5 Ways to Camp in Central Texas

Posted by: Josh Garwood • Monday, April 15 2019

We all have different variations of how we define “camping.” Here are five common ways to camp, and the best type of place to use each method in Central Texas. The below are rated in terms of difficulty and experience. If you are new to camping, start with glamping and then proceed up the numeric ladder. Or start where you feel comfortable, it's up to you!

1. Glamping

Don't want the ruggedness of really getting back to nature? Try glamping! Glamping means glamorous camping. Choose a teepee , cabin, yurt , railcar , or a permanent A-frame tent where (maybe) breakfast is served and the restrooms are nicer than the ones at home. Check out Glamping Hub Texas for more options. There is a larger price tag associated with glamping because amenities such as food are often included.

2. Car Camping

With car camping, you get the benefits of having a portable storage unit (your car) while still being outside. For your sleeping environment, you can either purchase a low-cost tent or sleep in your car or RV. You can always sleep in your tent and run back to your car once it starts getting too cold/hot/stormy/balmy/mosquitoey or when other campers start getting too loud.

Most state and national parks have plenty of designated sites for car camping. Sites will vary by cost and whether or not they include potable water, electricity, and a restroom or latrine. Great places to car camp in central Texas include Pedernales, Garner, Inks Lake State Parks, plus Enchanted Rock and Lost Maples State Natural Area. But reserve early since parks book up quickly, sometimes up to six months out.

3. Outfitters

Leaving the car camping world catapults you into the backpacking world. This enables you be mobile and explore more wilderness areas where less people are camping. Backpacking shows you nature scenes that you thought only possible in calendars and magazines.

Outfitters typically provide gear, cook the food, and plan the route of your trip. This is a phenomenal, low cost way to test if you truly enjoy backpacking. Locals to Central Texas can try Backwoods Austin.

4. Backpacking with a tent, hammock, or tarp

You have now crossed the threshold for "this is a serious hobby" and "yes, I would spend my vacation doing this." Welcome !

Now that you are backpacking, you should consider weight as your top priority. Your 6-pound tent for car camping wasn't a big deal when you had a car to store it in. But when you have to carry that tent for 50 miles over the course 5 days (or longer!), then you start carefully analyzing each item that goes in your pack and and considering ways to shed needless weight.

Since sleep systems are often some of the bulkier items, researching and investing in higher-end shelters is important. You can easily find tents, hammocks, and tarps that weight less than 2 pounds packed. You may also forego the tent altogether and just use the rain fly and footprint ("fast fly" system). Keep in mind though that there are tradeoffs for ultralightweight ("UL"). A UL shelter may not keep you dry in the rain and it might not block the wind from all angles in a bad windstorm. It's about finding the system that works best for you.

5. Cowboy Camping

Grasshopper, you are now what the sages call " hardcore ".

Cowboy camping means sleeping under the stars without a shelter. Some long-distance hikers, such as those trekking the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, try to save weight by not carrying a tent. Cowboy camping works well when the weather is nice. Try cowboy camping in the spring when it is not too hot or cold and check the rain forecast.

If you cowboy camp on a new moon and a clear night, you will get a perfect view of breathtaking stars without the light from the moon obstructing your view. When it's raining, you will probably get wet, unless you have a backup shelter or can find shelter under a tree or lean-to (see #4 Hammocks and Shelters). I recommend cowboy camping if you are a backpacker with several long hikes under your belt.

However you choose to camp in Central Texas, just do it. We have such prime open land, big skies, and beautiful waterways, and they're all worth experiencing. Your soul will thank you.

Written by Christine Hersh for RootsRated.

