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<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content"><channel><title>EveryTrail Feed</title><description/><link>http://www.everytrail.com</link><language>en-us</language><lastBuildDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 13:57:43 -0200</lastBuildDate><pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 13:57:43 -0200</pubDate><image><url>http://www.everytrail.com/images/everytrail-logo.png</url><title>EveryTrail</title><link>http://www.everytrail.com</link><description>GPS travel community, geotagging, geotagged photos, Google Maps, GPS tracks, waypoints, coordinates</description><width>144</width><height>41</height></image><item><title><![CDATA[Day Use Trails (Mouse Tail Landing State Park)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mousetail Landing State Park is less than 30 miles away from the Natchez Trace State Park so I decided to drive on over there. The drive is scenic through pretty (and, okay, sometimes not so pretty) farm land and small communities. Finding Mousetail Landing was easy. Finding the trails... a little less so. I entered the park and went straight for the Park Offices. This time, unfortunately, no printed maps! And no restrooms - they all said &quot;closed for winter&quot;. Sigh.Undeterred, I found a parking spot close to where I thought the trail head should be and wandered around for a bit. Only to finally *turn around* and look across the road and there it was. Yes. This is a sign of things to come. I headed up the trail onto the blue blazed &quot;3 mile loop day use trail&quot; thinking that I'd take the trail counter clockwise. I set up (nearly immediately up a hill) and noticed quite a lot of really green moss that tended to carpet the trail. It provided a very nice cushioned surface to walk on. I carried along, suddenly encountering a road just as my watch dinged &quot;1 mile&quot; and I knew then that I'd missed a turn. I consulted the PDF of the park map that I had on my phone and confirmed that, yes, I'd managed to not go to the left to complete the loop. Still undeterred, I decided to walk along the road for nearly 1 mile, past the archery range and camping areas and play ground and find the yellow/green blazed mountain bike trail that followed along the Tennessee River. The mountain bike trail was definitely my favorite part of this park -- it was wide, so very pretty (even if ankle-deep leaves on it) and I even managed to see a flock of turkeys crossing the path. I'm not sure what the park's rules are on hikers walking mountain bike paths (many allow it) but today I didn't encounter any one at all so it wasn't a problem. I kept to the mountain bike trail for just over a mile and found myself back at the parking lot where I'd park -- thus successfully making my own &quot;3 mile loop&quot;... just not the same one the park lists!!What you need to know:- For whatever reason, I found it easy to get lost in the park. The blue blazes on the first portion of the trail I was on were hard to see. Even finding the mountain bike trail was a little challenging (no signs). - The elevation:As you can see, the first segment of the trail was uphill, uphill, and then some more uphill. The road was downhill and mountain bike trail was flat. - Getting from the park back to I-40 is a bit of a trek through the countryside and through some small towns. On a sunny day, it was nice - but do factor in that this isn't a quick drive. Many of the speed limits are less than 45mph until you reach I-40. <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5384823-IMG_2123.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5384824-IMG_2128.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5384825-IMG_2130.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5384826-IMG_2133.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1892936</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1892936</link><pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:06:40 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cub Creek Lake Trail (Natchez Trace State Park)]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Natchez Trace State Park and Forest is located just over 100 miles west of Nashville. Today was my first venture out there, and I'm glad that I went - I want to go back again. The route I took:- I entered the park and stopped at the park offices where you can obtain printed trail maps (hooray!) from a small box outside the office. Unfortunately (and I hate to complain because I'm always so happy when there's a printed map available, but the one they had out is the simple map - not the detailed GIS map which actually shows all the trails in the park. and believe me, you want the detailed one!)- I drove to the Recreation Lodge and parked there. - I entered the trails from the Lodge parking area, where I immediately picked up the orange-blazed &quot;Cub Creek Lakeside Trail&quot;- I followed the White and Orange blazes weaving in and around the woods and lake at first, but the trail soon leaves the lake and you enter the wooded ups-and-downs for approx. 2 miles before you get glimpses of the water again. - At approx. mile 3 you see a sign indicating the end of the trail you're on and directing you along a gravel road to pick up the trail again (heading towards the cabins). The views from the gravel road are actually quite nice. - Approx .4 mi down the gravel road, you re-enter the orange/white trail and wind around the lake before reaching the cabin area. - From the cabin area, I meandered through and walked down to the two pedestrian bridges (not on the simple map!) which made it easy for me to get back to the Recreation Lodge. Pros:There's quite a variety here - from elevation changes to scenic views of the water, I really liked the trail. I'd be interested to go back and try the other trails. Cons:Mud, mud, and more mud. Even if (at times) there were rudimentary makeshift bridges, my feet were pretty muddy and wet. And this was on a day when it hadn't rained in quite a long time. In the spring, I bet in the spring this place is a mess!Plenty of people at the park - I didn't see any other hikers, but I did see plenty of folks horse-back (who were completely ignoring the 'no horses' on the hiking trails postings). It's kind of far away. I mean, yes, it's just a quick drive down I-40 (and fortunately it's immediately left off the interstate) but 100 miles is a bit of long way to go for a day trip. What you need to know:- As I mentioned -- get the Detailed GIS map. Take a look at the maps of the same exact area on the two different maps: See? Very different!