The Pine Barrens -- also known as the Pinelands -- is a vast, unexpected wilderness area in the otherwise densely populated State of New Jersey. We will be thru-hiking the flat, sometimes sandy 53.5 mile long Batona Trail (from BAck TO NAture). The trail features a surfeit of tranquil streams and ponds featuring flora and fauna such as orchids, deer, scrub oaks, hawks, black bears and even a white cedar forest. In some years, you may even see Earth Stars (aka poop-flowers). The Pine Barrens are notable not only for their remote beauty, but their proximity to major population centers like New York City, Philadelphia, Newark, Wilmington and of course Ong's Hat. This is your opportunity to experience colorful Fall Foliage and explore wild New Jersey while improving body composition.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular National Park in the country (by number of visitors), yet despite its seeming congestion and proximity to major population centers, our trek will provide plenty of solitude far from the crowds during Fall Foliage Season. This trip is a reprise of the 2023 trip that sold out quickly and was closed early for registration. Much of our route traverses the Appalachian Trail -- from Tricorner Knob to Davenport Shelter. We'll also visit Pretty Hollow Gap (it is pretty) and also the fire tower on Mt. Cammerer. Our route passes through old logging rail beds and CCC camps which once housed the people who built these trails.

Although the Adirondacks are best known for their high peaks, a less visited and less crowded trail winds its way through the lowlands of the region. We plan to thru-hike the 133 mile long The Northville-Placid Trail as the Fall Foliage begins to emerge. The Northville-Placid Trail was finished in 1924 and was meant to link train stations in both Northville, NY and Lake Placid, NY so maybe a participant or two would like to arrive or depart by rail. You can expect New England quality foliage, cooler temperatures and low humidity on our September thru-hike. Common wildlife we may see include Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Raccoon, Osprey, Grey Squirrel, Beaver, Moose, Coyote and maybe even a River Otter.

At 14,505' the summit of Mount Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 of the United States. You already know that summiting is a life-list goal for some and a nonpareil personal challenge that will give you a great deal of personal satisfaction. And for the rest of your life, you can impress your friends by casually mentioning your feat in conversation. But what you may not know is just how beautiful the rest of the High Sierra is, with stunning all day views of distant lesser known and unnamed peaks, beautiful mountain lakes and redolent wildflowers. Because of all this, and the fact that we will hike along the famous John Muir Trail (and Pacific Crest Trail), this is one of the most popular and sought after hiking destinations there is.

Everybody has heard of the incredible beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park but few have experienced the wonders of the magnificent mountains up close. On this trip, summit 14,259' Long's Peak -- an iconic destination that everyone should do once in their lives. Longs Peak is amazing and rewarding but it is difficult and not for everyone.

Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Park is truly a land of Giants. The General Sherman Sequoia Tree is the largest tree in the world (by volume) and is between 1800 and 2700 years old. We will see immense and rare giant sequoias in one of their few remaining groves, as these old growth redwood behemoths have fortunately been preserved. You will walk through groves of leviathan trees that are centuries or even millenia old and can grow more than 300' tall.

Only 3% of the Redwoods that originally blanketed the Pacific Coast still stand. Come walk through time in beautiful Redwood National Park where many of the few remaining old growth coastal redwoods are still preserved from being cut down and turned into decks and picnic tables. You will walk through groves of leviathan trees that are centuries or even millennia old and can grow more than 350' tall. Our trip will begin in Redwood National Park and morphs into various hikes within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and new for 2024, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. You will almost certainly see herds of regal Roosevelt Elk, catch glimpses of whales from scenic outlooks high above the Pacific, maybe view a black bear or perhaps a sea otter or even the rare and endangered marbled murrelet. If you've never been to the Pacific Coast or seen a Redwood Tree, this is the trip for you.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful and isolated ecosystems in the country. Situated in the Eastern Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior, it features sandstone cliffs, isolated beaches, tumbling waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline. It also features a 42+ mile trail called the Lakeshore Trail between Munising (where?) and Grand Marais. This segment is often considered the crown jewel of the 4800 mile North Country Trail because it features soaring bluffs over layered sandstone with sweeping views of the spectacular turquoise Lake Superior.

Isle Royale National Park is one of the most beautiful and isolated ecosystems in the country. Situated in the middle Lake Superior, it is a several hour boat ride from Minnesota, Ontario or Michigan. Isle Royale boasts charismatic megafauna such as Moose, Wolves (less than 20 remain on the island), Fox, Eagles, Osprey, Rabbits and the Red Squirrel.

As it's our first thru-hike of the Massanutten Loop Trail, we plan to start at Low Water Bridge Campground which is right on the Shenandoah River. We expect a lot of ridge walking once we're on the trail although there will be several climbs and descents along the way at breaks in the ridge. Along the way, we will visit Signal Knob for views of our ubiquitous companion, the Shenandoah River (both North and South branches), Copernicus Ridge, Woodstock Tower with incredible sweeping 360 views and other occasional unnamed views along the way. As this is Virginia, most of the ridges are tree-covered so enjoy the views when you encounter them.