There are some moments on the trail that stick with you long after the miles fade. A sudden crack of […]
Hidden Gems of the Smokies: Lesser Known Trails That Beat the Crowds
There is a moment every Smokies lover knows well. You pull into a trailhead on a beautiful day, expecting a […]
Microdosing the Wilderness: How Small Adventures Keep the Soul Alive
A reflection on how small, everyday encounters with nature can nourish the spirit. This piece explores the power of short trails, familiar paths, and quiet moments outdoors to restore presence, ease the mind, and keep the wilderness alive in daily life.
Hiking as Pilgrimage: How the Trail Becomes a Teacher
A reflection on how hiking becomes a form of pilgrimage and personal transformation. This piece explores how walking the same trails over time mirrors emotional and spiritual growth, offering lessons in healing, renewal, and self discovery through the wisdom of the landscape.
Overnight at LeConte Lodge: Sunset, Sunrise, and the Soul of the Smokies
An overnight at LeConte Lodge is more than a hike, it’s a pilgrimage above the clouds. I climbed up Trillium Gap, watched sunset from Cliff Tops, greeted sunrise at Myrtle Point, and descended through the mist of Rainbow Falls. Between dusk and dawn, the mountain reminded me how simple life feels when you’re miles from signal and closer to the sky.
The Window or the Trail?
There’s a truth hikers know in their bones: you don’t really meet a place through a pane of glass. Sitting […]
Experiencing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: A Journey with the Green Fire Tour
In late September I went on what can only be described as a life-changing adventure: the Greater Yellowstone Green Fire […]
Easy Stops: Drive-Up Waterfalls You Can’t Miss in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geysers and wildlife, but it’s also home to some of the most accessible […]
The Magic of Montana and Wyoming
There’s something about Montana and Wyoming that feels almost otherworldly. The sheer expanse of sky, the jagged peaks of the […]
Yellowstone National Park- Clear Lake Artist Point Loop Trail
The Clear Lake–Artist Point Loop in Yellowstone is a moderate 3.8-mile hike that showcases geothermal features, meadows, and dramatic canyon […]
Moose Ponds Loop- Jenny Lake- Grand Teton National Park
The Moose Ponds Loop near Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park is an easy 3.2–3.5 mile hike with minimal […]
Geyser Basin- Fairy Falls Hike
The Green Fire Tour is mostly for wildlife viewing and sightseeing, but there were a couple of opportunities for short […]
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park is a striking area of colorful travertine terraces formed by hot water dissolving […]
Lamar Valley- Yellowstone National Park
Lamar Valley, in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park, is a wide, open expanse of meadows and river corridors […]
Mesa Falls Idaho
Mesa Falls, located on the Henrys Fork of the Snake River in eastern Idaho, consists of two impressive waterfalls: Upper […]
From Hopeless to Healing: My Journey Through a Herniated Disc
I never realized how much a herniated disc could change my life until it happened. The pain was relentless — […]
Perfect Harmony
Nature hides its mandalas in plain sight—whispers of sacred geometry reminding us that the universe blooms in perfect harmony.
Osa Peninsula- Costa Rica
Hiking in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula immerses you in one of the planet’s most biodiverse rainforests, where winding trails lead […]
Hiking The Azores
Hiking in the Azores takes you through mist-covered volcanic landscapes, lush green pastures, and crater lakes that shimmer like hidden […]
La Paz Waterfall hike-Costa Rica
Hiking to La Paz Waterfall in Costa Rica winds you through misty rainforest trails, past playful wildlife and vibrant tropical […]
Arenal Volcano- Costa Rica
Hiking around Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica takes you through vibrant rainforest trails, past sparkling waterfalls and steaming hot springs, […]
Where the water falls
Where the water falls, spirit flows. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dropping 100 […]
Ancient Roots
Ancient roots, timeless wisdom — a reminder that we too are meant to stand tall, grounded in earth yet reaching […]
Finding the World on Foot: Why Travel Starts with a Trail
When most people imagine travel, they think of airports, big cities, or bucket-list landmarks. I’ve learned that some of the […]
The Trail is Waiting
I wrote this in June when I was recovering from a back injury. My boots sit dusty by the door […]
One night turned into home
I saw you on the sidewalk, no collar, no name Just a tail that wagged like sunshine through the rain […]
Mount Cammerer – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Although it’s a roundtrip hike of more than 11 miles, this hike to Mt. Cammerer is still the shortest and […]
Obed Wild & Scenic River, Tennessee
The free flowing Obed Wild & Scenic River and it’s 500 feet deep gorges offer visitors unspoiled rugged terrain, exceptional […]
Icewater Spring vía Appalachian Trail- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This is a great trail if you want a taste of the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and are short […]
Cumberland Trail- Obed River section
I Hiked with a nice group to Breakaway Bluff. The Cumberland trail leaves Rock Creek Campground and includes many ascents […]
Cumberland Trail- Emory River Gorge Section
This section of the Cumberland Trail will eventually climb from Emory River Gorge within the National Park Service (NPS)-administered Obed […]
Rock Creek Loop- Big South Fork
The Rock Creek Loop in Big South Fork National Recreation Area is A 7-mile loop that highlights a lot of […]
Cumberland Trail- Black Mountain to Ozone Falls
I did a section of the Cumberland Trail in January- Black mountain to Ozone Falls. It was snowing when we […]
Andrews Bald , Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Pics from a recent hike to Andrews Bald , which is always a favorite of mine. I took some friends […]
East Tennessee spring wildflowers
Some April flowers at Frozen Head State Park
Oscar Blevins Farm loop- Big South Fork
Hen Wallow Falls- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hen Wallow Falls is a 90-foot waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cosby, Tennessee, known for its quiet […]
The Art of Slow Travel: Staying Long Enough to Belong
This post explores the beauty of slowing down and truly settling into a place while traveling. It reflects on how staying longer allows you to notice subtle details, connect with locals, and understand the deeper rhythms of a landscape and culture. Rather than rushing through destinations, slow travel invites a sense of belonging and a more meaningful relationship with the world.
Twin Arches Loop: A Big Reward Day Hike in Big South Fork
A short but stunning loop in Big South Fork featuring two of the largest natural sandstone arches in the eastern United States. This moderate 4.5 mile trail winds through cool forest, rugged rock passages, and sweeping overlooks, offering huge payoff without an all day commitment. A perfect day hike for anyone looking to experience the best geology and scenery the Cumberland Plateau has to offer.
A Weekend at LEAF 2025
There’s a certain electricity in the mountain air at LEAF — the Lake Eden Arts Festival in Black Mountain, North […]
Andy's walks in the world 