by chrisplaford | Feb 18, 2026 | Uncategorized
Outdoor recreation continues to grow in popularity, bringing more people onto hiking paths, forest routes, and mountain trails than ever before. While increased access to nature offers many benefits, it also places greater responsibility on visitors to protect the...
by chrisplaford | Jan 7, 2026 | Uncategorized
For many city dwellers, the idea of wilderness feels distant. Skyscrapers, traffic, and crowded streets dominate daily life, leaving little room for outdoor adventure. Yet urban environments often contain hidden pockets of green, parks, community gardens, riversides,...
by chrisplaford | Dec 23, 2025 | Uncategorized
Adventure is often associated with distant destinations, rugged landscapes, and extended time away from daily life. While those experiences have value, they can also create the false belief that meaningful outdoor exploration requires travel, expense, or special...
by chrisplaford | Apr 7, 2022 | Uncategorized
One of the best things about hiking is that it is easy enough for just about anyone to do. If you’re not in great shape, you can still go on a short hike through a nature trail at a nearby park or wildlife preserve. If you keep at it, you’ll eventually be...
by chrisplaford | May 7, 2021 | Article, Chris Plaford, outdoors, Uncategorized
Most of New York is what you might call “flatlands.” The average elevation above sea level is around 1,000 feet. But when you trek upstate and get into the Adirondacks, suddenly you find landscapes soaring to 4,000 feet. For people who live out West, the...
by chrisplaford | May 3, 2021 | Article, Chris Plaford, outdoors, Uncategorized
If hiking is a favorite pastime, the national parks have a lot to offer. You can find hikes with grand vistas and multi-day treks into the backcountry. Here are the top five national parks for hiking vacations this summer. Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park...
