For serious climbing enthusiasts, just the mention of places such as Mount Everest or the explosive volcano known as Mount St. Helens can get their hearts pounding. Reaching the summit of one of these dangerous mountains and making it back in one piece is a real accomplishment.

Though not quite as hazardous as other locations, Colorado's Grizzly Peak is aptly named, because for some athletes, it can be a real bear to climb, especially in the winter months. Skiers looking for a thrill also enjoy the challenges of making it down the steep slopes of Grizzly.

Located in Summit County, near the Continental Divide, this mountain reaches a height of 13,988 feet, making it the state's highest "thirteener." Because you will be climbing thousands of feet above sea level, you need to be aware of the potential dangers of altitude sickness. When tackling this peak, make sure that your body is conditioned for the thinner air.

Depending on your skill level, there are different ways to enjoy the trip up Grizzly Peak. Novice climbers can get gain some experience by taking the route that leads up to Mount Sniktau. If this is one of your first climbs, you also can start your ascent from Chihuahua Gulch, although you probably won't find any talking dogs that are hungry for Taco Bell.

The summer months are the best time to summit Grizzly Peak. During the winter, the snow and ice make the trek a lot more dangerous, especially with the constant threat of avalanches. In this area, however, high winds are possible year round, so it's always advisable to check the weather conditions before heading out.

In addition to climbing boots and a sturdy backpack, make sure to pack some good outerwear like the North Face's Hybrid Jacket. This gear helps block out the wind, keeping you warm and dry as you make your way to the summit.

No matter if you are ready to go toe-to-toe with the bear, or you are still growling at the Chihuahua, Grizzly Peak is an ideal climbing destination.

Resources:
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152333/grizzly-peak.html
http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=613

This weekend, my friends and I, since we can't all be together on Thanksgiving, decided to have Thanksgiving dinner like none of us had ever tried before: Camping!

Although we knew we couldn't have it be completely like Mom's cooking around the dining room table, we got as close as we could get. On Saturday afternoon, my friend Rico put together a feast using only a fire, an our door steel grill and some pots and pans.

First, we cut up some onions, jalapeno's, carrots, celery and cilantro and wrapped them in aluminum foil with some butter, salt and pepper. In order to cook them properly, we set the little packages of tastiness nearly in the fire, just resting the on rocks in the fire pit. Then we boiled the potatoes in a pot over an open coal stove for about 30 minutes. I couldn't believe how easy it was to do this without a stove! We mashed the potatoes manually added butter and salt, and ta da, a just-like-Mom's mashed potatoes side dish didn't take more than an hour.

And, of course, we grilled some turkey! Cooking an entire bird was a little out of the question, so we grilled the next best thing. We marinated about 20 turkey breast pieces that were cut into small strips and grilled them over the coals. They were delicious, believe you me!

It made it all the more special that the friends that I love put so much work into this while I mainly just sat by the fire and watched! Thanksgiving indeed!

If winter has you traversing the great outdoors in search of an exhilarating and new expedition, you may soon set your sights on trip to the Arctic tundra. The frozen dessert is a place to explore untouched lands, catch a glimpse of native wildlife and breathe in the fresh (really fresh) winter air. If you can survive an Arctic expedition, you'll be joining the courageous few who battled subzero winter temperatures and trekked through snowy banks, which are like no other place on earth. Ready to put your Arctic survival skills to the test? Here's what you'll need to explore the tundra like a pro:

1. Trekking poles. Unless you're wearing a pair of super boots that allow you to forge your way through hills and mountainous snow banks, you'll need a sturdy set of trekking poles to help you navigate the trail. Lightweight trekking poles will help you climb, maneuver and explore those slippery slopes with ease, and trekking poles can be folded and stashed easily into your pack when needed.

2. Insulated sleeping bag. Not any old sleeping bag will do when you're exploring the tundra, so make sure yours is designed with double or triple layers of insulation and has extra-tight padding to keep you well tucked in for your overnight stay in the Arctic. Sleeping bags designed with a hood attachment will keep that heat trapped in during those brutal nights, and any self-heating padding will ensure you're warm and toasty enough to get a good night's rest.

