Hiking in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Blue Ridge State Park, and Glacier National Park

The Billy Goat Trail in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland, May 2023

The full trail is a challenging 4.8-mile loop but you can hike just Section A which is only 1.75 miles, if you prefer. The trail is just as you would expect from the name; a meandering path, up and down, lots of rocks, narrow at times, and generally runs along the Potomac River so the views are gorgeous. I went on a day that was overcast and drizzly which kept most people away but the weather cleared long enough for a really fun hike and picnic. It was perfect with the possible exception of slippery rocks from the light rain. We parked at the Great Falls Visitor Center in Potomac, MD which is not far outside of Washington, DC. The convenience of leaving a busy city and being surrounded by nature nearby makes it very popular and subject to crowding on nice weekends. My hiking companion slipped on a particularly tricky section of steep rocks and injured his shoulder. Thankfully, it healed by itself after a few weeks. I just love how the human body heals itself! This trail isn’t for everyone. There’s one narrow, steep passage that I really enjoyed but it wouldn’t be fun for inexperienced hikers. Decent hiking shoes with good tread are highly recommended.

Albright Loop via the Appalachian Trial in Blue Ridge State Park, VA, June 2023

Few things make me happier than hiking with my family, especially with my grandson who gets excited at every frog, lizard, waterfall, and wonder that we too often take for granted. What could be better than a 3-year old holding a frog for the first time?

We saw a lot of these red salamanders. The scientific name is pseudotriton ruber and it’s the official salamander of the state of Virginia. They are orange or red with black spots on their backs.

Again, the day was drizzly so there weren’t many people on the hike which is always a bonus. The trail is a 3.6-mile loop near Nellysford, VA and is rated easy to moderate; perfect for little hikers with short legs and big hikers with children on their backs.

We parked at the Humpback Rocks Visitors Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway about a quarter-mile away. Happily, we spotted a bear crossing the parkway as we were leaving!

Glacier National Park, Montana, August 2023

The Rockies are quite different from the Appalachian Mountains. Fortunately, I took some time to condition my legs in advance and it definitely paid off. We hiked many trails, all of which were wonderful, but I’ll highlight my two favorite.

The Highline Trail is on the north side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass on the continental divide. As many other popular hikes, the parking lot at the trailhead fills up early so we left before sunrise to insure a parking spot and were lucky to get one of the last empty spaces.

The challenging trail is 15-miles long with a 2,621 ft elevation gain. About a quarter of a mile from the start there’s a section called the Garden Wall that is 6 ft wide with a 100 ft drop off to the Going-to-the-Sun Road below.

We saw some adorable animals called pikas that are furry, little balls that make a squeaky noise that sounds like “pika”. We also saw quite a few goats.

We stopped on a ledge off the trail for a rest and lunch break. There’s no bad place to break because the view is gorgeous in every direction.

At 7.6 miles we reached the Granite Park Chalet made famous in 1967 when bears attacked and killed two 19-year old girls who were sleeping in the rustic lodge. Known as the “Night of the Grizzlies” it changed the way park management deals with bears, now closing trails with frequent bear sightings and issuing more warnings. The chalet is still open to hikers.

It was chilly at the start (low 60’s) but unseasonably warm (low 90’s) by afternoon. The entire hike was great but the downhill portion really worked my legs. The heat combined with my tired legs made me glad to reach the end. We drank all our water and were unanimously glad for a break afterwards.

There are several little towns surrounding the park; all have character and charm. Wherever we went we saw signs for huckleberries and a huge array of products made with huckleberries — ice cream, jam, pancakes, cocktails, you name it! Whitefish was having a festival of some kind with vendors set up in the town square.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is as beautiful as it sounds. I was glad not to be driving so I could enjoy the views. Just driving through the park was a treat.

In between hiking days, we went horseback riding.

There are countless trails to waterfalls and overlooks. We stopped at quite a few like this one near Lake McDonald where we ate the sandwiches we had packed. Seriously, everything tastes better when eaten in beautiful surroundings.

Lake McDonald is super clear with multi-colored rocks and the water is very cold. It’s the largest lake in the park — 10 miles long and almost 500 ft deep.

On our last full day we headed out again before dawn to the east side of the park for the well known Grinnell Glacier hike. Rated strenuous, it’s 7.6 miles roundtrip with 1,840 ft elevation gain. Along the way I met this beautiful deer.

Grinnell Lake is so very blue, even on an overcast day and with air that was smoky from nearby fires. My sons went swimming in it but it was just too cold for me. It’s like an ice bath! The lake is approximately 5 miles by 5 miles and gets the lovely turquoise color from rock flour from Grinnell Glacier.

I did jump in another lake further down the trail that was cold enough to make me gasp but warmer than the big Grinnell Lake. We crossed this wobbly bridge that can only hold one person at a time. It was easy to see fish in the perfectly clear water.

We saw wild turkeys, moose, goats, deer, pikas, chipmunks, and many types of birds but, regrettably, never saw a bear. I know they’re dangerous but I was hoping to see a grizzly bear at a distance.

My five days at Glacier National Park weren’t nearly enough. I’m not sure when I’ll return but I’m quite sure I will return. It’s impossible to adequately explain the peace and joy I feel in the mountains. As long as I am able, I will return.

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” John Muir

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” T. S. Eliot

“And the Colorado Rocky Mountain high. I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky. You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply.” John Denver