A Hike of Waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

13 November 202122 September 2024

What if you learned you could hike a trail with over 20 waterfalls? Not just small ones but several falls with a drop of nearly 100 feet? When I heard about the spectacular scenery at Ricketts Glen State Park, I quickly planned a road trip to see the beauty of the park for myself.

The 15-foot Onondaga Waterfall

I started my hike at the Lake Rose Parking Lot and took the Highland Trail, passing the Midway Crevasse. Ricketts Glen is located in Benton, Pennsylvania and is so large that it covers three counties, Columbia, Luzerne and Sullivan. This state park, over 13,000 acres, was once privately owned by Robert Bruce Ricketts, who had once planned to build a hotel here.

Shortly into my hike, I approached the 15-foot Onondaga Waterfall, but more impressive was the F.L. Ricketts Falls which is the magnificent 380-foot “wedding cake” waterfall named after Robert’s brother Frank.

Most of the waterfalls throughout the trail range from 11 to 94 foot drops. Harrison Wright Falls is another one of the beautiful waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park, falling 27 feet.

The park was founded in 1942 and approximately 500,000 visitors hike the trail each year. The journey totals 7.2 miles starting at PA 118, but there is a somewhat shorter trek starting at Lake Rose. The Falls Trail has been categorized as difficult due to its steepness and slippery conditions from the mist of the waterfalls.

Within Ricketts Glen, there have been sightings of black bear, white-tailed deer, squirrels, porcupine and raccoon. Animals not often seen include beaver, the river otter, bobcat, coyote, red fox and mink. The park is also a popular birding location and wild turkeys during the fall season.

While the hike of waterfalls is the main draw to the park, there are also ten cabins, two camping areas, horseback riding, hunting, swimming, fishing as well as boating. As of 1997, ice climbing was permitted. Other winter activities include cross country skiing and ice fishing, but the park is closed to hiking during the winter months.

I completed the trail in two and a half hours with plenty of stops to stand amazed at the falls. The park was busy with visitors and it was fun to watch the young children enjoy the views as well. The day was cool and perfect to explore the park and I was excited to end my hike with a picnic lunch, surrounded by nature and the sound of the falls.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ricketts Glen? What other parks can you suggest for hiking? I would love to hear about your visit and other hiking suggestions if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for your interest in my experience at Ricketts Glen! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ricketts Glen State Park
695 State Route 487
Benton, PA 17814
Telephone: 570 477 5675

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting Ricketts Glen State Park
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk;
Amenities: Hiking, cabins, beach, concessions at the beach, wildlife viewing,
Scenic View: The 21 waterfalls on the hike are breathtaking.
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The hike can be slippery and the steps can be steep at times so be prepared. Pack water and snacks for the hike. During the wintertime, trails may be closed, so check the state park website for any updates.

Where to Stay:

Mattress & Muffin Inn
240 S. Main Street, Benton, PA 17814
Phone: 570.925.5466

This beautiful home in historic Benton offers affordable, quaint accommodations and complimentary breakfast in the morning.

Where to Eat:

Hobokon Sub Shop
Main Street, Benton, PA 17814
Phone: 570.925.2100

I picked up a sub sandwich to enjoy after hiking Ricketts Glen. The staff were very friendly and my meal was perfect for my picnic lunch!

What to Eat:

Pretzels were brought to Pennsylvania by the German settlers.
Philly Cheesesteaks are sandwiches made of strips of steak topped with Cheez Whiz and onion.
The Banana Split is said to have been invented in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Hershey’s Kisses
Lebanon Bologna made by the Pennsylvania Dutch
Apple Butter produced by the Pennsylvania Dutch
Utz potato chips
Tastycakes
Heinz Ketchup
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Twizzlers
Chocolate
Scrapple is a meat loaf made of pork scraps and cornmeal.
The Arnold Palmer is a drink made of half tea and half lemonade.
Pot Pie is another contribution by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Root Beer was invented by Charles Elmer Hires of Philadelphia, PA.
Philadelphia Pepper Pot Soup was served at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War.
Funnel cakes
Stromboli
Shoofly Pie is a pie with the main ingredient of molasses
Whoopie Pies are cake cookies with a cream filling
Peeps

