Camping on the West Side of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, slices 277 miles through the forest and high desert of northern Arizona from east to west, revealing mauve and lavender canyon lands yawning a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. Each year, more than 4 million visitors flock to the Grand Canyon, most visiting the easily accessed lodges and campgrounds in the park's villages near the canyon's east and central regions. A trip to the west side of the canyon, however, takes you off the beaten path, down dusty roads and knee-jarring trails teetering along sheer precipices and dropping hundreds or thousands of feet to campgrounds and backcountry campsites where you can be at one with nature away from the crowds.

Selecting a Campsite

• The Havasupai Reservation is home to a mile-long campground stretching between Havasupai and Mooney Falls 8 miles below the canyon's rim. Despite remote access, the campground can get busy in summer, and reservations are required. Within Grand Canyon National Park, Tuweep Campground provides nine first-come, first-served campsites and one reservable group site near a dramatic 3,000-foot cliff that overlooks the Colorado River. You can also reserve backcountry sites descending from various points along the western portions of the Northern Rim where you can camp near waterfalls and descend canyon trails to the shores of the Colorado River.

Access

• The western portion of the Grand Canyon is accessed by rugged roads and steep trails not for the faint of heart or weak in knee. Make sure you have a full tank of gas, spare belts and hoses and plenty of water before heading out to the campground of your choice. Access to the Havasupai campground requires driving 60 miles of backcountry road from the nearest services at Peach Springs. You will leave your vehicle behind at a secured lot and hike 8 miles into the canyon.

  Tuweep Campground is accessible from the north by car along several graded dirt routes more than 60 miles in length from Highway 389. Some routes may not be accessible during winter, summer storms or spring melt. You can access other points for backcountry camping along the western side of the Grand Canyon through Monument Point, along 45 miles of gravel road. You should be in good shape for 25 miles of hiking with an elevation change exceeding 5,000 feet each way along some of the trails descending to backcountry campsites in the canyon.

Permits

• No permit, reservations or fees are needed at Tuweep Campground. To camp at any of the designated backcountry campsites accessed from the western side of Grand Canyon National Park, you must get a backcountry camping permit. You can apply for the permit up to four months in advance through the Backcountry Office at both the South and North Rims of the canyon. At Havasupai Campground, reservations must be made in advance by calling the tribal office, or you will be charged double for your campsite.

Weather

• Depending on the elevation, temperatures can heat up to more than 100 degrees F as early as May. If hiking in to a backcountry campsite from the Northern Rim, be sure to begin at first light as you will be exposed to the sun on the south-facing rockface for the duration of your trip. May and October are the busiest months at Tuweep, when weather is mild. July and August bring summer monsoon rains to the canyon, with thunderheads building throughout the day and dropping heavy rain, thunder and lightning by late afternoon. Temperatures can drop dramatically, so bring a lightweight fleece jacket and storm gear even if you are camping in a hot area. Camping is available year-round, but access to the Northern Rim areas can sometimes be difficult during snowstorms from January through March.

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Hiking in Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park, set amid central Oregon's high desert plateau, is known by avid rock climbers for its thousands of climbing routes, more than 1,000 of which are already bolted. To get to many of those climbs, however, you must use the park's system of trails, which wind through and around a deep river canyon, and provide hikers with the chance to glimpse wildlife such as beaver, mule deer, river otters, bald eagles, golden eagles and prairie falcons.

Planning Your Trip

• To hike in Smith Rock State Park (oregonstateparks.org), you must pay a small day-use fee, although one-year and two-year passes are available at discounted rates. The park, open year-round, annually averages more than 480,000 day-use visitors. The best times for hiking at Smith Rock are spring and fall, when high temperatures range from the high-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. Average highs in July and August can reach the 80s and above, with typical winter highs in the 40s. Early-morning and late-afternoon temperatures typically dip into the 40s even in summer -- and into the 30s in spring and fall -- so take several layers of clothing, along with plenty of water and sunscreen. The park's website provides daily weather reports plus updates on hiking and climbing conditions.

