WalkingBuddies.com

Information courtesy of National Park Service - U. S. Department of the Interior

Adams National Historical Park is located in the City of Quincy, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, approximately ten miles south of Boston. The Park comprises 11 historic structures and a cultural landscape totaling almost 14 acres.

The story encompasses five generations of the Adams family (from 1720 to 1927) including two Presidents and First Ladies, three U.S.Ministers, historians, writers and family members who supported and contributed to the success of these public figures. The site’s main historic features include: John Adams Birthplace, where 2nd U.S. President John Adams was born on October 30, 1735, and less than 75 yards away the John Quincy Adams Birthplace, where his son, John Quincy Adams, 6th U.S. President was born on July 11, 1767; the “Old House,” home to four generations of the Adams family; the Stone Library contains more than 14,000 historic volumes and includes the book collection of John Quincy Adams; no tour is complete without a visit to the United First Parish Church, where both Presidents and the First Ladies are entombed in the Adams family crypt. There is an off-site visitor center located within one mile of the historic structures.

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Information courtesy of National Park Service - U. S. Department of the Interior

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,174-mile footpath along the ridgecrests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is used by day, weekend and other short-term hikers, section-hikers and thru-hikers. Thru-hikers hike the entire length of the Trail in one season.

The A.T. began as a vision of forester Benton MacKaye and was developed by volunteers and opened as a continuous trail in 1937. It was designated as the first National Scenic Trail by the National Trails System Act of 1968. The Trail is currently protected along more than 99 percent of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by rights-of-way. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute more than 185,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail.

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Information courtesy of Colorado’s State Parks

Let’s tour through several of Colorado’s many state parks to get a better idea of the parks available for you next hiking vacation.

Located in the famous Black Forest in central Colorado, Castlewood Canyon State Park offers visitors hiking, rock climbing and unique sightseeing opportunities in an arid and beautiful setting. The ruins of the century-old Castlewood Canyon Dam form the centerpiece of the park and leads visitors to hiking trails that wind their way into the deepest regions of the canyon. Dramatic canyon walls and the unique ruins make up some of the park’s attractions. Castlewood Canyon State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset for sightseeing, picnicking, hiking, nature study and technical rock climbing. The park is also popular for bird watching and photography. Castlewood Canyon is a day-use park only and does not offer camping. Volunteers are needed for trail work, noxious weed cleanup and other projects that help maintain the park’s natural beauty. For more information on these ongoing programs, please contact the park.

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Information courtesy of State of Arkansas - Department of Parks and Tourism

Day hikers can choose from trails that take less than an hour to walk to those requiring all-day excursions. Backpackers may select from trails that range from a leisurely overnight beginner’s adventure to others that can take a month or more to complete. The state’s nationally designated wilderness areas are rugged and physically challenging, usually with no established trails. However, these make excellent hiking areas for hikers who wish to choose their own path. For those who prefer self-guided or interpretive-guided trail experiences, a variety of choices is also available.

The six physiographic regions of Arkansas offer a variety of experiences ranging from a view from the top of an Ozark or Ouachita mountain to the fragrance of pine forests which abound in the rolling hills of South Arkansas’s Gulf Coastal Plain. Towering pines, lush hardwoods, large lakes, flowing waterways, fertile delta highlands, abundant wildflowers and a variety of wildlife provide many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy experiencing Arkansas’s beauty by exploring the state’s plentiful natural resources.

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Information courtesy of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Jamaica State Park remains as popular in the wintertime for hiking as it does in the summer. Many people who use Jamaica in the winter trade in their running shoes and hiking boots for snowshoes and skis.

