When people think about Santa Monica, California, they think of sun, sand and surf but not hiking trails. In fact, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Mountains and has some of the country's best hiking trails. The mountains are also known for incredible ocean views, varied plants and wildlife and fresh air (quite rare in Los Angeles, I might add).

One of the best hiking trails is up to Parker Mesa Overlook. It's a hiking trail that's five miles round trip but really isn't that difficult climbing-wise. It can be steep in places though so will give you an awesome aerobic workout. The trail runs along the old fireroad, with spectacular views of the ocean as you get further up. The most incredible view though is at the top, on the Parker Mesa Overlook. From here, on a clear day (and I have to mention 'clear day' as, with all the smog it ain't always so clear!) you can see all over Santa Monica Bay - Venice, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and if you're lucky to get a super clear day, way out in the distance is Catalina Island.

The hiking trail is easy to get to as the turnoff for it is right off Sunset Boulevard. If you're coming from Pacific Coast Highway and turn onto Sunset, you take the second turning on the left which takes you up a dusty road and into a small parking area. If you get there early, you'll be able to get a parking space. Any later than 10am though, and you'll be unlucky, so it might be better to have somebody drop you off.

The weather in Southern California is perfect for hiking. Not too hot and not too cold, but with a nice breeze that'll keep you cool even when you warm up from all the exertion. The bottom of the trail is a little rough but as it opens out, it gets wider and more airy and the views also are easier to see. Make sure you pack your backpack with water and band-aids for any minor accident but don't bring dogs as they're not allowed. There are occasionally mountain lions spotted up here so make sure you keep your eyes and ears open - would be awful to be surprised by one. Oh and look out for mountain bikers - they come down fast and you wouldn't want to be carried away by one.

No one should die without seeing the coast of Maine from Acadia National Parks. This is one hike that I highly recommend.

August 15: We woke to rain after sleeping like babies. Once the sun was out, we headed to a hike that we had planned called Huegenot Head and Champlain Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine.

The hike was 3.3 miles and supposedly would take two and a half hours. I'm not sure who's counting the minutes or how old the person is, but we like to stop and smell the flowers and did the hike in 3.5 hours. We found one area strenuous and much of it challenging, but the hike was gorgeous and worth the challenge. This hike begins at the Tarn parking area. We found the granite staircase. We love this kind of trail in spite of the physical work it requires. We started out with about 1,400 steps. Sure the steps were well defined and we had forest next to us eliminating the fear of falling off of them, but still, that's a lot of steps when you're going up a mountain and gaining 1,100 feet in elevation.

After the 1,400 steps, we hit some switchbacks. This is the kind of hike I call "rock climbing." I'm 5 feet 4 inches and with rocks like that, I'm pulling myself up to get on them and onto the next one. When we weren't "rock climbing" the trail was almost straight up. There's an elevation gain of 1,100 feet.

The summit was incredible and a perfect place for a picnic. We were looking at Frenchman's Bay but didn't see any seals or other critters. We had company but it was alright becase we all shared our stories of how we got up. We could have come to this summit any of four ways including using a ladder. At that time I had never done ladders so chose the rocky way. I had also been told that one way up the trail was so steep that I would be on my hands and knees clinging to the side of the mountain and trying not to look down to lots of air. Many of us wondered where the Starbucks was and when the helicopter would be coming to take us down!

We found out that we had our hike to ourselves for the most part because of the four ways up. The Precipice Trail, which is how some came up, is said to be the most difficult on this side of the island. The trail we went up is Tarn. We decided to go down Bear Brook Trail, which felt like an easy descent after the climb up. One negative about Bear Brook Trail is that we ended up on Route 3 and then had about a mile walk to our car. I would have preferred hiking to our car.

Diamond Head State Monument is located on the island of Oahu in beautiful Hawaii. This is a must-do hike. It can be seen just about anywhere on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. (Unless you're diving!)

When we arrived we were told by a person in a kiosk (there was no Visitor Center) to be back by 6 p.m. because the gate to the parking lot closes then and if we missed it, we'd be sleeping there. In fact, the gate didn't close at exactly 6 p.m and, if we had wanted to spend more time, we could have found parking outside the gate.

The trail was well maintained and, for the most part, pretty easy. There were handrails all the way up the 1.4 mile round-trip hike. This was a short hike, but really nice. We encountered some lava we had to climb up, but I'd call this hike great for the whole family. Although easy, it's a steep 760-foot crater, so I found wearing hiking boots to be a good idea. We also always carry binoculars and this was a great place to have them, along with the necessary sunscreen and a cap. There was no shade so having lots of water helped also.

