When Will Austin's Swimming Holes Dry Up?

Known for climbing hotspots like Sex Cave, lots of people know how good Milton Reimer’s Ranch is for its rock formations. Mountain bikers and hikers also know it well for its 20 miles of trails (and growing), including everything from beginner-friendly strolls to pro-level, Triple Black Diamond singletrack. It’s even a great destination for horseback riding, as it features several equestrian-only trails. With its access to the Pedernales River, Reimer’s Ranch also offers a great relief for swimmers seeking an alternative when they get turned away from the easily crowded Hamilton Pool, just down the road. And at only about a half-hour from Downtown Austin, it’s an easy day trip for anyone wanting to get out of the city and into Hill Country nature. Reimers Pool in the fall Dave Brown First opened in 2005, Reimer’s Ranch is a relatively new Travis County park that has a lot to offer. They’ve recently added new facilities and continue to improve their offerings—including a new observatory that will begin providing star-gazing sessions in 2015. But since its opening, beyond its regular attractions, hardly anyone has seen all the rugged backcountry and adjacent tracts of native land that surround the park. When the summer crowds thin out, however, the park offers guided tours of its sacred backcountry, which includes walks on unnamed, undeveloped trails—many of which aren’t as much trails as they are just paths of least resistance. As you walk, park guides will tell you the natural history of the place and point out some of the native flora and fauna that have inhabited the land for thousands of years. Reimer's Ranch guide Nathan Kaplan points out ferns in a creek-side cliff in the park's rarely seen backcountry. Dave Brown They’ll also tell you about its more recent history as ranchland. Things like how the Reimer family used it for grazing goats until the goat industry bottomed-out, when they shifted to sheep grazing. And how Mr. Reimer bought it from Mr. Hamilton, who owned it in the 1800s and grazed cattle there. You will see evidence of its ranching past in things like partially hidden, really old homestead and ranch equipment: remnants of an old wood burning stove in a bunch of bluestem grass over here, or an old horse-drawn plow laying permanently at rest in a cactus patch over there. You’ll also learn how before its days as a true Texas ranch, native tribes called the land home, including the Apache, Comanche, and other tribes. If you look closely where the soil has been disturbed, there’s even a chance you just might find an arrowhead, or at least a chert rock that was worked by an Apache perhaps 300 years ago. As evidence of how little known these tours are, I was the only guest on this guided hike. I had basically a private tour, led by two guides who showed me around their backyard—a very big backyard. They took me past the boundary gates, and into the Pogue and Hogue tracts, the rugged stretches of land between Reimer’s Ranch and Hamilton Pool Preserve. There, they brought me to Pogue Creek and down to Pogue Pool, which, even though it remains technically unnamed, that’s what they called it, “because, well, it just makes sense.” I saw the seeps from which the creek originates, and the clear, deep water which is populated by perch and bass; I saw cypress trees that are probably 500 years old; and sycamores stretching their roots into the cool waters; and at least three different species of ferns clinging to the cliffs that wall the creek. There was also a large snake skin, either from a rattler or a cottonmouth, and lots of other wildlife. This is the rarely seen backcountry at Reimer’s Ranch, where you can get a real experience of old land, where not everything is named or landscaped or paved or made easily accessible. Where hardly anything is controlled. Where almost everything is wild. If you want to enjoy rugged, Texas Hill Country land in its true natural state, you must make a visit. Backcountry tours are included in the $10 park entrance fee and run fall through spring, October through May, Saturdays only, at 10:00 am. The gathering point is in the mountain biking trailhead’s parking lot. Just pay your park entrance fee to the ranger at the main entrance booth, and they’ll tell you where to go. The tour lasts between one to two hours, depending on your group’s pace. The guides are pretty casual about it. Just be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes – no heels or flip-flops – because you will be walking off-trail, surrounded by things that can poke and bite. Enjoy!

