USA

Hiking ME – Cadillac North Ridge Trail / Acadia National Park – August 2020

by

Cadillac North Ridge Trail is one of several options to hike up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. This is a moderately difficult, highly trafficked, 4.67-mile in-and-out trail. There are many other trails that intersect Cadillac North Ridge Trail one can choose from for additional hiking options. The path has many good lookout views to the east.

Cadillac Mountain is accessible via:
– Hike Cadillac North Ridge Trail (this post)
– Hike Cadillac West Face Trail
– Hike Cadillac Mountain S Ridge Trail – longest, yet, easiest of hiking trail options
– Hike E Face Dorr Trail to Schiff Path to Gorge Trail
– Drive up to Cadillac Mountain Overlook

An entrance fee is required at Acadia National Park. The automobile permit costs $30 and is valid for seven days. The permit can be purchase in advance at the Acadia National Parks website. For a detailed guide on Acadia, see post Parks – Acadia National Park, ME.

Featuring:

  • Lakes
  • Ocean
  • Good Views
  • Islands
  • Mountains
  • Wild Flowers
  • Wildlife

Read more

Hiking NY – Buttermilk Falls (Gorge, Bear and Lake Treman) – July 2020

by

Buttermilk Falls State Park is located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate NY. It is easy to moderate, 4.52-mile hike with well-groomed trails. Features a heavily used swimming area at the base of the falls. The hike along the gorge has good views of the cascading falls along the hike up towards Lake Treman. Don’t wait till August or later to come here as the falls can dry up late into the season.

Trail summary is per current COVID-19 trail rules regulating the flow of hiker traffic one way around.

Featuring:

  • Lake
  • Waterfall
  • Picnic Area
  • Swimming Area
  • Wild Berries
  • Wild Flower

Read more

Hiking NY – Taughannock Falls State Park – July 2020

by

Today’s hike takes you to Taughannock State Park located in the Finger Lakes region of NY state. The Rim and Gorge trails make up an easy-moderate hike of 5.54 miles. The Rim Trail has nice views of the gorge and waterfall views from the top while the gorge trails allow you to experience the waterfall from the base.

There is an alternate shorter option to just hike the Gorge Trail which is an easy 2.25-mile hike for families to enjoy. Conditions permitting, walking on the river leading up to the Taughannock Waterfall is allowed.

Keep mind if you plan on walking over the river to take proper footwear. The walk on the river can be very slick, be sure to bring good water shoes and take your time staying safe.

Tauughannock waterfall is 215 feet tall that ultimately feeds into Cayuga lake.

Featuring:

  • Lake
  • Waterfall
  • Good Views
  • Picnic Area
  • Wild Berries
  • Wild Flower

Read more

Hiking NJ – Giant Stairs – July 2020 (Update)

by

Giant Stairs is a 4.59 mile, moderate difficulty hike located about 30 minutes north of NYC at the State Line Lookout. It’s a fun quick escape that exhibits great views, challenging terrain, and decent elevation gain. The area is good for picnics and offers an excellent bird watching opportunity in the morning.

In the wintertime, some of the trails (A, B, C, and D) can be used for cross-country skiing.

Featuring:

  • River
  • Stream
  • Waterfall
  • Good Views
  • Picnic Area
  • Monument
  • Wild Berries
  • Wild Flower

Read more

Hiking NY – Watkins Glen State Park Falls Trail – July 2020

by
Watkins Glen Park Logo Overlooking Falls

Watkins Glen State Park falls trail is an easy, 3.02-mile hike that takes you along many waterfalls in the gorge. Has spectacular photo opportunities behind the falls and a great place to go with family as the trail is suitable for all ages. Unlike Buttermilk Falls and Taugannock Falls, there is no swimming or walk area on the water. With COVID-19, the park and trails are open but the trails are one way around the gorge. Come from Spring to Fall as the trails in the gorge are closed during the winter months.

This place tends to be very popular and crowded, come early to avoid the crowds.

Featuring:

  • Waterfall
  • Picnic Area
  • Wild Flower

Read more

Hiking MA- Bish Bash Falls (from NY) – July 2020

by

For those hot summer days, this is a wonderful and easy hike for the family to experience Bish Bash Falls. It is an easy, short 1.82 mile, in-out hike with minimal elevation. The view is worth it.

Featuring:

  • River
  • Waterfall
  • Wild Flower

Read more

Hiking NY- Windham High Peak- June 2020

by

Windham High Peak is an in-out trail of medium-difficult rating. The terrain is rather easy but does have steady elevation gains to the top keep your body working hard. The trail is 7.19 miles according to my Garmin tracker, even though the trail is rated at 6.6 miles (3.3 miles to peak).

This is a good trail late spring through fall, including summer as the tree cover keeps the trail cool. Winter through early spring has this trail covered in snow and ice and recommend staying away unless you come prepared with the proper equipment.

Featuring:

  • Stream

  • Good Views

  • Wild Flower

Read more

Hiking NY – Lake Minnewaska to Lake Awosting – June 2020

by

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of my favorite destinations within NY state. Has many gorgeous hiking trails, carriage ways for biking or simply picnicking by the lake. Today’s adventure is a hike to Lake Awosting via Castle Point and returning on Upper Awosting. This is a easy-moderate hike at 12.39 miles. This specific trail can be used for biking.

Park opens at 9am. During weekends, entrance is usually temporary closed by mid-morning for full parking and crowd control.

Featuring:

  • Lake
  • Stream
  • Good Views
  • Wild Berries
  • Wild Flower

Read more

Hiking NJ- Mount Tammany and Sunfish Pond Loop (Karamac Trail Parking Lot)- June 2020

by

Located on New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap, this is a difficult, 12.77 miles, 2,900 feet hike. Rewarding views from Mount Tammany and Sunfish Pond.

COVID-19 has limited parking. Typically, one will park near Mount Tammany trail head by Exit 1. This hike started at Karamac Trail Parking Lot adding 2 miles. Come early as Mount Tammany parking lot is known to fill up by 9:00.

Featuring:

  • Lake
  • River
  • Stream
  • Good Views
  • Wild Flower

Read more

Hiking NY – Sterling Forest Bare Rock  and Sterling Ironworks – May 2020

by

Moderate and fun hike at Sterling Forest State Park.  It is roughly a half-day hike at 8.38 miles. Leading up to the fire tower there is a decent hike up elevation, otherwise, it’s a fairly easy trail with some beautiful views. It’s particularly nice here during the fall.

Featuring:

  • Lake
  • Streams
  • Good Views
  • Fire Tower (Closed due to COVID-19)

  • Ruins (Sterling Ironworks)
  • Wild Flowers

Read more