Minneopa State Park is in the south-central region of Minnesota and approximately 85 miles southwest of Minneapolis. It’s a beautiful park that offers a unique experience for visitors, including a creek, double waterfall, hiking trails, camping, a stone mill, and a bison herd. It’s off the beaten path and makes for an excellent daytrip or short stop on your road trip elsewhere within the region.

Oklahoma is a beautiful state with a geographical landscape that varies from sweeping plains to low-rising mountains. Robbers Cave State Park is a couple hours south of Tulsa, nestled within the southeast corner of the state in the San Bois Mountains, which are a part of the larger Ouachita Mountain Range. The name of the park was inspired by outlaws, such a Jesse James and Belle Starr, who are said to have used the park cave as a hideout.

Camp Horizon offers a different perspective on Kansas hiking. The terrain provides for a more challenging opportunity with 1000 feet of elevation change possible throughout the hike. If you’re looking for lots of ascending, descending, rocky pathways, the chance to climb a few boulders, some steep inclines, and some incredible views – you’ll really enjoy this hike. There are very few places like it in Kansas!

There are so many things that make this park exceptional. Over the past few years, I have spent more of my free time at this nature park than anywhere else; it is truly a hidden gem. Whether you are out for a short walk or a day hike, and whether you prefer paved paths or dirt trails, you’ll find something to love about Pawnee Prairie Park!

Emergencies happen, and it’s important to be prepared for those “just in case” moments. What if the weather suddenly changes and you are unable to get back to the trailhead? What if you get hurt? Have an allergic reaction to a sting or bite? Are approached by an aggressive animal? Are overcome by the heat? Get lost? There are many things that could go wrong, and while you should never let your fear of those things keep you from the trail, you should always be prepared to manage an emergency should one occur.

There are so many tools out there to help make your excursion more comfortable, but not all of those items can come with you onto the trail. You will need to pick and choose which ones are valuable enough that you’re willing to carry them on your back in order to have them with you. You’ll want to contemplate pack space and item weight when making your decisions.

Day hiking means you must be self-sufficient when it comes to water and food. When you trek off into the backcountry for hours, or for the entire day, it’s important to fuel your body efficiently. Proper hydration and nourishment will give you the energy needed to truly enjoy your hike and to feel good afterwards.

Ah – the backpack. You would think it'd be easy to decide upon a simple bag to toss your stuff in so you can wander the world; however, with so many available choices, options, and features, it can be a little overwhelming trying to narrow down which pack is right for you. Let hiking mojo help!

When planning for what to wear, it’s important to consider the initial weather forecast, as well as the likelihood of the weather in your area changing during your hike. Be sure to dress for the weather now, the weather later, and for the “just in case” scenarios that could occur during your hike.

So, you’ve been enjoying some shorter hikes and feel ready to take on a few more miles; ready to venture a little farther away from home and the convenience of nearby facilities. Congratulations! It’s time to take that next wandering step and explore the world of day hiking!

If you are new to hiking, it’s certain you’ve wondered exactly what it is you need to take with you onto the trail. Once you begin searching the web for this information, you can quickly become overwhelmed with the thought of how many necessary items are recommended and how much those things are going to cost you. No worries; there are ways to ease yourself into the world of exploration and discovery without feeling stressed or breaking the bank.

During the month of May, we set out to explore the Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades areas of the Wild Basin in Colorado. The waterfalls were gorgeous. The wildlife was amazing. The hike was superb. We can't wait to go back!