-paved trail the half mile to the Lower Emerald Pool. A left turn takes hikers upward to the Middle Emerald Pool; however, the middle pool is also accessible along the lower pool trail.http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/emerald_pools.htm The Lower Emerald Pool is located at the base of a cliff, fed by a small waterfall from the middle pool.http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/emerald_pools.htm
- Middle Emerald Pool: Hikers wishing to continue along the trail can reach the middle pool by hiking behind the waterfall and climbing a somewhat steep ridge that takes them above the waterfall.http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/emerald_pools.htm Alternate routes to this trail include the trailhead just after the footbridge and the Kayenta Trail from the Grotto trailhead.http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/emerald_pools.htm
- Upper Emerald Pool: For those wishing to complete the full hike, the upper pool can be accessed by continuing on from ...
updated 2010-09-20 09:44:34
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Grand Teton National Park Trails
Back-country camping and hiking is offered by the park. All overnight trips require a free permit. Overnight hikers can get their permits at the Colter Bay and Craig Thomas Discover Visitors Centers or the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Climbing or mountaineering overnight camping permits can only be obtained at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station during the summer.http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm
updated 2010-12-13 02:27:40
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Boone, NC
- Appalachian State University [1]
Daniel Boone Inn
Blue Ridge Parkway
Grandfather Mountain
updated 2010-07-16 23:42:29
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Acadia National Park Trails
Before setting out on the trails, it's important to choose a trail appropriate for you. Following the level of difficulty can ensure a pleasant hike, rather than an unsafe one. Choose a trail that will be comfortably navigated, and is not too long for your own stamina. http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Be sure to take note of any trail closures. These closures may take place for a number of reasons, including an unsafe environment or condition. In addition, some trails may have annual closings due to the strain it presents to the wildlife. Mating seasons, migration, and other activities may cause a trail to be off limits for a period of time. http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/trailclosures.htm
Trail guides can be purchased at local bookstore, or stores within the area. These guides will provide information for the trail, what you may be seeing along the way, and offer tips for getting the most out of your hiking experience.
It is crucial that precautions be observed while hiking to prevent injury. When hiking, be sure to watch each step. There may be uneven ground, loose stones, or gravel that could result in a fall or other injury. Wear appropriate footwear that is close toed and has a sturdy sole. Do not alter signs or other markers along the path. These are intended to aid hikers along the trail, and altering them may endanger those behind you. Carry a map of the trail or ...
updated 2010-07-16 20:43:05
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Geologists believe that some of the Mammoth cave areas began forming around 10 million years ago. The cave was most likely formed when an ancient sea and river that covered the central United States laid down soluble limestone, then sandstone and then shale cap. The sea and river disappeared and the erosion started when cracks and holes began to expose the rock below. Rainwater then worked its way down into these cracks and formed streams that started hollowing out the ground, first as underground rivers and then as caves.
Humans have always been interested in the caves. There is evidence of early exploration and the cave was often used by early Native Americans for burial. Once the Europeans came to the area, the cave and land went through a number of owners. In 1926, a number of private citizens of Kentucky formed the Mammoth Cave National Park Association in 1926 with the park being authorized in May 25, 1926. Donations were used to add to the cave area along with the right of eminent domain. In July 1, 1941, Mammoth Cave National Park was officially dedicated. http://www.nps.gov/maca/historyculture/abriefhistoryofmammothcave.htm