- The elevation:No huge elevation gains and losses, but as you can see - plenty of small ups and downs the entire distance! <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5384744-IMG_2038.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5384745-IMG_2040.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5384746-IMG_2041.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5384747-IMG_2043.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1892901</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1892901</link><pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 19:25:43 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forest Park - Hoyt Arboretum from Pittock Mansion (Portland, OR)]]></title><description><![CDATA[My ultimate destination from Lower MacLeay Park to Pittock Mansion was actually the Hoyt Arboretum and the Japanese Gardens. This one mile portion of that trip is the piece from the mansion to the arboretum. (There's also another 2 miles of this trip from within the arboretum - I did the &quot;1 hour loop&quot; trail - and over to the Japanese Gardens, but I admit I was lost most of the time and the map probably isn't that useful to anyone!)The pros:Downhill!!!! Hurrah! It's easy, easy, easy to get from Pittock to Hoyt Arboretum. More restrooms and water fountains are available throughout the arboretum.The cons:Not as well signed as the first 2.4 miles of the trail. A few times I did have to look at my GPS to figure out where I was and if I was taking the correct turns.  <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307784-IMG_1685.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307785-IMG_1688.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307786-IMG_1690.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307787-IMG_1693.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1858904</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1858904</link><pubDate>Thu, 1 Nov 2012 18:51:23 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forest Park - Pittock Mansion From Lower MacLeay Park (Portland, OR)]]></title><description><![CDATA[It only took a few steps into Forest Park for me to fall completely and utterly in love with it. I lucked out and got a briefly sunny day in Portland in late October and immediately set out for this trail. Some highlights:I took a bus from where I was staying to the Lower MacLeay Park Trailhead. Finding this trailhead was very easy and the bus dropped me relatively closeby. There's parking and restrooms and a large map here.For the first .85 miles of this trip, the path is the Lower MacLeay trail with Balch Creek running alongside. I was captivated by the water and the rocks and the ferns and every thing in this portion of the trail. At .85 miles the trail becomes the Wildwood Trail - which is also where you'll see the Stone House on the right. I poked around a little at what remains of this WPA-era resting place (once upon a time it was a restroom facility). For the next half mile, you climb up out of the creek area until you reach Cornell Road. This climb isn't the steepest part - but it's definitely when you realize that you've got 900ft to gain before you reach the mansion!Crossing Cornell Road was relatively easy, even though it's a slightly busy street. There's a crosswalk there, but I still waited on traffic to clear before I crossed. Once across Cornell Road, the real climb begins. I was in awe of the trees and the dense fog and the sunlight streaming in all throughout this area. I was moderately surprised by how muddy this section was (compared to the trail below). It was simply stunning. Throughout this stretch of the trail, you stick with the Wildwood Trail which will deliver you to the Pittock Mansion parking lot. I crossed the parking lot and walked around the grounds of the mansion. I was there too early (the mansion doesn't open until noon on Mondays) to go in, but the grounds and the spectacular views of Portland are free and were open. There's also restrooms and a water fountain at the entrance. The pros:Have I mentioned it was stunning? The trees? the creek? the trails? All of it? Really. Go there. Easily the most pretty city trail I've ever ever ever been on. The trails are well marked. (and for me, as someone who gets lost all the time, that's important)There's a lot of variation in the trail along these 2.4 miles -- you get some flat surfaces, some hills, some mud, some bridges, some creek, some views. I really like it.Though I didn't do it, it's easy to turn this one-way trail into a loop by using some of the other trails that are nearby if you need to get back to your car at the trailhead. For instance, taking the Upper Macleay Trail down to make a figure eight loop is recommended.The cons:This trail is one of the more popular trails in Forest Park -- I went on a Monday mid-morning... and yep, it was plenty busy. Lots of people walking their dogs along this trail, though not so many that it felt crowded. Wonder what it's like on a Saturday... <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307676-IMG_1557.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307677-IMG_1562.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307678-IMG_1565.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307679-IMG_1572.