Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt! ~ John Muir
That’s some good advice to take given that National Hiking Day is November 17th. As a camper, you are probably no stranger to hiking trails near our campgrounds, but we decided to look at them differently. So, let’s see which ones appeal to your hiking senses next time you’re camping with us!
Most Beautiful: Per thetravel.com, McWay Waterfall Trail in Big Sur’s Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a gorgeous hike. Some may find the short distance (less than 2 miles) beautiful, but it will be the 80-foot waterfall dropping into the Pacific Ocean and views of the rocky coastline that will leave you breathless. Stay at Thousand Trails San Benito to experience this hike.
Most Challenging: Yosemite’s Half Dome Mist Trail ranks right up there due to elevation gain (4800 feet), the need for climbing cables, and the length (14.2 miles round trip). It is also best done from late May to early June. But hey, if you’re staying at nearby Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, why not give it a try?
Easiest: Is it really a hike if the path is paved? Of course it is! For those of you camping at Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort in the great state of Tennessee, head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to get started on the 2.6-mile round trip hike on the Laurel Falls Trail to view one of the most beautiful falls in the Smokies!
Dog-Friendly: Planning a Wisconsin camping trip next summer and plan to bring your furry 4-legged bestie? Plan a stay at Yukon Trails Camping Resort and head for the hills – that is the hilly terrain that is nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest. The Ice Age Trail here is very dog-friendly (they must be leashed) and while the entire trail is 30+ miles, you can choose to hike shorter segments.
Most Haunted: One of the most haunted hiking trails in the US is said to be the Iron Goat Trail, located outside Leavenworth, Washington. It is roughly 6 miles round trip, but shorter routes can be taken. However, whether you do all 6 miles or take the shorter route, expect to be spooked by the spirits of those who did not survive the 1909 avalanche that decimated the railroad depotin Wellington, killing 96 people. Book a camp stay at Thousand Trails Leavenworth and see if you dare hike this trail!
Read More:
- There are so many beautiful parks that we can’t help being thankful for
- You’ll love these small towns and the campgrounds nearby
- Don’t forget to try these cornbread recipes with a twist!
- Why not try these 5 great ways to celebrate November’s special days?
- Explore the Thousand Trails Camping Pass and the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.
