William O. Douglas was the longest-serving justice on the US Supreme Court. He’s also the only Supreme Court justice to lead a 185-mile hike through a national park. Whenever he needed to think deeply about a case before the Supreme Court, Associate Justice Douglas would take a long walk on the towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. For Douglas, the C&O was a haven from the trappings of life in Washington, D.C., and a place to uplift his spirit amid the forests and falls of the Potomac River. To maintain his health, which had...
read moreThe Environmental Protection Agency will allow farmers to resume broad use of a pesticide over objections from beekeepers, citing private chemical industry studies that the agency says show the product does only lower-level harm to bees and wildlife. The EPA announcement makes sulfoxaflor the latest bug and weed-killer allowed by the Trump administration despite lawsuits alleging environmental or human harm. The pesticide is made by Corteva Agriscience, a spinoff created last month out of the DowDuPont merger and restructuring. Honeybees...
read moreIf you love your dog and love being active and outside, taking your pup hiking is about as good as it gets. As summer gets into full swing you may be just as likely to meet a four-legged fellow hiker on the trail as another person. So what should you know first before hitting the trail? Know your dog, and know how prepared they are. The basic things to consider are their age, their level of fitness including weight, and their breed plays a role too, because some … like bulldogs, can be more sensitive to heat. That’s a...
read moreHiking during the summer can feel like walking across a hot griddle with a blow torch aimed at your face. That’s why park rangers, who encounter lots of park visitors suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration, want to share some tips to keep hikers safe during the hot summer months. 1. Drink plenty of water. Hydration makes it easier to tolerate heat. Carry extra water and drink periodically, even if you don’t feel thirsty. And if you’re bringing your dog, make sure it has water, too. A good rule of thumb is to turn around and head back...
read moreThe dry and barren trail through Havasu Canyon refuses to give up the secret of what waits just eight miles away: an oasis of tumbling waterfalls and lush greenery, with turquoise pools that would seem more at home in Hawaii than in a remote corner of Arizona. That’s precisely the draw of Havasupai Falls, a roughly four-mile gorge in the Grand Canyon carved over the eons by spring-fed Havasu Creek. The Havasupai Tribe have for years opened their land to those wishing to explore what may well be the Southwest’s most beautiful tourist...
read moreAccording to research, wandering off trail is the number one reason, ahead of injury and bad weather, that adult hikers require search and rescue. A study analyzed 100+ news reports over the past 25 years to identify the most common ways adults in North America got lost while hiking in national parks and wilderness, what they did to survive, and how they made it out alive. Forty-one percent of the survivors began their odysseys, which ranged from a half-day missing to 90 days, by accidentally straying from the trail. Losing the trail can...
read moreCool temperatures enjoyed by hikers might rise enough that people decide to stay inside instead. The culprit – climate change – will cause higher temperatures and uneven intensification of both drought and rainfall. As a result, outdoor recreation trends could change markedly. A study by the University of Georgia and the U.S. Forest Service examined this relationship. The study looked at how climate change could impact outdoor recreation participation. Their findings were published in The Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. First,...
read moreConsider brushing up on your Norse mythology before venturing to northern Norway for one of Europe’s most surprising hikes. “It’s like God himself took his ax and made a mark in the Earth.” That’s how adventurer Trygve Nygård prepares his guests for the views during walks to the rim of Northern Europe’s largest canyon, which stretches more than 7 miles in length. If you’re wondering why you should head to roughly 70 degrees north on the globe (that’s above Alaska) to hike, it all has to do with the stunning scenery that awaits at Alta Canyon....
read moreAllowing the earth’s forests to recover could cancel out a significant amount of humanity’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to new research. The worldwide assessment of current and potential forestation estimates that letting saplings regrow on land where forests have been cleared would increase global forested area by one-third and remove 205 billion metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere. That’s two-thirds of the roughly 300 billion metric tons of carbon humans have put up there since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. “The point...
read moreA program that’s been getting Western North Carolina kids outside since 2016 is now a statewide offering, with a whirlwind tour of 10 North Carolina state parks over the next couple weeks celebrating ecoEXPLORE’s arrival at all 41 park units. “There’s a lot of benefits to being outdoors,” said Jonathan Marchal, youth education manager at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. “A lot of times it’s almost like a competition — you can go outside and be screen-free, or you can go indoors and be completely immersed in a screen. I think one...