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1858852</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1858852</link><pubDate>Thu, 1 Nov 2012 17:53:35 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Discovery Park - Loop Trail (Seattle, WA)]]></title><description><![CDATA[I had a small chunk of time that I used during a visit to Seattle for a conference to visit Discovery Park and do the loop trail. Of course, being late October, it was pouring down rain but I pulled on the hood to my raincoat and went anyway. The Pros:The trails are well marked and the walking surface (a fine gravel) made them ideal for even a day like the day I went - in the rain with low visibility. The surfaces weren't muddy at all and I had really expected that they would be.The loop has a decent amount of scenic variety, and a few opportunities for overlooks across the sound. Of course I couldn't really see anything on the day I went, so perhaps aim for a sunnier day! The park is so easy to get to by bus. I took one from downtown Seattle and was dropped off less than a block from the park entrance. I was even able to complete the loop and use my return to get back downtown without paying a second fare.The trail is mostly flat with just some small rolling hills. It was easy enough to traverse - not nearly as hilly or challenging perhaps as even some of the downtown streets. The cons:Jogging on this trail (even in the pouring down rain) appears to be really popular. Not a huge deal, but it did mean a constant stream of stepping aside to let the joggers pass. I'd like to go back and do some of the side trails - there are a few that lead to the beach and to the lighthouse that I just didn't make it to on this day.  <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307537-IMG_1483.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307538-IMG_1486.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307539-IMG_1489.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/5307540-IMG_1491.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1858810</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1858810</link><pubDate>Thu, 1 Nov 2012 17:18:54 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sugar Hollow (Bristol, VA)]]></title><description><![CDATA[It was impossible for me to be at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and not get out of downtown Bristol and see what the parks had to offer. We weren't originally heading for Sugar Hollow, but it's proximity to I-81 (and a Starbucks) made it an easy choice. Sugar Hollow is right in the midst of a community and shopping area, but once you're in the park you wouldn't know it at all. We were pleasantly surprised. Things to know about Sugar Hollow:Though I thought there'd be a map or something in the parking area to get us oriented, there was not. Looking at the PDF trail map on my phone was not ideal, but fortunately another park-goer saw us trying to figure out north from south and provided a wonderful bit of conversation and pointed us the right way. It's rather hilly!Though google insisted that there was a body of water Sugar Hollow... it turns out that Beaver Creek Dam is a flood detention dam and has no permanent reservoir pool. So on the map when it looks like we were traipsing through a lake? Nope, that's just where the water would be when the creek floods. (I admit to not knowing this when we arrived and continually looked for a lake! ha)The dam is 85 feet high and 1,588 feet long. That first hill? Yep, that's hiking up from the base of the dam to the top and then walking along the top. :)The park has a lot of camping areas, which means lots of water spigots and friendly people. Very handy for a new comer on a warm day.The Elevation: <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4872744-pic_90.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4872745-pic_91.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4872746-pic_92.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4872747-pic_93.jpg"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1714739</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1714739</link><pubDate>Sat, 11 Aug 2012 12:48:03 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pacific Spirit Regional Park - Nature Trail (Vancouver)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Pacific Spirit Regional Park is part of the University of British Columbia Endowment Lands. Within there are many, many trails. The Nature Trail (which is the primary trail I followed on this trip) was far busier than any of the other trails I hiked at Pacific Spirit. The path I took:I walked along 16th Ave to the next trailhead.I entered the trails on the Nature TrailAt .75 miles I turned left onto the Hemlock Trail I followed the Hemlock Trail nearly .5 miles to the Huckleberry Trail. I quickly then turned back onto the Deer Fern Trail and followed it approx .25 miles until it connected again with the Nature Trail forming a loop. I then followed the Nature Trail retracing my steps to 16th Ave. As you can see from the map above, you can easily do any number of configurations to lengthen or shorten your hike. The elevation:The trails in this part of the park are still relatively flat. I have read other trail accounts though that say some of the trails I didn't hike are more hilly. So be aware of that!  <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4280803-IMG_9405.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4280805-IMG_9406.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4280806-IMG_9407.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4280808-IMG_9408.