Why the Ozarks? How about a painter’s palette full of color? The Ozarks display reds, yellows, and a multitude of variations. Color begins with black gum trees changing to brilliant reds in early October and continues to spread through maple, sweet gum and oak. Even poison ivy can...
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October in Texas usually marks the end of the hot summer temperatures, and cooler weather and fall colors make this one of the best months to lace up your shoes and go for a hike. It's a good time to make the trip out to Enchanted...
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While selecting photos for a presentation to the Trailblazers Hiking Club in Fort Smith, Arkansas, I realized the Ozarks could hold their own following the High Sierras of California. The day of the program, photos transitioned smoothly from the John Muir Trail to the Ozarks and the...
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"Private beach in a state park? In Florida? You must have gotten too much sun!" But if you venture to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park or St. Joseph Wilderness Preserve, you will find just that. Miles of white-sand beaches, towering sand dunes, wildlife, sunsets, and more...
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Some may think it’s hard to find signs of fall in Seattle. The towering pines, while pretty and representative of the PNW, don’t exactly find themselves the stars of fall foliage photos. However, if you know where to look, the vibrant yellow and orange leaves of fall...
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Florida is a tent camper’s paradise. From the northwestern Panhandle to the Everglades, there are natural areas, still wild, that have been developed enough to include campgrounds of high quality. So you can camp in an attractive setting and have plenty of nature nearby to enjoy. And with...
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Behind every great writer is usually a loyal four-legged coauthor, either curled up in a lap or snoozing under a desk. When your coauthor has actually accompanied you on fieldwork, she deserves even more praise (and pets and treats). The countdown is on for the release of Five-Star...
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The Columbia River Gorge just outside of Portland, Oregon, is known for its fairy tale-like trails and countless waterfalls. In photos, it's picturesque. In person, it's unbelievable. While living in the #YourLead van this past summer, Heidi and I made it a priority to add Tunnel...
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Earlier this summer, we shared how Jim Warnock, author of our upcoming guide, Five-Star Trails: The Ozarks, packed for his John Muir Trail thru-hike. 21 days and 210 miles later, Jim has completed the journey. Follow along as he tells the story: Beginnings: We began our 21 days on the trail from Tuolumne...
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Long, sunny days that seamlessly transition into warm nights are ideal for two of America's beloved summer pastimes—swimming and camping. When you can combine both, you are essentially winning at summer. Maryland is bursting with campgrounds that offer an array of scenery and experiences, from the...
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