3. Temperature-resistant water filter. Making sure you're well-hydrated during your trip to the Arctic can be challenging, especially when battling cold winds and icy temperatures is at the top of your to-do list. Still, you'll need to stay well-hydrated to maintain strength and keep up with the challenging adventure ahead. A water filter that fits neatly into your pack will give you an endless supply of fresh water so you're always well-stocked on the essentials.

Heading out to bone-chilling territory isn't for every outdoor enthusiast, but if you're courageous enough to brave the Arctic and complete a trail, you'll need these essentials to survive the challenge. Pack up for your adventure with all of these survival basics for an exhilarating -- and safe -- winter getaway.

Many of us are looking for the biggest and the boldest in our vacations, something that our friends haven't done or that will make for great stories when we get home. One option is Lake Okeechobee in Florida, which is the largest lake in the U.S. after Lake Michigan.

Lake Okeechobee is 750 square miles of beautiful water and sandy beaches. With nine islands and divided into five counties, you could spend three weeks here and never do everything available in the area. In fact, many Florida families (and people from all over the U.S.) spend their summers here.

One of the most attractive things about Lake Okeechobee is the wildlife. If you suffer from a debilitating fear of alligators, for example, this probably isn't the vacation spot for you. It is also home to a wide range of birds, fish, insects, plants and rodents. If you enjoy taking pictures of animals, you'd better bring your favorite camera.

Called the "Big O" by locals, Lake Okeechobee serves several small towns and villages where fishing is the largest attraction for tourists. From speckled perch to catfish, there is always something on the end of the fishing line, and camp grounds offer numerous outdoor fire pits on which to grill your catch.

You should also take time to visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, which celebrates the Seminole American Indian tribe through ancient artifacts and finds. They have plenty of hands-on events, including a nature walk through the swamp, and kids will enjoy it just as much as their parents.

When you visit Lake Okeechobee, make sure to pack a pair of high-quality hiking shoes, such as the Timberland Sandowns, which come with Gore-Tex membranes for dry, comfortable feet while walking. You'll also want to bring jeans or long pants for hiking through tall grasses.

Make sure that your visit to Lake Okeechobee includes plenty of boat rides across the water, a few hours of lounging by the shore with a good book, and at least a day of antique shopping in Clewiston, one of the most popular lakeside towns. The best times to visit are in fall and spring, when the weather is mild, though many of the villages surrounding Lake Okeechobee have beautiful Christmas decorations in December.

When talking about the great state of Georgia, most people immediately think about peaches, peanuts and the gorgeous Southern ladies on the 1980's sitcom "Designing Women." For big game hunters with a taste for something different, though, Georgia also offers some opportunities to bring home an alligator trophy.

Once an endangered species, the American alligator population has grown to such a manageable size in recent years that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) allows a limited number to be harvested each year. If you are interested in bagging your own gator, you have to submit an application online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.

The fortunate few who receive a permit also need to buy an alligator license for $50. Hunting is allowed only in zones determined by the DNR, and if selected, your permit allows you to go after alligators in one zone only. Georgia does permit up to three people to apply together as a hunting party, however.

The Peach State doesn't put any restrictions on the time of day when you can stalk a gator, which means hunting can take place in the dead of night. Hand-held ropes, harpoons and snatch hooks are all allowed during the hunt.

No matter when you hunt, stealth is essential in getting an alligator trophy, which makes the Columbia Montlake Gear Bag L a good piece of gear to have on hand. With sturdy handles and camouflage coloring, this bag holds what you need and helps you blend into the background.

Big game hunting typically contains an element of danger, which is especially true when going after an alligator. These creatures are pretty good hunters, and if you aren't careful, you may end up as part of this clever reptile's dinner. It may be a good idea to enlist the help of a local guide while you are on the hunt.

Speaking of food, the Georgia DNR also reports that alligator meat is cholesterol-free and high in protein. With the potential for some good eating, plus the chance to hunt a creature with more teeth than Jimmy Carter, Georgia is the place to go.

