We kicked off our Great Lakes Loop with soft sand, sunset skies, and the perfect blend of peace and adventure. Indiana Dunes National Park gave us winding trails, wildflowers, and lake breezes that melted the stress of daily life right off. We ended the day with live music, ice cream, and a private view of the sun sinking into Lake Michigan. Not a bad start.
From wildflower blooms to lantern-lit walks, your month-by-month guide to Ohio’s most magical moments outdoors. JanuaryFirst Day Hike – Any Ohio State Park (January 1)Grandma Gatewood Annual Winter Hike – Hocking Hills (Mid-January)Twin Sisters Frozen Waterfall Hike – Brecksville, OH (Mid-January–Mid-February)Tree Farm Trail Snow Hike – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (January–February) FebruaryFrozen Lake Erie Walk… Continue reading She is Wild and Free: Ohio’s Seasonal Bucket List – Nature, Outdoor Adventure, and Events You Can’t Miss
If you’ve never paddled under an August sky at Nimisila Reservoir while thousands of Purple Martins swirl above you, you are missing one of the most magical things our late summer skies have to offer. Forget Netflix — this is the real evening show. By day, these little acrobats shimmer in the sunlight, scooping bugs… Continue reading Purple Martins of Nimisila – Ohio’s August Sky Ballet
New York might be famous for its skyline, but some of its most jaw-dropping views are found in the gorges, forests, and hidden glens upstate. On a recent road trip, I set out to explore some of the Empire State’s most iconic — and a few lesser-known — waterfalls. From fire-lit caves to roadside cascades,… Continue reading Chasing Waterfalls: My Road Trip Through New York’s Most Stunning Falls
March in the mountains means mud, magic, and wild ponies. This weekend trip to Grayson Highlands gave me all three. 3 Day / 2 Night Backpacking Trip -- My very first! This list is in no way meant to be an ideal--it was my starting point. And it was heavy! There were some things I… Continue reading 🥾Spring Hiking & Wild Ponies: Grayson Highlands Weekend Recap
Peeing outside isn’t glamorous—but it’s basically a rite of passage for women who hike. The Kula Cloth is the original reusable pee cloth designed for anyone who squats in the wild. Let’s be real: wiping with a crumpled napkin, air-drying in alpine winds, or packing out soggy toilet paper is… not the vibe. That’s where… Continue reading Ladies: Stop Using Leaves. Get a Kula Cloth.
Winter is by far my favorite time to hike. Fewer people are fighting for prime viewing spots and the temperatures are perfect, so you’re not sweaty and there are no bugs. Throw in some snow and frozen waterfalls, and you have a magical adventure only a few will experience. Tree Farm Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National… Continue reading Winter Hiking: A Few of my Favorite Things: Clothing and Equipment Guide
Area Summary: The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a 90-mile-long multipurpose trail that runs north and south from Canal Basin Park in downtown Cleveland to Canal Lands Park in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Part of the towpath runs through Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are more than 50 trailheads along the trail, and… Continue reading Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Bike Explorer Program on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath
I took a spontaneous trip to Grotto Falls, KY in May after seeing a post in a local adventure group. I was already thinking about taking the week off from work since it would be a slow week and after Googling directions and realizing it was just a few hours away, I turned in my… Continue reading Exploring Grotto Falls, KY: A Kayaker’s Hidden Gem
My hiking adventures have earned me a few fun patches and I love to display them on my pack! I made this easy DIY Patch Ring to hold my patches that keep them secure to my pack with a quick off for pictures. DIY Patch Holder Materials needed: Cable Loop - I like these from… Continue reading Quick and Easy DIY Patch Holder
She is Wild & Free 