Hiking Trails

• Smith Rock State Park has 11 marked trails that add up to slightly more than 12 miles. Several trails connect to one another, allowing hikers to choose from longer or shorter treks. The park's longest trails are the Summit and River trails, each 2.5 miles one way. The River Trail starts at a footbridge that crosses the Crooked River, and follows the river's bends deep in the canyon before connecting to the Summit Trail, which ascends the bluffs, reaches elevations of 3,400 feet and provides scenic canyon views. For a shorter hike, choose the Rim Rock Trail, a half-mile loop near the park's entrance, or combine the 500-foot Chute, which starts near the day-use parking area, with the 1-mile Homestead Trail along the river. Some trails are open to mountain bikers and equestrians.

Hiking/Climbing Combos

• If you'd like to combine a hike with a rock climb at Smith Rock State Park, the park's Misery Ridge Trail is only two-thirds of a mile but leads to two of the park's primary climbing destinations: Monkey Face, a challenging 350-foot-tall spire with several routes to the top, and the Red Wall, which offers a 300-foot climb with a variety of natural features such as slabs and wide cracks. Other trails lead to climbing spots with interesting monikers such as Morning Glory, the Dihedrals, and Christian Brothers (all near the River Trail), and First Kiss (Mesa Verde Trail). Local companies provide climbing instruction and guided climbing excursions into the park for all ages and levels.

Other Park Amenities

• In addition to hiking and rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park has a number of other amenities and attractions, including fishing in the Crooked River, a welcome center, native plant garden and picnic areas. If you'd like to stay overnight, the park has a walk-in bivouac camping area with dozens of campsites for tents only. The campground has community restrooms with hot showers, but campfires are prohibited because of the desert's typical dry conditions. If you'd rather stay indoors, the city of Redmond, approximately 9 miles southwest of the park, has a number of lodging options.

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ATVs at Lake Murray State Park in Oklahoma

Built in the 1930s, south-central Oklahoma's Lake Murray State Park was the first state park constructed in the Sooner State and, at 12,500 acres, it also is the largest. Set on the shores of its namesake lake just south of Ardmore, the park is home to a number of water sports activities and many other recreational amenities, including a system of ATV trails and a campground for ATV riders.

Rules and Regulations

• The ATV riding area at Lake Murray State Park (travelok.gov) is open year-round from early morning to sundown. The trails are restricted to motorcycles, and three-wheel and four-wheel ATVs. Golf carts, dune buggies and other larger four-wheel-drive vehicles are not allowed. ATV operators and passengers under age 18 must wear a helmet, and double riding is not allowed unless the vehicle has a seat specifically made for a passenger. A daily fee is charged to access the trails, but ATV/ORV flags are not required.

ATV Trails

• Lake Murray State Park's ATV area lies in the northeast section of the park and is home to 10 miles of trails that wind through, up and over a variety of terrain, including wooded and open areas, sand, gullies and hills. The 1,000-acre ATV area is fenced, except where it is bordered by the lake. The trails are rated easy to moderate in difficulty. The ATV area has a large day-use parking lot and restroom facilities.

Campgrounds/Lodging

• The ATV Campground is one of nine campgrounds at Lake Murray State Park, which has 323 campsites for RVs and another 500 tent-only sites -- all available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Open year-round, the ATV Campground lies just north of the ATV area, and has 29 RV sites with full hookups, including 12 pull-through sites, plus 10 primitive RV sites with no hookups, and 15 tent sites with electric and water. For camping information, call the park office at 580-223-4044. Campsites have grills and picnic tables, and campground amenities include a playground, restrooms and RV dump station. Other overnight options include the 52-room Lake Murray Lodge, and 56 cabins, ranging from one-room cottages that sleep two, to three-bedroom family cabins that sleep 10. To reserve a cabin or lodge room, call 800-257-0322.

Other Amenities and Activities

• The most distinctive structure at Lake Murray State Park is the Tucker Tower, a stone tower on the lake's southern shore constructed in the 1930s as a summer residence for Oklahoma governors. The tower now is used as the park's nature center, which has a collection of wildlife and geological exhibits. Lake Murray is the park's recreational focal point. A concessionaire, Lake Murray Water Sports (lakemurraywatersports.com), rents paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, jet skis and other water-sports equipment. Park amenities include a 450-slip marina, 10 boat launches, three swimming beaches, an 18-hole golf course, disc golf and miniature golf courses, tennis courts, 300 picnic tables, nine playgrounds, four hiking trails, riding stables, and 10 miles of equestrian trails. The park even has a 2,500-foot-long airstrip and remote-control airplane field.

