9 backpacking tips — preparing for your first hike
Nine tips for preparing your gear for backcountry adventures.
Hiking and Mental Health
Really enjoyed my wide-ranging chat with Jay Barone of The Curiosity Chamber podcast about the importance of green space and getting outdoors as it relates to our well-being.
History of the Appalachian Trail featured on Nature Revisited podcast
I had a great time discussing the history of the AT with host Stefan Van Norden of the Nature Revisited podcast.
Green Mountain National Forest adds 2,100 acres
The new acquisition includes a variety of streams and bogs. (US Forest Service photo.) The Trust for Public Land has facilitated the purchase of over 2,100 acres in southern Vermont in proximity to the Appalachian Trail. The forest land adjoining existing Green Mountain National Forest lands includes 688 acres in northeast Pownal, 1,251 acres in […]
New Podcast Explores History of the Appalachian Trail
Professor Mills Kelly of George Mason University and his team have put together a wonderful podcast series about the history of the Appalachian Trail. If you’ve ever wondered how the trail came into being or what went on behind the scenes to get it built, this is a great place to start. I look forward […]
Permethrin Tick Repellent and Cats Don’t Mix
In recent years, spraying clothing or gear with the insecticide Permethrin has become a popular way to help reduce the chance of getting Lyme disease. (Permethrin essentially prevents tick bites.) But if you own pets, beware. The concentration of permethrin used to prevent ticks on dogs (typically 45% or higher) can cause tremors, seizures and, […]
Talking Maine Hiking with Triple Crown Hiker Elysha Dyer on Mainely Matters Podcast
I really enjoyed the opportunity to chat up Maine hiking destinations and long-distance hiking with fellow trail enthusiast Elysha Dyer and host of the Mainely Matters podcast, Brian Bickford. With over 80 land trusts, 600,000 acres of public reserved land, scores of state and private parks, and Acadia National Park, Maine has trails for enthusiasts […]
How to eat healthier on the trail
Time was when eating healthy food on the trail was a lot more work than it was worth.
But with more companies meeting the demand for more flavorful, less processed foods, it’s easier to carry even green, leafy vegetables into the backcountry than ever before.
A Section Hiker’s Guide to the Hundred Mile Wilderness
The northernmost stretch of the Appalachian Trail winds 114 miles from the last trail town Monson, Maine to the summit of Katahdin. Over the years this remote section has acquired the name “Hundred Mile Wilderness.”
Here are some tips for planning a trip through this special place.
New Trail Alert
On August 3, 2019, the state of Oregon will open a new stretch of trail from Wyeth State Park to Lindsey Creek, marking a significant milestone in their effort to create a hiking and cycling trail connecting Troutdale to The Dalles. The trail retraces the original scenic highway that was partially destroyed in the construction of Interstate 84 to provide safe hiking and biking through the gorge while allowing spectacular views along the way.