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47 Parks

5 Fun Non-Rigorous National Park Activities

  • December 5, 2019May 29, 2020

Each of our country’s national parks are different, special snowflakes surrounded by the varied landscape of our nation. Despite each park’s uniqueness, I found that I still had similar experiences during my epic road trip when I visited each one. As a young, healthy outdoorsy gal, I was able to dive right in to nature, … Read more

47 Parks

Smokies

  • August 25, 2019August 25, 2019

Returning to a favorite national park feels like coming home.

I drove only a few miles into the Smokies and was met with waves of nostalgia. I remember that trailhead! That huge majestic willow tree looks familiar!

My last visit to the park had involved multiple adventures over the course of a week. I trekked … Read more

47 Parks

Great Smoky Mountains Recap

  • August 7, 2016March 10, 2019

sign

Length of Stay:

  • 5 days, 5 nights on the North Carolina side
  • 2 days, 2 nights on the Tennessee side

Highs:

  • Walking in the woods (yep – the hiking was superb)
  • Learning the history of the Appalachian people

Lows:

  • Graffiti – some people think it’s “cool” to carve their name into a building that is
… Read more
47 Parks

Mentorship and Bird Banding

  • August 5, 2016March 10, 2019

A couple noteworthy things happened during my last 24 hours in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

First of all, I met Trevor. He is only 2 parks away from visiting every single national park. That’s incredible! I was able to ask him a ton of questions about his journey thus far and gleam some … Read more

47 Parks

Old Timey = Good Timey

  • August 3, 2016March 10, 2019

Cades Cove is a pretty neat little place. Long before the Smokies were established as a national park, settlers moved into the valley and created homesteads. Life was difficult, but these folks sure knew how to work hard, build community, and enjoy life in the mountains. Their daily routines revolved around feeding their families, heeding … Read more

47 Parks

High Places

  • July 24, 2016March 10, 2019

The Smokies are perfect for those seeking deliciously satisfying views. There are numerous drives, hikes, and strolls that take you to fabulous summits.

A popular destination within the Smokies is Clingman’s Dome. It’s a simple half-mile walk up a paved inclined trail that lands you at the base of an observation tower. On Monday, I … Read more

47 Parks

Running Water

  • July 22, 2016March 10, 2019

No, I’m not talking about that convenient spigot full of fluoride-infused water that most Americans take for granted – I’m talking about rivers, streams, runs, brooks, creaks, and “cricks”. Great Smoky National Park is full of running water, flowing rapidly (yet sometimes leisurely) from the mountain crests.

I’ve been pretty spoiled to be able to … Read more

About Me

About Me

National park expert. Nature enthusiast. Outdoor educator. These are the chronicles of my travels and discoveries around the country and throughout the world.

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