Weekend backpacking trips are one of the greatest gifts of the summer. You can get so much in just two to three days: a breathtaking vista, a serene mountain lake, a secluded old-growth forest. The only problem is that all too soon you’re back at the trailhead, preparing for the long drive home and wondering how you’ll get through five more days before your next big adventure. Usually, this is when hikers start to google “Appalachian Trail Town Guide” or “PCT Gear Checklist,” but if you aren’t quite ready to quit your job and sell your house, there are other long trail options, ones that can be squeezed in alongside life’s many other responsibilities. And since these trails don’t get the same press as the jewels of the triple crown, the odds of getting a week of breathtaking vistas all to yourself are even better. 1. Benton-Mackaye Trail A 270-foot suspension bridge crossing the Toccoa River on the Benton MacKaye Trail in North Georgia. Richard States: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee Season: Year round Duration: 2-4 weeks Learn more: BMTA.org The Appalachian Trail is widely considered one of the most social trails in America, and no wonder as thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike every year. But if you’re looking to experience what the AT might have been like before its fame grew far and wide, look no further than the 300-mile Benton-Mackaye Trail. It shares its southern terminus (Springer Mountain) with the AT, but quickly veers to the west, deep into the Appalachian Mountains and away from the crowds. Here you’ll find the small wonders this corner of the world is known for: deep, lush forests, blooming wildflowers, and cool, bubbling creeks. While this trail is well-maintained by a devoted group of volunteers, amenities are kept at a minimum compared to other trails in the region. The good news is that a lack of established shelters and infrequent signage mean that you’re even more likely to have this trail all to yourself. (If you only have time for a section hike, be sure to check out the best Benton Mackaye day hikes in Georgia and in Tennessee/North Carolina.) 2. John Muir Trail Camp vibes along the John Muir Trail Rick McCharles States: California Season: Summer Duration: 2-3 weeks Learn more: PCTA.org The granddaddy of them all, the John Muir Trail offers a wholly unique adventure for intrepid backpackers: 211 miles of trail without a single road crossing. Starting at a mere 4,000 feet in Yosemite Valley, you’ll soon leave behind the crowds as you climb up above the treeline and into the high country where no fewer than eight mountain passes await you. Make no mistake about it, the remoteness (not to mention the difficulty) of this trail requires serious training and planning, so be prepared to cross snowfields, wade through swollen rivers, and safeguard your food from the area’s notorious bears. The majority of JMT hikers are headed southbound, but you’ll still see plenty of northbound hikers along the way, as the PCT shares 170 miles of trail through the High Sierras. The only real downside to this trail is its popularity as most reservations are snapped up months in advance of hiking season. 3. Lone Star Hiking Trail The Lone Star Trail as it passes through the Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area Adrian Delgado2012 State: Texas Season: Year round Duration: 1 week Learn more: LoneStarTrail.org Leave behind the noise and crowds of Houston and travel an hour north to find the solitude and quiet you’ve been craving on the Lone Star Hiking Trail. Tucked away in the Sam Houston National Forest, this 128-mile pine needle-cushioned footpath takes you deep into the backcountry along serene, bubbling creeks and over gentle slopes. As you hike, you’ll wind your way through dense stands of magnolia trees and miles and miles of hardwoods, home to woodpeckers and bald eagles alike. This is one of the few long distance trails that can be hiked year-round, and might even be best in winter, when the scorching temperatures of Texas are moderated. Another bonus: no permit is required to get started, and maps can be downloaded for free at the volunteer-maintained website. 