People drive hundreds of miles to visit a good waterfall. Each state boasts its own famous falls that draw in outdoor adventurers like moths to a flame, with some of the most prestigious receiving millions of tourists each year. Unfortunately, excessive visitation can pose some issues. Waterfalls get crowded and decidedly un-magical. Parking areas and trails are overrun with trash, and once-pristine locations become loud and dirty. Want to avoid all that? Get off the beaten path. &nb...
"Lost? Not Anymore! Harnessing the Power of Compass in Camping and Hiking" In the past 50 years, technology has opened us up to life-changing advances. From long 50, feet curled phone chords to speaking to people around the world with a watch. While watching Get Smart, we never thought our lives would resemble the crazy inventions they used, but here we are. I remember all of my teachers demanding we be able to do percentages and long division because we would not always have a calculator. They ...
Hemmed-In Hollow Falls: Your Ozark Hike for Stunning Springtime Views Spring has officially sprung. The wildflowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the rain is coming down in buckets. Here in the Ozarks, spring rains signify an important time for outdoor enthusiasts. That’s right, folks— it’s waterfall season. There’s nowhere better to see the waterworks than Hemmed-In Hollow Falls. Measuring 209 feet high, this is the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the App...
God is the God of the Mountain and the Valley: The Great Smokey Mountains, Tennesee Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg are located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The town of Sevierville is situated in Sevier county and is home to approximately 17,000 residents. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are the most popular destinations because of their bustling attractions. All of these small towns are a part of Sevier county, TN. History The history of Sevier county dates back to the e...
Cave City, Kentucky: The World Down Under The 5000 years of history displayed in Cave City is phenomenal. The caves served many purposes through the years. Some say we owe the triumph of the revolutionary war to Mammoth Cave, carved under Cave City. Along with being every spelunker's dream, it is every camper's perfect retreat. Cave City, Kentucky, is a small town located in the heart of Kentucky's Cave Country, which is known for its beautiful natural scenery, rich history, and abundance of out...
The Ozark Mountains are pure paradise for the outdoorsman. Old-growth forests, seeping springs, and high waterfalls ignite our passion. We want to go deeper here, to get dirty and bruised. Yet for many, exploring the heart of these mountains is nearly impossible. Pockmarked with massive cave systems and high rock bluffs, these hills hold secrets that most people will never see. Exploring the deepest parts of the Ozarks is an incredibly difficult and dangerous undertaking. Sinkholes, rockfa...
As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, it's time to dust off your RV and hit the open road. But before you do, consider the gadgets that can elevate your camping experience from ordinary to extraordinary. These must-have RV gadgets for 2025 not only make your life easier but also add a sprinkle of fun to your adventures. After all, who doesn't want to enjoy a little luxury while surrounded by nature? Let's dive into the gadgets that will have you saying goodbye to the mundane an...
Van life for sure has its perks. Waking up to mountain views, chasing sunsets, and the freedom to go wherever the road takes you. But after a few too many ramen packets, PB&J sandwiches, and overly ambitious cook-ups that leave a pile of dishes in the sink, reality hit me. I really needed to find some recipes that were quick, healthy, and actually satisfying. These campervan meals are some of my favorites because they’re healthy, delicious, and designed to make campervan cooking simple. Plus...
I’ll never forget the first time I woke up at 3 a.m., fully zipped into my sleeping bag, teeth chattering, completely miserable. I couldn’t stop shaking and I was just white knuckling until the sun came up. Since then, I’ve picked up a bunch of tricks that actually work. Tent camping in colder temps can still be a lot of fun, as long as you go in with the right setup. From understanding sleeping bag ratings to boosting body heat with simple gear hacks, here’s how I stay warm (and get real sleep)...
There’s something incredibly freeing about hitting the trail alone. No compromises, no pressure—just you, the outdoors, and the chance to move at your own pace. Solo hiking offers solitude, clarity, and a real sense of self-reliance. But with that freedom comes responsibility. Being alone on the trail is empowering, but it also means you need to be more intentional about planning and safety. In this guide, I’m covering everything first-time solo hikers need to know: how to prepare before you go,...
I’ve been camping with dogs for years. Sometimes car camping, sometimes deep in the backcountry. As any seasoned pet owner will tell you, bringing your four-legged friend on a camping trip can be a lot of fun... but it also takes way more prep than you’d think, especially the first time. From gear that’s actually worth packing to keeping your dog safe, dry, and (somewhat) calm (I have herding breeds so iykyk), here’s everything I’ve learned the hard way. Getting Ready Before the Trip Vaccination...
