@Jphelps  Cool! Tennessee looks like an amazing place to climb.  New River Gorge is really solid sandstone conglomerate. Overhangs on overhangs on overhangs. Lots of bolts and some trad. Same rock as the Shawangunks.  By all means go to Yosemite. Great granite, which I'm not certain you see much of in Eastern Tennessee. Big walls in Yosemite are incredible and a really whole different world of climbing, but Tuolomne has wonderful multi pitch routes of moderate difficulty that is a great place to begin climbing in Yosemite. Four hours northeast of where I live is the White Mountains and it's amazing granite cliffs. There's a route on Cathedral rocks called "Bombadier" because an oak tree that grows out of a ledge on the route is home to a squirrel that likes to throw acorns at climbers as they climb past. Here in upstate New York we have the Adirondack mountains with hard anorthosite with cliffs up to 1000' high. Two hours south of here are the Shawangunks which feature amazing sandstone conglomerate cliffs where rock climbing essentially was born in America. The 'Gunks are famous for their overhangs and horizontal cracks. If you ever get a chance to try them I heartily encourage you to do so.   ... View more

We're having the same issues in the high peaks region of the Adirondacks. The crowds this year have been unbelievable. No where near enough parking at trail heads. People leaving trash everywhere. The rangers are worn thin by the ridiculous number of wilderness rescues they've had to perform this summer. As I posted earlier, we even had a unprepared, inexperienced group get caught by nightfall and then try to make torches out of their clothes which is why the rangers discovered them in their underwear the next morning.  The DEC is debating a permit system. Others are arguing for an increase in infrastructure: improved parking, and trails. Either way they're going to have to hire more rangers. ... View more

Are you planning a through hike or doing a loop?   ... View more

Always, always, always bring a light source with you hiking. Not only can it save your life should you become benighted but it can also save you from becoming extremely embarrassed.  Recently a group of novice hikers set out for a long hike in the Adirondack High Peaks completely unprepared. They were still in the woods when night fell and had no food, water, and no lights. They were reported missing and when the rangers found them the next morning they were huddled together in their underwear, their clothes burned to unwearable rags. It seems they had decided to fashion torches using their clothes wrapped around sticks during the night.  Seriously! ... View more

Congratulations on your graduation and welcome, Scott. I love climbing too, unfortunately I haven't yet had the chance in Idaho. One question though, no skiing? ... View more

Welcome, Alex! You're right, Western Mass. is a beautiful place! Lots to do! My limited experience hiking the Long Trail is that sections of it are in beautiful condition compared with many of the Adirondack high peaks. The views from the many, many summits on the Long Trail are spectacular too. Have fun! Ever do any biking in New Hampshire? ... View more

@Jphelps  Hi, Jeremiah. Where do you climb outdoors in Tennessee? I have never been there, but have been as far as the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Is it like that? ... View more

Welcome! I've always wanted to visit your state for some authentic cajun food! But now I'll have to check out the hiking too. Regards. ... View more

We love Western Montana! Especially Big Sky and the Gallatin! Ever try any fly fishing? ... View more

Great pictures, Bryn! ... View more

Welcome aboard, Allison. Have you ever hiked the Ding Darling Nature Preserve near Sanibel Island? I remember seeing really big 'gators, ospreys, and we thought we saw a cougar. At least my wife thought it was. ... View more