read moreAh, the great outdoors. The flora, the fauna, the welcome mystery of the open trail stretched before you. You’ve left it all behind (no cell service, no problems!) until … Wait. Where’s the map? Did you mean to turn left back there? What direction is the campsite anyway? Is it starting to get dark? Don’t lose yourself out there. Every outdoor explorer needs AllTrails on their phone. The app catalogs over 75,000 trails across the United States and Canada, with handy filters to search trails by skill level, accessibility, or...
read moreSummer means sandal time, even on the trails. Swap out your hiking boots for a pair of sturdy hiking sandals to allow for significantly more breathability than closed shoes and faster drying times when you’re fording a stream or getting splashed by rapids. Look for a pair that not only matches your aesthetic but also offers sufficient sole traction and arch support — and keeps your foot comfortably inside. “A main question that women often have about hiking sandals is whether or not they should get a hiking sandal that has a toe strap,” notes...
read moreIn a lot of other states, warm sunny days mean lazy afternoons spent lounging on the beach. Leave it to Oregonians to pack hiking shoes with their bathing suits. From towering Neahkahnie Mountain to the chasms of Cape Perpetua, there are hiking trails that run up and down the gorgeous coastline, exploring the forests, dunes, tide pools and beaches that make it up. The most iconic hikes include easy strolls, solid day hikes and one seriously big adventure to see it all. One of the best things about hiking the Oregon coast is how easily you can...
read moreUnder President Donald Trump, federal agencies have chipped away at the reviews and permitting required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), one of the nation’s bedrock environmental laws. Earlier this month, the Forest Service proposed a significant overhaul of the NEPA process for logging and development on millions of acres of federal forest and grassland across the West. In a statement, the Forest Service said NEPA environmental reviews are time-consuming, redundant and prevent active maintenance of healthy forests. The...
read moreThe Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s top tourist attraction, drawing nearly 1.5 million per year. But while the majority of visitors take in these stunning bluffs overlooking the wild waters of the North Atlantic in one of two common ways, there is a third, less traveled route you can take. This hike is the highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way and among the most stunningly beautiful natural excursions in all of Europe. The Cliffs of Moher are a section of the Irish coastline that, at their highest point near the visitor’s center, rise 700 feet...
read moreWith warmer weather and melting snowpack, outdoor enthusiasts are enjoying camping and hiking trips in Colorado’s many scenic locations. Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff are frequently asked what someone should do if they encounter a bear while out camping or hiking. Whether you are visiting Colorado for a vacation or are a long-time resident, it’s important to be aware of how to discourage human-bear encounters and how to avoid potential issues before heading out to live life outside. First and foremost, when recreating in bear country you...
read moreState Sen. Chuck Edwards, R-Henderson, introduced Senate Bill 535 in April, 2019 that authorizes the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to add Pisgah View State Park to the North Carolina State Parks System. It was passed unanimously by the Senate and referred to the House on June 24, where it is processing through appropriate committees. “It’s been in our family since 1790. Before that, the Cherokee owned it. But nobody owns everything forever. This will make sure that when we’re gone, this property will remain much as it is...
read moreGreat Smoky Mountains National Park and the non-profit partner Discover Life in America (DLiA) are celebrating the diversity of life in the park by hosting “Smokies Species Day” at Sugarlands Visitor Center on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees can learn about fungi, slime molds, beetles, moths, butterflies, and other creatures of the Smokies at this free, family-friendly event. The event will be held outdoors on the patio area in front of the visitor center providing opportunities for people to tour the pollinator...
read moreIt’s undeniable that New Zealand has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, much of which is found in its 13 national parks that span over 11,000 square miles. Any of these parks will have you recharging your camera battery at the end of a full day. If you’re a fan of the landscapes featured in any of the Lord of the Rings films, Fiordland National Park will be a highlight. The country’s biggest park sees scores of visitors each year, who embark on scenic boat trips throughout the area’s two main sounds: Milford and Doubtful. The...
read moreDon’t worry about finding a dog sitter when you head out for an outdoor adventure. You can bring your furry companion along for all kinds of fun on America’s public lands. Service dogs are permitted on all public lands, while most national parks allow pets in developed areas. Other locations – such as national wildlife refuges, national forests, and wild and scenic rivers – also welcome pets on designated trails and parts of the backcountry at various times throughout the year. Don’t forget to check out rules and regulations for...
read moreThe Red-cheeked Salamanders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are superheroes. Found only in this unique park, research has revealed that the salamanders can secrete a special, toxic substance to keep predators away. Ranging from 3.5 to 5 inches long, the Red-cheeked Salamanders are generally dark gray in color, making their red cheeks and/or red legs really pop. The National Park Service writes: “When attacked, this salamander can bite back and will release poisonous slime from the base of its tail.” Like many Iizard varieties, this...