Source:
http://www.dnr.state.ga.us/

Some of the most treacherous climbs in the United States are difficult, not only because of their pitch or rating, but because they are so crowded it takes all day to get a turn. This isn't the case for Questa Dome in northern New Mexico, which is deserted most of the time but boasts a terrific challenge for the seasoned mountain climber.

Questa Dome towers to 500 feet and offers a total of six climbing routes, which would usually be sufficient to turn off any experienced climber. After all, there are plenty of treacherous climbs in the United States and throughout the world that offer excesses of 100 routes, which usually provides a more fulfilling trip.

However, Questa Dome is unique in that it offers traditional, classic climbing routes, which force climbers to work without the use of bolts. Each of the six routes is rated between a 5.11 and 5.13, which means that they are challenging even for experienced climbers. Plus, the view from the top of Questa Dome is not to be missed.

Furthermore, Questa Dome does not offer any convenient stopping places where climbers can rest. From bottom to top and back down again, it is a continuous climb that will test your endurance and leave you breathless - both from the climb and from the scenery.

The two original routes on Questa Dome are called "Question of Balance" and "Another Pretty Face." Both of these are packed with crags, cracks, gouges and other complicated obstacles that require climbers to pull out a full arsenal of techniques. Indeed, Questa Dome is one of the few climbs in the U.S. that require so many different techniques without having to switch to a new route.

The approach to Questa Dome takes approximately 45 minutes and is a beautiful hike through New Mexico's wilderness. Make sure to wear a pair of comfortable shoes (with your climbing shoes in your pack) such as the Adidas' Terrex Swifts. You'll want plenty of ankle support for climbing over rocky terrain, and these are breathable enough for the New Mexico heat.

Oh, I don't recommend climbing Questa Dome if you suffer from arachnophobia. There are plenty of spiders in this region, including tarantulas that make their homes in the shelters of rocks along the approach to Questa Dome.

If you're in Georgia and wanting to hike, you can't do any better than checking out The Cherokee Trail and Carter's Lake hiking trails. They're both pretty remote places but offer great scenery and relatively easy hikes.

Cherokee Trail is what's known as a 'loop trail,' which means it goes in a circle, so there's no need to hike back the way you came. Because it runs in a circle, you can start hiking it pretty much anywhere as you'll always end up back where you started. Cherokee Trail (also known as 'Stone Mountain Loop') is an awesome trail for families, because it's not difficult and has some really fun stuff for the kids to see and do. Near the trail, there's a nature garden, the ruins of an old homestead, a couple of large lakes, a play area and even some old Indian village ruins. On your hike, you can also see the largest stone carving in the world, which took over 50 years to complete. The trail has a nice visitor center and clean toilets (which are, all too often, missing in many hiking trail areas).

The second notable hiking trail in Georgia is Carter's Lake Hiking Trail. It takes its name from Carter's Lake, which is an absolutely enormous manmade lake popular with people who like to fish, camp and boat. There are four very nice trails running around the lake, and because there's a lot of wildlife in the area it's also a good place for bird watching. It's also famous for the beaver pond that was built here. The lake has picnic tables and bathrooms, and if you want to get in a bit of fishing after you hike, there are two cement fishing decks that you can fish from - the fishing is fabulous here too!

The other wonderful thing about these trails is the weather in Georgia is quite mild all year; they're accessible just about all the time. If you're looking for a cool place to take the family for the day or even for a weekend camp, Carter's Lake and the Cherokee Trail would be great choices.

When hunting season is underway, you might be tempted to trek out to new territory and spend a few nights in the great outdoors. A hunting expedition can put your endurance, stamina and concentration to the test, and roughing it during inclement weather requires packing up some survival gear essentials so you can track down your prey like a pro.

Whether you're hunting game in the forest or tracking down deer in the country, you'll need some basic gear to get through the night safe and sound. Here's what you need for a successful hunt:

Keep those feet well-prepared for hunting mode with a pair of insulated boots. Rugged, lace-up boots are designed with several layers of insulation and extra protection for almost any type of weather. You'll need the extra layers of insulation for snowy days in the forest or country roads, so toughen up with a pair of rugged shoes and thick socks as you trek along your trail.

