Tara Schatz

Tucked along Route 9 in Wilmington, Vermont, Molly Stark State Park is home to one of the most satisfying short hikes in the southern Green Mountains: the climb to the Mount Olga fire tower. At just 1.8 miles as a loop, it punches well above its weight — rewarding hikers with a genuine fire tower summit and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The Hike The trail begins from ...

Harriman Reservoir — also known as Whitingham Lake — is one of Vermont's largest bodies of water, stretching over 2,000 acres through the hills of Wilmington and Whitingham in the southern Green Mountains. Ward's Cove is one of the reservoir's quieter access points, offering a sheltered launch spot for paddlers and a scenic escape from the more crowded summer destinations nearby. Paddling W...

Located on 150 beautiful acres with three miles of leash-optional trails, it’s a spot to breathe deeply, and it will remind you of how wonderful it is that these beautiful beings share our lives with us. After hiking the trails, pay tribute to the dogs you have loved and lost at the Dog Chapel, full of whimsy, and created by Stephen Huneck as a sacred memorial to the dogs we’ve all loved and l...

Joshua Tree National Park flawlessly combines otherworldly landscapes, incredible recreational opportunities, and a colorful, wild-west history. Before it was a national park, Joshua Tree was home to cattle rustlers, gunslingers, miners, and rugged homesteaders.   One of the most quirky characters to call Joshua Tree home was Bill Keys, who homesteaded with his family at Desert Queen Ranch for...

There are three campgrounds on the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Two, Mather Campground and Desert View Campground are run by the National Park Service. Trailer Village is a privately-run RV park located in Grand Canyon Village. If you don’t mind craziness and crowds, both Mather Campground and Trailer Village will serve you well, but if you want to escape the nonsense and immerse yo...

A great loop for the summer, Woodford is also amazing when winter winter comes to the State Park. It also comes earlier than just about anywhere else in Southern Vermont. At 2,400 feet above sea level, this is an easy spot to find winter without spending a fortune at the local ski resorts. Woodford State Park is only a ten-minute town from the town of Bennington, but it's usually about 10 degre...

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is a small park in Southern Vermont between Bennington and Manchester. It is well-loved by locals as swimming spot in the summer, especially for families with kids.  Less well known is the nature trail that meanders around the perimeter of the lake. While only a mile in length, this lovely trail is quiet and perfect for bird watchers.  The trail begins at the far end...

Start at the Vermont State House in Montpelier and hike the State House Trail to the stone observation tower. There are 7 miles of trails in Hubbard Park, but the trail from the State House to the tower is 0.5 miles one-way. Started in 1915 and completed in 1930, the 54-foot-tall Hubbard Park Tower is at the park's highest point. Climb up the stairs for a beautiful view of Montpelier and the...

Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park is a unique collection of hiking trails and walking paths that meander more than 204 acres of fields, forests, gorges, cliffs, and gardens. The best way to explore these enchanting trails is to pack a picnic and lace up your hiking boots for a full-day ramble. Warblers, robins, thrushes, phoebes, and bobolinks will provide the soundtrack.  Located in Hubbard...