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I have many, my wife and I like to hike the Great Smoky Mts. We visit every other year and were going back this Sept/Oct. One of best was in an area known as the Greenbrier. You hike in an area that still has reminants of virgin forest and also remains of the great American Chestnut trees--there is evidence (photos) that these trees were in excess of 10-12 FT in dia at the base and about 200-300 ft tall. Quite impressive.
I have many, my wife and I like to hike the Great Smoky Mts. We visit every other year and were going back this Sept/Oct. One of best was in an area known as the Greenbrier. You hike in an area that still has reminants of virgin forest and also remains of the great American Chestnut trees--there is evidence (photos) that these trees were in excess of 10-12 FT in dia at the base and about 200-300 ft tall. Quite impressive.
Interesting. I had never considered that area before. Just looked it up. Its history is intriguing, and as for the cemeteries, I guess that would be amongst the choicest place to be laid to rest. How lovely.
sounds like there's a significant presense of bears too, which should keep it interesting.
Devil's Head, between Denver and Colorado Springs on the Rampart Range Rd. Only about 2 miles (4+/- miles RT) and 1300' vertical, but a beautiful walk thru the woods.
The finish is 150 steps up a metal staircase (almost a ladder) to a fire lookout tower high in the rocky crags. Incredible views!
Went in the fall when the aspen were golden!!!
Interesting. I had never considered that area before. Just looked it up. Its history is intriguing, and as for the cemeteries, I guess that would be amongst the choicest place to be laid to rest. How lovely.
sounds like there's a significant presense of bears too, which should keep it interesting.
coldPlay: For as long as my wife and I have been going to the smokies we have seen only 2 bears and believe it or not these bears were running across the parking lot of the restaurant we were eating at and ran back into the woods. I have also seen wild boar in the area of the Chimney Tops pk area off of US 441
Devil's Head, between Denver and Colorado Springs on the Rampart Range Rd. Only about 2 miles (4+/- miles RT) and 1300' vertical, but a beautiful walk thru the woods.
The finish is 150 steps up a metal staircase (almost a ladder) to a fire lookout tower high in the rocky crags. Incredible views!
Went in the fall when the aspen were golden!!!
oh wow. Would love to see a photo, but photos rarely do justice to seeing it in person. Your description reminds me of one in N. CA off HWY 50 near the Sierras (not quite as dramatic as the rockies imo). It's a 2000' vertical gain and the whole things to the top drops off to a waterfall.
I cycled around that area when I was 20, but never had the chance to hike the trails. thanks for sharing.
My favorite day hikes have all been in Alaska- Suicide Peak & Penguin Peak in the Chugach range. Polychrome Mountain, Sable Mountain, Cathedral Mountain & Stony Dome all in Denali National Park. LOL Of course these were all separate days. I saw bears, wolves, caribou, dall sheep, moose and even a lynx. All incredible views- worldclass!
I take all the 10 essentials when hiking, ultra-light gortex jacket & pants, plus lunch, snacks & my drug of choice.... chocolate covered espresso beans! I hike a lot by myself and see more wildlife that way.
Too many to mention, but you sure got me thinking and remembering!
Lately my favorite hike is in Effigy Mounds National Monument in Eastern Iowa. Just jump out of the car, go say hi to the Rangers, then make your way up a pretty tough hill to the top of the bluffs above the Mississippi. It's a glorious view and invigorating hike among historic burial mounds. You can do a short loop or a long hike that takes several hours, or take several different hiking trails and spend a few days. Sometimes I'm alone on the trail, other times there are family groups . . . everyone's happy. Just a really special, peaceful, happy place (dare I say spiritual?) My very favorite place in America.
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