You'll also need to layer up with fleece and insulated outerwear to ward off those cooler temperatures, day and night. Make sure you're decked out in at least one thick fleece jacket, heavy fatigue pants and a puffy jacket that will give you an extra layer of warmth when temperatures hit rock bottom.

When it's time to call it a day and hit the campsite for a good night's rest, a thermal sleeping bag will help you get through the night with ease. Look for 'chrysalis'-style bags designed with a super-tight construction and extra padding to help seal in the heat. These sleeping bags will keep you warm and toasty on any fall or winter evening and shield you from bugs and insects that might be lurking around your camping territory.

Finally, you'll need a basic sport utility kit filled with some basic tools and a first aid kit for unforeseen emergencies. The Gerber Sport Utility Kit is a lightweight and versatile kit filled with a flashlight, back pack ax, a compact folding spade and first-aid basics; when you're spending a few days and nights in the great outdoors, you'll need these by your side to handle minor cuts and scrapes.

Known to the rest of the world as "America's First Resort," Hot Springs, AR, is one of the most relaxing outdoor vacations you will ever experience.

Of course, this city is named after the 147-degree, natural, thermal water generated by the 47 different springs of the Hot Springs Mountain. However, there is more to do than lounge in bathhouses and take hot springs tours. In fact, there are plenty of outdoor tourist activities to engage your attention.

Kids, for example, will enjoy water games and swimming at Magic Springs and Crystal Falls or a scenic drive through Hot Springs National Park. Young couples in love can take the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat across beautiful Lake Hamilton or take a stroll through Garvan Woodland Gardens.

If you're into buried treasure, you might want to spend an afternoon hunting for quartz crystals (yes, you get to keep your finds), and hikers will love the hiking trails of the Ouachita Mountain Range. Fishing is also popular in Hot Springs, and nearby lakes and streams offer crappie, bass, walleye, stripers and trout.

There are also several stables in Hot Springs, each of which offers hours of horseback riding adventures. If you prefer to see the world from the back of a horse, give the local barn a call. If you like to see horses but stay off their backs, spend a day at the Oaklawn Jockey Club and place your bets.

Depending on when you visit Hot Springs, you'll need to pay careful attention to the weather. The summers feature highs in the upper 80s and lows in the 60s and 70s, so you'll be able to get away with a fairly light wardrobe. However, if you take your Hot Springs vacation in the winter, prepare for lows below freezing and afternoons in the 40s and 50s.

For cold-weather travels, men will need a comfortable and heat-retaining coat such as the Ground Gage Jacket. Zippered pockets will allow you to tour Hot Springs without worrying about losing your wallet, and the waist-length cut leaves you free to move around. Women who want to stay warm should check out the goose-down Ariat Alta.

When the holidays roll around at the end of the year, people start craving seasonal dishes made with game birds such as turkey and pheasant. In some households, however, having a goose on the table at Christmas is a family tradition, which makes this the perfect time to head to Minnesota to bag some of these birds.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that the Canadian goose population has become extremely large over the years. Goose season in this state begins in early September and runs through the end of December, giving you plenty of opportunities to go after a big honker for Christmas dinner.

Even with lots of available targets, it may be difficult for a novice hunter to bag their limit of two geese per day. Although the Canadian goose is a pretty big bird, the DNR says that you have to be a pretty decent shot to bring one down. Their experts recommend taking at least one seminar on how to effectively hit the bird's vital zone. Doing some practice shooting with a 10- or 12-gauge shotgun before you head out also is a good idea.

Like Carl, the greenskeeper who hunted an elusive gopher in the 1980's comedy "Caddyshack," you really have to understand the Canadian goose in order to find their nesting grounds. Once again, Minnesota's DNR has some good recommendations about this, including buying a book or video about geese and their habits.

The proper gear also can make the difference between success and failure in Minnesota. This may be the year to invest in some good camouflage, especially a pair of Bogs Blaze 1000 Mossy Oak Rubber Boots. With these on your feet, you can track an elusive goose in some of the most challenging hunting conditions.