Once we got to the top we had a gorgeous view. It felt as if we were on top of the world. It was one of the most impressive views I've ever seen. Along with the beautiful blue water, we saw hotels and a lighthouse.

We headed down at about 5 p.m. and it was still quite warm. Be forewarned: there was no water or bathrooms on the trail or at the top of Diamond Head.

We spent about two hours doing this hike. Even at that time of the day there were plenty of people. There weren't enough for me to call the observation posts crowded, but close to it. If I were to go again, I'd go early in the morning when it wouldn't be as crowded or hot.

This trail is great even if you have no interest in seeing President Hoover's summer house.

We loved a couple of hikes in Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The entire area is spectacular. One hike was once called Camp Hoover Trail. It is now known as Rapidan Camp Trail.

There are three trails: Rapiden Camp via Mill and Laurel Prongs (The Appalachian Trail) which is a 7.4-mile, somewhat difficult loop with streams and cascades; Rapiden Camp via Rapiden Fire Road, which is 12 miles round trip on a dusty road that is closed to public vehicles, and the third: Rapiden Camp via Mill Prong Trail. (Trail maps are available once you arrive.)

The trail we took is four miles round trip. It isn't a loop, but an in and out. There are markers on the road. Rapiden Camp is at mile marker 53, where you'll find the trail head. Note that the sign says Rapiden Camp-Laurel Prong-Hazeltop Loop. You'll park at the Milan Gap parking lot.

Our guidebook called our hike and the 7.4 hike "strenuous." Another paper calls this hike "moderate." This one really depends on your ability and experience. It was steep in places, moderate in others, woodsy in much of the area and, because it was raining when we were there, the narrow trail was muddy.

Shenandoah National Park, like many others, has bears. They are black (or brown) and usually don't attack unless provoked or if you come between a mom and her cubs. Although we didn't see any, one guy told us he did as he made his way down. We saw bear droppings and were told by the ranger who lives on the property that the creatures do roam about. In fact he showed us another giveaway: tree bark chewed by a bear looking for bugs. Oh Dear.

You'll pass a catch-and-release pond and two stream crossings. You'll see some small but pretty cascades along the way. Since it had been and still was raining, this was a bit of a challenge. We got there just by chance for a 2 p.m. tour and talk. The Prime Minister's Cabin is open to the public, but Rapiden Camp was the summer retreat of President Hoover. His house is called the Brown House; you will not be able to enter without a ranger. It's worth it!

This is the first of two essays I'll be writing about hikes I've done in Sedona, Arizona.

Sedona, Arizona is so beautiful that only pictures can really tell the story. You will see the most magnificent rock formations and some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth. When people told me they "had to go to Sedona" I pictured a forest; a state park. I didn't realize that people actually could live in this beauty all the time.

Sedona is known as a spiritual Mecca. Some people think it is one large Vortex; they come from all over to be in a place that is more alive and healthy than any other. It is a fantastic spot for hiking. I highly recommend the four-mile roundtrip Broken Arrow Trail, which begins one quarter of a mile past a road called Morgan Drive, where you must sign in and sign out.

Broken Arrow Trail is not for everyone and, as usual, going up was much harder than coming down! I'm over fifty and we had a dog, and I found that this trail, which is listed as moderate to strenuous, lived up to its reputation (especially in June, when it is very warm). There was very little shade, although we did find some on the trail. Jeep tours are popular here (they don't drive on trails, but on rocks). The end of the trail is called Chicken Point. This is a great place to have a snack. You will be on top of the world!

This was a tough climb, but actually much of the difficulty was the heat, so bring lots and lots of water. You'll find a lot of rocks and red dirt; some steep ascends and descends but you won't be doing any rock climbing.

We lost the trail once, so be careful. There are well-made cairns (rocks piled on one another surrounded by metal in this case) that are staked down, so they can't be moved. If you lose the cairns, turn right around and you will find them again.

Getting back always seems easier than going. You'll find some tree roots to make your way over. You'll also see gorgeous huge leaf cacti and beautiful views all the way down. As we walked and the sun changed the colors of the sky, the rock formations changed colors as well, making amazing shade patterns.

As always take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time.

This is a wonderful day trip that will give you a little of everything.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has some of the most spectacular scenery and is a must see. The mountains loom large in the distance but it's easy to get on them if you hike. The lakes are beautiful as well. It's awesome to watch the morning clouds that hide the mountains of the Grand Teton range fall away and give you a view of these spectacular mountains.