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1535812</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1535812</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:04:30 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pacific Spirit Regional Park - Top Trail &amp; Camuson Bog (Vancouver)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Pacific Spirit Regional Park is located within the University of British Columbia Endowment Lands. Within the park are many, many trails and this is the only park in Vancouver that I was definitely lost in! Pros:This park is easy to access from downtown Vancouver. A relatively short bus ride away made it a simple place to find. The trees here are magnificent! Cons:None of the trailheads I encountered had a map. And though I'd printed one out, I missed a turn and got lost very quickly. It would have been nice to have more maps available to hikers.The elevation:The trails here are relatively flat.. which on the last day of my Vancouver trip was welcomed!The path I took:I started at 16th &amp;amp; Discovery Street. I entered the trail system on the Huckleberry TrailI took a left to follow the Top TrailI crossed Imperial Road and continued on the Top Trail until I reached its end (approx 1 mile)There is a trail to the left at that point (not shown on the map above) that points one to the Camuson Bog trail and parking area. (.2 miles)I completed the Camuson Bog self guided loop. You can read more about the Camuson Bog and the restoration project online. (the loop is .25 miles)I continued along the trail and encountered 2 deadends and eventually decided to walk back along Imperial Road to reconnect with the Top Trail (I walked approx .75 miles)I then retraced my steps along the Top and Huckleberry Trails to where I started. (approx .5 miles) <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4280740-IMG_9349.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4280741-IMG_9351.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4280742-IMG_9354.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4280743-IMG_9355.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1535773</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1535773</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:26:20 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lighthouse Park (Vancouver)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lighthouse Park is an ecological reserve boasting old growth douglas firs and rock dating back 187 million years. It also contains a myriad of trails (both &quot;official&quot; and &quot;unofficial&quot; it would seem). What to know:The trail surface in this park is rocky and filled with potential areas to twist an ankle. It's a little slow-going due to the need to step carefully at times!Locating this park can be tricky. Though the directions via public transit seem easy enough, the bus stops in West Vancouver are not marked and the buses do not announce the stop names. I missed the stop on my first attempt, and only after careful googling did I find it the second time. So be on the lookout. Paper maps are not available at any of the kiosks I came across. Be sure to bring your own. Though I managed to not get lost, it's easy to see how one might. The one I used is this one: 
http://westvancouver.ca/uploadedFiles/Parks_and_Environment/Parks/LHP_Hiking_Trail_Map.pdfThe pros:It's beautiful here and that's reason enough to come!The views and the (relatively) easy access to the shore made this park a great place to explore. I really enjoyed going down to the water and scrambling around a bit on the rocks. I think you could come to this park more than once and experience it differently each time -- there are enough trails to walk a different configuration each time and I'm guessing, depending on whether it's high or low tide the shoreline would change too.  The cons:This is another &quot;off leash&quot; park and locals take advantage of that. The pups here are eager &amp;amp; friendly, but they do often run ahead of their owners meaning you encounter them often far before you encounter their owners. Parts of the trail here are pretty challenging, particularly the trails on the east side of the park (Arbutus in particular). The are used less, which means you'll encounter fewer people, but they're more primitive with more difficult footing. Though it's Lighthouse Park.. they're really aren't any views of the Lighthouse! The immediate area surrounding the lighthouse is restricted, so the only view you get is of the top 1/3. The path I took:As you can see, you can configure your walk using any number of the trails... here's the path I took. (and be sure to print the map before you go!)From the parking area, I stayed to the right and entered the trails via Juniper Loop. I continued on the Shore Pine Trail until I reached Shore Pine Point at .37 miles. Staying on Shore Pine Trail, I reached a look out point and West Beach 
in another .22 miles. The West Beach trail is only .16 and definitely worth the short detour. Continuing on the Shore Pine Trail, I reached the Lighthouse View Point in another .2 miles (roughly 1 mile total at this point).From the View Point, I stayed to the right and detoured to East Beach - another short .2 miles that is steep, but worth it if you want to explore the shoreline. After a quick break, I looked for the Valley Trail to the right (and forgot to turn my Garmin back on here.. sigh) so I'm not sure how far I walked until I reached the Arbutus Trail turn off. The Arbutus Trail is well marked and you'll know you're there because it's a steep ascent. I followed the Arbutus Trail and made the quick detour to Eagle Point (also worth the amazing view!) for .7 miles. As I mentioned, to me this was the most difficult part of the trail system. I then took the Summit Trail for .3 miles which led me back to the parking area. The trail in this area was a little confusing because all signs seemed to point different directions but lead you to the same place: the parking area. All in all, the path I took was around 2.4 miles. The elevation:As you can see, the first portion of the trails are well used and contain relatively small rolling hills. The second portion (venturing onto the Valley Trail and the Arbutus Trail) are much steeper ascents.  <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277784-IMG_9073.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277785-IMG_9075.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277786-IMG_9077.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277787-IMG_9078.