4. The Long Trail The Theron Dean Shelter on the Long Trail of Vermont dvs States: Vermont Season: Late spring through late fall Duration: 3 weeks Learn more: GreenMountainClub.org America’s obsession with thru-hiking may well have started with the Long Trail, the country’s oldest long-distance route, and the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail. Traveling the length of Vermont, the bulk of its 272 miles trace the ridges of the Green Mountains, traveling along remote streams and through alpine sedge, and climbing the state’s highest peaks: Camel’s Hump, Killington Peak, Mount Mansfield, and more. But this trail is known less for the views than as a rugged journey through a thick forest of hemlocks, eastern white pines, sugar maples, and balsam fir. Be aware that while this trail doesn’t reach the same elevations as its Western cousins, it offers significant terrain challenges for the novice and advanced hiker alike. Expect scrambling, slippery log crossings, and rough trails. Today, the LT shares 100 miles of trail with the AT, but while the latter stops midway through Maine, the LT takes you all the way to the Canadian border. 5. The Mid State Trail A Mid State Trail footbridge in Alan Seeger Natural Area of Rothrock State Forest Nicholas A. Tonelli States: Pennsylvania Season: Spring to fall Duration: 5-7 weeks Learn more: Hike-MST.org If you’re looking for something a little longer, and little wilder, check out the 522-mile Mid State Trail running straight down the middle of Pennsylvania. Straddling the Appalachians and the Allegheny plateau, this path is unusually solitary and remote, even as it brings you within spitting distance of established communities (and one or two ghost towns). It accomplishes this by keeping hikers above the fray, traveling from the highest knob and steepest ridgelines, across densely forested highlands, and up and around rolling hills. Like many of the trails in this region, the route is scattered with boulders of varying shapes and sizes, making it difficult to cover ground quickly. But, unlike those other trails, the secret’s not out on this one yet, and it’s a toss-up which you’ll see more of as you hike: bears or backpackers. 6. Ozark Highlands Trail The Ozarks in Autumn OakleyOriginals States: Arkansas Season: October through June Duration: 2 weeks Learn more: OzarkHighlandsTrail.com If your ideal wilderness trek is one where you won’t encounter another hiker for days on end, the Ozark Highlands Trail should be near the top of your list. But even if you start out in search of the trail’s peaceful valleys and lonely vistas you’ll stay for its smaller wonders: delicate waterfalls, remnants of bygone pioneers, and impressive rock formations, like the Narrs: a narrow catwalk of stone snaking along the Buffalo River. While reasonably well-marked, this trail is more rustic than most, so be prepared for your feet to get wet (and stay wet) during its many stream crossings. Fortunately, there are a number of ancient structures scattered along the way where you can air out and dry off. Procrastinating thru-hikers may rejoice that this one doesn’t require a special permit to get started, but know that the remoteness of the terrain and the difficulty of resupply (there are only two POs and no grocery stores along the way) mean it requires just as much, if not more, planning. 7. River to River Trail Illinois' Garden of the Gods State Park, one of the highlights along the River to River Trail Curtis Abert States: Illinois Season: Spring through fall Duration: 1-2 weeks Learn more: fs.usda.gov Even if you don’t have the time to hike the entire 6,800-mile American Discovery Trail, you can still tackle an important leg of it: the 160-mile River to River Trail travels across southern Illinois, from the Ohio River to the Mississippi. If you’ve never been to this part of the country, you’re in for a real treat. Towering slot canyons, sandstone sculpted bluffs, dense deciduous forests (hike this one in fall if you can), and, of course, sweeping views of two of the most iconic rivers of the Midwest are but a few of the treasures to be found along the way. While the forests surrounding this trail look untouched today, don’t be fooled, as you may be following an ancient wagon trail, long overgrown. A word of caution: since this trail is not maintained to the same standards that you’ll find in established wilderness areas, aspiring thru-hikers should come prepared with serious navigational skills. 