One hike we did was actually made up of a few separate destinations. At the Jenny Lake Visitor Center you'll park and take a ferry across the lake for $5.00 one way. We could have spent $9.00 for a round trip but wanted to walk back. If you do not take the boat at all you're looking at a whole day adventure. As it was we spent about 5 hours in this beautiful area. The hike I'm going to describe is considered a moderate to moderate-strenuous hike.

On this hike you can walk up to Hidden Falls which was about ½ mile from the dock. The path up to Hidden Falls was steep but well maintained we encountered some boulders but none I had to climb up or sit on to get down. The 200 foot Hidden Falls are really a cascade so if you are expecting amazing falls that you may have seen elsewhere, you'll be disappointed. Just enjoy Hidden Falls for what they are.

This area was crowded. I recommend that you go early in the morning to beat the crowds. We were able to at one point but it was due to veering from the trail and not on purpose! Many people turned around at Hidden Falls and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Be glad you could get that far. If you can continue you will go another ½ mile to Inspiration Point. Along the way you'll see a flat rock area - sort of a large plateau along the way. You can't miss it since there will be others there. Sit awhile. This is a great overlook for this very pretty lake.

The climb to Inspiration Point was tough. I can't minimize it in any way. Not only was it a rocky trail but it was a narrow trail right at the edge of the mountain. In fact one woman could not even go on she was so terrified of the height and the rocks. You'll find yourself at times hugging the rocks behind you with your back to maneuver your way up this fairly steep trail. We then climbed another 1/4 mile on Cascade Canyon to a junction point where we took the trail heading back to the boat ramp which said .9 miles. This is where we veered the wrong way. We were treated to views of rock climbers. Hopefully you will not get treated to a bear sighting. This is bear habitat and the signs were very clear. The trail we were on was narrow and bordered by high grasses. We only saw 2 others hikers here so in a way it was a good choice because it was not crowded. However if I had to do it again I would look for the maintained trail.

Once we got to the boat ramp rather than getting on the ferry we walked 2 miles around the lake to the parking lot. This started out as a very easy walk but changed constantly. Some areas were quite steep, some rocky, some really just dirt. Much of it was right along the lake and many people had their feet in it. I was surprised to not see many people in the lake. You can swim in all other bodies of water except Snake River.

Please take only pictures; leave only footprints; kill only time.

If your idea of a vacation is seeing how many miles you can cover through dense wilderness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be your dream destination.

If your idea of a vacation is seeing how many miles you can cover through dense wilderness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be your dream destination. There are more than 800 miles of trails through America's most visited park, and if you wait until Fall for your vacation, or head out in the early summer, you'll have less competition from other visitors.

Some people prefer to spend their vacations in the numerous Great Smoky Mountains campsites, taking day hikes over the trails that wind sinuously through the Smokies. However, you can also take two-, three- and four-night backpacking trips and sleep out under the stars. Either way, you're guaranteed a fair amount of exercise and a close-up encounter with several forms of wildlife.

Maddron Bald Overnight Loop

If your legs have been parked under a desk all year, this might not be the trail for you, but experienced hikers who have kept in shape will find the hike invigorating. The two-night adventure takes you along the foothills of Gabes Mountain and into the woods toward a campsite known as Sugar Grove, which has developed a reputation for bear sightings. On the second day, you'll follow Maddron Bald Trail and camp along Otter Creek, and finish the trail on the third day down Snake Den Trail.

This particular adventure on your vacation will take you to 5,800 feet in elevation, and you'll constantly want to stop not to rest your legs, but to admire the stunning vistas that appear through clearings.

Fontana Lake Loop

For those inexperienced hikers, or the vacationers who haven't kept in shape, Fontana Lake is the ultimate destination for beautiful scenery without as much burn. Start out your morning at Fontana Lake, and try some jet-boating before you head up into the mountains, or simply take the chartered boat service from the marina to the other side of the 29-mile-long lake.

The hike itself is magnificent, providing interspersed views of both Fontana Lake and Eagle Creek, carrying you up relatively gentle inclines and long, sloping declines. You might get to see some deer, and you'll find birds of all species flying among the trees. Children in particular will enjoy the view of the Appalachian Trail, which is intersected on the last leg of the hike. You'll end up at Fontana Marina, where you can return to your campsite or enjoy another opportunity for fishing or boating.

There are thousands of different combinations of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, each of which has something different to offer. Just make sure you bring plenty of water on your hike, and if you come during the middle of the summer, choose non-rationed campsites for more seclusion and less interruption on your hike.

