- Pogue Creek Overlook & Upper Canyon Trails – Tennessee
My Favorite Part: Ah, one of natures wonders. A circle carved into a rock. Strange how nature works sometimes, but I sure am happy I get to see it. The overlook on this trail had me in tears, so I would say you should go.
2. Alum Cave Trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee
My Favorite Part: MY BIRTHDAY HIKE!!! Alum Cave is a stunning trail. I fell slipping on ice multiple times, but that wouldn’t stop be from seeing these peaks! The Great Smoky Mountains is by far my favorite national park!
3. Mount Abraham – Maine
My Favorite Part: I remember all the pain I was in after this hike. The two extra miles on my poor feet. The skin peeling off, and I hate to say it, but this view was worth every ounce of pain. All I could see were mountains after mountains and shadows of clouds. It makes you feel like you’re on top of the world…it’s unbeatable.
4. Third Vault Falls Trail, Fundy National Park – Canada
My Favorite Part: Oh, my first hike in Canada. I’d been feeling homesick, but once I saw the water I felt right at home. The feeling of standing at the base of a waterfall is one I can’t describe well, but it really shows you just how powerful nature can be.
5. Lost Creek to Virgin Falls – Tennessee
My Favorite Part: This was my first hike after I moved back to Nashville and this was what sent me off the deep end to hike every state park. I was the only person at the waterfall for two hours. I ate an onigiri (rice ball) and fell right back in love with living.
6. Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park – Maine
My Favorite Part: My first view in Acadia. I’d never hike on a coastline before. I can remember so vividly hanging onto the rung with one hand and looking back to this view. I’d never been more amazed.
7. Fiery Gizzard Trail to Ravens Point, South Cumberland State Park – Tennessee
My Favorite Part: Oh man the rock scramble on this one taught me that I have to use my core more, but it was worth every second for this view. Plus it was mainly a gorge that we walked next to the whole hike and the waterfalls scattered everywhere were awesome.
8. Pioneer Springs Trail, Meeman-Shelby State Park – Tennessee
My Favorite Part: This was my first time staying on the bottom of a forest floor and it was so beautiful seeing all the different plants and creatures. This hike made me feel like I was in a different universe.
9. Carver’s Gap to Roan High Bluff – Tennessee
My Favorite Part: I was surrounded my mountains, all lush and green, not a single bar of service, and I couldn’t have been more happy.
10. Mount Waldo – Maine
My Favorite Part: Cooling off in the quarry after being beaten down on by the sun. Then almost had a heart attack when I saw some leeches, so I jumped right back out of the water.