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1534504</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1534504</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:09:49 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Crippen Regional Park - Dorman Point Trail (Vancouver)]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Dorman Point Trail is a quick, steep ascent to a nice lookout point. It's located near the ferry terminal, making it very convenient to find! The pros:This trail wasn't crowded at all. I only saw 2 other people while I was going up and coming down. I think because the trail isn't mentioned as frequently as Killarney Lake is, perhaps people don't know about it?Though steep, this trail is short. Making it doable.The views. Ohhhh the views. So pretty. The Point looks directly across at the mainland. The cons:The trailhead is tucked away (and as I mentioned, not really &quot;advertised&quot; like some of the other trail heads are). To find it from the ferry, stay to the left and look for a row of small shops. Follow the boardwalk to the left here and head for the Snug Cove Picnic Area. The trailhead is just across a field with picnic tables. The elevation:As you can see, it's exactly that: a climb to a peak and then back down the way you came.The map: <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277744-IMG_9031.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277745-IMG_9032.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277748-IMG_9034.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277750-IMG_9036.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1534488</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1534488</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:52:19 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Crippen Regional Park - Killarney Lake Trail (Vancouver)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Killarney Lake is a nice hike around a lake on Bowen Island. The trail (which others describe as easy) consists of rolling hills and nice views. The pros:The hike is easy to find. From the ferry, there are several paths that will lead you to the trailhead on Millers Landing Road. See any of the PDF maps out there to find your way. (Or follow the other people from the ferry. I found that most were also there to hike when I went)The environment in Crippen is lush. I wish the pictures did it justice. The greens are such a vivid green and I totally enjoyed looking at the plants that looked almost tropical to me. The surface of the trail is a hard packed dirt with pine needles on top. This, along with the many bridges and wooden walkways, made for easy walking.The cons:There really aren't that many views of the lake along the path. The best are from the picnic area (or nearby it) and you could easily access those if you're short on time, rather than completing the entire hike around the lake.It's pretty crowded. Lots of locals use the trail here to walk their pups and while I love a nice dog, it was surprising to me that very few (if any) had their dogs leashed. I came away with a few muddy paw prints.The elevation:As you can see, along the Lake trail you will go up and down many, many times. The rolling aspect of this trail wore me out a bit! The path:The trail here is well marked and since you're making a loop around the lake, it's pretty hard to get lost. :) <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277637-IMG_8970.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277638-IMG_8974.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277640-IMG_8976.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4277641-IMG_8977.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1534455</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1534455</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:19:43 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mammoth Cave]]></title><description><![CDATA[These are the things I learned about Mammoth Cave National Park today:It's a really big park. And though a section of a trail on the park map looks like it might be 2-3 miles.... figure that I'm calculating wrong and will be way off. Don't count on the maps to have mileage (shocker to me). Be prepared to utter &quot;disappointed, disappointed, disappointed&quot; about 80 times once you turn around and backtrack when your realize your mileage guesstimations are way off. Here are things to know:I started the trail at the Maple Springs parking lot. On the map, this made the most sense. From that parking lot, I crossed the street and followed a gravel path half a mile to the Good Spring Church. So far, so good.From here, I hung to the right of the church and picked up the blue blazed Dry Prong Trail. Though I didn't notice it, this trail marked a descent into the woods (one that I would dread coming back up). Still so far, so good.Following the map, I hung right again and picked up the Raymer Hollow Trail. This trail double backs once and I kept KEPT KEPT thinking - wow, how are we not at Raymer Hollow yet? One hour in, I checked my GPS against the map and realized that I was only about halfway to the the Hollow and much, much, much further away from making the loop I'd set out to make.Hanging my head, I turned back and went back the way I came. Next time:Figure out how long the trails are. There have GOT TO BE resources somewhere on the internet for these trails (I just couldn't find them yesterday).  And for the record, the park gift shop didn't have this guide as I was expecting them to and the rangers I asked were no help at all! Bring a horse. Lots of horses (and horse poo) on these trails.  <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4184794-pic_82.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4184795-pic_83.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4184797-pic_84.