Since farmers consider the Canadian goose to be a real threat to their crops, you may want to check with local landowners to see if you can hunt on their property. You will be doing them a favor and could possibly bring home a couple of honkers for the holiday season.

Sources:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/tips/goose.html
http://www.goosegrinders.com/late-season-goose.html

How would you like to climb a pile of rocks named after one of the most reviled insects of all time? Actually, The Roaches in England's Peak District are officially called Roches, which is French for "rocks," but it's hard to deny that the name makes it a bit scarier than it might be otherwise.

The Roaches is a collection of towering rock walls that have been climbed for the last century. The biggest benefit to this type of climb is the diversity of routes, which range from "moderate" to various levels of "extremely severe." Indeed, there are a few routes at The Roaches that frighten even the most experienced climbers.

According to The Roaches web site, air ambulances make a trip to this legendary site just about every weekend to assist the fallen and presumably broken. Many of these accidents happen because climbers underestimate the difficulty of the climb and try it anyway.

In fact, The Roaches even uses mountaineering teams to rescue fallen climbers who are inaccessible to emergency medical personnel. If someone falls and lands on one of the ledges, he or she is brought down to safety by these groups. Of course, it is much easier to avoid such a scenario in the first place.

As most seasons at The Roaches are chilly, you'll want to wear a jacket that is breathable but warm. The North Face Razor, for example, is designed to block the frigid force of the wind but employs HyVent technology that won't leave you smothering in the jacket. You'll also need a pair of sturdy gloves and a set of rock-climbing tools.

When you first attempt The Roaches, it is best to try an easier route, and then work up as you get more comfortable. Starting on moderate routes, for example, will warm you up for more difficult climbs and will acclimate you to the face of the rock. You will also have to get used to setting your own anchors, because it is tradition at The Roaches to remove pegs before completing a climb.

Oh, and although you won't find many roaches at this site, be on the lookout for other unique forms of wildlife that make their home in the area.

Zion National Park in Utah has tons of hiking trails for pretty much everybody. The great thing about Zion National Park is the weather is awesome all year round, so you can hike whenever you want to. The Narrows and The Subway are two of the most popular hiking trails and here's why.

The Subway is a challenging hiking trail but a lot of fun. You get to climb over rocks, into crevices and down steep cliffs, and you even have to swim through some fairly deep pools of water. The water in the pools is very cold, which is awesome in the summer months, but make sure you carry emergency equipment just in case there are any accidents. At the end of The Subway, you'll find water shoots that you can slide down, and somebody told me there are even fossilized dinosaur tracks you can see. But remember, have some common sense and don't attempt this one if it's raining. This area floods really quickly, and you could end up in some serious trouble.

The Narrows is the most popular hiking trail at Zion National Park and for good reason. It's more than 16 miles long and was cut out of the rock over the millennia by the river that runs all the way through it. The first couple of miles into the bottom of the canyon are easy and very beautiful with hanging gardens and little streams. The rest of the hike is pretty strenuous, so much so that it requires a permit if you're planning on doing all of it. You could potentially do this in one day, but most people do it as an overnight hike, camping somewhere in the canyon along the way. Either way, you'll have had an amazing workout when you're done.

Zion National Park is easily accessible for everyone. It even has its own shuttle service, which will drop you off at the beginning of many of the trails. Can't get more convenient than that, eh? And don't forget your camera. The red and orange rocks are simply stunning; you'll want to take as many photos as you can.

While hiking trips in the Rockies and overnight stays at nature trails in the Midwest offer plenty of opportunity to bond with the outdoors, the colder climate calls for padding up with layers and staying inside the tent for most of the trip.

Camping in an exotic rainforest offers a completely new experience for the avid nature lover: a chance to trek over rough terrain, catch a glimpse of indigenous species and take in a breath of very humid air. Rainforest camping survival is no easy affair, but you can make it through those hot and humid days with the right gear.

Get a head start on the trail with a lightweight and versatile backpack. The CamelBak H.O.S.S. is an expandable pack that can hold several water bottles, a change of clothes, your food stash and other essentials for your trip. This pack is also designed with a reservoir that has an extra-large mouth opening; you can fill it up with that much-needed H2O and haul it along on that multi-hour trek across the rainforest.