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Southwest Virginia has become a tourist destination for many reasons—scenic mountains, heritage music, farm-to-table restaurants, and Appalachian culture, just to name a few. But many people are passing through on a much larger journey: Hiking the Appalachian Trail. Thousands of hikers each year set out on the 2,200-mile long trail that connects Springer Mountain in Georgia with Mount Katahdin in Maine. Of course, not everyone is taking the full trek across the country. The Appalachian Trail is filled with scenic sections that make for excellent day and weekend hikes, attracting people from across the country. For long-distance hikers, hitting Southwest Virginia is a mixed blessing: It is indeed considered one of the most scenic sections of the trail, following both ridges with sensational views and tree-covered wilderness. You’ll find the wild horses of Grayson Highlands and Damascus, Virginia, known as the "friendliest town on the trail." But with those highlights come the unavoidable fact that you’re in for a lot of climbing. The trail crosses the state line from Tennessee into Virginia at an altitude of 3,302 feet, and from there it’s up and down along the 167 miles of trail that go through the region. You’ll hit the highest point of Virginia, Mount Rogers—technically just off the trail, but not by much—at an altitude of more than 5,700 feet, along with many several other high points along the route. Of course, these climbs are also part of the fun, especially for day hikers who aren’t covering the full 550 miles of the trail that go through Virginia. For those looking for for the best of Appalachian Trail experience in the state, here are some must-hit sections in Southwest Virginia. Damascus Damascus is one of the most popular trail towns on the AT. It also features several other regional trails that are good for day hiking, including the Virginia Creeper Trail. Perry Smyre Those doing the full AT hike look for hiker-friendly towns along the route, and Damascus as become known as one of the best. Travelers on the AT will find restaurants, laundry facilities, a post office, pharmacy, outfitters, plus several hostels and B&Bs where they can take a break. For day hikers, Damascus is also the epicenter of several opportunities for exploring the region, as seven major trails pass through the town. In addition to the AT, you can access the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Trans-America National Bicycle Trail, the Iron Mountain Trail, the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail, the Crooked Mountain Music Heritage Trail, and Virginia’s Birding and Wildlife Trail. You’ll also find loads of recreational opportunities in the adjacent to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. After crossing the Virginia/Tennessee state line, the Appalachian Trail reaches downtown Damascus in only about three and a half miles. Here, you have a wide variety of options, whether you plan on sticking to the trail or incorporating some of the other trails as well. Some routes that can be done in a day include: Loop Hike on the Appalachian and Iron Mountain Trails : From Damascus, start on East 4th Street and the trailhead to the Iron Mountain Trail, which is blazed with yellow markings. After about two miles, you’ll find a short, blue-blazed connecter trail, which will connect you to the Appalachian Trail (with white blazes). The return trip over a ridge features excellent views of the city. You’ll also enjoy some easy stream crossings and some manageable climbing. Loop Hike on the Appalachian and Virginia Creeper Trail : Once again, start in Damascus for this 8-mile, easy-to-moderate hike. Start heading east on the Appalachian Trail/Virginia Creeper Trail. Follow the signs for the Appalachian Trail when they separate after you cross Route 58/91. Here you’ll enjoy the ridged view for about four miles, before you’ll cross a small log bridge and turn right on the Beech Grove Trail, where you’ll descend over about a quarter mile to the Straight Branch Virginia Creeper Trail parking lot. From there, you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail and head back into town. Damascus is also home to the annual Appalachian Trails Days festival each May, which brings nearly 20,000 outdoor enthusiasts to the town each year to take advantage of workshops, outdoor outfitters, food, and entertainment. Mount Rogers The trail to Mount Rogers offers some of the most stunning views in the region. Ryan Somma You can reach Virginia’s highest point with a very scenic but challenging nine mile, out-and-back hike, mostly on the Appalachian Trail, which starts at Grayson Highlands State Park. While it’s great to reach the summit, one of the draws of this hike is viewing the wild ponies that live in the area. They help keep these bald mountains bald—that is, without significant tree cover—by eating the grasses and underbrush, which also is helpful in preventing wildfires. It also means that you get excellent panoramic views as you ascend the trail. Start at Massie Gap in the state park, where you’ll pass through a horse gate and begin going up on the wide, gravel path. It isn’t long before you’ll reach the Appalachian Trail, which heads south and takes you most of the way to Mount Rogers. The wide open terrain is much different from the rest of the Appalachian Trail in the region, with little tree cover, rocky terrain and exposure to the elements. The final spur to the summit leaves the Appalachian Trail, where you enter a fairly thick evergreen forest. There’s a marker on the top of the mountain, but no view to speak of. This is truly a case of the journey being better than the destination. Chestnut Ridge and Burke’s Garden For those looking for a hike even more off-the-beaten path, Burke’s Garden is one of the more interesting geographic formations in the state features a section of the Appalachian Trail that doesn’t get a lot of day hikers. Located near Tazewell, Virginia, Burke’s Garden is a low valley surrounded 360-degrees by mountains. From above, it looks as if massive being pushed a finger down and created the valley, which has lead to the area’s nickname as "God’s Thumbprint." The lush valley is a throwback to another time, occupied mostly be family farms. The Appalachian Trail wraps around the ridges, and while it is mostly tree covered, you do get a few gaps that allow for some spectacular views. For those not on a thru-hike, however, this section of the trail isn’t widely promoted. You won’t find signs for the trail in Burke’s Garden, which is made up almost entirely of private farmland. The easiest way to access the trail is through an entry point at Walkers Gap, which is located in Burke’s Garden. From there, take the trail (mostly uphill, with some significant climbs) for a bit over a mile to get to Chestnut Ridge and the stone shelter at the top. The trees open up and you’ll find excellent views of the valley below. Continue on the trail along the ridge to extend the hike. Chances are, the only hikers you’ll meet will be those doing either the full trail or at least a multi-day trek through the state. Of course, these are just some of the options. Nearly any section of the trail offers something for day hikers to enjoy. And it won’t take long to figure out why so many thru-hikers view Virginia as the most scenic section of this 2,200-mile trail. Written by Jeff Banowetz for RootsRated in partnership with Southwest Virginia.