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4184798-pic_85.jpg"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1509462</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1509462</link><pubDate>Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:57:19 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Warner Park Red Trail ]]></title><description><![CDATA[This fun trip over to the Red Trail at Warner Park is entitled: &quot;Things I've totally forgotten about the Red Trail&quot; Why is this relevant to you? Because this is important stuff! ha. So here goes: things I've totally forgotten about regarding the red trail:It's long. I know, I know 4.6 miles isn't that long but with the constant up/down/up/down the 4.6 here is far more difficult than 4.6 at Radnor Lake. There are hills. Lots of them. See the elevation:That hill? The one at 3 miles? It's this guy:I'd forgotten all about him.There's mud. Quite a lot of it. Granted, it rained 2 days prior but I'd forgotten how the water just settles in the valleys and stays there. It's kind of like walking in pudding. Now, of course, that sounds like fun unless you're scared of falling and landing in the pudding like I am. So you go slow. Speaking of slow. I'd forgotten how slow I am when I'm not in tip-top hiking condition. See pace:So yeah. I stopped and took breaks 1, 2, 3, (ok countless) times. Some of those times though were trekking carefully through the mud. It wasn't all me being out of breath, promise. ;-)Although, I just looked back at my prior trips to the Red Trail and turns out that I wasn't all that slow this time out. The fastest I've done it is in 1:33. Today's venture took 1:40. So yay for me being faster than I thought. And one more note on the mud: I'd forgotten that Nikes aren't waterproof. Turns out they aren't mud proof either. I only semi-regretted not wearing my hiking boots (I have a boot-induced blister at the moment I was trying to let heal). Wasn't that fun? Next time I'll remember these things and be ready for it!! <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/4029833-pic_59.jpg"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1459087</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1459087</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:05:23 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Walls of Jericho]]></title><description><![CDATA[What is the Walls of Jericho?The Walls of Jericho is a 750-acre natural area that is within the 8,943-acre Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which is contiguous to the Skyline WMA in Alabama. The “Walls” is an impressive geological feature that forms a large bowl shaped amphitheater. Embedded in the limestone are bowling ball size holes from which water drips and spouts, creating a unique water feature. This amphitheater gives rise to steep 200-foot sheer rock walls that creates the natural feature defining the amphitheater. Turkey Creek drains through the “Walls” and has been an active geological force in creating the amphitheater. (from here)It looks like this:What you need to know:This is a strenuous hike. I read this review before making the decision to join the Middle Tennessee Hiking Meetup Group for this New Years Resolution hike and felt somewhat confident that I could do it. I was only partly right. I did finish the hike, but it is certainly challenging in places. Read the reviews. Believe what people say about these things:It's muddy. It had rained briefly on the morning of the hike and that brief rain was enough to turn the trail into a giant, slippery, slick mess for the last mile of so. The closer you get to the Creek, the muddier it gets. Be sure that you have on sturdy shoes and prepare to slip &amp;amp; slide. Dress appropriately. I was so hot (it was an unusually warm day - 50+ degrees) and so I was very sweaty by the time we reached the Creek crossings and the Walls. I wore just my tshirt on the way back up, but my sweaty, damp clothes made the breezes pretty chilly. Though I admit, it felt really good. I can't imagine doing this trail in the height of the summer when it's hot and humid. Wear waterproof boots. There are creek crossings. Three of them. Two of them entail crossing via a footbridge and one of them does not. The last one, you actually cross the creek in two parts and even on this day the water was too deep in places to step into in waterproof boots. In the wet season, other folks said, crossing here is really difficult without getting your feet wet. The hike back up will be tough. It will be. We were impossibly slow coming back up because I was reaching my limit and took a quick break every couple of hundred feet. Others breezed right on by (somehow), and I admit I felt defeated. I consider myself to be in relatively decent shape. I walk fast. I'm always at the front of the pack and rarely 'crash &amp;amp; burn' on a hike or a run. But this hill? This elevation? For 2+ miles? It kicked my butt. It may not kick yours, but you will still feel the very long climb and just like me, you'll be grateful when it's over.The elevation:According to my GPS (everyone's in the group differed slightly), there was a 1000 ft elevation drop in the first 2.5 miles which coincides with the second Creek crossing/arrival at the cemetery. Also note the rolling up/down/up/down of the last mile or so. This part of the trail is entirely covered with slick, slippery mud. It took a while to traverse this section.Click for a large version of this chartOn the return journey back up the hill, you can see that you regain that 1000ft. Fun times. Click for a large version of this chart. The Map:Here's the map from my GPS - you can also download a large one here.And here's a link to the best map I was able to find online: <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3852350-IMG_8825.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3852351-IMG_8826.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3852352-IMG_8827.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3852353-IMG_8828.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1404470</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1404470</link><pubDate>Mon, 2 Jan 2012 09:19:22 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wilhoite Mill Trail (Henry Horton State Park)]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is the shortest trail at Henry Horton. There are some really nice views of the Duck River on this trail -- definitely worth seeing. Also, there are many old artifacts of the Mill still in this area that are visible in the water. Worth checking out!!Elevation:As you can see -- very little elevation change at all. Garmin Map:I went counter-clockwise along this trail, but if you went clockwise you'd see the mill artifacts and the river sooner. If you're interested in adding on mileage to this trail, the River Trail continues on 1.5 miles along the river from this trail. It's still marked as &quot;under development&quot; on all of the maps, but it's there! Park Map:Download the large map here.Wilhoite Mill Map:and the alternate map at the trailhead kiosk that notes the spooky haunted area and the mill site:Download a large version of the map here. <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839770-IMG_8806.