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Dog-Friendly Camping Sites in Fundy National Park

Just 125 miles north of Maine's northern border, Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, Canada, cradles protected forest wilderness. Dramatic tides at the Bay of Fundy surge as much as 33 feet, making the park the site of the most extreme tides in North America. Bring your dog to romp along the tidal pools pressed into the red clay among barnacle-strewn boulders, or head inland to explore trails through the forest leading to lakes and waterfalls. For a multi-day adventure, pitch a tent or park an RV, knowing your dog is a welcome visitor to the park.

Campsite Options

• Choose from three frontcountry campgrounds or 13 backcountry sites that you can share with your pet. Chignecto North and Headquarters campgrounds (pc.gc.ca) are suitable for RVs, offering electrical, water and sewer hookups at both facilities. Children's playgrounds and handicapped-accessible sites are also available at these facilities. Point Wolf (pc.gc.ca) has no hookups and can accommodate units less than 25 feet in length. Enjoy hot showers, flush restrooms and picnic areas at all three campgrounds, which are open from May through October. Headquarters is open year round, with electric hookups available when snow conditions permit. Backcountry sites have firepits with wood, picnic tables and pit toilets. Group camping is also available.

Pet Rules

• Dogs must be kept on a leash in the campground, along the trails and in picnic areas. Your dog must be with you at all times and is prohibited from causing a disturbance to other park visitors. Don't leave your dog tied out at your campsite when you're not present, and make an effort to discourage it from barking. You are required to remove your pet's excrement and dispose of it properly whether you are in the frontcountry areas of the park or on a backcountry trail. You are responsible for keeping your dog from disturbing wildlife, whether through barking, chasing or disturbing ground-nesting birds.

Pet Safety

• Wildlife in the area includes moose, lynx, deer, foxes, and many species of birds. Don't allow your pet off-leash; even well-behaved dogs will sometimes get excited and run after wildlife, which may turn and attack. Rabies is common in areas surrounding New Brunswick and could potentially be found in the park. Do not allow your dog to sniff or lick dead animals, and make sure it is current on its rabies shot and other vaccinations. Streams and the Bay of Fundy can have powerful currents that could sweep your water-loving dog away. Make sure you are in an area safe for your pet before allowing it to play in the water.

Camping Safety

• Don't leave your dog's food, water or chew bones outside at night. Store these and any other scented items -- food, garbage, drinks, cosmetics -- out of sight in a hard-sided RV or trailer, in the trunk of your car, or in a wildlife-resistant container at least 100 feet from your sleeping area. Store dog food and other scented items in airtight containers to help keep curious bears from investigating the smell of a potential food source. Because bears will check out even the faintest scents, be sure to change out of clothing you have worn while eating or cooking. Don't leave garbage -- such as fruit peels, nut husks or seed shells -- along trails as it can draw bears to areas frequented by people that they would otherwise avoid. Dispose of fish guts from your catch of the day in a fast moving stream or in the deep water of a lake.

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Aspen Highland Trails

Highly skilled skiers flock to resorts around Aspen, Colorado, to take advantage of the high percentage of expert-only trails at the town's ski resorts. Some of the most challenging are at Aspen Highlands, which boasts more than 50 percent of its trails rated as "difficult," "expert only" or "extreme." The fun doesn't end when the snow melts. Aspen Highlands is the gateway to wilderness trails within the Maroon Bells Scenic Area just four miles away.

Highland Bowl

• Aspen Highland's crown jewel is the Highland Bowl. You need to be in top physical shape to trek a mile uphill along a narrow ridge to the 12,392-foot summit. There's no room to chicken out from the double-diamond runs as the trail is scarcely more than a foot wide along much of its route.You can choose from more than a dozen routes, including the most extreme, Flip's Leap, which has pitches up to 43 degrees. Take the Loge Peak Lift, and transfer on to a snowcat, which deposits you at the base of the trail leading to the summit.

More Expert-Only Trails

• More than 50 percent of ski trails in Aspen Highlands are rated as "most difficult" or "expert only." The steepest pitches range from 38 to 48 degrees, with many runs having an average pitch of 37 degrees. Trails with a single black diamond account for a mere 16 percent of the trails, with most being found at mid-mountain. The Merry-Go-Round Cafe also is situated in this area, providing a convenient place to grab a snack and rest between runs.