8. Shore-to-Shore Trail Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from above Josh Grenier States: Michigan Season: Spring through summer Duration: 2 weeks Learn more: MTRA.org Begin your adventure by dipping a toe into Lake Huron at one of two starting points on the eastern half of the 220-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail. As you travel west, wander through warbler territory, join up for a section of the 4,600-mile North Country Trail, and then skirt the more popular tourist destinations as the trail winds across the rolling hills that characterize the middle of the state. End your trip with a plunge into Lake Michigan via the steep bluffs of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. While there are many upsides to choosing this thru-hike, one downside is that heavy equestrian use can make this trail more challenging for those traveling by foot. Expect longer distances between established campsites (20-25 miles), deep grooves along the path, and maps that are more focused on the needs of thru-riders than thru-hikers. 9. Tahoe Rim Trail Overlooking the Desolation Wilderness Jeff P States: California and Nevada Season: July through September Duration: 1-2 weeks Learn more: TahoeRimTrail.org While Tahoe’s beaches are packed with tourists you’ll be high up on the ridgeline enjoying stunning vistas on this 165-mile loop around the lake’s perimeter. This one is anything but routine, traveling through densely wooded forests, up high mountain passes (there may be snow early in the season), and around the shores of shimmering lakes set against the moonscapes that are specific to this region. The TRT also shares a footpath with the Pacific Crest Trail for 50 miles through the Desolation Wilderness, offering ample opportunity to get some insider info before you plan next year’s big hike. Give yourself a minimum of a week to complete if you’re doing it all in one shot, or break it out into 14 separate day hikes and earn your Weekend Warrior stripes. Added bonus: since the TRT is a loop rather than an end-to-end thru-hike, transportation planning is a snap. 10. Wonderland Trail Encircling Mount Rainier for 93-miles, the Wonderland Trail is worthy of any backpacker's bucket list John Strother Located: Washington State Season: July through September Duration: 1-2 weeks Learn more: RootsRated.com/how-to-thru-hike-the-wonderland-trail Discover 93 miles of pure heaven circumventing Washington’s most iconic peak. Its jaw-dropping spectacles include fields ablaze with wildflowers of all colors, bridges hundreds of feet over raging rivers and waterfalls, and a new angle from which to see the mountain up close and personal every single day (at least as long as PNW’s infamous weather cooperates). While you’re not climbing Mt. Rainier (14,411 feet), expect significant elevation change (22,000 feet in all) as you climb up and over its many ridges. The Wonderland Trail’s reputation has grown in recent years from a local treasure to a national destination, but if you have a flexible schedule this might just be the perfect year to hike it. A glitch in the reservation system for 2016 means that all reservations are now first come first serve, making it easier than ever to secure a last-minute spot on a once-in-a-lifetime thru-hike. Written by Laura Lancaster for RootsRated.

There is a string of mountains in Colorado I hold near and dear to my heart, where green high-alpine valleys dotted with wildflowers like confetti meet dizzying rock spires, and steep, grassy hillsides tumble into the shimmering waters of untouched lakes. The effort to reach this pristine wilderness is not for the faint of heart: Getting there often involves steep elevation gains, poorly maintained trails, or sometimes, no trail at all. It took me four years to find these spots, and I could spend a lifetime discovering every valley, ridgeline, and high alpine creek among them. This glorious sense of discovering something new is at the heart of exploring the wilderness, but it’s getting harder and harder to do these days. People are getting outdoors in record numbers, which is generally a positive, but one downside is the increasing difficulty of finding that "secret" spot that no one knows about. But it’s these very places that keep the adventure alive. Here, a few tricks to finding your secret wilderness spot. Start Training You’ll need to get in good fighting shape to conquer the necessary terrain in finding most secluded spots. Meg Atteberry Generally speaking, the more secret the spot, the more shape you’ll need to be in to find it. So before starting your quest to discover your wilderness hideaway, you’ll want to be prepared for longer distances and tougher terrain. As unromantic as it sounds, finding a great hideaway is a numbers game in many ways. If you’re able to hike longer, tougher trails, you’ll open up more terrain. Furthermore, you can outhike the crowds that plague many of the easier routes. Starting a training regimen can often feel tougher than the hike itself. Whatever method you choose (running, the gym, swimming), be