US Nat'l Forests & State Parks

State: Tennessee Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bLFvK1WYzpgpRYm17 Park: Cherokee National Forest Length Lower Higgins Creek Falls (1.5 miles out-and-back) Elevation: 482 Fee: Free // It's been exactly 555 days since I stepped onto the trails of Rocky Fork State Park and Cherokee National Forest. I've changed. But this landscape is transformed. Eight days after I left Rocky Fork in September 2024 following an off-trail waterfall adventure, Hurricane Helene hit and Erwin, T

State: Georgia Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JggXYQakkLUnVnMz6 Park: Providence Canyon State Park Length: The Backcountry Trail + Canyons 1-9: 9.3 miles Elevation: 866 feet Fee: Daily Pass of $10.00 per vehicle // Providence Canyon appears like an unexpected mirage in the Georgia lowlands. The gently undulating countryside, covered by various oak and hickory species, abruptly falls into canyons comprised of striking multi-colored sediments. If you've traveled out West, t

State: Alabama Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AyCrjhN9K8XunufbA Park: Conecuh National Forest Length: 7.2 miles Fee: Free // Conecuh National Forest is a hidden gem in southern Alabama for those who love longer hikes and camping. The South Loop was my first taste of the park. At 7.2 miles and relatively flat, the trail goes by quickly yet still offers plenty of features to include a crystal clear creek and natural spring. In February 2026, there was a series of prescribed

State: Florida Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oHRM3sxv4c9zkv4D7 Park: Florida Caverns State Park Cave Tour Duration: Approximately 1 hour Above Ground Trail Length: Beech Magnolia & Bluff Trail Loop (1.1 miles) Above Ground Trail Length: Red and Blue Trail Loop (2.0 miles) Fee: $4.00 (single occupancy vehicle), $5.00 for more than one occupant // CAVE TOUR The caverns offers one cave tour to the public, which is an hour long guided walk among the formations. There are whi

State: Florida Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bGoh4mXnDyCkceRg7 Park: Torreya State Park Length: 13 miles (My distance is a little longer, due to detours) Fee: $3.00 // I will admit that I underestimated the Torreya Challenge Trail. Situated in northern Florida and dominated by wiregrass and pines, the trail provides the hiker with a constantly undulating series of elevation gains totaling over 1650 feet at the conclusion of the hike. It's a rugged 13 miles *my total mile

State: New Mexico Trailhead: Tunnel Vista Observation Site, Lincoln National Forest Park: Lincoln National Forest Length: 0.5 miles, out-and-back Fee: None // Living in the Chihuahuan Desert gets dry. The sun seems to shine too often, too bright, and the dusty glare of the Franklin mountains on baking days makes you wish for the reprieve of a single day of showers. There is water near El Paso. You just have to know where to look and have a liberal definition of "near." If you

State: New Mexico Trailhead Location: 33.37601852, -108.84350586 Park: Gila National Forest Length: 5 miles, out-and-back Fee: None // Whitewater Canyon rises with sheer walls over the rushing waters of Whitewater Creek below. Most people seek out Glenwood, NM for a chance to hike the Catwalk National Recreation Trail. The views from Gold Dust Trail make the Catwalk pale in comparison. Although they are two different hiking experiences, very little compares in this area to th