Petra
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Crabtree Falls Trail: A Winter Hike Worth the Climb
If you’re in Central Virginia and looking for a rewarding hike with killer views (and a few solid leg workouts), Crabtree Falls is one of those spots that makes you stop and just breathe it all in. With the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, it’s not hard to see why this trail is…
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Get the Most Out of Your Hiking and Camping Gear
Because Nothing Ruins a Trip Like a Busted Air Mattress (Ask Me How I Know) So you’re ready to hit the trail. Backpack’s loaded, boots laced, excitement dialed up. You’ve got your favorite snack bars packed and a trail playlist humming in the back of your mind. But before you disappear into the woods or…
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Hiking the Austin Mountain and Furnace Mountain Loop
This trail had been on my mind for a while, and after checking the weather and feeling ready for a challenge, I decided to take on the Austin Mountain and Furnace Mountain Loop. It’s a 9-mile loop that winds through some seriously beautiful forest, includes a good bit of elevation, and gives you a little…
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Exploring Walnut Creek Park in Albemarle County, Virginia
If you’re looking for a solid outdoor spot close to Charlottesville, Walnut Creek Park is one of those places that has something for just about everyone. I’ve been there a few times when Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway were closed for the season, and it’s a great alternative when you still want to…
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Riprap Trail via Wildcat Ridge: A December Hike with a Surprise Encounter
Riprap is one of those fan-favorite trails around here, and for the last few weeks, I’ve been toying with the idea of finally checking it off my list. The only thing that held me back was the thought of water crossings in December. Cold, soggy socks are not high on my list of winter joys….
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Hiking Goals for 2024: Creating My Next Adventure
I’ve been thinking a lot about my hiking goals for 2024. For me, having direction helps keep me focused and gives me something to look forward to. When I started hiking back in early 2023, I wasn’t chasing a milestone, I just knew I needed something that would support my well-being, both physically and mentally….
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Revisiting Blackrock Summit with Zina
I first came across Blackrock Summit on a previous hike and knew I wanted to come back from a different direction. Since my dog Zina isn’t quite ready for longer, more strenuous hikes just yet, this trail felt like the perfect choice. It’s short, easy to follow, and still gives you that rewarding feeling of…
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Camping by the Ocean: Huntington Beach State Park
I love camping in the mountains. There’s something about the trees, the cool air, and the quiet that grounds me. But this year, our annual friends trip took us somewhere a little different, camping at the beach. And while we couldn’t see the ocean from our site, we could hear it. The sound of waves…
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Hiking Humpback Rocks in Virginia
Humpback Rocks is one of those trails that draws a crowd, and for good reason. I decided to hike it early on a Thursday morning, hoping to beat the rush. Even during the week, it gets busy, so if you’re thinking about doing this one, get there early. Trail Overview This trail is located right…
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Hiking the Dobie Mountain Trail via the Appalachian Trail
Dobie Mountain Trail is a solid hike if you’re looking for something that offers variety, a bit of history, and a peaceful escape into the woods. Just a heads-up, though, if you’re planning to go on a weekend or a holiday, parking will be tough. The lot fills up fast, mostly with folks heading to…
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Hiking Hanging Rock State Park: A Weekend of Love and Adventure
This past weekend, I had the absolute honor of being part of a dear friend’s wedding vow renewal, and while I was there, I also got to conquer some new heights in North Carolina. What made it even more special was that they chose Hanging Rock State Park for their ceremony. That gave me the…
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Leave No Trace: Hiking with Respect
Leave No Trace might sound like a simple idea, but it’s often overlooked. I’ve been on trails where everything looked untouched and beautiful, and I’ve also come across spots littered with wrappers, broken gear, and even full trash bags left behind. The truth is, when you leave trash behind, it does more than ruin the…