Tucked away within the lush landscapes of Shenandoah National Park lies a hidden gem of American history: Rapidan Camp. Once the rustic retreat of President Herbert Hoover, this historic site allows hikers to step back in time to an era when the camp served as a tranquil presidential getaway and a secure venue for meetings with iconic figures like British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, Edsel Ford, Teddy Roosevelt, Jr., and others. Today, the camp's historic structures such as the Brown House, once the first family's private cabin, and the ..read more

A much less traveled loop in Shenandoah National Park's South District, the 9.5 mile Rocky Mount & Gap Run Loop offers sweeping panoramas and a steady dose of solitude. Highlighted by a cliffside campsite ideal for sunset, the loop is an excellent option for those seeking a quiet evening surrounded by stunning views. Backcountry camping permit required. Trailhead elevation 2,740' Water between miles 5 and 5.6 along the Gap Run Trail Don't miss camping and sunset on the summit of Rocky Mount Backpack Rocky Mount & Gap Run The loop starts at the Rocky Mount Trailhead, located 0.1 m ..read more

An incredible overnight backpacking loop in Red River Gorge offering near 360-degree panoramas from Hanson's Point, arguably the area's most scenic cliffside overlook, and an opportunity to explore the gorge's largest naturally formed arch. Trailhead elevation 1,289' Water King Branch Don't miss sunrise and sunset at Hanson's Point Backpack to Hanson's Point & Gray's Arch in Red River Gorge The hike can be started from either the Gray's Arch or Pinch 'Em Tight Trailhead, both located within a few hundred yards of each other along Tunnel Ridge Road. The route described below begins a ..read more

Featuring some of the largest cave rooms in Mammoth Cave, as well as numerous artifacts left behind by prehistoric Native Americans and historic items that contributed to the War of 1812, the Self Discovery Tour offers a glimpse into the cave's fascinating past and rich cultural heritage. This is a can't miss tour during the Christmas holiday season. Bathrooms None Water No Stairs 65 descending, 65 ascending Duration 1-1.25 hours The tour kicks off with a quarter-mile stroll along the paved Historic Entrance Trail, starting at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. The path descends through a ..read more

Journey through the depths of history with the Extended Historic Tour in Mammoth Cave National Park. This immersive experience takes you through a series of mesmerizing caverns, each revealing the secrets of an ancient underground world. From the grandeur of Mammoth Dome, the largest known dome in the cave system, to the echoes of the past in passages like Broadway Avenue, Fat Man's Misery, and abandoned tuberculosis huts, this tour offers a glimpse into the geological wonders and cultural significance of Mammoth Cave. Bathrooms No Water No Stairs 230 descending, 210 ascending Duration 2.5 ..read more

The Violet City Lantern Tour, arguably one of the most intriguing experiences at Mammoth Cave National Park, guides visitors through some of the largest cave rooms in the entire cave system. Visitors can expect to view ancient Native American rock art and relics, towering underground waterfalls, and traverse rolling terrain rich with 5,000 years of history, all illuminated solely by the light of oil-fueled lanterns. One of the park's premier offerings, the Violet City Lantern Tour, leaves a lasting impression, particularly for history enthusiasts and those fascinated by the earliest explorers ..read more

An excellent overnight or multi-day loop through one of the most scenic areas in Virginia. The route leads hikers to the summit of Mount Rogers, the highest peak in the state, beside large rock outcroppings offering expansive ridgeline views, and through lush mountain meadows where wild ponies roam freely. The loop also features exceptional backcountry camping options, providing mountain panoramas sure to leave lasting memories for those who call Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands home for the night. Trailhead elevation 3,753' Water Thomas Knob Shelter and three streams after the shelt ..read more

A good beginner backpacking loop in the heart of West Virginia's Cranberry Wilderness, one of the largest designated wilderness areas east of the Mississippi. The loop offers an incredible amount of solitude, landscapes similar to the Pacific Northwest, numerous waterfalls, and exceptional backcountry camping. Due to a few areas where the trail is challenging to locate, a downloaded trail map is recommended. In the spring, water shoes and hiking poles can prove useful when fording both Beechy Run and the Middle Fork Williams River. While encountering blacks bears is uncommon, proper food stora ..read more

An easy-going day hike with a bit of off trail navigation leading to the wreckage of a US Air Force C-45 that crashed into Middle Mountain in West Virginia's Laurel Fork South Wilderness. Trailhead elevation 3,110' Water throughout, along the Laurel Fork River Don't miss camping at the Laurel Fork Campground Hike to the Laurel Fork Wilderness USAF C-45 Plane Crash Site There are multiple routes to access the crash site, but the most straightforward path begins at the Laurel Fork Trail/TR 306, located near the southwest edge of the Laurel Fork Campground. The trailhead parking can accommodate ..read more

Experience Mammoth Cave as if you've stepped back in time to the 1800s with the Great Onyx Lantern Tour at Mammoth Cave National Park. The immersive tour takes visitors through chambers like the Spaghetti Factory, beside large dripstone formations such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and through passages adorned with shimmering gypsum crystals. Uncover the intriguing tales of the Kentucky Cave Wars era and explore the cave's storied past, from its initial discovery in the early 1900s to its transformation as a privately owned wonder, eventually becoming part of Mammoth Cave National Park in 1961 ..read more