Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Dolly Sods
A light snow covered Dolly Sods as I woke to a dead Starlink switch and no internet deep in the Monongahela National Forest. What began as a plan for a winter hike became a lesson in adaptation—navigating forest roads, a Walmart run, and a warm latte before settling in for a quiet night on the road.
Spruce Knob & Seneca Rocks
I woke to fog and rain in the Monongahela National Forest and set out for Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. After exploring the summit’s alpine forest, I continued to Seneca Rocks for a steep hike, sweeping mountain views, and unexpected conversations about shutdowns, miners, and the strength of small mountain towns.
Falls of Hills Creek & Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
From steep trails and roaring waterfalls to quiet bogs preserved since the Ice Age, this stretch of the Monongahela National Forest reveals a wilder side of West Virginia. I hiked the three falls at Hills Creek, wandered the boardwalk through Cranberry Glades, met a few unusual characters, and ended the day camped high on Route 150 under a glowing fall sky.
Twin Falls State Park & Mullens
A quiet morning in Beckley turned into a full day of mountain roads and waterfalls. After finding the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine closed for the season, I explored the hills near Mullens and ended the day at Twin Falls Resort State Park. The trails to Marsh Fork and Black Fork Falls were damp but peaceful, and by nightfall I was camped beneath a clear sky.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The day started at the open Canyon Rim Visitor Center in New River Gorge, followed Fayette Station Road under the bridge, stopped at Babcock’s grist mill, and paused at Hawks Nest to confront the tunnel disaster. I grabbed ice cream in Ansted, explored historic Fayetteville, and ended the day at South Side Junction Tap House.
Cumberland and Yahoo Falls
A day exploring two of Kentucky’s most striking waterfalls—Cumberland Falls and Yahoo Falls—each surrounded by sandstone cliffs, quiet trails, and rich history. From the roar of the Cumberland River to the echoing amphitheater of Yahoo Falls, it was a day of light, water, and reflection.
Berea, KY
Berea, Kentucky, is built around its arts community and the spirit of Berea College. I spent the day exploring the artisan shops, learning about the town’s history, and hiking the East Pinnacles Trail. The views were worth every step, even if the rest of the day didn’t quite match the hype.
Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail Ride to Park CityI
A full day at Mammoth Cave National Park—chores at Land Between the Lakes, a quiet drive north, and an afternoon cycling the Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail through fall color, history, and small-town charm in Park City, Kentucky.
Battle of Fort Davidson, Hike in Hawn State Park
I started the morning at Fort Davidson, where one of Missouri’s fiercest Civil War battles unfolded. Later, I hiked the trails of Hawn State Park, surrounded by fading sunlight and the quiet rhythm of the forest, before camping at St. Francois State Park under a star-filled sky.
From Shut-Ins To Elephant Rocks
From the rushing waters of Johnson’s Shut-Ins to the summit of Taum Sauk Mountain and the massive granite boulders of Elephant Rocks, this trip through the St. Francois Mountains revealed Missouri’s deep geological history. I wrapped up the day photographing a quiet lake at sunset—a perfect ending to a full day of exploration.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways felt like stepping into living history—where clear spring-fed rivers still run wild and small towns like Eminence hold onto their frontier spirit. I spent the day exploring Alley Mill’s red reflection on the Jacks Fork, hiking around Round Spring’s turquoise waters, talking with local craftspeople and riders in Eminence, and watching the light fade over Rocky Falls. It’s a place that reminds you how deeply people and rivers are connected.
Scenic Overlook, Ice Cream Detours, Branson, Missouri
A day meant for scenic overlooks turned into something richer—a coffee stop with students, a visit to a one-of-a-kind college, and a peaceful night tucked away in the forest.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
A day at Dogwood Canyon feels like stepping into a postcard version of nature—meticulously designed but undeniably beautiful. Between the waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic walkways, this Ozarks retreat balances conservation with comfort.
Wilson’s Creek National Memorial Park
My morning at Wilson’s Creek National Memorial Park unfolded across quiet trails and haunting history — from Gibson’s Mill to the Ray House, where the Battle of Wilson’s Creek once raged. It’s hard to imagine such peace in a place that once echoed with cannon fire.
Frisco Highline Trail – Springfield, Missouri
Starting from Springfield’s northwest trailhead, I rode the Frisco Highline Trail, a 35-mile rail-to-trail conversion that follows the historic Frisco Railroad. From paved sections to rugged stone, from Halloween decorations to a steady headwind, the day offered everything I love about cycling—history, landscape, and the people you meet along the way.
Katy Trail – Rocheport, Missouri
My overnight at the Rocheport trailhead led to a 60-mile ride on the iconic Katy Trail—through tunnels, past river bluffs, and alongside friendly strangers. From early-morning owls to the kindness of fellow riders, the day reminded me why this 240-mile Missouri treasure is more than just a bike path—it’s a journey through time, nature, and community.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
Ashfall Fossil Beds preserves entire herds of rhinos, horses, and camels buried in volcanic ash 12 million years ago. The Rhino Barn, exhibits, and trails reveal Nebraska’s Pompeii, a window into prehistoric life and a perfect vanlife adventure stop.
Cowboy Trail / Smith Falls
Cycling a short stretch of the Cowboy Trail from Valentine offered prairie views and a dramatic railroad bridge over the Niobrara River. Later, a stop at Smith Falls State Park brought Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, quiet trails, and a glimpse into the Krzyzanowski family’s history of preserving this landmark.
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge lies deep in Nebraska’s Sandhills, far from towns and paved highways. Visitors who brave the rough roads discover a landscape of quiet lakes, prairie dunes, and birdlife. It’s one of the most remote refuges in the lower 48, where solitude and sweeping skies define the experience.
Carhenge, Courthouse & Jail Rocks
From Bayard’s free camping and historic Courthouse & Jail Rocks to the oddball wonder of Carhenge and the ghostly ruins of Antioch, this stretch of western Nebraska packs history, humor, and unexpected roadside stops into one memorable drive.