The List(s)

... because Laura wanted me to put the lists up, too.

Eddie’s Adventure Bucket List

I. LONG HIKES.
1. JOHN MUIR TRAIL
a. DETAILS: THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL STARTS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY AND TRAVELS 215 MILES TO MOUNT WHITNEY. PERMITS ARE REQUIRED, AND THE RECOMMENDED TIME FOR THE HIKE IS BETWEEN THREE WEEKS AND ONE MONTH. (JOHNMUIRTRAIL.ORG)
2. THE GRAND CANYON
a. THERE IS NO INDIVIDUAL “GRAND CANYON” TRAIL, BUT THERE ARE OVER 300 MILES OF TRAILS WITHIN THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK.
3. COLORADO TRAIL
a. DETAILS: THE COLORADO TRAIL IS LISTED AS BEING 500 MILES FROM DENVER TO DURANGO. REPORTS SAY IT TAKES FROM FOUR TO SIX WEEKS TO COMPLETE. (COLORADOTRAIL.ORG)

II. PEAKS.
1. MOUNT WHITNEY
a. DETAILS: PERMIT REQUIRED. PER MOUNT WHITNEY TRAIL; FROM THE BASE CAMP, WHICH IS AT 12,039 IT IS 4.7 MILES TO THE 14,491 FOOT PEAK. THE PERMIT IS FOR A DAY HIKE ONLY. 50 PERMITS A DAY ARE GIVEN. CAN BE RESERVED BY MAIL.

III. RIVER TRIPS.
1. COLORADO RIVER
a. COMMERCIAL TRIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. EVERYTHING FROM 3-18 DAYS. LOOKS LIKE TRIPS LASTING ABOUT 5 DAYS ARE ABOUT $3K.
b. THERE ARE ALSO NON-COMMERCIAL PERMITS THAT ARE GIVEN OUT BY THE NPS ON A WEIGHTED LOTTERY SYSTEM. THESE TRIPS ALSO VARY IN LENGTH.

IV. NATURAL SITES.
1. MT. McKINLEY
2. YOSEMITE FALLS
3. BIG BEND NAT’L PARK
4. OLD FAITHFUL
5. CRATER LAKE
6. THE BADLANDS
7. NORTHERN LIGHTS

V. COASTAL HIKES.
1. (COASTAL MAINE)
2. HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
3. CALIFORNIA’S LOST COAST

VI. INTERNATIONAL.
1. ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
2. PERU
3. SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
4. BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
5. ANGEL FALLS, VENEZUELA
6. BRAZIL
7. NEW ZEALAND

VII. MISCELLANEOUS.
1. HORSEBACK CAMPING IN THE ROCKIES
2. DOG SLEDDING IN ALASKA/CANADA
3. PADDLE THE FLORIDA KEYS




....and the state-by-state list...

