Kelley Dodge

Starting in the Martigny town center, the trailhead is easy to find. Follow Rue de la Bâtiaz across La Dranse Rive and after about two blocks you will see signs to Chemin du Château, the "path to the castle."A relatively easy hike, switchbacks wind through vineyards on the mountainside for 1.8 miles before reaching La Bâtiaz at the summit. La Bâtiaz offers stunning vantage points of the Martign...

If you're looking for a challenge and hoping to escape the crowds at Grandfather Mountain, this is the hike for you.  Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot.  The trail, marked with orange blazes, begins in a shaded forest along the Watauga River. You will begin your ascent jus...

When you begin the trail, make sure to choose the correct trailhead from the parking lot (located on the south side of the lot to the left, NOT behind the bathroom). From there, begin a moderate climb through a shaded fir forest to the tree line. Emerge in a meadow at a pond and the lower lake, framed by towering peaks. This is a great spot for a picnic or for camping overnight (*please be sur...

This hike is a strenuous 2.4 miles that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is not maintained--it is an old logging road--so there are lots of loose rocks and you frequently have to hop over the washout/creek. However, the difficulty on the way up is extremely rewarding at the top!The trailhead is the natural continuation of Carson Way – up the hill located to the left of the entry gat...

I personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. Enjoy expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Mt. Craig, the second tallest peak East of the...

Escape the NC heat at the quarry at Eno River State Park. Access the Eno Quarry via Cabe Lands Access Point (parking lot off Howe Street). Follow the Cabe Lands Trail (red blazes) from the parking lot. About 80 yards down the path you'll see a trail split off to the left or right. Keep going on the right for the longer loop on the Cabe Lands Trail, which meets up with the Quarry Trail. If you'...

Escape the bustle of town and head out of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Follow the signs to Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area. There is a $10 entrance fee (unless you are a national parks pass cardholder) plus an additional fee to camp. Continue down the road to Silver Bell Campground. With a total of 14 sites, it is best to reserve a spot beforehand, but the campground always holds a few ava...

Nestled right along the Little Missouri River, Cottonwood Campground offers 76 camp sites (including pull-through, back-in, and walk-in sites).Walk-in sites sit right along the river where buffalo and wild horses are frequently spotted at dusk and dawn. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.The campground offers flush toilets in-season and pit toilets year-round. Spigots for drinking ...

After parking at Great Bend Park, follow the trail about 100 yards to a bridge which provides you access to a 5-acre island that overlooks the dam's waterfall. While the Haw River is easy to wade, the island offers a number of bank fishing spots for those who would prefer to keep their feet on solid ground.The best fishing hole in the park is right below the dam's falls. The Haw River is known ...

Elk Mountain Campground is in a secluded area of the park, providing plenty of peace and quiet. Sites operate on a first come, first serve basis, although the campground was less than half full when we stayed in the middle of busy summer months. There are about 64 sites available in the campground. Sites are available both in the open prairie or in the hills along the treeline. Each site is equ...

From the parking lot follow the trail to the left to Apikuni Falls. The first 1/4 mile of the trail is an easy stroll through an open field before entering an aspen forest where the trail ascends more than 500 feet in less than 1/2 mile. The falls won't be visible until the final 1/8 mile of the hike which offers a few good vantage points. At the end of the trail you can climb down to the fall...

Every Spring (May - June) Going-to-the-Sun road remains closed to cars long after the snow has been plowed and melted. However, just past the Lake McDonald Lodge a sign declares the road open to Hikers and Bikers, providing one of Montana's best adventures.  Follow Going-to-the-Sun Road in from West Glacier and drive as far as you can before hitting the road closure fence. Then, park in the ne...