Easier Trails

• Only 18 percent of Aspen Highland trails are rated with green circles, denoting the easiest terrain. If you are a complete novice, or just want more variety of easy trails, catch a shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands to Buttermilk, which is characterized by wide trails over rolling hills. The moderate trails at Aspen Highlands make up just under one-third of the trails, and are sprinkled along the mountain's face at nearly every elevation. These trails are denoted in blue, and contain trips down intriguing routes such as "Memory Lane" and "Broadway."

Summer Trails

• Leave your car behind at Aspen Highlands and ride a free shuttle into the Maroon Bells Scenic Area to hike, camp or fish. The shuttle is provided to help heal the ecological damage that emissions from heavy car traffic was causing in the area. The shuttle runs from mid-June through mid-September on a daily basis, and every weekend through the end of September. You can hook up with trails leading to high-mountain lakes, the Continental Divide Trail, or enjoy a 4-mile hike back to your car along Maroon Creek.

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Camping and White-Water Rafting in Lower Gauley, West Virginia

The Gauley River pumps with 25 miles of heart-pounding rapids and is home to six weeks of river-rafting fun each autumn, known as the Gauley Fest. Rafters come from around the globe to experience the pounding hydraulics of the Upper Gauley River, with its dangerous, expert-only rapids. If your skill level or heart isn't quite ready for rapids rated Class 5 on the International Scale of River Difficulty, you can take it down a notch to the challenging Class 4 action found on the lower portion of the river.

Rafting Season

• The Lower Gauley encompasses the last 11 miles of the river before its confluence with the New River. While it can be runnable year-round, you can take a tour with commercial companies on the river from spring through autumn. Water levels fluctuate throughout the summer, depending on rainfall, and releases from the Summersville Dam. You can count on raftable levels Friday through Monday for at least five consecutive weekends, with additional weekend days wrapping up the season in late October. The flow is reduced during the week during October for fishing purposes, with fish stocked at the beginning of the month.

River Characteristics

• During Gauley season, flows are scheduled between 1800 to 2800 cfs. Flows may drop below 1800 cfs, changing the character of the river and revealing additional rocks and undercuts. Although the Lower Gauley is not quite as wild as the Upper, you won't feel slighted as you run numerous big rapids with colorful names such as Pure Screaming Hell, Chickenender, Hell Hole and Gateway to Heaven. The gradient on the river varies from 26 to 30 fpm, and in addition to the regular boat-sucking holes, undercut ledges and visible strainers, you'll need to watch out for barely-submerged hazards, such as logs and tree branches pointing upstream.

Camping

• You can camp in the Gauley River National Recreation area as long as you ensure you are on federal land, use Leave No Trace ethics, and make your camp at least 100 feet from any trail, structure, river access point or cliff. Camp along the Summersville Lake just above the release dam at Battle Run Campground (corpslakes.usace.army.mil) in one of 107 campsites that provide pull-through sites, electric hookups, a dump station, laundry facilities and drinking water. After a challenging day on the river, wash away the sand in a hot shower and enjoy the convenience of flush toilets. Wander nature trails, play volleyball or romp with the kids on the playground. Walk-in tent sites also are available at the campground. Private campgrounds are in the towns of Summersville and Mount Nebo.

Wildlife

• In addition to the inherent dangers that come from tackling the huge white water in the river, beware of dangers on land as well. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads are protected in the Gauley River National Recreation Area, so retreat to a safe distance if you happen to see one. Watch where you put your hands and feet along the river and your campsite. If hiking, bring a stout stick to tap the ground ahead of you when climbing over rocks or around bushes where you don't have a line of sight to what's on the other side. Other poisonous creatures found in the area include the brown recluse and black widow spiders.

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Most Scenic ATV Trail in Southern Utah

Southern Utah's stunning scenery includes five national parks in the lower half of the state alone. Add several national monuments, the Moab area and Monument Valley to the mix, and you won't run out of areas you want to ride for the scenery alone. While you can't ride ATVs inside the national parks, the national forests and public lands surrounding them provide thousands of miles of ATV trails, along with campgrounds where you'll find areas for staging your ride.

