Pattison State Park – Little Manitou Falls (2021)

Pattison State Park – Little Manitou Falls

The first time I visited Pattison State Park in 2018, it was immediately following some huge thunderstorms that destroyed many roads and trails, including the area downstream of Little Manitou Falls. Several years later, the trails are open again and I can now hike to see more of the park. Leaf colors are reaching peak … Read more

Chiricahua National Monument – Echo Canyon / Rhyolite Canyon Trails

Chiricahua National Monument – Pinnacles along the Echo Canyon Trail

Cold temps and rowdy neighbords meant not much sleep last night but that was okay. I had planned to rise early anyways and take the shuttle to Echo Canyon for a hike back down to the visitor center. Was definitely a nice bonus riding the shuttle so I could watch the scenery go by and … Read more

Chiricahua National Monument – Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

Chiricahua National Monument - Golden hour views from Sugarloaf Mountain trail

Might be a few days behind schedule but I finally made it to Chiricahua National Monument for actual hiking & exploration. To start the afternoon I slowed down a bit and just cruised through the park getting a lay of the land & soaking in the amazing scenery.  Eventually I booked a campsite and then … Read more

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument – Entrance sign

Rental car snafus blew apart my original plan but that’s okay – it pushed me to some places I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise. First stop was Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, Arizona. This site was the first prehistoric and cultural reserve established in the United States and a sacred place to the … Read more

Strong Falls

Strong Falls - Main Falls View

Just a short drive upstream from McClintock Falls on the Peshtigo River is another amazing waterfall called Strong Falls. Access is extremely easy via Goodman Park – drive up the gravel entrance road, park in one of several small parking lots, and walk through the grass park to the falls. If you are interested in … Read more

Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls - Main Falls

Climbed out from Carlsbad Caverns with enough daylight left for long-shot destinations.  Where am I headed next?  Upwards into the mountains a bit in search of places less traveled.  Clouds were getting moody and threatening rain – not much fell, but the backdrop they provided was fantastic. Sitting Bull Falls If you follow this blog, … Read more

Copper Falls State Park – Part Two

Copper Falls State Park - Tyler Forks Falls/Dells

Woke early to finish what I missed yesterday at Copper Falls State Park (see part 1 by clicking here).  This time I stayed east of the Bad River and made the loop counter-clockwise.  Still amazes me this was built by the Doughboys WWI veterans and CCC so long ago – can you imagine making these … Read more

Copper Falls State Park – Part One

Copper Falls State Park - Copper Falls

8 hours, 400 miles, and 2 waterfall detours later I finally reached my first home-away-from-home at Copper Falls State Park.  Located in Mellen, Wisconsin, this park is especially intriguing for it’s remote location and multiple large waterfalls which some can argue are the best in the state.  After setting up camp at the hike-in site … Read more