Shylie's Last Hurrah: Backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness for an Old Dog

My partner Jacob and I don't have children. We have a dog, Shylie—our 10-year-old wolf-like black-and-tan mutt. We are insane parents. Shylie gets filet mignon on her birthday. She has an Instagram account and a blog. We’ve designed Shylie-themed t-shirts, calendars, and bumper stickers. We sing to her all day, every day, that she’s the best dog in the world. This dog is adored. Shylie's bred for dogsledding, but she's spent her whole life on the beach, in Santa Cruz, California. Jacob and I are aware that she has only a few good years left, so we decided this summer, before she gets too old, to show her what she's made for: the mountains. A big yawn from Shylie. Kara Guzman For two long weekends each month, we've gone backpacking near Lake Tahoe, in the Desolation Wilderness, 200 miles northeast of San Francisco. It's dog heaven: pine forests and wildflower meadows full of chipmunks and dozens of alpine lakes to jump in. We already knew that Shylie loves running at altitude, in cool mountain forests. We’ve taken her mountain biking near Lake Tahoe dozens of times (since unlike Santa Cruz, the trails are dog-friendly and don’t have poison oak). But Shylie’s never gone backpacking before. As much as we love this dog, we’ve never spent four days and nights around the clock with her. Days of quality time with her humans, and of all places, in the mountains? It was a no-brainer. We knew she would have the time of her life. Shylie faithfully follows the author on the barren climb to Middle Velma Lake. Jacob Meyberg What we didn’t realize was that the 100-square-mile Desolation Wilderness, with its roughly 130 lakes and patchwork of creeks, is perfect for dogs. We don’t carry water for Shylie since there are freshwater stops less than a mile apart on almost every trail. Plus, she loves to jump in, shake, and cool off. Out here, the old dog plays like a puppy. At dusk, when we pitch our tent at one of the hundreds of lakeside campsites, she freezes in a play stance, with her butt in the air. Then she’s off, careening around the campsite like her tail’s on fire. It turns out the Desolation Wilderness is perfect for Jacob and me, too. We had snowball fights in July. We taught ourselves to fish for trout. We swam naked to granite islands in ice-cold lakes all to ourselves. We were surprised by a hailstorm on an 80-degree day and huddled for cover with the dog under a warm, sun-baked boulder. We hiked portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, and as according to custom, made trail nicknames. (Mine was ‘Squiter Heaven.) Shylie briefly tolerates a portrait with a juniper tree overlooking the Desolation Valley. Kara Guzman Another highlight during our Desolation excursions this summer have been the meals. Jacob’s parents gave us a food dehydrator, and I’ve been using my backcountry cookbook. In my pack, I lug a bear canister stuffed with homemade dried goodies, like duck soup, carrot salad, and even masoor dal. One night at Dick’s Lake, we had peanut chicken stew under the stars, watching bats eat mosquitoes. While the food heated on our tiny stove, Jacob hand-fed Shylie her kibble, which I portioned into plastic bags for each meal. The nights are cold and windy in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so Shylie sleeps in our tent, where she pins me like a wrestler as she snuggles my sleeping bag. Then each morning, we climb a new granite peak and count all the lakes. Occasionally, Shylie surprises a grouse on the trail, and it heaves its plump, brown body into flight, drumming