in honor of national park week, check out “the pride of america”

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In the Northeast we’re fortunate to have Acadia National Park and all its scenic wonders, but did you know the National Park System is comprised of 84.6 million acres of natural, historic and cultural areas? In honor of National Park Week, April 20-28, the UNC-Chapel Hill’s MPA@UNC program has created the following info graphic, “Our National Parks: The Pride of America,” to share many fun facts about our nation’s treasures. Read More

winter hike mt. madison & mt. adams via valley way trail

Winter Hiking Mount John Quincy Adams

Valley Way is the access route to Mt. Madison and Mt. Adams most travelled by, and for winter hiking that makes all the difference. The easiest and most direct route to Madison Hut, hikers come one and all for day hikes to the aforementioned summits, overnights at the Valley Way Campsite or above treeline (winter only), to venture into the Great Gulf for ice climbing, or to begin treks across the Presidential Range. Read More

does your outdoor clothing help keep you safe?

ems baselayer

When hiking or backpacking, the relationship between outdoor clothing and personal safety is obvious. We know our woods wardrobe should be comprised of layers. On the base layer we avoid cottons in favor of moisture-wicking fabrics. With outer layers we look for ventilation, wind protection and water resistance. In between it’s always good to have a lightweight fleece handy when extra warmth is necessary. Various combinations of the three keep us covered in all conditions. But how many of us consider clothing color as a safety feature? Read More

winter hike mt. moosilauke via the appalachian trail and glencliff trail

Mt. Moosilauke Summit

A fresh coat of snow, drizzled in hues of blue from the early morning light, blanketed the Mt. Moosilauke field. The snow was broken only by a classical cross country ski track showing the way. To the west, through the towering trees, the hills were awash in sunlight, fulfilling the promise of a rare cloudless day. The ascent of Mt. Moosilauke via the Glencliff Trail (also the Appalachian Trail) was just beginning, and already it was hard not to love this idyllic winter hike. Read More