Day Hikes at Lake Kegonsa State Park

White Oak Trail, November 2014.

Lake Kegonsa State Park is located on Door Creek Road in Stoughton, Wisconsin. The park provides a nice venue for easy going family hikes. With about 5 miles (8.0 km) of well-maintained hiking trails, two nice playgrounds, and a beach area, there are enough rest and play stops to keep little ones happy.

Backcountry Gratitude, Thanksgiving 2014

Been a few disappointments this year. The most recent? Being laid off just before the holidays. But with rain comes rainbows, and there has been much to be thankful for this year. In honor of the day...

Holiday Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Outdoor Enthusiasts

It's that time of the year again. Store catalogs tumbling from the mailbox and snow on the windowsill turn our thoughts to holiday merry making. Being the list maker than I am, I've generated some good stocking stuffer ideas this year. Hopefully this list will inspire you to think outdoorsy thoughts as you shop for the gear junkies in your life.

Day Hike at Governor Nelson State Park

Governor Nelson State Park is located on County Hwy M in Waunakee, Wisconsin along Lake Mendota. The park features 8.4 miles (13.5 km) of hiking trails meandering through prairie, oak savanna, woodland ecosystems. The trails form a series of connected loops, and it is easy to join some or all of the short trails to make a longer hike. These trails are easy in most areas, but moderate where the terrain is hilly.

Hiking During Hunting Season

Planning to take a hike? With hunting season upon us, hiker safety becomes more important than ever. For starters, I take the following four precautions.

Day Hike at New Glarus Woods

Located in New Glarus, Wisconsin on Highway Nn, the Havenridge Nature Trail at the New Glarus Woods State Park provides an easy to moderate 4.2 mile (6.8 km) hike meandering through woodlands and prairies.  The rolling hills add a moderate amount of exertion to this otherwise easy hike. This trail is wide, grassy, well-groomed, and easy to follow. It is particularly beautiful when prairie flowers are in bloom, or when fall colors peak.

Footwear for Kids (& Yourself) for Three-Season Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Adventures

Salomon XA Comp 7 Trail Runners.

The fun and excitement takes a backseat to getting warm and comfy once a chill sets in. Cold, wet feet easily chill the body. Hence, my vigilant search for proper footwear. I've finally settled on my three-season ensemble.

How to Dress Kids (& Yourself) in Layers for Three-Season Hiking, Backpacking, and Camping Adventures

Family outings, even in the rain or cold, can be fun and exciting with proper preparation. That said, rainy or cold family outings offer potential misery with inappropriate clothing. Light weight, quick-drying items amenable to layering that pack compactly make for comfortable three-season outdoor adventures (32°F/0°C and above).