What to Read:

Ricketts Glen State Park by Tim Shirey
Ricketts Glen State Park by Jesse Russell

The Great Smoky Mountains Laurel Falls Hike

4 September 202022 September 2024

Laurel Falls is considered one of the most popular trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 2.6 mile round trip paved trail is considered easy and reaches the spectacular 80 foot high falls. For 50 cents I picked up a self-guided pamphlet which pointed out several places of interest and we set out for the trail surrounded by pine trees and oaks for an enjoyable trek through the mountain wilderness.

There are eleven markers that correlate with the trail brochure and the first stop describes the laurel plant which grows along the path. During the early summer its blooms range from pink to white. Rhododendron are also popular along the path displaying larger leaves and growing taller than the mountain laurel.

Having passed through the forest of pine, oak and hardwoods, the topography switched from ridge to ravine. Here the trail curved sharply with deep drop-offs to the left. We began to see more rocks and there were several places to take a break along the path.

We regrouped and continued upwards as the trail continued its gradual climb towards the falls. We crossed over a small creek that trickled down the hill, through large and small rocks providing water to the rhododendron, hemlock and beech plants along the trail.

Soon, there was a break in the trees creating a “picture window” at marker number seven. The rounded peak in the distance was covered with trees and there was a sharp drop from the edge of the pavement.

The further we continued up the trail, the more contorted the trees became due to high winds, lightning strikes and other severe weather conditions. Interestingly, the aggressive change in climate does not affect the lichen that attaches itself to rocks and trees.

The pathway changed drastically before reaching the falls. Steep cliffs dangerously hugged the narrow trail which alerted us that we were nearing our destination. We began to hear sounds of water rushing from Cove Mountain as we continued our approach and gave a sigh of relief that we had arrived safely.

The double-drop cascade was spectacular as its light spray lit upon our faces cooling us down from the hike. The rocks were slippery and we moved with caution to allow other hikers to pass by standing in awe of its beauty. We gave ourselves about fifteen minutes to revel in our accomplishment and curiously tested the temperature of the runoff before backtracking towards the trailhead. It would all be downhill from here.

Have you hiked the Laurel Falls Trail or other trails in the Great Smoky Mountains? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my hike and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Laurel Falls
From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.
Telephone: 865 436 1200

Admission Fee: There is no charge to visit Laurel Falls as it is a part of the Great Smoky National Park.
Hours: The park is open year around, though access to Laurel Falls may be limited during the winter months.
Amenities: Pamphlet for hike ($.50)
Scenic View: Spectacular views of Great Smoky Mountains throughout the hike
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours, depending on whether you can walk up the steep hill
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Wildlife, such as bears, may be wandering around the property, so be on the lookout and do not approach them. We like to visit here in the afternoon as the trees provide shade from the warmer weather.

Where to Stay:

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone: 865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner, Ohio

29 September 20191 January 2025

Located in Butler County, Ohio, Hueston Woods was a family favorite for summer vacation camping. An hour and a half drive from Springfield, we would leave shortly after our father finished his work day with plenty of time to put up our tent and settle in for the evening.

The next day we would wake up early, enjoy a breakfast cooked over an open fire and then hike off our morning meal. The park offers 12 miles of trails with the longest measuring just over 2 miles. Our favorite hikes included animal sightings and a creek where we could search for crawdads. We would also search for firewood and kindling for the evening’s fire.

Although we did not own a boat, we would pack a picnic and make a trip down to the marina. On sunny days, boaters would drop off their boats, park their trailers and enjoy a day on the lake. We would also find fishing holes in the nearby coves in hopes of catching our dinner of bluegill and catfish.