its wings before gliding to a branch. Yellow-bellied marmots—chubby gopher-like rodents that look like teddy bears—squawk as they poke their heads from the rocks, like a real-life game of Whack-a-Mole. Each day, there are new flowers, too. This summer the Desolation Wilderness was simply blooming with wildflowers, after the first wet winter in a five-year drought. Each weekend, the landscape’s colors have shifted and I'm constantly delighted, as we hike from one terrain to the next. My partner Jacob checks out a snowbank while Shylie looks for chipmunks Kara Guzman Shylie, meanwhile, constantly sniffs for chipmunks. When she hears the tiniest squeak, she surges up rocky cliffs or down steep ravines, like a kamikaze pilot. Some of the trails are made of sharp, granite shards, which are tough on Shylie’s paws, but the terrain doesn’t phase her. She’s at home in the mountains. She runs twice as far and as fast out here compared to anywhere else. She's finally doing what she's meant to: She’s exploring the wilderness with her "pack." And in a way, so am I. When I can go consecutive days without seeing a screen, I’m happy. That little voice in my head, the one that worries about stupid things, disappears. My focus narrows to the view at hand and the trail ahead. Part of me though, hears the ticking clock. It knows this paradise won’t last, and these weekend escapes with the dog are numbered. Shylie hangs her tongue after climbing to the top of the Bayview Trail. Eagle Lake is seen from above. Jacob Meyberg The cruel trick of loving a dog is how fast they age. I’m dreading the future, when Shylie’s eyes are too cloudy to see and her hips too creaky to chase. And—I don’t even want to write it—I’m dreading that horrible veterinarian appointment, when we say our goodbyes. If my crazy love affair with this dog has taught me one thing, it’s to be conscious and aware of every single moment. I’ve literally spent days gazing into the dog’s eyes, wondering what she’s thinking, what that voice in her head sounds like. I mean, is she barking in there? After months of observing Shylie, I’ve realized that she is the ultimate Zen master. She’s not thinking at all. When she’s outside, she’s listening for chipmunks. She’s sniffing coyote markings on a tree. She’s picking a line across a granite scree. She’s scratching her back on a pile of pine cones. She’s tasting the snowmelt. Take note. This is what life is about. The author follows Shylie on the descent to Granite Lake. Jacob Meyberg TIPS: Backcountry camping permits cost $5 per person per night. Campers must pick a “zone” for their first night, then are free to camp anywhere on their next night. Reservations can be made online, but most of the popular zones are filled through September. A limited number of walk-in spots are available for each zone. Same-day walk-in permits are available at the four Forest Service Permit OfficesForest Service Permit Offices throughout the Lake Tahoe area. The line starts forming around 7 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so get there early. According to the rules, dogs should be on-leash in the Desolation Wilderness, but most owners don’t follow those rules in the backcountry. However, if you’re going to take your dog off-leash, it should be well-trained, and know the “come” and “leave it” commands. Some wildlife can be dangerous to dogs, such as porcupines and ticks, etc. Many of the trails in the Desolation Wilderness are rocky and tough on dog paws. We’ve used Musher's Secret wax with some success. (Our dog likes to lick it off.) Others use booties for their dogs. Written by Kara Guzman for RootsRated.