Moab

• You'll find thousands of miles of trail twisting through red rock country surrounding Arches and Canyonlands National Park. Surrounding the small town of Moab, which lies along the banks of the Colorado River, the trails range from easy to highly technical. High routes across the red slickrock generally are more difficult, with dramatic inclines and climbs over large boulders leading to panoramic views overlooking the Green and Colorado rivers, and distant snowcapped mountains. Easier trails are found closer to town, and some include paved portions only suitable for street-legal ATVs.

Sand Hollow State Park

• Red monoliths jutting from blue waters set the stage for an ATV and camping adventure at Sand Hollow State Park near St. George. Camp at a primitive site along the shore of Sand Hollow Reservoir, or choose from two campgrounds with hookups, flush restrooms and showers. The park provides OHV staging areas, loading ramps, and a course designed to let novices learn the ropes. Ride through sand pits beneath red monoliths, or challenge the sand and slickrock of Sand Mountain. Some of the higher trails in the park offer views of Zion National Park, 20 miles away.

Dixie National Forest

• Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks and Cedar Breaks National Monument lie within Dixie National Forest in southern Utah. You can see panoramic views of the parks from vistas along 500 miles of trail in the Markagunt OHV trail system. The trail system contains 50 trails divided into seven loops, with each trail number corresponding to the loop it is in. Trail No. 57, the Zion View Connector, is one of the more difficult trails in the system, but provides unparalleled views of Zion National Park in the distance. Campgrounds are located throughout the trail system. One primitive campground, Yankee Meadows, is high in the mountains, with OHV parking, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Duck Creek Campground is accessible to the highway, provides spaces for both RVs and tents, and is convenient to three loops of the trail system that pass nearby. An ATV corral and flush restrooms are provided on site.

When to Go

• No matter what time of year you choose to visit southern Utah's scenic trails, you'll find pleasant weather for riding your ATV. May through October is the best time to visit trails in Dixie National Forest, as much of the trail system lies above 7,000 feet, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit for much of the season. Lower elevations such as Moab can top 100 degrees -- and sometimes 110 -- in the summer, but have pleasant winter temperatures that can reach the 50s and 60s. The St. George area is warm year-round, with daytime temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 90s.

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Camping at San Diego's Animal Park

If you've wondered what it might be like on an African safari, camping in outfitter tents with lions roaring in the distance, you won't have to leave the continent to find out. A trip to San Diego Zoo's Safari Park (sdzsafaripark.org), the city's premiere animal park, provides a variety of tent accommodations -- including outfitter tents -- and evening programs where you can stay the night and observe the park's 300 species of animals roam 1,800 acres.

Roar and Snore

• Experience San Diego Zoo's Safari Park in its off hours with guided walks, tasty meals and campfire programs at your choice of Roar and Snore Safaris. The experiences range from adult-only sleepovers to those designed for the entire family, kids only, or all ages. Book a premium tent for the most luxurious accommodations, including electricity, a queen bed, area rug and wooden floor in a roomy 12-by-16-foot accommodation where all linens and pillows are provided. Smaller 9-by-14 tents have vinyl floors over a dirt tent pad where you must provide your own bedding for the 3-inch sleeping pads. The fun takes place on weekend nights from February through November. Dinner and breakfast are provided.

Summer Camp

• Kids as young as those in third grade can experience overnight camping with animal education programs and hands-on adventures designed for their age level. Critter Caper Campout gives kids in grades three through six three days and two overnights at the park. The kids investigate animal behavior through activities such as following animal tracks and dissecting owl pellets. Older kids in grades six through eight get hands-on opportunities to observe and assist zookeepers and trainers at a five-day Animal Care Boot Camp. Kids help feed giraffes and rhinos, monitor animal behavior with a field biologist, and visit the park's animal hospital to see veterinarians in action. Day-camp adventures also are available at the park.

Accessibility

• The Roar and Snore Campground meets ADA guidelines, including wheelchair-accessible restroom facilities. Some behind-the-scenes areas of the park are not accessible by wheelchair. Your service animal is welcome, but cannot accompany you in certain areas of the park. Kennels are provided on site if you wish to visit these areas, and you can call ahead for someone to assist you in areas where your service animal cannot go. Electric conveyance vehicles and wheelchairs can be rented at the park's main entrance, and you can ride a shuttle to areas of the park not accessible by wheelchair.