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839771-IMG_8807.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839772-IMG_8810.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839773-IMG_8812.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1401402</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1401402</link><pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:01:06 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hickory Ridge Trail (Henry Horton State Park)]]></title><description><![CDATA[I didn't know a lot about Henry Horton State Park before I went there today. I found out there are 4 trails (this one, the Mill Trail which I also did, the Turkey Trail and a River Trail). None of these trails are longer than 1.7 miles so they make a perfect addition to the nearby Cheeks Bend Bluff Trail (which was very cool). Pros:The trails at Henry Horton are pretty easy with very little elevation change. The trails are well marked and kiosks with signs/maps are in the parking areas. (Again, none to take with you, but I snapped a picture of the map just in case)This trail has some interesting rock formations and lots of places to go explore... which I did not, but a braver soul might be interested in doing so. While there were people on this trail (and people at the trail head where there's a play ground) it was very quiet and not crowded at all. Cons:After the other trail I did earlier today, this one wasn't as exciting. It was pretty, but no &quot;wow!&quot; or stunning views, etc etc. Elevation:Garmin map:Since maps of the trails are a little hard to come by... here a map of the park with the trails and a close up of this trail. Click HERE to download a large version of the map.Click HERE to download a large version of the Hickory Ridge map. <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839739-IMG_8800.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839740-IMG_8803.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839741-IMG_8804.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839742-IMG_8805.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1401394</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1401394</link><pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:42:04 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cheeks Bend Bluff View Trail (Duck River)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Another 60 miles hike... and another 60 miles hike that was farther than 60 miles away... but that's okay because this one included a cave. And caves are worth venturing a little out of the way for. The trail is part of the 2,135-acre Duck River State Natural Area Complex and travels along a bluff overlooking the Duck River and includes a special surprise - a side trip through a cave, where you can enter on a bluff top and emerge near the Duck at the base of the bluff. This is a relatively easy, not too strenuous trail (it's definitely not Edgar Evins!). It's ~2 miles and there are plenty of places to explore along the trail. Pros:A cave! The cave is reportedly 100 feet or so, and to me, that was important because it meant that as soon as you enter you can see the light at the other end. Far less scary than entering an unknown-length cave. The cave has been reopened (it was closed for a while last year due to a bat illness).The walking surface is very rocky and today was pretty muddy even though it's been many days since a rainfall. Mud + Smooth Rocks = Slick! I took it slow in many places and still slipped-and-slided a bit. I can imagine if it had rained recently it have been even more muddy and slick!The rock along the bluff is really pretty and the overlooks to the Duck River are nice. Sheer drops down 30-40 feet, so be careful venturing to the edge.The trail was so well marked. Large blue blazes were very easy to see.This trail was not crowded at all. There were 2 other vehicles in the Natural Area but never saw anyone else on the trail. Reading other reviews, it seems that's pretty common. Cons:The cave could be easy to miss. I almost did. The 60 Hikes book says to look for red blazes... there are none. There's a tree marked with 3 blue stripes - its to the left of that. It's a bit of a jaunt out to this trail from Nashville.. but if you tack on fun at Henry Horton (which is nearby) then you could make a day of it and do several short trails. There are no bathrooms at this area, and the kiosk did include a map but there were none to take with you.Elevation:Not too shabby... except for that one climb. Oh yeah.. and the loooooooooooong ascent on the way back to parking area...Garmin Map: <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839700-IMG_8767.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839701-IMG_8768.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839702-IMG_8769.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3839703-IMG_8770.