Dreaming of Summer: Washington Backcountry Permits to Get Now

In the midst of February in the Pacific Northwest, summer can feel like a vague and distant memory. But keep your head up, and you'll notice the days are getting longer and the forecast sunnier. Which means it’s time to start thinking ahead for how to make the most of Seattle’s best season, so you can hit the ground running once it arrives. The importance of planning ahead is especially true for some of the most popular summer adventures in the state. Backcountry permits have just opened for The Enchantments and climbing Mount St. Helens, and will soon open for backpacking in Mount Rainier National Park. Here, our tips for how to apply and how to increase your odds of actually snagging some of the most popular Washington backcountry permits. Because, really, summer is just around the corner—and these are epic adventures you won’t want to miss. The Enchantments With scenery like this, it's easy to see why visiting The Enchantments is so popular. Nate B With dazzling alpine lakes and impressive granite peaks,The Enchantments is one of the most iconic wilderness areas in Washington. It’s also one of the most notoriously difficult places to get a summer backpacking permit for. This year, the U.S. Forest Service extended the timeframe for which a permit to camp in The Enchantments is required by six weeks, so you now need one if you plan to camp there anytime between May 15 and October 31. Seventy-five percent of the permits are divvied out via a lottery system, which opened this year on February 15 and closes on March 2. When you log on to the site, you’ll need to set up an account and pay a non-refundable $6 application fee (if you win a permit, it costs an additional $5 per person per day for up to eight people). You will also be asked to choose which zone area you would like a permit for: Snow Zone, Colchuck Zone, Core Enchantment Zone, Stuart Zone, or the Eightmile/Caroline Zone. The most popular zones to apply for are the Core Enchantments, Snow Lakes, and Colchuck Lakes Zones—so if you want to increase your odds of winning the lotto, try for one of the others. You’ll also have a better chance if you have the flexibility to apply for weekdays instead of weekend trips. If you’re not one of the lucky ones to win a permit, take heart: Day hikes do not require a permit, and 25 percent of the overnight permits are given out in-person at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. Mount St. Helens Summiting Mount St. Helens is a once in a lifetime kind of adventure. gfpeck The 8,328-foot Mount St. Helens is famous for having blown its top in 1980, but those who dare to visit today find it is a spectacular peak. And if you're keen to climb Washington's volcanoes, hiking to St. Helens' summit crater is a great one to start with as; unlike Mount Rainier or Baker, it's not a technical climb. But it is still a big day: a 10-mile round-trip trek that ascends 4,500 feet, over which you may have to navigate ice, pumice boulder fields, and scree. And during the high season a permit is still required to tackle it. Permits to climb between April 1 and October 31 went on sale on the Mount St. Helens Institute website on February 1—and they’re going fast. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $22 per person. To increase your odds, look for weekdays in June or September (July and August are the most popular months to go). If your preferred dates are already sold out, check out the options on purmit.com (this is also the best place to sell your permit if you bought one you later realize you won’t be able to use). Mount Rainier Wilderness Mount Rainier National Park's Wonderland Trail is one of the best backpacking trips in the state. Loren Kerns Mount Rainier National Park is another sublime spot for a summer backpacking trip, and a similarly competitive place for getting a permit. 70 percent of the permits can be reserved ahead of time. Your best bet is to put in a request between March 15 and March 31: all requests received during this window will start to be processed on April 1, with any leftover permits awarded in the order requests are received. To make a reservation request, you will need to fax or mail a form printed from this page, or visit the Longmire Wilderness Information Center in person (it may seem old school, but they don’t take online requests or phone calls). There is a $20 reservation fee per party of up to 12 people. While the popular Wonderland Trail, the beautiful 93-mile trail circling Mount Rainier, might be a top choice, you’ll increase your chances of getting a permit if you are flexible about where in the park you want to camp and preferred dates (the wider range of start dates you can provide, the better). As August is the park's busiest month, June, July, or September can offer better odds. After you’ve put in your request, hang tight: it can take up to six weeks for the rangers to process all the applications. If you are awarded a reservation remember to actually pick it up from a ranger station. They will give your permit away if you don’t show up by 10am on the first day of your trip! If you aren’t awarded a reservation, similar to The Enchantments, you still have a good shot at getting one of the day-of permits that are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Show up early, be prepared—and may the odds be ever in your favor! Written by Samantha Larson for RootsRated.