What to Bring

• If you are staying in a premium tent, you only need to bring a duffel bag or suitcase with your clothing for the evening and following day. Suggested items include comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, sleepwear, and a jacket or sweatshirt. Insects can be plentiful on summer evenings, so plan on long sleeves and long pants, or bring insect repellent. If you're not staying in the premium tent, you also need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Expect nighttime temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Although daytime temperatures generally remain in the 60- to 70-degree range year-round, temperatures as high as 111 degrees have been recorded in San Diego. Remember to bring a telephoto lens for your camera, and a spotting scope or binoculars.

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Camping Near the Bay of Fundy

Fishing boats sit amid shallow puddles that wouldn’t even float a toy boat, tied to docks that tower overhead: Such is the Bay of Fundy at low tide, renowned for the most dramatic tidal shifts on the planet. Situated north of Maine’s border with Canada, the Bay of Fundy stretches 170 miles between the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The tides vary by as much as 50 feet every six hours, with as much as a mile between water’s edge and some boat docks when the tide is at its lowest. You can explore for days along the bay to see tidal effects such as rivers running upstream, tidal bores, and giant whirlpools, and can stay close to the action at a number of campgrounds around the bay.

Nova Scotia

• Nova Scotia provides camping opportunities ranging from remote walk-in tent sites in provincial parks to upgraded amenities at private RV parks. You’ll see the most dramatic effects of the tide in the northern part of the bay. Wide-Open Wilderness Family Campground near Maitland has a viewing area where you can witness a tidal bore as it rushes back upstream, and provides hookups, camping cabins, hot showers, planned activities and playgrounds. For a remote experience, choose from walk-in and wilderness sites at Cape Chignecto Provincial Park in Advocate Harbour. Explore the coastal trail system, see dramatic tidal shifts on the beach, or take in views from the towering cliffs.

New Brunswick

• You may be lucky enough to hear the breaching of whales in the night along their feeding route off the coast of Grand Manan Island. Hole-In-the-Wall Park and Campground provides walk-in tent campsites along the island cliffs, or drive-in sites for small trailers, with great views of the bay a little farther back from the edge. The campground also provides camping cabins and sites for larger RVs, along with hot showers, Wi-Fi, laundry and a kitchenette at the park’s entrance. Among the other many camping options in New Brunswick, you can find both serviced and unserviced sites in provincial parks and private facilities, as well as at Fundy National Park.

Fog

• Dense fog is common throughout the bay, caused by warm summer air meeting the 45-degree Fahrenheit water. The fog can put a damp chill on early morning plans, but usually dissipates by mid-morning. Fog horns warn fishing boats away from dangerous areas, and can seem very loud in the predawn hours when you’re trying to catch a few Zs in your tent. Check with the campground where you intend to camp regarding the proximity of nearby foghorns before booking your site, if you anticipate this being a hindrance to your camping experience.

Safety

• Campgrounds on the edge of the sea cliffs do not, in most instances, provide safety rails. Camping on a cliff’s edge is not recommended for families with small children. Select a site farther back, or choose from the many inland campgrounds. Water advances about one inch per minute when tides are rolling in. Don’t leave chairs or other belongings on the beach while you take a walk or they may be washed out to sea. The tide produces powerful currents, which can be dangerous when swimming or kayaking. When in doubt, head to a provincial park that provides a swimming beach or kayaking area.

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Hang Gliding at Tiger Mountain in Issaquah, Washington

Tiger Mountain sits just 30 minutes east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The mountain has two popular hang gliding launch points where enthusiasts of the sport can soar over a tree-studded valley in view of the Cascades, the glaciers of Mount Rainier, glittering Lake Sammamish and the Seattle skyline. On good gliding days, clusters of colorful parachutes can be seen drifting from the mountain's summit.

The Mountain

• Tiger Mountain, part of the group of foothills called the Issaquah Alps, sits just off I-90 east of Seattle. The mountain is popular with hikers, horseback riders and joggers, who take to the many trails crisscrossing the Tiger Mountain State Forest. The mountain has two well-maintained launch sites for paragliders, a south launch with an elevation of 1,680 feet and a north launch with an elevation of 1,830 feet. Both areas are clear of trees and have bathrooms. The north launch, also called Poo Poo Point, has a wide strip of turf to ease the take-off process. A landing zone sits at the base of the mountain on Issaquah-Hobart road.