On a recent visit to Hueston Woods, I noticed the beautiful covered bridge over Four Mile Creek. I couldn’t remember the bridge from our days of camping and soon learned that it was completed in 2012 to replace the previous metal bridge. The covered walkways attached to the bridge allows visitors to pass through safely.

Nearby, Historic Hopewell Church is listed as a stop on the Underground Railroad trail. Dating back to 1808, the original log church was replaced by the current brick structure in 1825. The nearby Hopewell Cemetery is the final resting place for local church attendees who died during the Civil War. Nearly 1000 locals are buried here.

Overall, my favorite memory of Hueston Woods, was the reception of my aunt and uncle’s wedding. They had met while attending the University of Miami of Ohio, so this was a perfect place to celebrate. I will never forget that it was the first time, at the age of nine, that I accidentally drank the spiked punch at the reception. I promise, it was only one sip.

Have you visited Hueston Woods near Oxford, Ohio? What memories do you have of visiting this great Ohio state park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road
College Corner, OH 45003
Telephone: 513 523 6347

Where to Stay:

Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road
College Corner, OH 45003
Telephone: 513 523 6347

Where to Eat:

The Bagel Shop and Deli
119 East High Street
Oxford, OH 45056
Telephone: 513 523 2131

Hours: Sunday and Monday from 8AM to 12 AM and Tuesday through Saturday from 8AM to 2:30AM
Tips for Your Visit: The lines can be long when the local bars close, so plan accordingly.

Exploring the Rockies on a Long Weekend

1 September 201431 August 2024

My friend Melissa invited me on her family vacation to the Rocky Mountains for a long weekend of camping. There were six of us making the trip, so we all met up in Denver, then picked up our luggage and rental car. It was late afternoon by the time we hit the road and we were all excited about our drive towards the mountains.

This was not going to be a luxury weekend of hotels and fine dining, but we were equally stoked to be camping out in the wide open space. Mel’s father loved his annual trips, coming to the mountains to hunt elk with bow and arrow. He and his wife, Penny had been camping here for several years and stayed in the same area where we would have plenty of space.

We made a pact that we would stop at every bar that we saw on our way….luckily there was just one. We enjoyed a couple of drinks and left long before they started dancing. We had places to see and wanted to reach the campsite before dark.

I had never been to Colorado so I knew this long weekend would take me back to childhood camping trips. I was so excited for the opportunity to go hiking, four-wheeling and exploring. The site where we would be staying was just past the Rocky Mountain National Park, which meant that we would be driving through it. I was looking forward to seeing elk for the first time.

I was in love with the gorgeous scenery where mountains rose up on both sides of our drive. We found several pull-outs where we could take photos and enjoy the scenic views. Having rented an SUV, our four-wheel drive vehicle hugged the road that seemed to barely hang off the cliff. Stretching over 3000 miles, the Rockies reach as far north as Canada, but I was most impressed that the tallest of its peaks were here in Colorado.

Traveling a long stretch of winding roads, it was a relief for my stomach that we had finally reached the national park. So happy for the fewer switchbacks and thankful that the road leveled out. In the distance, we began to see elk roaming among the pines, firs and maple trees, but we just weren’t close enough to see them well.

As we continued deeper into the park, I began to notice that the elk were more friendly and unafraid of us. We took a few moments to hop out of the car for a few photos and that was when I realized just how big they really are.

I couldn’t believe we were so close to them….they are absolutely gorgeous.

As we continued our drive, it was obvious that we were once again driving dangerously close to the edge of the road.

Continuing our climb, our visibility had decreased. There were several times when we were surrounded by lofty clouds. The temperature had dropped, so we grabbed our coats to keep warm. We began to see poles coming up from the ground and realized that they were placed there to measure the snowfall.

It was early evening when we reached the campsite. The Smallwoods had already set up camp, so we dropped off our belongings at the heated tent. Penny and Dean were waiting for us and we visited with them before making dinner. Dean, Melissa’s dad, hunts for elk and keeps the meat to feed themselves and their neighbors making amazing jerky and summer sausage.