We spent a month hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway which connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. We had amazing hikes but one that was very special was actually different from any I've hiked. I had never heard of a privately owned mountain but Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina is privately owned.

It is also the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain area at almost 6,000 feet. Grandfather Mountain with 12 miles of trails isn't just for hiking; however, it is a tourist attraction and a nature preserve.

As a privately owned mountain you will have to pay to hike! One ticket includes the Mile High Swinging Bridge which I'll talk about in a moment. There are other exhibits that are great for children. You'll find picnic tables and guided tours as well as a restaurant and gift shop.

The hours for various activities are different so I'll point you to the website for hours and phone number. The fees are $14.00 for adults; $12.00 if you are over 60; $6.00 for children 4 to 12 and under 4 go in free. We thought $14.00 was a lot to hike but it's really a very special place and I recommend Grandfather Mountain. If you have AAA you'll save a couple of dollars.

We got to Grandfather Mountain at 9:00a.m. It was really cool and windy. We went into the very nice Visitor Center where I was told that it is always windy at Grandfather Mountain and it gets windier and cooler as you get higher so I really recommend layers of clothes. In fact the average summer temperature is only 68 degrees.

We parked in the lot and headed to what looked like the main trail. There were many caution signs saying that Grandfather Mountain is dangerous (There are short easy hikes from here though)) and to wear hiking boots. They urge children not to climb (Although we saw at least two but they were experienced.) Our hiking book told us that there were 7 ladder. (Ladders used in hiking are there because the mountain is too steep to climb- unless you're a goat- so ladders are built into the mountain!) There were cables to help climb up the ladder. It can be scary and nerve racking though truth be told my husband was more nervous than I was. The book went on to tell us we'd be on one precipice and one unnerving ladder but as it turned out we loved this hike and rate it in the top 5 hikes we have done. It took us 3 ½ hours round trip to hike 2 miles!

We hiked McCrea Peak (There are many peaks but the sky was getting cloudy and we didn't want to have to climb down wet ladders, which at the time we thought we would have to do.) You may want to go all the way to Calloway if the weather is nice. We encountered a snake and had been warned there were poisonous snakes on the mountain but when we got down we found out this guy was a good guy.

We did a really dumb thing which you can avoid if you're reading this. We like loops i.e. not in and out hikes but different scenery and terrain going up and down. Rather than going back the way we came we avoided the ladders and took Underwood Trail which as it turned out was not only a bit longer than the ladders but made up of boulders. The going was tedious, tough and not very pretty. . We had one long ladder with no rails that was steep but once we connected with Grandfather Trail we had bypassed the ladders. I'd go down the way I went up next time!

We headed over to the swinging bridge. The Mile High Swinging Bridge was built to give visitors a view of Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. It was a great view especially knowing we had been on the mountain even if we hadn't been on Linville Peak. The bridge is a 228- suspension bridge so yes it does move and goes over an 80-foot chasm over a mile up. You'll be climbing 50 steps to get to the Bridge; walk on rocks and really just enjoy the views. Enjoy this beautiful and challenging hike.

Please leave only footprints, take only pictures and kill only time.

Middle Head Trail is in the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must see. I fell in love with this entire area of Canada. Middle Head Trail isn't a difficult trail and it isn't a long trail, so most people can easily walk it.

Middle Head Trail starts at the Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa on the Middle Head Peninsula on Ingonish Beach. You'll find Highland Links Golf Course and tennis courts at Keltic Lodge but I'd rather be hiking! Keltic Lodge is impressive with its many buildings and matching outdoor chairs. Keltic Lodge is now owned by the government. A lot of this trail was a carriage road that connected what was a private estate to the fishing village.

There is a reason for the name, Middle Head Trail. Middle Head is a narrow, rocky protrusion that divides Ingonish Bay in half. You'll find beautiful beaches on the coast. You'll start out at the Lodge. After about one half mile you'll come to an area that can easily be mistaken as the end of the trail. The trail loops around at that point. If you are a novice hiker you may want to take the loop in this area that will bring you back to the point of the trailhead heading to Keltic Lodge.

We thought it ended when we came to an expanse of rocks and a railing. Walking out to the rocks we looked to the right and saw the end of the point and wondered if we could get to it. In fact the trail continues to that very point. The trail is only 2.5 miles round trip but we spent a lot of time walking around and enjoying the scenery.

The elevation is only 50 feet and if you don't stop and smell the ocean, it will take you about 1 1/2 hours to complete Middle Head Trail. The trail is comprised of amazing views of the ocean and woodsy areas.