ALABAMA:
Rice Creek/Mound Island: This canoe trip is a loop around Aikin Island in Southern Alabama. It also passes Mound Island, a Nat’l Historic Landmark of ceremonial Indian mounds. Total distance is 11.5 miles. Guidebook puts it at a 7 hour trip.
ALASKA:
Denali National Park: Denali Nat’l Park does not have established trails or backcountry campsites. You are free to roam the area on your own.
ARIZONA:
North Kaibab Trail: This trails starts on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The total out and back distance is 28 miles. The trail head is at 8300 ft. and the low point is at 2500 feet. Many people elect to hike out to the South Rim, which is less strenuous, for a rim-to-rim hike.
ARKANSAS:
Eagle Rock Loop Trail: The trail is 26.8 miles long, the longest loop hike in the state. The loop actually encompasses a series of trails, and has multiple access points. The trail rating is moderate to difficult.
CALIFORNIA:
The Panorama Trail: Located in Yosemite Nat’l Park, the trail starts at Glacier Point. It is 10.4 mile out and back, but there plenty of options to extend the hike throughout the valley. The hike is rated Moderate.
COLORADO:
Conundrum Creek Trail: This is a 19.8 mile hike to the Conundrum Creek hot springs. This includes a short additional hike up to Triangle Pass. There is an option to return via East Maroon Creek. Approx. 4000 feet of elevation gain. This trail is rated Moderate and Strenuous for the climb after the springs
CONNECTICUT:
Fishers Island Sound/ Mystic Seaport to Stonington: This paddle is 12.5 as laid out in the guidebook. It loops deep into the harbor, and passes several islands outside the port. The guide book warns of boat traffic.
DELAWARE:
Southern Delaware Heritage Challenge: This is a 115 Mile bicycling loop located in southern Delaware. It is said to be easy in rating. It meanders through some nice rural landscapes and through historic small towns. Starts and ends in Bridgeville at the RAPA factory.
FLORIDA:
Hells Bay Canoe Trail: Launch 8 miles north of the main office. There are 3 options to extend this trip, giving you the choice of 6,8, or 14.5 hours round trip. Permits required for backcountry camping.
GEORGIA:
Appalachian Trail Approach: Amicalola Falls State Park to Springer Mountain. Distance is 7.4 miles one-way, with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. {Consider either a point-to-point, or loop hike}
HAWAII:
The Kalalau Trail: Located on Oahu, this trail is 22 miles long and includes amazing cliffs, waterfalls, beaches, and rain forests. There is camping available along the way. It has a rating of difficult.
IDAHO:
Grand Saw Tooth’s Loop: This 63 mile loop hike gives you the grandest views of Idaho’s Saw Tooth Mountain Range. The guide points out that there are several chances to shorten to hike if necessary.
ILLINOIS:
Chicago River Paddle: This is an 8 mile round trip paddle up the Chicago River that meanders through downtown Chicago. It is considered the best urban paddling in the country. It is rated beginner.
INDIANA:
Beach Trail: This trail is located in Indiana Dunes State Park, just outside of Gary. It is a 7-loop up the coast and over coastal sand dunes. It is rated strenuous, but there is only 200 ft of elevation gain.
IOWA:
Maquoketa Caves State Park: This park has numerous caves, more than any other state park in Iowa. It also has a trail system that links all the caves together.
KANSAS:
Lewis & Clark Bike Trail: This bike ride follows the path of the Lewis & Clark expedition for 75 miles, from Weston, Missouri, to Falls City, Nebraska. Only about 36 miles of the trip are actually in Kansas.
KENTUCKY:
Courthouse Rock and Double Arch Trail: Highlights of this trial include a double arch carved into a cliff, and an office-building sized rock. The trial is a 6.1 mile loop. Nearest town is Slade, KY.
LOUISIANA:
Grand Isle State Park: Multiple options for paddling into the Gulf of Mexico. The state park is located at the end of HWY1.
MAINE:
Mount Katahdin via the Knife’s Edge: Considered to be one of the best day hikes in the East. It’s a loop hike that gains about 4000 ft, and covers almost 10 miles. It is located in Baxter State Park.
MARYLAND:
Appalachian Trail, Harper’s Ferry to Pen Mar County Park: This is the entire MD section of the AT. Considered moderate, only because of the length. Easy elevation. Approx. 40 miles.
MASSACHUSETTS:
Cape Cod National Seashore: Cape Cod National Seashore offers numerous hiking and bicycling trails.
MICHIGAN:
McCargoe Grove to Rock Harbor: Located on Isle Royale Nat’l Park, which is an Island off Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This hike requires a ferry reservation. It is 15.6 miles round trip.
MINNESOTA:
Clearwater Lake Loop: Consider the most scenic of Minnesota’s BWCAW. The total loop is 35 miles and is said to take 7-8 days, depending on wind.
MISSISSIPPI:
Vicksburg National Battlefield Park: Bicycling is a great option for view this historic landmark. Audio and GPS tours are available.
MISSOURI:
Taum Sauk Mountain Trail: 3 miles in Taum Sauk Mt. State Park. It also takes you past Missouri’s longest waterfall. Elevation gain is minimal. The trail is rated easy to moderate.
MONTANA:
Avalanche Lake Trail: This 3-mile trail is located in Glacier Nat’l Park. It has relatively easy grade, but expect crowds. Consider adding additional Lake McDonald area trails.
NEBRASKA:
Lewis and Clark Trail: (See Missouri)
NEVADA:
Tahoe Rim Trail. Spooner Summit to Kingsbury Grade: This is a 13-mile segment of the TRT that offers awesome views of Lake Tahoe. The elevation gain is 1500 ft, and the trail is rated moderately difficult.
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Mount Washington Trail: This is a 17 mile strenuous trail. Trying this in winter is obnoxious. Remember, Mt. Washington has some of the worst weather in the world. There is an observatory at the top. There is almost 4500 ft of elevation gain.
NEW JERSEY:
Island Beach State Park: This is a 16.2-mile bike ride on New Jersey’s Island Beach State Park. They are a set of barrier islands on New Jersey’s shore, said to be the prettiest part of the entire NJ shore.
NEW YORK:
Hunter Mountain Trail: This is a hefty 7.2-mile trail up to the Catskill’s 2nd highest peak. Beautiful creeks and views all along the way. Consider a return hike via Devil’s Path trail. Rating is strenuous.
NORTH CAROLINA:
Big Creek to Mt. Sterling: This would be a multi trail hike. Big Creek Trail is an easy 10 miles. Swallow Fork trail will connect you to Mount Sterling. AT could be a connector instead of Swallow Fork Trail.
NORTH DAKOTA:
White Butte: This isn’t a hike, bike, or paddle. Not much offering in ND. The location is on private property, but is still open for visiting with permission and a $20 donation. Be there at sunset!
OHIO:
Magical Pelee Island: This is a 33.5 mile bike ride through the historic island located in Lake Erie. You have to get there by ferry.
OKLAHOMA:
Quartz Mountain Nature Park, Wichita Mountains State Park: This area is not well published, but there are numerous scenic short trails to mountain tops for sweeping vistas. See park offices for trail maps and more info.
OREGON:
Crater Lake’s Rim Drive: It is only open in the summer, leaving all other season for hikers, snowshoe-ers, and cyclists. The road is 33 miles, following the crater rim.
PENNSYLVANIA:
Rickett’s Glen State Park: “Simply put, the best hike in Pennsylvania.” This state park is loaded with waterfalls, about 3 every mile of hiking. And there are more than 7 miles of hiking trails in the park.
RHODE ISLAND:
Bristol Harbor to Prudence Island: This is a 13 mile paddling launching from Independence Park at Bristol Harbor, and circling Prudence Island. You do cross a large shipping lane on the way. Consider going between October and April for seals.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Rim-of-the-Gap Trail: This trail skirts Jones Gap, located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area. The trail starts in Caeser's Head State Park and lead down to Jones Gap State Park. Return via Jones Gap Trail. Trail is rated very strenuous and is extremely technical.
SOUTH DAKOTA:
The Badlands National Park: Although there is no long trail in the park, there are a few short, scenic trails offering views of the rock formations. Consider the 5 mile Castle Trail, the longest in the park.
TENNESSEE:
Virgin Falls Trail: This is a 9 mile round trip hike. There are many small falls and caves along the way. At the waterfall, there is a primitive campsite. Best hike outside of the Smokies.
TEXAS:
Guadalupe Peak Trail: Located in Guadalupe Mountains Nat’l Park. The trail is 8.4 total miles, starts at 5900 feet, and peaks at 8700 feet. The trail is rated difficult, and can be done as a day hike.
UTAH:
Arches National Park Trails: This little national park offers 18.5 miles of trail. The park recently added 3,000 acres of Lost Springs Canyon.
VERMONT:
Moose Mountain Trail: This is a series highlighted by Backpacker.com. It is about 9 total miles, counting a spur trail. Amazing views.
VIRGINIA:
Old Rag Mountain: This is considered one of Shenandoah Nat’l Park’s premier attractions. There is no one trial to the top of the mountain, so no exact distances are given. The park says to allow for 7-8 hours. Primitive camping is allowed on a very limited basis on Old Rag.
WASHINGTON:
Central Alpine Lakes Loop: This is a section of the PCT. It is a 35 mile loop that incorporates some of the local trails. You will gain over 4,000 feet. There is an option to do a 75 mile point to point on the PCT in this area, requiring a shuttle.
WEST VIRGINIA:
Waterfalls of New River Gorge & Greenbrier Valley: This description is from Kevin Adams, same author of the NC Waterfall and Photography book. A host of waterfalls are detailed in the famous New River Gorge, and other notable falls from the Greenbrier Valley area are listed.
WISCONSIN:
Deer County Classic: This is a 79 mile ride, with the option to add 25 and 43 more miles. It circles the Green Bay peninsula, starting in Sturgeon Bay. It is considered to by Wisconsin’s version of Cape Cod. There are numerous historical buildings and lighthouses, coupled with awesome views of the lake and bay.
WYOMING:
Yellowstone National Park: There are just too many things to see in this park for me to list one hike. Among those must sees are; Old Faithful, The Hoodoos, the sulfur pools, the famous waterfalls, the bison, the elk, and the wolves. If a trail is on the list, consider Observation Peak.