Scenic sandstone cliffs rising above the Wisconsin River in the Upper Dells on a sunny summer day
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, wisconsin

Great Lakes Loop Road Trip: Days 4โ€“5 โ€“ Exploring Wisconsin Dells and Mirror Lake State Park

Canyons, crowds, and concession stands... Wisconsin Dells reminded me that sometimes even the โ€œmust-seeโ€ spots are better seen once. Wisconsin Dells had all the makings of a highlight โ€” sculpted sandstone cliffs, winding river canyons, and the promise of adventure. But reality checked in fast. Two days of overpriced everything, endless crowds, and a campground… Continue reading Great Lakes Loop Road Trip: Days 4โ€“5 โ€“ Exploring Wisconsin Dells and Mirror Lake State Park

The Bean sculpture in Chicagoโ€™s Millennium Park reflecting the city skyline and a group of visitors gathered beneath it on a sunny day.
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, illinois

Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan โ€“ Day 2: Chicago, IL Big City Icons & Butterbeer Dreams

A Big City Adventure Day 2 of our Great Lakes road trip was all about embracing the bustle. We landed in downtown Chicago early and crammed a lot into the day - iconic landmarks, a little fandom magic, overrated food, and topped it off with a perfect view of the lake a top the Navy… Continue reading Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan โ€“ Day 2: Chicago, IL Big City Icons & Butterbeer Dreams

Sandy trail flanked by dune grasses under a pastel orange and pink sunset sky.
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, Indiana, National Parks

Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan โ€“ Day 1: Dunes, Wildflowers & an Epic Sunset

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.

Hiking

She is Wild and Free: Ohioโ€™s Seasonal Bucket List โ€“ Nature, Outdoor Adventure, and Events You Canโ€™t Miss

From wildflower blooms to lantern-lit walks, your month-by-month guide to Ohioโ€™s most magical moments outdoors. JanuaryFirst Day Hike โ€“ Any Ohio State Park (January 1)Grandma Gatewood Annual Winter Hike โ€“ Hocking Hills (Mid-January)Twin Sisters Frozen Waterfall Hike โ€“ Brecksville, OH (Mid-Januaryโ€“Mid-February)Tree Farm Trail Snow Hike โ€“ Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Januaryโ€“February) FebruaryFrozen Lake Erie Walk… Continue reading She is Wild and Free: Ohioโ€™s Seasonal Bucket List โ€“ Nature, Outdoor Adventure, and Events You Canโ€™t Miss

Letchworth State Park Lower Falls
Destinations, Hiking, New York, Waterfalls

Chasing Waterfalls: My Road Trip Through New Yorkโ€™s Most Stunning Falls

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 Stateโ€™s most iconic โ€” and a few lesser-known โ€” waterfalls. From fire-lit caves to roadside cascades,… Continue reading Chasing Waterfalls: My Road Trip Through New Yorkโ€™s Most Stunning Falls

Camp on top of Mt Rogers - Backpacking Grayson Highlands State Park
Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, virginia

๐ŸฅพSpring Hiking & Wild Ponies: Grayson Highlands Weekend Recap

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 ๐ŸฅพSpring Hiking & Wild Ponies: Grayson Highlands Weekend Recap

Backpacking, Camping, Cycling, Hiking, Kayaking, Products

Ladies: Stop Using Leaves. Get a Kula Cloth.

Peeing outside isnโ€™t glamorousโ€”but itโ€™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. Letโ€™s be real: wiping with a crumpled napkin, air-drying in alpine winds, or packing out soggy toilet paper isโ€ฆ not the vibe. Thatโ€™s where… Continue reading Ladies: Stop Using Leaves. Get a Kula Cloth.

Tree Farm Trail
Hiking

Winter Hiking: A Few of my Favorite Things: Clothing and Equipment Guide

Winter is by far my favorite time to hike. Fewer people are fighting for prime viewing spots and the temperatures are perfect, so youโ€™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

Hiking, Ohio, Trail Summary

Mohican-Memorial State Forest – Hog Hollow Trail

Area Summary: "Mohican-Memorial State Forest comprises 4,541 acres in Ashland County. Mohican-Memorial State Forest features 32 miles of hiking trails, 22 miles of bridle trails, 8 miles of snowmobile trails, a 24-mile mountain biking trail, 7 "Park and Pack" primitive campsites, the Memorial Forest Shrine, a fire tower, and the 1.5-mile Discovery Forest interpretive trail."… Continue reading Mohican-Memorial State Forest – Hog Hollow Trail