10 Best Hikes in Washington, D.C.

When you think of Washington, D.C., hiking isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind. You’re more likely to think politics, national monuments, and city life. But, truth be told, the nation’s capital is packed with quality trails tailor-made for hiking. There are smooth, flat trails perfect for beginners and families as well as more challenging hikes with hills and steeper pitches that will keep veteran hikers happy. All you need now is a good pair of hiking boots, such as the La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX (available at REI), and you can leave DC’s urban jungle behind and, instead, enjoy all the nature that surrounds it. Here are 10 of the best trails in the area to get you started. A good pair of hiking boots, like these La Sportiva's, can make the difference between a good trip and a bad one. Jason Devaney 1. Appalachian Trail The 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail crosses 15 states on its way from Georgia to Maine. However 544 miles (or one quarter) of it can be found in Virginia, not too far a drive from DC. In fact, in less than an hour’s drive you can find a section of the AT, a little over 100 miles long, that is great for novice hikers. While the trails in this section are well-maintained and a bit gentler than other sections of the AT the views are no less amazing—this section brings you to the beautiful Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. If you are looking for something more challenging, you can head further south in VA where the going is more rugged. 2. Cross County Trail This 40-mile Cross Country Trail cuts a north-south line between the Potomac and Occoquan rivers and intersects Fairfax County, a bustling area in the Virginia suburbs of Washington. Much of the trail meanders alongside streams and through the county’s greenspaces, making you feel like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trail is easily accessible with many spots to jump on and off, and it's open to hikers, runners, cyclists, and even horseback riders. 3. Patuxent River State Park The 6,700-acre Patuxent River State Park, just 34 miles outside of D.C., has several miles of remote, unmarked trails for runners, hikers, and horseback riders.The park resides in both Howard and Montgomery counties in the Maryland suburbs north of D.C. The best part about hiking here is that the trails are relatively easy and the vibe is peaceful and serene. It’s a great way to escape the city for a bit. But the remoteness that makes it so great, can also be a challenge. Since the trails are unmarked, it’s important to come prepared with extra food, water, and a hiking partner. The trail at Burke Lake Park gracefully winds 4.5 miles around the reservoir. Jason Devaney 4. Burke Lake Park Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, VA, almost became an international airport before Dulles Airport was built in nearby Chantilly. Luckily, its fate was different, and today it is a family-friendly park with a reservoir—Burke Lake, golf course, playing fields, volleyball courts, and a carousel. The flat 4.5-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake is great place for a run or an evening stroll. It’s a mix of paved and natural surfaces and it snakes around trees and traverses the lake’s dam. 5. Catoctin Mountain Park Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park, home to the presidential retreat, Camp David, has 18 miles of challenging trails with incredible views. Most of the trails start at the park’s visitor center and range from 2.5 miles to 8.5 miles. One of the park’s most picturesque hikes is to Cunningham Falls—reach the falls from the Catoctin National Recreation Trail on the west side of the park. The Seneca Creek Greenway Trail shares real estate with a gravel road at milepost 0. 6. Seneca Creek Park Right outside of downtown D.C. is the 6,000-acre Seneca Creek Park. This park has two sections—the developed area in Gaithersburg, MD and the 16.5-mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail. In Gaithersberg, there are 11 miles of trails that meander in and around Clopper Lake. The Seneca Creek Greenway Trail is a winding sliver of land that follows Seneca Creek down to the Potomac River at Riley's Lock on the C&O Canal. Blazed with blue trail markers, the trail cuts a beautiful path through the forest as it makes its way downstream. 7. Bears Den Park Sitting just off the Appalachian Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Bluemont, VA is the 66-acre Bears Den Park. A visit here should always include a stop at Bears Den Rocks, which sits 1,350 feet above sea level and overlooks the valley below. In addition, there are four trails ranging from a half mile to a few miles in the park, and they can all be looped together to make a longer hike. The park also has a European-style stone castle on property that was built in 1933—it can be rented out overnight. But, what the park is most known for is its incredible views, especially at sunset—plan your trip to Bears Den Rocks to catch the setting sun there! 8. Potomac Heritage Trail Follow in the footsteps of George Washington as you hike, bike, and run along the Potomac Heritage Trail, designated a National Scenic Trail in 1983. This 800 plus-mile trail network through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. has 11 trails all steeped in history, from the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail to the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath. Each has it’s own personality as well, and depending on which trail you decide to explore, you may find yourself in lush dense forest, along city sidewalks, or meandering alongside a waterway. Regardless of which trail you choose, you will find beautiful hikes full of history on any of them. The C&O Canal stretches 184.5 miles on soft surfaces. Jason Devaney 9. C&O Canal Towpath The towpath that meanders alongside the C&O Canal was originally built for mules to pull boats up and down the waterway. The 184.5-mile towpath stretches from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. It’s a mostly flat trail—there is a 600-foot elevation gain when starting from the Georgtown side— and has a mix of gravel, dirt, and grass surface making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll or to log long miles without challenging hills. 10. Harpers Ferry trails Historic Harpers Ferry, WV, played a role in the Civil War, largely due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Today, roughly 20 miles of trails exist in and around this little town. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park sprawls across 4,000 acres of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and contains the midpoint and headquarters of the 2,178-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The hiking options along riverbanks, across old battlefields, and up mountains have something for everyone. Written by Jason Devaney for RootsRated.