Several state parks contain major snowmobile routes maintained by the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). VAST trails can be found on both state forest and state park lands. Little River, Woodford, Coolidge, and Groton all have major snowmobile trails. While the Catamount Trail (Vermont’s end-to-end cross-country ski trail) crosses park land in several locations (most notably Camel’s Hump State Park), some of the best winter routes for cross country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts are the park roads and nature trails that offer miles of brush-free paths in the snow. People can be seen enjoying the trails at Mt. Ascutney or Underhill nearly every day. Some of these paths are incorporated into permitted (and groomed) trail systems and courses such as those in Thetford State Park. Trails that connect to commercial ski areas may charge a fee, but offer ample parking and amenities. Other park trails may require some ingenuity for safe parking (most park entrances and lots are not plowed in winter), but these trails offer the best opportunities for solitude and winter nature study.

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Information courtesy of Louisiana State Parks

Grand Isle’s Place in History - Since the days of Jean and Pierre Lafitte, who carried on their notorious smuggling business in these waters, Grand Isle has been on the route of commerce and industry. French exploration of the islands and subsequent settlement of sugar plantations occurred in the 1730’s. Just before the Civil War, Fort Livingston was constructed across the Barataria Pass from Grand Isle State Park. It was part of a United States defense system begun by President James Monroe and protected the Barataria approach to New Orleans.

Today most business activity consists of shrimpers and other fishing boats carrying their cargo to New Orleans and markets throughout the area. And ever present are the offshore oil rigs dotting the horizon, busily extracting energy sources from below the Gulf, and incidentally providing superb fishing spots around their supporting structures.

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Information courtesy of State of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Your first impression of Loeb may well be the scent of the myrtlewood forest … a crisp, bay leaf aroma. The park is nestled in a grove of these lovely trees. Many of the trees in the park are well over 200 years old. The Chetco River swirls and dances just beyond the park.

Several campsites and three rental cabins face the river. During the year, you can fish, swim and raft, or just walk a self-guided streamside nature trail. The river offers some of the finest fall and winter salmon and steelhead fishing on the south coast. You can bank fish from the gravel bar or use a drift boat. Throughout spring and summer, you may see scampering chipmunks, hear chirping osprey or see a family of river otters frolicking in the water.

The northern most redwood grove in the U.S. can be reached by a .75 mile self-guided River View Trail adjacent to the Chetco River.

All campsites are first-come, first-served. All cabins are reservable by phone (call 1-800-452-5687). 48 electrical sites (maximum site 50 feet); 3 rustic cabins. (541)469-2021 or (800) 551-6949.

State of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
725 Summer St NE Suite C Salem 97301

Information courtesy of West Virginia State Parks

Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. The “black” water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia.

Babcock State Park offers its guests 4,127 acres of serene, yet rugged beauty, a fast flowing trout stream in a boulder-strewn canyon and mountainous vistas to be viewed from several scenic overlooks. All of this variety is located adjacent to the New River Gorge National ‘River and the heart of the whitewater rafting industry of West Virginia.
Before the turn of the century, West Virginians were drawn to the natural beauty of the Middle Fork River and its surroundings. This area is now Audra State Park, a heavily wooded riverside campground that continues to awe visitors.

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Information courtesy of Missouri State Park System

Trail History and Features - Katy Trail State Park offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages and interests. Whether you are a bicyclist, hiker, nature lover or history buff, the trail offers opportunities for recreation, a place to enjoy nature and an avenue to discover the past.

Katy Trail State Park is built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad (better known as the Katy). When the railroad decided to cease operation on its route from Machens in St. Charles County to Sedalia in Pettis County in 1986, it presented the chance to create an extraordinary recreational opportunity — a long-distance hiking and bicycling trail that would run almost 200 miles across the state.

The opportunity for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to acquire the right-of-way was made possible by the National Trails System Act, which provides that railroad corridors no longer needed for active rail service can be banked for future transportation needs and used on an interim basis for recreational trails. Because of a generous donation by the late Edward D. “Ted” Jones, the department was able to secure the right-of-way and construct the trail. In 1991, the Union Pacific Railroad donated to the state an additional 33 miles of rail corridor from Sedalia to east of Clinton. Additional purchases and donations have been added. Today, Katy Trail state park is open for 225 miles from St. Charles to Clinton and is operated by the Department of Natural Resources as part of the state park system.

