Corregidor Island is the American fortress during the World War II. Tagaytay has the Taal Volcano which is the smallest volcano in the world where you could hike for just forty five minutes. Bohol is home of the Tarsiers, the smallest primate in the world and you will find the gem of the visayas, the Chocolate Hills. Anilao in Batangas is where tourist can enjoy wind surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Safarri Zoo is in Calatagan Batangas where tourist can mingle with tigers and lions and other wild animals.

You will find Mayon Volcano in Bicol, the most beautiful volcano with a perfect symmetrical cone. In Sorsogon, you will enjoy whale watching and where tourist can swim with whales and dolphins. Magellan's Cross is in Cebu where Ferdinan Magellan, first put the cross upon its landing.

Cagayan de Oro is the city of the golden friendship where you can enjoy white water rafting at Cagayan River which is the longest river in the Philippines. Camiguin has three volcanoes and a coastline that alternates between white and black beaches with volcanic rocks. Davao is the Durian Capital of the Philippines. You will also find Mt. Apo in Davao which is the highest peak in the Philippines where you can enjoy mountain climbing. Genuine pearls can be found at Dakak Pearl Farm in Samal Island. And the Eagle Sanctuary in Davao is the sanctuary for all the endangered species of eagles that are found.

Pagugpod beach is in Laoag City. The third oldest city in the Philippines where architectural remnants of the Spanish era still stand is in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Paskuhan Village is in Pampanga where Christmas spirit is present all year round. Palawan is known as the last frontier, you will find the underground river here which is the St. Paul subterranean National Park. The Tubbataha Reef National Park is also in Palawan. This park has many sharks, barracudas, mackerels, garoupas and many more.

Calauit Island in Busuanga Island is where endangered species of animals can be found. Irawan Crocodile Farm is in Puerto Princesa in Palawan where crocodiles are being propagated. El Nido in palawan is the origin of the soup called bird's nest. Subic Free Port is in Olangapo City which is known as the Shining Jewel in Central Luzon.

The Magat Dam is in Tuguegarao, Isabella. This is the biggest dam in the whole Philippines. Los Banos Laguna is home of many hot springs. The Pagsanjan Falls is where you can enjoy the shooting rapids of the falls. The Hidden Valley is a natural botanical garden in Laguna. Puerto Galera is in Mindoro the favorite diving spot in the Philippines. Mount Pinatubo has become famous in the world because of its catastrophic eruption.

Hundred Islands in Lingayen is where you can see hundred islands dotted along the Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan. Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte is the surfing capital of the Philippines. Luneta Park in Manila is the biggest park in the Philippines where Dr. Jose Rizal was executed during the Spanish era. Fort Santiago in Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, where Dr. Jose Rizal wrote his farewell letter “Mi ultimo Adios”.

Heading out to the campground with friends and family can be loads of fun. You have time to just habg out with out worrying about work, chores, or anything else. Your biggest concern will be, who will light the fire tonight and what's for dinner? Take the horseshoes, the badminton set, and any other out door games you might enjoy. Plan on taking a hike around the area or if you're into it, go rafting or kayaking.

Camping is also a great way to make new friends. It's amazing how many new people you will meet, and how helpful your fellow campers are. So what are you waiting for? Pack the tent and the camping supplies and get out there!

In the September-October 1994 issue of Appalachian Trailway News, the journal of the Appalachian Trail Conference, o.d. coyote described slackpacking as an “attempt to backpack in a manner that is never trying, difficult, or tense, but in a slowly free-flowing way that drifts with whatever currents of interest, attraction, or stimulation are blowing at that moment” and wrote that slackpacking means escaping from “our culture's slavish devotion to efficiency” and banishing “the gnawing rat of goal-orientation” by relearning how to play.

The opposite of slackpacking is fastpacking, or powerhiking, which maximizes daily mileage by walking for long hours with only a few short stops. It can mean speed hiking, too, where you hike as fast as possible, but speed isn't the main aim-distance is. Fastpackers usually travel ultralight so they don't need to rest often. They can cover more miles and therefore see more in a weekend or hike long trails in half the normal time. Ultimately fastpacking merges into trail running, so I was interested but not surprised to hear from one fastpacker that he'd run sections of the Appalachian Trail while through-hiking. Fastpacking and trail running may sound like tough, painful work, but for devotees there are many rewards. Hearken to the words of long-distance runner John Annerino,who has run the length of the Grand Canyon on both the north and south sides of the Colorado River:

“And so I run, run like the wind, the wind pushing me across a rainbow of joy that now extends from one end of the Grand Canyon to the other. The running is a fantasy come alive; there is no effort, nor is there the faintest hint of pain. It is pure flight” (Running Wild). And British long-distance wilderness runner Mike Cudahy, who has run the 270-mile Pennine Way in England in under three days, offers this explanation for the “indescribable joy” that can occur on a long, hard run: “Perhaps the artificiality of a conventional and sophisticated society is stripped away and the simple, ingenuous nature of a creature of the earth is laid bare.” Fastpacking and slackpacking are extremes. Most backpackers do neither, but everyone tends toward one or the other. Is one better? No. Different approaches are right for different people. There's nothing wrong with walking the Appalachian Trail at 8 miles a day or running the length of the Grand Canyon in a week-as long as it satisfies and rejuvenates you and you respect nature and the land you are moving through. There's no need for hikers to criticize each other for being too fast or too slow, for bagging peaks or collecting miles, for going alone or in large groups, for sticking to trails or not sticking to trails-for being, in fact, different from the critic.