In addition to packing extra water bottles and storing water in your pack, you'll need a cooling reservoir to replenish water levels after a day or two of chugging down your stock. The Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter lets you fill up on water fresh from the rainforest without worrying about your health; the lightweight filter can process up to 300 gallons of water and generate nearly a quart of fresh water per minute. Taking along a water filter is an absolute necessity for desert trekking and multi-day rainforest hikes, and most filters can adapt to all types of water bottles for easy refilling.

Getting a good night's sleep inside a sleeping bag seems like "Mission Impossible" when temperatures continue to stay around record-high levels after sunset. However, a lightweight sleeping pad can help you keep your cool during those hot and muggy, air-conditioning-free nights. The Big Agnes Air Core pad is a lightweight pad that can be inflated within minutes. The pad provides a layer of comfort and relaxation after a hard day of trekking.

Heading off on a rainforest oasis trail can be an exciting adventure, but you need to take along the basic survival gear to get through that tropical climate like a pro.

There are few places in this world that successfully combine raw, rustic living with five-star accommodations. One such rarity is Devil's Thumb Ranch, which boasts "5,000 acres of raw Colorado".

My wife visited this beautiful ranch about three years ago for a writer's conference and retreat. She came home gushing, not about the speakers or the opportunity to write, but about the beauty of the land and the hospitality of the staff.

Devil's Thumb Ranch is located west of Denver in the Rocky Mountains and offers a host of outdoor activities for your enjoyment. From fly fishing to horseback riding, from snowshoeing to mountain biking, from skiing to swimming, this place has everything you could possibly want in an invigorating vacation.

And after you've spent the day taxing your muscles and taking in the scenery, you can enjoy a massage or body wrap in the ranch's private spa.

They have 16 cabins and a lodge onsite for guests who wish to stay a while, and you'll find that the accommodations are more than suitable for a relaxing vacation. Each room features exposed-beam architecture, soothing colors and quaint, yet elegant furniture.

For those of you who are interested in green living, you'll be happy to know that Devil's Thumb Ranch is committed to eco-friendly practices. Their buildings are heated geothermally to cut down on energy usage, and all meals served on the property come from organic meat and produce.

After you've worked up an appetite, you can get a bite to eat in the Ranch House Restaurant or the Saloon, and you are always free to select a bottle from hundreds of vintages in the wine cellar. All in all, this is an amazing place to spend your next vacation, whether you plan to travel in the summer or in the winter.

When visiting a ranch of this size, it's fair to say that you'll do a considerably amount of hiking. Make sure to pack a pair of sturdy hiking boots with solid ankle support, such as the Oakley All Mountain LTs for men or the Keen Targhee II Mids for women.

Climbing mountains and canyons during any season is a challenge, but it is particularly difficult when you add winter ice to the mix. Ice climbing has gained significant popularity in the U.S. and abroad in recent years, and Hyalite Canyon in Bozeman, MT, is one of the most challenging locations for ice climbing.

Ice climbing, for the uninitiated, is the practice of climbing, not the rocky faces of mountains and canyons, but instead scaling frozen waterfalls and other natural ice formations. These are usually up against the sides of a rock formation and present unique challenges.

When climbing at Hyalite Canyon, you'll need an ice axe to create footholds on the sheer, icy face of your obstacle. The Grivel Alp Monster is a good choice, because it features a posterior hammer, anti-clip saw and a lightweight, rubber shaft. It won't add much weight but will get the job done.

You might also need to invest in a pair of high-quality mountaineering boots with good ankle support. Make sure that you are dressed for frigid weather, including hats and gloves, to ensure the most enjoyable experience.

In Hyalite Canyon, there are a number of ice climbing routes, some of which are already equipped with ice screws and rope set-ups. Some of the more difficult routes feature very thin ice and shouldn't be attempted unless you are a professional.

Additionally, it is a good idea to check with the Hyalite Canyon authorities before you head to Montana for a climb. Some seasons, the ice formations do not appear until late winter, depending on local temperatures and rainfall. Some might not be available when you arrive due to too much climbing or because of perceived dangers created by ice climbing tools.