With Fred, their yellow lab by our side, we rested by the fire to acclimate to the altitude. Some of the symptoms for altitude sickness include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and loss of energy, shortness of breath and problems sleeping. So far, we seemed to be doing well and enjoyed our time for drinks and s’mores by the warming flames.

In addition to bow stands, we had a makeshift bathroom with a camouflage curtain.

After taking a tour of the property and eating a light dinner, we prepared for bed so we could wake up early and explore the area. We had plans for hiking the next day and taking out the ATVs.

We all slept well and were able to sleep in. After a country breakfast of bacon, eggs and hash browns over an open fire, we piled in the rented Volvo and drove towards our first stop, Lost Lake.

Our Lost Lake hike was just outside the small village of Grand Lake. Within minutes, the trail opened up to this amazing body of water where the trees reflected in the water. The sun was shining and we soon found a place on the rocks to soak in its warmth. We stayed for about an hour before heading back to the parking lot.

We were crazy enough to hike up the side of one of the tall hills so we could see the area from a completely different view.

Having a little time before heading back to the park, we needed to stop by the store in Grand Lake. We picked up some supplies and watched the sunset.

On our last day of our long weekend, we were excited to see Estes Park. Another rest haven within the mountains, we had a beautiful day to walk the small village before returning to the camp to ride ATVs for the last time.

We packed a lot of activities within such a short period of time but was thrilled to see the beauty of the Rockies. With one more night for a restful sleep, we were happy to have survived the wild.

Have you been to Rocky Mountain National Park? What animals did you see and which areas did you explore? Many thanks for reading about my long weekend in the Rockies and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Rocky Mountain National Park
Mailing Address:
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
Telephone: 970 586 1208

Admission Fee: 1 day pass for an automobile: $25; 1 day pass for a person: $15; 1 day pass for a motorcycle: $25; 7 day pass for an automobile $35; 7 day pass for a person: $20; 7 day pass for a motorcycle: $30; Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass: $70 (valid for one year); America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Passes (entrance fees for national parks and wildlife refuges): $80; Check their website for tour rates, additional discounts and free days.
Hours: Open daily 24 hours a day weather permitting; the park’s visitor centers are opened based on season.
Amenities: Lodging, camping and restaurants, gas stations, medical facilities, cell phone and wifi service, giftshops and grocery stores, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, backpacking, hiking, bike tours
Guided Tours: There are third party vendors that provide guided hiking and backpacking, guided bicycle tours and fishing guides.
Length of the Tour: 1 to 5 days
Tips for your Visit from the Park: Annual and lifetime passes take 2 – 4 weeks to process, so if you are traveling before this time, you will want to purchase your ticket once you arrive at the park. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons in the park. Parking lots can be full and roads congested. Arriving early or coming into the park in the late afternoon can help. During the summer and fall free park shuttle buses operate to help you get around the Bear Lake Road. If you are planning to camp overnight in the park, you must be in one of the designated campgrounds or a backcountry campsite. Camping reservations are strongly recommended during the summer and fall. Be sure to check the status of park roads, as some roads close seasonally. Keep in mind that during the fall, winter, and spring, conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Check the weather forecast when planning your visit. Park visitor center hours also vary with the season.

Where to Stay:

Rocky Mountain National Park
Mailing Address:
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
Telephone: 970 586 1208

Where to Eat:

Trail Ridge Store and Cafe is the only location within the park that serves food. Check out the restaurants in nearby Estes Park or Grand Lake.

