Our Tales from the trails series is a collection of stories and insights from genuine outdoor enthusiasts. Written by real people, for real people, we are bringing together like-minded spirits. Sure we love hiking and backpacking but the real benefits of getting out come from the daily life lessons to be learned in nature.
It is a cold day in the Adirondack mountains. The sun is hiding behind dark, hovering clouds. Giant snowflakes are falling from the sky and have no intention of stopping anytime soon. How does climbing a 70-foot fire tower sound? To the average person, it may sound a bit crazy, right? But to these fearless […]
If there’s one thing you could say about Eric Todd Sweet, it is that his personality certainly matches his name. The self-proclaimed “candy-eating fun guy” who loves Hi-Chew and Fun Dip has made the trail leading to Mt. Washington’s summit a more positive place since he began hiking 8 years ago. In fact, Mr. Sweet […]
“Just one more step and you will make it, Ted—you will achieve your dream.” That is one of the things Ted repeated to himself while wrapped in the clouds on his way to reaching the high peaks of the Adirondacks. Ted Chittenden, a husband, father, grandfather and outdoor enthusiast, is a local here in the […]
When it comes to tales from the trail, Erin Ton tells hers in style. This Colorado native is known for her unique ability to hike in high heels. And she doesn’t conquer just any trail in her stiletto pumps—Ton has made it to the top of 57 of Colorado’s 14ers in her high-heeled shoes. Why […]
My eyes couldn’t believe what they were seeing! Water flowed steadily down this small creek that seemingly bled out of the desert floor. After hiking for hours with little to no water to be seen, this tiny stream was a welcomed sight. A Homecoming Vacation Backpacking is something that my wife and I loved to […]
When it comes to getting out and sharing her tales, Hailey Sutton is a pro. The former reporter for WFSA, an NBC affiliated station in Montgomery, AL, was known for hitting the trails around her and sharing her adventures with viewers. Her “Hiking with Hailey” segments are still popular and showcase some of the best […]
My heart sank as I looked up the trail. Snow covered the majority of the dirt that I had been walking on for hours. And now that the sun was getting low in the sky and I still didn’t have a campsite, life was beginning to look pretty terrible at the moment. Gearing Up for […]
For some outdoor enthusiasts, hiking is about finding your own path. But for others, it’s about community. The San Diego Hiking Society is a Facebook group dedicated to providing just that—a sense of belonging among hikers across the region. The 30,000-plus group was founded in July 2015, and is a great resource for newbie hikers […]
Excitement soon turned to dread as the backroad we were currently winding along, leading up to Greys and Torreys peaks, became impassable. The area had received quite a bit of rain over the last couple days, resulting in the road being completely washed away. Even four wheel drive wasn’t going to cut it this time. […]
Something you should know about me? I am an honest to God adrenaline junkie. I have been aware of this “predicament” since my early teens and have found wild, fun ways to live out my adrenaline addiction in a safe-ish environment. What are some of these ways you might ask? White water rafting Horseback riding […]