Hike through the Boundary Waters on the BRT
The Border Route Trail is a 65-mile hiking trail that runs through the Boundary Waters. Specifically, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, or BWCAW, which lies between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. Many people canoe the BWCAW, but very few people hike the...
Why the Grand Canyon Is A Great Place to Hike
The Arizona Trail runs through the Grand Canyon. So if you decide to do a thru-hike of the Arizona Trail, or AZT, one bonus is that you'll get to hike down to the floor of the canyon and back out again. I was fortunate enough to hike the AZT in the spring of 2019, and...
Why Hiking Is Becoming So Popular
Everyone is hiking these days. Especially on long-distance trails. Hiking is surging in popularity not only across the U.S., but all around the world. Experts aren’t positive why this is happening, but believe one reason is the popularity of the book “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed.
Exploring the Ice Caves at Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Ice caves abound every winter in Wisconsin's 8,600-acre Kickapoo Valley Reserve. That's because the reserve has an abundance of groundwater. And it's scarred with steep stream valleys, sandstone and limestone cliffs, and overhangs. Together, that's perfect for the...
Five Places Most Tourists Miss in Washington, D.C.
Many people know what they want to see when visiting Washington, D.C. It's classic sites such as the Washington Monument, Congress and the Smithsonian museums. But there are many other really cool, but lesser-known, attractions. Here are five. Let's see if you've...
How to Hike Through Mt. Grace State Forest
Fifty shades of green burst forth before my eyes as I emerge on the top of the 68-foot fire tower capping Mt. Grace. My metal aerie affords me sweeping views of the vast, remote countryside, which today is bathed in bright emerald, lime and mossy hues. A sea of...
What You Need to Know About the Expansion at Sundara Inn & Spa
Sundara Inn & Spa is one of America's top destination spas. The spa is in the Wisconsin Dells area. Sundara's recent renovation and expansion added new suites, a saltwater pool and loads of wellness activities.These photos are courtesy of Sundara Inn &...
Door County’s Sturgeon Bay Worth a Stop
Door County is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wisconsin and beyond. But visitors tend to ignore Sturgeon Bay, the peninsular county's gateway city. That's a mistake. For Sturgeon Bay, which straddles the peninsula's canal, is in the midst of a...
What You Need to Know About Hiking the Laugavegur Trail
Iceland's Laugavegur Trail is famed for leading hikers past lava fields and across glaciers. The route also showcases natural hot springs, black arctic deserts and lush valleys. The trail is considered one of the world's most beautiful hikes.
How to Hike the Ice Age Trail’s Harrison Hills Segment
When the world's last ice sheet melted away 10,000+ years ago, it left behind many calling cards. Top among them are the deep kettles and soaring hummocks I'm puffing up and down here in Harrison Hills. I pause to catch my breath after reaching the top of 1,920-foot...
Superior Hiking Trail Series – Part 6: Protect and Serve
I'm so grateful to have paths like the Superior Hiking Trail. But if our wonderful trails are to remain, we all have to pitch in. There are many ways to help, from using our trails, to helping maintain them, to donating money.
Superior Hiking Trail Series – Part 5: Nature Effect
You've probably heard that being out in nature is supposed to be good for the body and soul. I'm here to tell you that is absolutely true. Although this trail was hard, it gave back plenty of healing moments.
Superior Hiking Trail Series – Part 4: Suffering and Joy
When you embark upon a long-distance trek along a path like the Superior Hiking Trail, something is likely to go wrong every day. (At least for me!) Usually, it's little things. But sometimes you can face rather significant obstacles. Still, the joy of the experience...
Superior Hiking Trail Series – Part 3: People of the Trail
Hiking appeals to a wide variety of people. It's always fun to meet other hiking fans and discover what draws them to the trail. Here are some insights from people trekking along the Superior Hiking Trail.
Superior Hiking Trail Series – Part 2: Hiking Boom
The Superior Hiking Trail was far from overrun with hikers during my adventure. Still, there was plenty of foot traffic on the trail. Lots of foot traffic mirrors the hiking boom occurring across the nation.
Superior Hiking Trail Series – Part 1: Water Everywhere
My hike along the Superior Hiking Trail, or SHT, began in a hard, cold rain. The ran, coupled with the spring snow melt, meant lots of mud and water. I viewed it as my baptism on the trail.