You'll find interpretive signs along the way, a lot of birds, and wonderful views of the ocean. There are benches along the way as well as overlooks that allowed us to get off the trail; go through some brush and look out onto amazing views.

Middle Head Trail was an easy hike/walkdepending on one's ability with only 2 small hills, one of which was on the steep side; boardwalks, and stairs to help people maneuver their way. You will be treated to one of the most beautiful and serene spots that I can say I have ever encountered. Since it's not a difficult hike, you might feel as if you want more of a challenge, but take some time out of your challenging hikes and see this beautiful spot at the end of Middle Head. Don't be surprised to see people meditating or just looking at the scenery in
awe.

Please leave only footprints, take only pictures and kill only time.

Mount Rainier is spectacular. This combination of two trails is a must do.

We've hiked much of the United States and some of Canada. How can I pick just one favorite hike? Should I pick the close-encounter-with-the-grizzly-bear hike? Should I pick the most beautiful hike? Should I pick one with ladders? Should I pick the one on which we got lost? I chose the hike about which I'm writing based on what I like best in a hike - variety of sights and terrain.

Mount Rainier National Park has close to 236,000 acres. The mountain is an active volcano with a range in elevation from 1,610 feet to 14,41 feet above sea level. One of the hikes we did in this must see National Park was recommended by a ranger. We intended to only do the first part of the hike called the Comet Falls Trail, which is 3.8 miles round trip with an elevation of 900 feet. The suggested hike time is three hours. However once we were on the trail we were told by several people that we must go on to the Van Trump hike to Trump Park. We did and though we were exhausted I highly recommend that you continue.

This will make the hike about a 2,000 foot elevation gain and take about five hours. Most people it seems don't hike to Trump Park because they aren't aware that there is much more to see. Let's start from the beginning - You'll find the trailhead for Comet Falls four miles east on the road heading toward Paradise. Although the

Their Web site notes that the parking is limited, and that there is no more parkingc so have an alternative hike in mind, don'tgive up so fast!

If you find that the parking area is full drive about a quarter of a mile and you'll see a small parking area on the opposite side of the street. If you drive a bit farther you'll find more places to park. You might get lucky like we did and get a ride back to our car after our hike by people who got a space at the trail head. This trail is strenuous - perhaps the most strenuous we have done, though not the most dangerous. It's a safe trail. You won't have ledges on which to walk or look down to hundreds of feet of air. During our hike to Comet Falls we had the falls on our left much of the time. There were some challenging rocks over which we had to climb; some large branches; and very steep inclines and declines some of which were on pebbles and dirt thus slippery from the mist. The forest kept changing from thick trees to open grass; from shade to sun. The wildflowers were gorgeous. There were patches of them along the way.

One mistake I think some people make is to think that the top of Christine Falls while very pretty is Comet Falls and it is not. You must keep walking to reach Comet Falls. The top of Comet Falls is gorgeous. You'll know it because there is a flat piece of rock that allows you to get very close to the falls and the mist. If it's warm you'll enjoy the moisture. Until you find this landing you haven't reached the top of Comet Falls! After enjoying a refreshing shower in the mist we were energized to continue up the gruesomely difficult though well maintained trail.

The trail was quite steep. You'll find large, high granite steps. There were some boulders that at my 5-feet-4-inches tall I had to sit on to get down them and needed a little help to get up the rocks. You are going to see a sign that says "maintained path is ended." Please keep going. It is very safe and you are not breaking any laws. You will be treated to Van Trump Park and views that are unbelievable. I was a bit concerned that we were sitting on wildflowers but a Ranger who was coming back said it was fine for us to be sitting down.

The area is quite remote so in spite of signs that tell you not to step off the path because you'll kill the flowers you can enjoy this area. I did try to be careful to sit where there was grass rather than flowers. It's a wonderful place to have lunch or a snack. By then you'll need something to eat and drink. Make sure you brink lots of both. Although we stopped in this area, Van Trump Park, a family and a Marine (and the Ranger who was coming back) continued walking. The more you walk the closer you will come to Mount Rainier You will at this point feel as if you can touch Mount Rainier. It was truly one of the most memorable and
spiritual experiences I've had.

Other information culled from : http://www.nps.gov/archive/mora/trail/comet.htm

There are no specific areas for camping but with a permit you can backpack overnight. Check the Web site for weather conditions. The day we were there it was beautiful though be prepared to walk in snow. Fires are not allowed nor are pets.Water must be treated before drinking. Have fun! Please take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time.

Sources: www.nps.gov/archive/mora/trail/comet.htm