Weather and Safety

• Safely paragliding -- from any location -- requires a significant investment of equipment and knowledge. Equipment should be well maintained and thoroughly checked before each glide to further ensure safety. Paragliding anywhere in the United States without an instructor, including at Tiger Mountain, requires a Para 2 (solo) certification.

  The best time to fly at Tiger Mountain is in the afternoon. The mountain is flyable year round, assuming you find a clear day, but April to August are the best months for ideal conditions. In summer, thermaling is best from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and glass-off from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Gliding can range from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your experience and the conditions.

Lessons and Guides

• Several companies near Tiger Mountain offer paragliding lessons and tandem flying -- flying while harnessed with a professional guide who acts as the pilot. For either lessons or tandem flying, you need not have any prior experience or be in great physical shape. Paragliding is not physically demanding; it requires only that you be able to run 20 to 30 feet. Companies include Seattle Paragliding, Paraglide Washington and Parafly Paragliding. Most lessons and tandem flights include equipment, shuttle service and a session on safety and technique.

Where to Watch

• If you're interested in watching the paragliders, there is a broad berm at Poo Poo Point that's a perfect vantage point. You can choose from two hiking trails to access the area: the Chirico Trail and the Poo Poo Point Trail. The Chirico Trail is shorter, just 4.7 miles round trip, while the Poo Poo Point Trail is a more demanding 7.4-mile round trip trek. Both trails are easy to access from I-90 and pass through forest on their way to the point. There, hikers are treated to expansive views of Lake Sammamish and the Cascade Mountains. It's important that hikers stay out of the way of paragliders landing or taking off, and that they not walk on the turf strip.

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Tenting Along the Appalachian Trail

One of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, the Appalachian Trail spans 14 states as it winds its way across the spine of the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The Appalachian Trail stretches about 2,180 miles, and tenting is permitted along most of its length. Whether you intend to hike the A.T., as it's often called, from end to end or simply explore a short section over the weekend, it's important to know where you can spend the night.

Trail Shelters

• More than 250 trail shelters are situated along the Appalachian Trail. Most of these are three-sided wooden lean-to shelters, spaced roughly 10 to 20 miles apart, which are open to all hikers on a first-come, first-served basis. Most shelters have privies and water sources nearby, and some also include fire pits, picnic tables or tent pads. If a shelter is full when you arrive or if you simply don't like the idea of sharing sleeping accommodations with other hikers, most shelters have plenty of room nearby to pitch a tent. Even if you intend to stay at shelters as you hike the A.T., it's wise to carry a tent in case a shelter turns out to be full when you get to it.

Designated Campsites

• In addition to shelters, many sections of the A.T. also have designated campsites alongside the trail. These campsites typically consist of nothing more than a cleared area where you can pitch a tent, often in the general area of a water source. Campsites are typically unmarked, but most trail maps and guidebooks show their location. As with shelters, campsites are first-come, first served and free of charge, with the exception of certain areas that are maintained by a particular organization or trail club, in which case a small fee might be charged.

Dispersed Camping

• Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted along much of the Appalachian Trail, including national forests of the Virginias and many other areas. Dispersed camping means that you can pitch your tent overnight at any suitable location, but you also have the responsibility of leaving no trace of your presence. Rules for backcountry camping vary. The A.T. passes through numerous national forests, national parks, state parks and state forests, and regulations for that specific area generally apply. In most national forests, for example, you can only camp 200 feet or more from water sources and 100 feet or more from trails. If you have an Appalachian Trail guidebook -- an essential tool when you hike the A.T. -- it should break down the trail state by state and include location-specific camping information and regulations.

Choosing a Tent

• Choosing a tent is largely a matter of personal preference, but there are a few factors to consider, including size, weight and durability. Tents used on the A.T. should ideally be waterproof and easy to set up, and you should choose the lightest tent that suits your needs. One- or two-person tents are common choices, and models are available that weigh 4 pounds or less. Tents with two layers -- a breathable inner screen and a waterproof outer fly -- are good for a variety of seasons and conditions. Also consider tent sealer to make sure the floor, seams and all sides are waterproof.

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