I remain convinced that one of the best ways to see a place is on foot.
Hiking connects you to a location in a way that no fuel-powered form of transportation can. While I can’t help but appreciate the modern wonder that is planes, trains, and automobiles, hiking affords more natural and up-close adventures. Much like the reasons for my love of kayaking, I enjoy being in nature, taking in my surroundings gradually.
Probably my favorite hike ever occurred in Mount Rainier National Park. We hiked in several different places in the park, but were ultimately rewarded with some of the most stunning views of Rainier I’ve ever seen. Catching a glimpse of Rainier’s majestic, but elusive, peak will likely always be among my most amazing hiking memories.
Another great hike was in my home state of Georgia in the Tallulah Gorge. The Gorge is deep and the climb down is strenuous, but the views are incredible, and the suspension bridges and stairs they’ve installed to enable the hike are impressive.
I kept my eyes focused on crossing this bridge, rather than thinking about where I’d end up if it swung a bit too much.
The view above is from the bottom of the gorge, where the water runs crystal clear and is tinted a beautiful green that matches the surrounding foliage.
So far, I’ve only done day hikes, but maybe one day we’ll do a weeks-long hike on the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trail. I also haven’t seen enough national parks, and hope to see Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Yosemite in the near future.
Booked & Ready 
Living in Colorado, we are blessed with lots of wonderful trails. One of my favorites is in the Zirkel Wilderness toward Rainbow Lake. The Appalachian and PCT are also on our list to someday tackle. As far as day hikes, we love going to Lory State Park in the foothills, which are filled with trails that overlook the entire city. If you get a chance, Discovery Park, just outside Seattle is gorgeous.
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I love hiking in Colorado, and I can’t believe I’ve never been to Discovery Park! That’s now on my list. My husband is from Washington and I’ve been to many places in Seattle, but somehow not there. That’s going on our list next time we’re in WA!
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Beautiful pics! I’ve started taking my niece on hikes here in the local parks. I’m hoping as she gets older that she’ll want to go to bigger parks and do some real hiking. She asked to go back again so I think she’s starting to really enjoy it. She just turned 9 and I’m hoping we’ll work our way up to camping when she’s a bit older.
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Thank you! I love introducing young people to the fun of the outdoorts. Appreciation of nature starts young. 🙂
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