What to Eat:

Elk-Jalapeno Dog for gamey gourmet dogs
Lamb: Try the Lamb Fondue which is a lamb chop served with a peppery cheese
Rocky Mountain Oysters: bull testicles
Sugar Steak at Bastien’s Restaurant

What to Read:

Death, Despair and Second Chances in Rocky Mountain National Park, by Joseph R. Evans
Outdoor Family Guide: Rocky Mountain National Park, by Lisa Gollin Evans

Photo Guide to the Rocky Mountains and the Surrounding Area:

Adams Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake for the mountains
Deer Ridge Trail on Trail Ridge Road within Rocky Mountain National Park
Dream Lake for the beautiful mountains in the background of the lake
Emerald Lake for its gorgeous green color
Far View Curve at Trail Ridge Road within Rocky Mountain National Park
Gore Range Overlook on Trail Ridge Road within Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake Pier at sunset
Lava Cliffs on Trail Ridge Road within Rocky Mountain National Park
Rainbow Curve on Trail Ridge Road within Rocky Mountain National Park

Five Reasons You Should Visit the Grand Canyon This Summer

18 August 201431 August 2024

2016 is a special year for the United States National Park Service as they celebrate their 100^th anniversary. What better way to commemorate this milestone than to visit one of their amazing parks this year?

Maybe you should consider The Grand Canyon National Park located outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. This is one of my favorite parks to visit in the US for several reasons, but here are my top five:

The Winding Colorado River, Grand Canyon

The Scenery and Landscapes
How could I even begin to describe the awe that comes from viewing the Grand Canyon? It seems unimaginable that the power of one river, the Colorado, could carve out something so beautiful over a long period of time. With a length of 277 miles and stretching 18 miles wide, this geological phenomenon attracts close to 5 million visitors each year.

April Snow on the Grand Canyon

In addition to the enormity of the canyon, the layer upon layer of color is the perfect backdrop to a kaleidoscope landscape. The park is divided into two sections, the North Rim, reaching heights of about 1,000 feet over the South Rim. This difference in elevation means that the North Rim’s temperature is colder and access to this section of the canyon is limited during the winter season. During one of our visits in April, there was evidence of a recent snowfall.

Depending on the weather, the South Rim is typically open all year round while the North Rim is generally open mid-May to mid-October.

The Fabulous View of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon

History
The Grand Canyon has been inhabited for thousands of years with its first settlements erected by the Native Americans. Known by the Indians as “Ongtupqa”, this was a holy site and pilgrimages were made to this canyon and its many caves. One of the most interesting sites of Indian habitation is located at Nankoweap Creek where ancestral granaries can be found along the Colorado River. Fast forward a few hundred years and the area would eventually be visited by the Spanish and later the Americans. It would one day become a preserve established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and then declared as the 17^th US National Park in the year 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.

Desert View Watchtower

Driving or Tram Tour
Many of the buildings, sites and attractions are located on the South Rim and are easily accessible from Grand Canyon Village. The park provides a tram on the grounds which is also very convenient, stopping at the major sites. Here are some of the points of interest on the South Rim.

There are several structures on the South Rim that were designed by Mary Colter to include Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, Lookout Studio and one of my favorites, Desert View Watchtower.
Considered the most luxurious of all of the Grand Canyon hotels is the El Tovar Hotel. It was designed by Charles Whittlesely and completed in 1905 in the style of “National Park Rustic”.
Verkamp’s Curios was a popular place to pick up souvenirs and local arts and crafts. It was reopened in 2010 as a visitor center dedicated to the history of the Grand Canyon Village.
Buckey O’Neill Cabin is the “longest continually standing structure”, built in the 1890s. It is currently open as a popular guest house requiring reservations many months in advance.
Kolb Studio was built by two brothers in 1904 as a photography studio on site. The structure became an art gallery after Emery Kolb’s passing in 1976.
One of the most interesting buildings that remains in the park is the Grand Canyon Railway Depot which is said to be one of the last log cabin train stations ever built in the US.

You can also choose to drive the route yourself which will allow you ample time to enjoy the attractions at your own pace.

Stairs Leading down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Hiking

Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities within the Grand Canyon. There are several trails that follow the rim of the canyon as well as take hikers deep down into the gorge, reaching the Colorado River. In addition to the strenuous activity of hiking, there are other factors to consider before hitting the trail, such as altitude and weather. Temperatures can reach over 100° F down in the gorge during the summer months and can fall way below freezing in the winter. Hikers must be aware of such effects as sunburn, dehydration and hypothermia.

