BellaOnline Forums Sports Hiking & Backpacking Do you have a favourite National Park for hiking?

I'm just back from a trip hiking and backpacking in southern Utah (first article,

This isn't exactly a National Park, but our family loves to hike the trails at Stone Mountain here in Georgia.

They've got all different levels of trails cut so that you can walk it depending on your fitness level.

Then at night during the summer they have an amazing laser show.

It's a really fun way to spend a day. Hike first, pack a picnic to have on the grounds during the light show and fireworks. It's kind of an annual (or more) tradition in our family.

Toiyabe National Forest in South Lake Tahoe, California, is a great place to hike. Especially if you follow the coastline on the cliffs rising above the lake. It is beautiful. On really hot days you can be trudging along then suddenly come to a little waterfall and stream of icy cold water from the snow-capped mountains above. I sat with my aching feet in the stream once, years ago, and can still remember how cooling and peaceful it was in that spot.

I also love Arches, Zion and Canyonlands parks in Utah. The Angel's Landing hike really does trump almost any other hike I've done.

My fave parks are the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree and King's Canyon, along with those Utah parks mentioned above. I am also partial to North Cascades, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain.

Hello everyone and thanks for the comments. I've not yet had the pleasure of hiking in Georgia, but I'm slowly working my way through the states -- will keep your favourite spot in mind Michelle. I love it when hiking meshes with family tradition.

Peace and those hidden gems that glow forever in our memories are two of the reasons I love hiking too Phyllis. National Forests have it abundance.

Finally, nice to hear you back on this forum Jill! Looking forward to the day we meet up on a trail somewhere -- will it be Zion or the Grand Canyon?!

Cheers,
Megan

Both are incredible Megan! You pick.

Jilly, forgive my ignorance lol, but is there a national park in NY state? I think there are mountains there - does anyone know what they are like?

Where are the hiking routes, if any, and are there retreats, cabins or camp grounds?

What are the hiking safety tips for first-time students walking there?

Thanks

I'm in Zion more often than the Big Ditch, so that'd be my choice Jill! Spring works best for me (always in Utah that time of year).

Cheers,
Megan

Hello Siobhain (aka Short Stories Editor),

Jilly has left the site, it's now me, Megan, who's here to moderate the site -- although Jill's more than welcome to chime in with answers anytime!

I have to admit, I've not yet been to New York State, but the National Parks Service has a great website, National Park Service: New York with all the answers! There are countless National Monuments, National Historic Sites and the granddaddy of all American hiking trails, the Appalachian Trail runs through the state. You can find out all the details about hiking safety on that particular trail by clicking the link.

Cheers,
Megan

Megan, let's plan to meet in Zion next spring and invite anyone else who wishes to join us!

Siobhain, it's been a long time since I was in NY, but i remember enjoying the Catskills, the Finger Lakes and Bear Mountain Park on the Hudson River.

Jill - Zion Spring 09 it is! Anyone else care to meet up for a hike?

Cheers,
Megan

Thank-you both very much! I was beginning to wonder if there was a spooky reason why no-one wanted to talk about the mountains my daughters working summer camp in! (She flew out from UK to JFK last week and is loving it! Bear Training! Imagine!)

I'll have a look at that National Park info for her.

Okay Megan, i have it written in at the end of this year's calendar to write in a spring trip to Zion in 09! I bet we can get some people to join us. There are campgrounds and lodges for whatever different people like to do, plus both easy and hard hikes.

But the Angels Landing is a MUST DO!

Sorry Siohbain, didn't mean to worry you! New York is a beautiful state. The big city gets all the attention but real new yorkers know all about the carefully kept secret of the upstate lakes and mountains.

It's not a national park but I LOVE LOVE LOVE hiking in Sedona, Arizona. It's one of the most beautiful spots on the planet, imo, and the hiking trails are fantastic!! It's also not too crowded.

Have to agree that Sedona's scenery is stunning, but not too crowded -- not when I've been there! Maybe it's the time of year. When do you hike the trails in area Baby Blue?

Cheers,
Megan

I hike the trails quite often October-March. January and February are never too busy! I also try to go on Sundays rather than Saturdays- there seem to be fewer people out then. April is always VERY busy and October is pretty busy too... you just have to find a good time! But there are so many trails, you're bound to find one that's not one of the really popular ones, and is therefore less crowded in comparison.

I'm partial to Grand Teton National Park because it's great for trail running and I live right by it!

I am from Upstae New York and am going back there to live for awhile and the Adirondacks are beautiful for hiking and fishing or whatever. The Catskills are also.

Check out this hiking trail that goes from New York to Wisconsin through Pennsylvania, Ohio and up into the upper peninsula of Michigan and into Wisconsin.

North Country Trail

Thanks for the link to the North Country Trail Vance, the site has a wealth of information on completed, in progress and to be built trail sections. I'm looking forward to the day I get to spend more time hiking in the east!

Cheers,
Megan

Hey Runner Girl,

Lucky you living next to Grand Teton NP -- I've only visited briefly but would love to have the opportunity to see more!

Cheers,
M.

Did you all here about the arch falling in the park in Utah?

I've been away on a canoeing trip -- no Blackberries in northern Alberta -- but did look up the collapse of Wall Arch on your mention. The clock is ticking for all those sandstone beauties in Arches I'm afraid. When we were down there in May we saw the interpretive sign with a picture taken by a visitor as a huge piece of Landscape Arch came crashing down!

Cheers,
M.