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Written by Kristin Raasch
First Coast Trail Forgers

Coastal Florida is changing by the minute. Small, concrete block homes and larger utilitarian wood frame homes built in the 50’s and 60’s are giving way to condominiums and large, elaborate homes. Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach offer the opportunity to see the best of both. They also have recently revitalized commercial areas that offer unique shops and restaurants. Begin your walk on February 19th in the Town Centre section of Neptune Beach. This small beach community has many local restaurants and shops, including Pete’s Bar made famous in John Grisham’s novel “The Brethren”. The area also sports an art gallery, bookstore, health food store, gift shops, jewelry and clothing store and many other fun places. Your walk then proceeds through eclectic residential areas of Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. You will walk out onto the new Jacksonville Beach pier (bring $1.00 to get on the pier) and enjoy the ocean view. Then continue into the newly redeveloped pavilion area of Jacksonville Beach with more local restaurants and shops. This area has dance clubs and high-end restaurants with a totally different flavor from Town Centre. After enjoying Ocean Front Park you will head down to the beach for the return to the start point.

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Written by Discover France

Scottsdale, AZ, October 2004 - Pure Adventures, a boutique tour operator, created from their highly successful sister company Discover France, now enters its 2nd season with their new-guided walking tour in New Zealand. Pure Adventures biking and walking itineraries allow their clients to venture off-the-beaten path and experience the country in a more personal fashion, meeting the locals and seeing the sights through their eyes.

The lush native rainforests of Te Urewera National Park and the fury of the active volcanic plateau are explored through a variety of walks, carefully selected to inspire, challenge and reward the enthusiastic walker. New Zealand’s North Island is where it all happens, from Rotorua, the tourist center world famous for its thermal attractions and strong Maori culture, we travel through the largest untouched rainforest on the North Island, to the East coast wine country, and then inland to the Central Plateau volcanic wonderland.

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Written by Discover France

Scottsdale, AZ, February 19, 2004 - Travelers sometimes simply have the itch for something new - far from the usual experience of big cities, plush hotels and overrated exhibitions. Discover France, specialists in active vacations in France, had this in mind recently when it launched “Pure Adventures,” a boutique tour operator that applies Discover France’s proven self-guided format to intimate, off-the-beaten-path tours not only in France but throughout Europe. The two charter walking tours are to Transylvania, Romania and the Swiss Alps.

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Information supplied by Mike Cameron

“ValleyExplore.com is a free of charge informative guide to walking, biking, driving, cross-country skiing, canoeing and waterfall viewing in the Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada.

Here’s a link to their walking area.

The three goals of the web site: To promote healthy lifestyles; To help the local economy through tourism;
And to preserve the environment through awareness of its natural riches.

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Information courtesy of Mackinac State Historic Parks

Originally constructed by Scotsman Robert Campbell in the 1780s, Historic Mill Creek is one of the first industrial sites in the Great Lakes. A reconstructed 18th century water-powered sawmill is nestled in a 625-acre wooded setting with nature trails and forest management displays. Accredited by the American Association of Museums. Open May 4 - September 25, 2005. Located on US-23, three miles southeast of Mackinaw City, Michigan. Exit 337 off I-75 to US-23 east.

New in 2005! Millwright’s House Exhibit:
Reconstructed by hand using traditional methods, this authentic reconstruction reveals the home of early Mill Creek settlers. The Millwright’s family describes life at the mill through interactive video displays. Exhibits include the original hearth and workshop.

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Information courtesy of Haunted History Tours

Participants on the tours have experienced a variety of personal hauntings while on these daily and nightly expeditions throughout the French Quarter. For example, quite often time pieces stop working and camera equipment fails to function at one particular spot. Another location has spawned severa fainting spells during the guide’s rendition of a sparticularly horrific tale of man’s inhumanity to man. Additionally, “cold spots” are abundant and many people actually hear, feel, and see entities and apparitions while on the tour.

“This is not a Halloween spook house,” Smith often tells guests on the tour. “Some people are simply more sensitive to paranormal activity than others.”