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1401377</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1401377</link><pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:15:14 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bledsoe Creek State Park]]></title><description><![CDATA[Though it's a bit of a jaunt out of Nashville, Bledsoe Creek State Park is worth your drive time for a visit. I admit that the &quot;easy&quot; trail ratings in my 60 hikes book made me dismiss these trails... and while they are easy there is one big plus: the scenery is gorgeous. What you'll want to know:I followed the advice of the 60 hikes book and parked at the Park Offices. The  offices are immediately on your right after you turn into the park. There are 3-4 parking spots here and a trail head with maps. I started down the paved path just to the left of the Office. The paths, at first, are paved and part of the park's accessible trail. This path leads you around several playgrounds and camp ground areas until you pick up the &quot;Shoreline Trail&quot; (blazed red)... which does just that: follow the shoreline. The Shoreline Trail was absolutely gorgeous this morning with the sun having just risen and the fog burning off the water. It was a great time of day to go and see this trail. Mostly flat and a mulched surface, this trail is definitely easy. I followed this trail to the &quot;High Ridge Trail&quot; (blazed red) and boy they weren't kidding around -- you steeply ascent this ridge by climbing up steps created by 4x4 supports. The ~150 ft climb is a tough one, but rewarding - the views at the top are really nice. I kept with the High Ridge Trail and meandered along the top of the ridge and saw many, many, many deer. Upon the intersection of the &quot;Owl Ridge Trail&quot; (blazed blue) I decided to check out the Owl Ridge and followed that trail for the .25 or so until it stopped at a parking lot. So I turned around and went back and picked back up the High Ridge Trail and carried on. At the end of the High Ridge Trail, you can seamlessly cross over onto the Birdsong Trail (another of the park's paved accessible trails - blazed orange) for views from across the lake. It was a nice ~1 mile or so out and back, and a nice way to wrap up this hike.You can see my Garmin's elevation here:And the pic of the park map that I snapped with my camera here. As per the usual, I had difficulty finding a map I was pleased with before I went, but now I've stumbled upon this one and it's a good one. Go with it rather than what the park has posted at the Office. This one is correct! :) Wish I'd found this before I went!!!  (The map that the office has posted doesn't have the red side trails nor the blue trail indicated on it, which is confusing when you come upon trails that aren't on the map!) <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3728118-IMG_8681.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3728119-IMG_8684.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3728120-IMG_8685.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3728121-IMG_8687.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1371154</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1371154</link><pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:14:33 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beaman Park (Ridgetop Trail + Henry Hollow Loop)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Beautiful day, nice weather, nice company, nice location = great hike!On my second trip to the Beaman Park trails (and my brother's first) we tackled both of the longer trails (the white-blazed Henry Hollow loop and the red-blazed Ridgetop Trail) totaling 5.5 miles in all (though the signs indicated we should have completed just over 6 miles neither of our Garmin's agreed with this assertion!). What you need to know:Beaman Park is super easy to get to from Briley West. Only ~5 miles off the parkway &amp;amp; Ashland City Highway, you'd never know how close you are to neighborhoods/traffic once you're there. The Henry Hollow Loop is easy (though rated moderate) - there aren't any tough ascents/descents, though my perception might just be off since I've done a more difficult trail recently. The elevation does show that the first mile is a steady climb up, but we barely noticed it.The Ridgetop Trail, though, does have many ups and downs and those get tiring - especially since you do them out and back. The trail was a bit muddy/wet in spots (and it did rain lots and lots this week) but nothing like it was last winter when I went and it was very, very muddy. So watch that should you venture out!It took a bit of googling to find a good map of the trails at this park, so here's a snip of the map as well as a link to the official trail map. <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3728183-beaman1.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3728185-beaman2.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3728186-beaman3.JPG"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3728188-beaman4.JPG"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1370364</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1370364</link><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:43:00 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ellington Agricultural Center Trail ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Before today, I wasn't totally sure what Ellington Agricultural Center is, much less what the trail system there is like. Turns out they have a nice 1.6 mile trail that skirts the perimeter of the park area as well as two other smaller trails that cut across it. The trail tended to be mulched or dirt/mud and I was pleased to see folks jogging on it. For me, that's a definitely plus - another place in Nashville to jog on a soft trail surface besides the super-challenging Warner Parks. The trail here at Ellington is well marked and makes sense - you just stay close to the edges and follow the well-worn paths. See:My only warning: beware the multitude of photographers. It could have just been  bad timing (a fall Friday, nice temps, etc), but I saw at least 6 different sets of familys taking photos. Some were out of the way and not a problem.. Others? Not so much. Blocking the path entirely! Sigh... <br><img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3704117-pic_1.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3704118-pic_2.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3704119-pic_3.jpg"/> <img src="http://images.everytrail.com/pics/thumbnail/3704120-pic_4.jpg"/> ]]></description><guid>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1364904</guid><link>http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1364904</link><pubDate>Sat, 19 Nov 2011 10:10:51 -0500</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
	