read moreIf you’re thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail, you probably have a lot of questions. Who better to answer them than the people who have already been there and done that? Experienced thru-hikers were surveyed to get their best advice about hiking the Appalachian Trail. It can be difficult to get friends and family on board, but reassure them the best you can. For example, demonstrate you have the capability by completing a long shake-down hike. Express how this is something you’ve been dreaming about for a while and that...
read moreMany of us hike all the time, and so going out for an afternoon jaunt is not cause for long, detailed preparation. We take a water bottle and hit the trails. However, for beginners and those planning hiking trips in new locations, it’s important to put safety first. “Depending on where you hike, if you’re not digging the trip because of weather or you feel tired, sometimes bailing isn’t as easy as calling an Uber,” says Liz Thomas, a record-holding professional hiker, speaker and author. “Learning some safety tips before you head out will...
read moreThe melting of Himalayan glaciers has doubled since the turn of the century, with more than a quarter of all ice lost over the last four decades, scientists have revealed. The accelerating losses indicate a “devastating” future for the region, upon which a billion people depend for regular water. The scientists combined declassified US spy satellite images from the mid-1970s with modern satellite data to create the first detailed, four-decade record of ice along the 2,000km (1,200-mile) mountain chain. The analysis shows that 8bn tons of ice...
read moreThe Environmental Protection Agency killed President Obama’s signature climate change policy, the Clean Power Plan. It’s one of the few definitive wins in the Trump administration’s full-court press to undo and weaken environmental regulations. With the release of a replacement plan before an audience that included coal miners wearing reflective shirts and hard hats, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler finalized the end of the Clean Power Plan (CPP). The plan required states to meet targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from power plants...
read moreFor most South Koreans, a chance to enter the demilitarized zone, the heavily fortified buffer that has divided the peninsula since the end of the Korean War in 1953, has been rare. However, a series of newly opened DMZ Peace Trails is allowing curious civilians to get a closer glimpse of North Korea. On a recent guided tour at the first Peace Trail to open, in Goseong, located on the East Coast of South Korea, a group of around 20 tourists trekked along a trail with rugged coastline on one side and dense forest on the other. Shrubs of...
read moreSmokies Service Days begin on June 29th, 2019. Individuals and families are invited to work alongside staff to care for park trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and historic sites. Make new friends, earn service hours, and gain invaluable experience as you help keep our National Park clean and green. A segment of each Service Saturday is dedicated to insider-enrichment and exploration of the park. Projects run 9am – 1pm on Saturdays. Each project offers tasks that are suitable for all ages and abilities. June 29, 2019: Clean-Up Cosby...
read moreWith the official start of summer right around the corner many people are excited about hiking in the mountains. “Well it starts with a good plan and research at home, first and foremost,” DEC forest ranger Howard Kreft said. He says the outdoors are full of surprises and you can never be too prepared. “You want to make sure you have good sturdy footwear, hiking boots with ankle support. You want to have a map, a compass, extra clothing, layers. You want to have a GPS, your cell phone,” Kreft said. He says filling out...
read moreWest Beach is sand — and not just a dusting of the stuff either, but the soft, deep, undulating variety you’d expect to find near a beach. In honor of its designation in February as the 61st and newest national park, this would be a good place to work across Indiana Dunes — formerly a national lakeshore. It’s a popular place to catch some rays and swim from Memorial Day through Labor Day — and the only beach in the park with lifeguards during the high season. But on a cool, wind-whipped morning you can also get into hiking. The Dune...
read moreOn Friday, June 21, 2019, a hike along part of the Bartram Trail will impart stories of the man who inspired it, with N.C. Bartram Trail Society member Brent Martin leading the adventure. The hike is one of HCLT’s series of EcoTours available to its members. Anyone can become a member on the hike. Reserve a spot by contacting [email protected] or 828.526.1111, or reserve online at www.hicashlt.org. At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2019, Martin will present a program at The Village Green in Cashiers titled “Blazing Trails: looking into the...
read moreIt’s a medical fact: Spending time outdoors, especially in green spaces, is good for you. A wealth of research indicates that escaping to a neighborhood park, hiking through the woods, or spending a weekend by the lake can lower a person’s stress levels, decrease blood pressure and reduce the risk of asthma, allergies, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while boosting mental health and increasing life expectancy. Doctors around the world have begun prescribing time in nature as a way of improving their patients’ health. One question has...
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I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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