Michele Underwood 4/1/26 Michele Underwood 4/1/26

Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

A detailed look at hiking Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, from the route and navigation to what it’s actually like moving through these narrow slot canyons.

Michele Underwood 2/4/26 Michele Underwood 2/4/26

Appalachian Trail Series, Part 4: How People Actually Hike the A.T.

How people actually hike the Appalachian Trail—from thru-hikes to section trips and weekend outings. Part 4 in my AT series looks at pacing, timing, and the many ways hikers experience the trail.

Michele Underwood 11/20/25 Michele Underwood 11/20/25

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.

Michele Underwood 3/22/25 Michele Underwood 3/22/25

Best Spring Hikes for Wildflowers in the U.S. [2025 Guide]

From trillium-covered forests to blooming desert trails, we’ve rounded up the best places to hike for spring wildflowers in the U.S. this season.