TRAVEL
TRAVEL NOTES:
MADE IN THE USA.
From East to West, North to South, adventure surrounds us, right here.
Appalachian Trail Series, Part 1: The Mountains and the Big Idea
This first post in my Appalachian Trail series goes back to the beginning—Appalachian Mountains geology, Benton MacKaye’s big idea, and how the A.T. became a 2,197-mile National Scenic Trail.
Mulberry Gap in Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest—My Stay: Cabins, Meals & Trails
A woods‑first basecamp outside Ellijay—cabins or campsites, weekend meals, clean bathhouses, hot tubs, Wi‑Fi, and nearby trails for hiking, gravel, and MTB.
Best Fall Hiking Trails in the U.S.
Fall is prime hiking season—cool air, quiet trails, and forests on fire with color. This wish-list guide covers 10 standout U.S. regions with easier and harder route options, when to go for peak leaves, and what to bring. Plus: a live nationwide foliage map to time it right.
Hiking Oak Mountain State Park: Blue Trail Guide (North Trailhead)
My go-to hikes from Oak Mountain’s North Trailhead—Blue/South Rim to King’s Chair, Eagle’s Nest, and OBHway—plus parking notes and what I bring.
What to Do Near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina (When You’re Not Mountain Biking)
Quick stops near Pisgah National Forest, NC that don’t require trail shoes—just a little time. Waterfalls, mountain views, the visitor center, and a drive through Asheville on the way to Weaverville.
Field Notes: Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone
Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most iconic geyser — but the real surprise is everything behind it. This guide covers how to time eruptions, what to explore in the Upper Geyser Basin, and why this busy stop is still worth slowing down for.
Field Notes: Norris Geyser Basin — Yellowstone’s Hottest, Most Unpredictable Place
Norris isn’t just hot — it’s intense. This is Yellowstone at its most unpredictable: acidic pools, dead forests, and geysers that feel alive. A must-see for anyone who wants to understand the supervolcano underneath it all.
Field Notes: What Is Yellowstone?
Yellowstone is more than geysers and wildlife — it's the site of one of the largest active supervolcanoes on Earth. This guide breaks down what it is, how it formed, and why it still powers everything from Old Faithful to Grand Prismatic Spring.
Field Notes: West Thumb Geyser Basin — A Complete Guide to Yellowstone’s Lakeside Geothermal Wonder
West Thumb Geyser Basin is where Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders meet the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake. See what to explore, how long to visit, and real tips for a first-time trip.
Yellowstone First-Timer Survival Guide: The Real Tips You Actually Need
Yellowstone’s size and wildness catch most first-timers off guard. This survival guide covers the real tips you need — from entrances to hidden gems.