Sunday, April 5, 2015

In wake of death, Appalachian Trail experts highlight need for safety

ASHEVILLE, NC – Considering the enormity of the 2,189-mile long Appalachian Trail, which sweeps across 14 states and through some of the most remote and rugged country in the Eastern United States, hiker deaths, such as the recent one in Maryland, are surprisingly rare.

So say veteran Appalachian Trail hikers and officials with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the nonprofit that oversees maintenance and management of the trail.

Jason Parish, 36, of Philadelphia, died March 15 when a tree felled by strong winds crashed on top of him near the Ed Garvey Shelter near the southern end of the Maryland trail section. A hiking companion, Michael Sparks, said the tree was dead and had been marked with a pink ribbon, apparently meant to identify it for cutting.

Full Story: Citizen-Times....

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Saturday, April 4, 2015

Top 5 Waterfall Hikes | Finger Lakes Trail NY

The Finger Lakes region of New York State is known for its array of stunning, cascading waterfalls – some even call it a ‘waterfall mecca.’ Whether you’re thru-hiking the trail and want a place to pause for some meditation and reflection on how far you’ve come on your long-distance hiking journey, or you just want to cool off in a natural-fed swimming pool at the base of one of the area’s many falls, these are the top five waterfalls to visit along the Finger Lakes Trail:

Upper, Middle + Lower Falls in Letchworth State Park
Watkins Glen Waterfalls via Stone Stairs
Shequaga/Montour Falls South of Watkins Glen
Lucifer Falls + Lower Falls in Robert H. Treman State Park
Buttermilk Falls in Buttermilk Falls State Park

more info.....
Top 5 Waterfall Hikes | Finger Lakes Trail

Great New England Swimming Holes

If you do choose to visit any of these places, please Leave No Trace! Not only do you need to make sure to remove all your own trash, but we ask that you try to pick up any trash left by others. There have been dozens of swimming holes closed off to the general public over the last 20 years due to disrespectful visitors. These swimming holes are some of the most wonderful places in all of New England.