Plants and Animals
If you are a lover of plants or animals, the Grand Canyon is your paradise. According to Grand Canyon National Park, there are “approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park”. I agree that the plant life is a very important part of the Grand Canyon’s ecology, but I have a greater interest in the wildlife and I am overwhelmed by the number of species that make the canyon their home. Within the park and its environs are an abundance of mammal species. In addition there are birds, fish, amphibians as well as reptiles. Here is an abbreviated list of some of the animals that have been found in the canyon:

· Abert’s squirrels	· Feral burros	· Red squirrels
· Antelope squirrels	· Gray foxes	· Ringtails
· Beavers	· Mountain lions, rare	· Rock squirrels
· Black bears	· Mule deer	· Shrews
· Bobcats	· Muskrats, rare	· Spotted skunks
· Coyotes	· Pocket mice	· Tassel-eared Squirrels
· Desert bighorn sheep	· Porcupines	· Weasels
· Elk	· Raccoons

It is always appropriate to remain cautious should you encounter one of the wild animals at Grand Canyon. Do not feed the animals and stay far enough away to ensure your well-being as well as the animal’s safety.

Although the Grand Canyon is not the deepest canyon in the world, it certainly is spectacular. From hiking to driving, rafting to camping, there are so many other ways to explore this amazing national park. And just when you think you have exhausted all possibilities of things to do, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of this magnificent gorge by helicopter. With its colorful landscape and fascinating geology, it is one of the most interesting of all of the National Parks in the United States.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon? What is your favorite activity? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Grand Canyon and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

Admission Fee: $35 per vehicle for seven days; $30 per motorcycle for seven days; $20 per individual (biker, hiker, pedestrian) for seven days; Annual pass for Grand Canyon only: $70
Hours: The South Rim is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The North Rim is closed during the winter, so check the sites website for the most recent information.
Amenities: Shuttle system, picnicking, hiking, camping, guided tours, ranger programs, river trips, mule trips, backpacking
Scenic View: Sunset and sunrise from most anywhere in the canyon are spectacular, but the website provides a great list of stops for enjoying sunrise and sunset. ;
Length of Visit: Several days
Tips for Your Visit: The park’s website has a few suggestions such as bring an extra set of keys in the event you lock yourself out because it could be a long wait for a locksmith. Major car repairs in Flagstaff or Williams, Arizona. Keep your gas tank full as the closest gas station may be quite a distance. Finally, carry plenty of water in your car, especially during the summer months.

Where to Stay:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

There are several hotels on the South Rim to include Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Maswik Lodge. There is also an RV park, Yavapai Lodge. For reservations, contact 888 297 2757. If the onsite accommodations are full, there are several hotels surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Phantom Ranch offers dormitories and cabins who are exploring the Grand Canyon by mule or by hiking. Reservations are made through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges via an on-line lottery 15 months in advance.

Where to Eat:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

For a list of restaurants and groceries at The Grand Canyon, select the following link: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/restaurants.htm

What to Eat:

Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig. This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
Tamales!

What to Read:

The Emerald Isle: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko
Grand Canyon, by Jason Chin
The Exploration of the Colorado River and the Canyons, by John Wesley
Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon, by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
I am the Grand Canyon, by Stephen Hirst

Photo Guide for the Grand Canyon:

South Rim Viewpoints: Yavapai Point
Mather Point
Desert View Drive
Shoshone Point
Yaki Point
Grandview Point
Navaho Point
Desert View Watchtower
Hermit Road
Horseshoe Bend
Bright Angel Point
Point Imperial
Cape Royal
Toroweap / Tuweep
Havasu Falls
Best places to watch the sunset:
- Lipan Point
- Navajo Point
- Yavapai Point
- Toroweep
- Point Imperial
- Cape Royal