For instance, he recently heard a story from a woman on his tour about a man she met at French Quarter hotel. He was on the adjoining balcony to her room. “She talked to him for a while and enjoyed his company, ” said Smith. “When she went downstairs and inquired who was occupying the room, she was told it was empty.”

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Information courtesy of The National Park Service

In the fall of 1808, Thomas and Nancy Lincoln settled on the 348 acre Sinking Spring Farm. Two months later on February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin near the Sinking Spring. Here the Lincolns lived and farmed before moving to land a few miles away at Knob Creek. The area was established by Congress on July 17, 1916. An early 19th century Kentucky cabin, symbolic of the one in which Lincoln was born, is preserved in a memorial building at the site of his birth.

Major attractions, picnic area, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. A short (900 ft.) boardwalk through the forest leads to the Memorial Building. Wheelchair is available for loan. Handicapped parking is available.

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Information courtesy of Mackinac State Historic Parks

Description:

1. Mackinac Island State Park became America’s second national park in 1875 (Yellowstone was first in 1872). In 1895 it became Michigan’s first state park when Mackinac National Park was transferred from the U.S. Government to the State of Michigan.
2. Approximately 1,800 wooded acres of parkland cover 80 percent of Mackinac Island.
3. Automobiles are banned to preserve the island’s turn-of-the century charm.
4. Stately Victorian cottages decorate the island’s bluffs, and historic cemeteries are monuments to the legacy of past island dwellers.
5. Conde’ Nast Traveler readers named Mackinac among the world’s 10 most beautiful temperate islands for scenery and environment in its November, 2001 issue.

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Written by Victor McAllister
Olympic Peninsula Explorers Volkssport Club

We offer sixteen AVA sanctioned Year-Round Walks, several of them in the Olympic National Park and two Seasonal walks: Hurricane Hill and Sol Duc Falls, also in the National Park. All our Year-Rounds and Seasonals are 10Km (or a bit more).

On our website you will find directions to our starting points. In addition to the listed Year Round Events and Seasonal Events, our Club, the Olympic Peninsula Explorers Volkssport Club, hosts several week-end Events every year. In early October of 2005 we will have a two-day Volkssport weekend Event in Port Townsend, a charming Victorian seaport, in conjunction with their exciting, hilarious “Kinetik Skulpture Race” weekend (”kinetic” and “sculpture” are intentionally misspelled). Our weekend “Troll Stroll” in the Spring is well known to walkers throughout the
Northwest.

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Written by Jim Taylor
Travel Writer
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

WICKES — The Cossatot River rises in the Ouachita National Forest southeast of Mena and spiritedly tumbles southward across a sparsely populated section of west-central Arkansas until entering Gillham Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ impoundment completed in 1975.

In the clean, running river above the lake live two fishes — the Ouachita Mountain shiner and the leopard darter — that are found nowhere on earth except in streams of the Ouachita Mountains. At the Cossatot Falls, the river snakes over and between upturned Ouachitas’ strata to create a stretch of water that challenges kayakers and canoeists like few places can in mid-America. That area’s rock formations, polished smooth by the river, yield intriguing images to those with cameras. Those are among the reasons why the Cossatot has been designated a Wild and Scenic River by the state and federal governments.

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Written by Cathleen Grant
CEO New Orleans Spirit Tours

Welcome to belle New Orleans, jewel of the Mississippi. New Orleans allure is alive with historic places, fabulous food, music, incredibly beautiful architecture, amazing shopping and GHOSTS!

Since her beginnings, New Orleans has been indefinably mystical. There is a legacy of death and dying, inhospitable surroundings, and merciless disease. Above ground burial, the horrors of slavery, savage piracy and outrageous corruption make this legendary haunt like no other!

In 1997, New Orleans Spirit Tours began their Ghost & Vampire tour which combines the ancient art of storytelling with historical documentation to provide an eerie evening walk of suspense into the dark edges of the historic Haunted French Quarter. Discover why the unrested and living dead roam among us.

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