sure to include plenty of hiking in the mix. Load up a heavy pack and hit the trail or treadmill. If you are confined to a treadmill, be sure to put the incline as high as possible to simulate those tough hills in the wilderness. Integrate this technique into your weekly training routine, and you’ll start seeing results in four to six weeks. Explore Often You aren’t going to find your wilderness Shangri-La from the confines of the couch. The more you explore a wilderness areas, the more apt you are to find that perfect camping nook or undiscovered mountain vista. A good place to start is an area that has a lot of hiking trails, such as a National Forest. Try creating your own custom route by connecting various trails. Investigate the road less traveled by hiking lesser-trafficked trails. This doesn’t always pay off, as some trails simply suck. However, you may discover a gateway to an idyllic perch or a secret fishing spot. Scouting trails not only helps you get a lay of the land, but it lets you keep tabs on a particular area. For example, my favorite wilderness area is well-known for its brutal elevation gains and downed trees. But those obstacles also work in my favor a bit by deterring less determined hikers. It also means I can count on a bit of suffering to explore new trails. Hone a Keen Eye for Clues You aren’t going to find pristine wilderness on a local Facebook group—these idyllic nooks and crannies are everyone’s private stock and they aren’t about to shout it over the internet. So you’ll have to do your own homework, starting with a good old-fashioned pen and paper. While you are out and about, keep tabs on backcountry campsites you find. Jot down important notes such as mileage, difficulty, and a description of each site. If you travel with a digital GPS, you can mark your position on a map. Keep your eyes peeled in unlikely places, such as Jeep roads and remote destinations. Sometimes a great camping spot is right near the road, but you have to walk in for a bit. Instead of passing an area by, get out of your vehicle and sniff around. With a little practice, you’ll learn how to spot a potential site by using your instinct. Don’t be afraid of using a topo map. Topo maps give valuable insight into terrain and navigation. When you’re planning your trip, be sure to spend plenty of time examining terrain using tools such as CalTopo and Google Earth. The Best Spot May Be Around the Next Bend A little bit of persistence can make a big difference in finding your secret spot. Meg Atteberry I’ve found beautifully secluded peaks right in plain sight. Sometimes, all you need to do to find them is be willing to keep going. For example, after you set up camp, do a little exploring around your campsite. You may be sharing that gorgeous high-alpine lake, but you just might be the only one climbing that steep ridge for the better view. With a little extra effort, you discover stunning landscapes that everyone else is missing, right under their nose. Get Off the Trail Sometimes, the best spots aren’t near a trail at all. With a little compass know-how and navigation expertise, you can explore virtually any point on the map. Use your navigation skills to plan a cross-country or off-trail route to discover truly unspoiled terrain. This technique requires a healthy bit of backcountry know-how and plenty of safety preparation. Always leave your planned route, with a GPX file if possible, with someone you trust. Be sure to let them know where you are going, what you are doing, when you plan on being back, and what to do if something goes wrong. You can also try starting with an area you are extremely familiar with. Plan your route in an easy-to-navigate area, such as a place with a predominant land marker so you can orient yourself quickly. Wherever You Go, Leave No Trace Wherever you find your secret spot, be sure to treat it with respect and follow LNT principles. Meg Atteberry Remember, always follow Leave No Trace principles when traveling over backcountry terrain. Don’t disrupt the environment and be sure to camp on durable surfaces, such as dirt patches, rock, sand, and gravel. Avoid stomping or camping on vegetation. If you are in an area with lichen or other bio soils, be sure to not tramp or camp on them. Lastly, if you are in a larger group, fan out over delicate terrain in order to avoid tamping down a trail. With a some effort and a sense of adventure you can uncover your perfect wilderness hideaway. Get out and start exploring—you never know what you’ll discover, and where. Written by Meg Atteberry for RootsRated.