If you are interested in visiting Hyalite Canyon during other seasons, or if you aren't too sure about ice climbing, there are plenty of things to do in this area during the spring, summer and fall. Mountains and ridges in Bozeman, present numerous possibilities for the avid climber and some are open all year.

You might also want to hook up with an outfitter if you've decided to try ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon. Having a professional who knows the area in your corner is invaluable.

I think Virginia is one of the prettiest U.S. states. Lovely weather, green hilly fields and blue skies in the summer, and postcard-perfect fall colors in the autumn - you really can't beat picturesque Virginia. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a perfect example of beautiful Virginia countryside. It's also a great place for hiking trails. With 770 miles of hiking available, you can hardly complain about choice.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail runs from the Potomac River itself all the way to Allegheny Highlands in the Ohio Basin. There's even a 100-mile, unbroken section of trail where you could actually walk for three to four days without branching off it. There are literally hundreds of different sections of trail you can hike or backpack but check these three out in Virginia's lower Potomac region, as they are probably some of the best.

George Washington's Birthplace - I can't think of a better place to hike than the birthplace of our first president. Popes Creek Plantation is right on the Potomac. It has a nature trail that runs for a mile and lots of little footpaths that you can take to get in a good hike. There are also historically interesting exhibits scattered around that tell you about colonial life and Washington's early years.

The Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve - The wetlands here are home to many birds, insects, flora and fauna. There's almost 330 acres of marshland, much of which you can explore, as well as forest with hiking trails. It's a great area to hike just to see the marshland birds you probably won't see anywhere else and to revel in the beauty of the birdsong.

The Voorhees Nature Preserve - If you're really lucky, you might see bald eagles along trails in the Voorhees Nature Preserve, a nesting place for bald eagles. There are almost 800 miles of trails on the preserve, and it is right next door to Westmoreland Berry Farm. So, you can hike and enjoy nature, and then come back to the farm and pick berries to take home for dinner.

The best time to experience any of these trails is spring or autumn, when temperatures are perfect for a strenuous hike. The summer too can be a nice time to visit, as long as you don't mind the heat.

A backwoods adventure is usually a family tradition, a typical camping trip for those who live in the upper Midwest and mountainous regions of the U.S., but for the first-time visitor who ventures into mountain territory, the trip can be more like a test of survival. If you're not used to subzero temperatures while camping and facing mountain lions and deer on your hiking trail, the smell of pine trees and fresh mountain air will be the last thing on your mind on your backwoods adventure.

Whether you're camping near the alpine lakes or hiking through miles of mountain trails, you'll need to be well-prepared for the trip into enchanting backwoods territory with some basic survival gear. Here are a few must-haves for your alpine excursion:

A well-insulated tent is a top priority for that chilly climate, and you'll need something that will keep nature at bay on those long and cold nights. The North Face Trailhead tent is a roomy and comfortable tent designed with water-resistant materials and an easy pitching process; it's a six-person tent that will keep bugs and small animals out of your living quarters and allow you to enjoy a restful night's sleep.

A medical kit is an absolute must on any camping or hiking adventure, and the backwoods are even more of an accident-prone venue. You run the risk of running into semi-poisonous plants, bugs and even small animals lurking around the forests. You'll need to protect yourself with bandages, antiseptic and splinter removal tools to get through the adventure safely and in good health.

If you're heading out on a fall or winter day, you might not make it to the campsite by sundown. Gearing up with a headlamp will help you stay on course and get to your final destination with ease. Look forward to a hands-free hike across your trail with an adjustable headlamp that delivers high-beam lighting right where you need it.

If you're a first timer on the backwoods trail, partner up with a local camping service provider or instructor to get some survival training before you head out on your own. Many backwoods survival adventure providers offer training in remote areas, and will even provide transport and rental camping accessory for your excursion. Still, you'll need to load up on some essential gear to enjoy a safe and exciting trip into backwoods territory; pack up these essentials to navigate your way through that trail and make the most of the experience.