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A view of the hotels at the Grand Canyon

Morning Fog in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon Travels Far into the Distance

Scenic overlook from the Tour Bus

Capturing the Depth of the Grand Canyon

Trees Growing Through the Rocks of the Grand Canyon

The Colorful Grand Canyon

The Vastness of the Grand Canyon

Snow in the Grand Canyon

Camping Out at Carolina Beach

17 April 201431 August 2024

I met up with some friends for a long weekend during the summer to camp Carolina Beach State Park. We packed up our car with our gear and snacks, reviewed our camping checklist and made the two and a half hour drive from Raleigh.

When we arrived, we found the perfect campsite large enough for two tents and began to unload the car. Driving our posts into the sandy ground, it wasn’t long until we set up camp and enjoyed lunch before setting out to explore. Camping was how my family vacationed when I was growing up, visiting the Ohio state parks to hike, camp and ride our bikes, so I was feeling a little nostalgic.

There are nine miles of easy trails at Carolina Beach State Park. We began our afternoon hiking the “Campground Trail” which was rated an easy hike, one mile in length. The sandy path took us through the camp sites which connected with the Sugarloaf Trail. This extension brought us to the marsh overlook where we spent a few moments exploring the wetlands for birds and wildlife. From here, we found the quarter of a mile Oak Toe Trail for views of the Cape Fear River.

We heard about Fort Fisher located about 20 miles south of Wilmington. We thought it would be a fun experience to access the recreation area by boarding the Southport Ferry. The ride lasted 35 minutes to Pleasure Island where we could explore the Civil War encampment. Fort Fisher was a pivotal battle during the Civil War, fought in the state of North Carolina. Protecting the trade routes, the fort was strategically built along an outlet along Cape Fear, often called the “Southern Gilbraltar”. Built in 1861, it became the largest Confederate Fort sitting on 200 acres and was eventually captured by the Union forces. The site remained abandoned until World War II.

Along the sea face is a fence that surrounds the high mounds along the coast. Its design resembled the Tower of Malakoff at Sevastopol in Russia and was often called “The Tower”. It is said that over 1,000 soldiers and slaves died here during the battle.

Several cannons, which guarded the seacoast, remain fully functional and are fired during special occasions. Each year, the park commemorates the Second Battle of Fort Fisher which took place in January 1865.

We stopped to explore the remains of Fort Fisher.

To the left of the opening in the ground, there were stairs that led up to a cannon at Sheppard’s Battery.

It was a beautiful day to enjoy the fort, setting up camp and hiking Carolina Beach State Park. We had worked up an appetite from all of the hiking and we could not wait to make camper pies and s’mores over a fire.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Carolina Beach State Park and/or Fort Fisher State Historic Site? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my camping trip and visit to Fort Fisher and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S.
Kure Beach, NC 28449
Telephone: 216 421 7350

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday from 9AM to 5PM; Sunday from 12PM – 5PM (Memorial Day through Labor Day); Closed Monday and most major holidays. .
Amenities: Historical site, museum, guided tours, visitor center, trails, monuments and outdoor exhibits, handicapped accessibility, picnic facilities, gift shop
Length of Visit: 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: During the summer, there may be mosquitoes so wear bug spray and bring water to stay hydrated.

Where to Stay:

Carolina Beach State Park
1010 State Park Road
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Telephone: 919 707 9300

Where to Eat:

SeaWitch Cafe
227 Carolina Beach Avenue N
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Telephone: 910 707 0533

We were hungry for crab and ordered the Carolina crab dip as a starter. When I noticed the grouper sandwich on the menu, I was so excited.

What to Read:

Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
Murder on Cape Fear by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
Murder at Wrightsville Beach by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter
Secret Missions of the Civil War, by Philip van Doren Stern

Photo Guide for Wilmington:

Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington along Cape Fear
Concrete Pier at Wrightsville Beach
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar
Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach Marina
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Historic Site