While the state parks are great in the summer, they offer entirely different experiences in the colder months. Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered trees, and fresh trails emerge in winter. What’s more, this time of year also presents a number of fresh and interesting ways to explore the parks. Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice climbing are only available when the temperatures dip and the snow falls. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just a day trip, the state parks have a little something for every outdoor adventurer. We selected a few of our favorite Minnesota State Parks to visit this time of year. So bundle up and grab your snowshoes or skis and hit the snowy trails. 1. Afton State Park Afton State Park features camper cabins and yurts available for rent year-round. Minnesota DNR In the warmer months, this park that overlooks the St. Croix River is known for its dense forested trails and gorgeous prairie flowers. In the winter, Afton State Park is a perfect place for cross-country skiing and snowy hikes. Miles of groomed ski and snowshoe trails allow you to explore areas of the park you may have missed in the summer. If you want to make a weekend of it, check out their camper cabins and yurts available for rental year-round. 2. Gooseberry Falls State Park Gooseberry State Park features spectacular frozen falls in the winter. Paul Sundburg The frozen falls are the number one reason to visit Gooseberry Falls State Park in the winter. The spectacular Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River transform from a thunderous torrent of water through a rocky gorge to a frozen masterpiece. If you’re into scaling these natural structures in the winter, ice climbing is allowed on the lower falls. Twenty kilometers of groomed classic cross-country ski trails also make for a great way to see large portions of the park. 3. Fort Snelling State Park Snowshoeing at Fort Snelling State Park. Minnesota DNR Located right in the Twin Cities, Fort Snelling State Park presents an excellent opportunity to get out and active even on a weeknight. With 12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and six miles of multi-use trails, you won’t run out of places to explore in the park anytime soon. A favorite path among local hikers is the three miles of packed walking trails that encircle the wooded Pike Island at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. With a pair of snowshoes, you can get off the beaten path and go anywhere except the groomed ski trails. 4. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Crashing waves at the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Paul Sundburg Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers one of the most iconic Minnesota photo opportunities in the entire state. Well known for its historic lighthouse, the park brings in visitors of every ilk all year round. Fat biking is an even better reason to visit Split Rock in the winter. Part of the fat-bike pilot program, the park offers 8.7 miles of thrilling groomed trails specifically for fat biking that run right along Lake Superior. 5. Tettegouche State Park You'll find some stunning winter views at Tettegouche State Park. Amy Mustonen Tettegouche is famous for its imposing cliffs and scenic overlooks. Winter provides a particularly spectacular views of the High Falls of the Baptism River. At around 100 feet, these frozen falls are a great stop on a snowshoe hike around the park. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular activities in this park once a good base of snow has accumulated. 6. William O’Brien State Park The William O'Brien State Park features ten miles of skate and classic cross-country ski trails. Minnesota DNR Situated along the St. Croix River, William O’Brien State Park is just an hour from the Twin Cities. Snowshoe rentals on-site, along with year-round camper cabins make this an easy getaway for city dwellers. Snowshoeing is a great way to experience the rolling prairie trails and hardwood forests of this park. If you’re looking for a more intense cardio workout, ten miles of skate and classic cross country ski trails are groomed regularly and skijoring with your dog is encouraged. 7. Jay Cooke State Park The famous Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park. Mackenzie Havey For the hardiest Minnesotans, Jay Cooke State Park is a great option for winter camping. If you prefer something a bit more comfortable, it also has five year-round camper cabins available for rent. Cross-country ski buffs love Jay Cooke for its 32 miles of classic ski trails that weave their way through the park. If you visit, don’t miss out on the beautiful views of the raging St. Louis River via the famous Swinging Bridge. 8. Itasca State Park The Itasca State Park features 32,000 acres and more than 100 lakes on the property. Minnesota DNR Situated at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Itasca State Park is a place every outdoor-loving Minnesotan needs to visit. Comprised of 32,000 acres and more than 100 lakes, you'll never run out of things to do when it comes to outdoor adventure. For silent sports enthusiasts, there are miles of classic and skate groomed ski trails throughout the park. To explore the outer edges, rent a snowmobile and check out the 31 miles of trails along the perimeter of the park. Written by Mackenzie Lobby Havey for RootsRated.