There are practical reasons for being able to cover long distances at times, though. Being able to travel fast if necessary can be important for safety. Having that ability in reserve means you are always hiking within your capabilities, so if a storm arises or you find your planned campsite a morass, you'll have the extra energy and strength to keep going. And if the weather or unforeseen hazards-difficult river crossings, blocked trails-slow you down, being able to hike fast for a day or two can mean finishing the trip when you intended without arriving exhausted and footsore.

To experience all that walking has to offer, it's worth trying different approaches. If you generally amble along, stopping frequently, try pushing yourself occasionally to see what it feels like. If you always zoom over the hills, eating up the miles, then slow down once in a while, take long rest stops, look around.

An interesting fact about the canyon is that it's really not a canyon. It is the eastern slope of the Puansaguant plateau. Bryce Canyon boasts almost 400 native species of plant life. In the high mountains, you can find a deep forest of spruce and fir, with stands of quaking aspen. There are also desert grasses, sagebrush, and a few cacti. Many interesting animals call the canyon their home. Mammals in the canyon include: cougars/mountain lions, golden mountain squirrels, Utah prairie dogs, mule deer, ground squirrels, bobcats, ringtail cats, foxes, and hawks. Reptiles, amphibians, and fish are also found in the canyon. They include great basin rattlesnakes, short horned lizards or horny toads, side-blotched lizards, and tiger salamanders. There are many different species of birds seen in the Bryce Canyon. The two most commonly found ones are the stellar jays and ravens. Golden eagles have also been spotted in the canyon.

The higher elevations of Bryce Canyon have a lumpy, broken, and random texture. Bryce Canyon's unique spires attract tourists year round. These spires have a strange name - hoodoos! Their sizes range from the height of a man to the height of a ten story building! The Hoodoos were formed from millions of years of being shaped by water and ice. I have concluded that Bryce Canyon is a wonderful place with many interesting learning experiences.

The place I stayed at was a little hotel that had separate rooms. There were two bedrooms included along with cable and a refrigerator. It wasn't too fancy but I liked the idea that it convenient, economical, safe, and quiet. The place I would recommend anyone going to Colorado Springs is Beverly Hills Hotel. You will find one man who owns this little place. There is a maximum of 12 apartment size rooms and each one has its own parking. There are horses in the far back of the hotel.

There was horseback riding offered but you had to get up early to get on their list. They also closed by 5pm. Don't plan to go out and come back later since they will probably be full or out on a trail.

Up the street towards the back of the horse ranch you will come across parts of Garden of the Gods. There are residential homes around the area as well. The Garden of the Gods runs several miles around. You must drive very slowly as the roads wind around tightly but there aren't too many cars driving around. Many tourists decide to jog or hike through the mountains and from there climb the rocks. This area was so relaxing and was truly healing. Wildlife was all around. I saw Deers crossing roads and Eagles flying around.

You will need to ride up the mountain to Pikes Peek as well. The elevation is so high that I became very dizzy when I reached it. It took a little while before I could get myself together well enough to take pictures. The scenery was absolutely amazing. You could see far away mountains that had some frost on the tops. The air was clean but the clouds were coming in to give some rain. You have to be careful going back down despite the slow speed of the train. You can still get very sick depending on if you have high blood pressure or various other conditions. This ride may not be good for you then. Many tourists take the plunge and hike up to Pikes Peek. There is plenty of wildlife there as well.

If you are looking for a place to take the family Colorado Springs is definitely a place I would recommend. There are economical places to stay and eat. There is plenty to do that doesn't cost very much or anything at all. There are plenty activities you can do with your family that wouldn't cost a dime. You can also take a jeep tour or balloon tour that is offered around town. There are places to rent canoes and rafts as you try to go down some rapids or calm waters. All of these are low priced adventures.

 

South Mountain Park

With 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park is named the largest municipal park in the country. What is great about this state park is there is horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels. So, whether your hike is to be a great workout or a slower pace stroll, there is a trail for everyone. The main entrance is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Found in the Sonoran Desert at an elevation of 2000 feet, this park is shrouded in mystery and even has its own lost treasure legend. There are hiking trails, nature trails, 70 regular campsites, picnic amenities, and special programs throughout the year to keep you entertained if searching for gold isn't your thing. The superstition of the Mountains is based on Jacob Waltz "The Dutchman" who found a gold mine somewhere around Weaver's Needle. No one has found the mine because all tries have failed because of foul play, death, or missing and stolen maps. The park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to 10pm for you to go searching out the "lost mine".

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Their mission as stated on their website is "to instil in people an appreciation of plants through the fostering of educational, recreational, research and conservation opportunities associated with arid land plants." At this park their main goal is to teach visitors about the 3,200 different desert plants within the arboretum, and the more than 230 bird and 72 terrestrial species that can be found along the 1.5 mile main trail. They have guided tours that have special themes such as "Plants of the bible", Bird Walks, and Butterfly Walks just to name a few. During May, June, July and August the Arboretum is open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., whereas from September-through-April admission is taken daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

So, which type of state park are you? Are you the adventurous type who likes to hike, or are you the treasure hunter who seeks out lost mines, or are you the more educational type who loves to learn about birds, animals, and plants? Either way there are some great state parks near Phoenix that can satisfy anyone's personality.

Standing 10,804 feet above sea level, Mt. San Jacinto is the highest mountain in the San Jacinto Mountains and the highest mountain in the entire Peninsular Mountain Range, a series of mountains that stretches from Mt. San Jacinto in the north, all the way to the tip of Baja California! Accessible only by way of a few strenuous and long hiking trails, Mt. San Jacinto retains its rural and “uncivilized” nature. While the lower slopes of the mountain are penetrated by a series of road and highways, houses and small towns, Mt. San Jacinto is left untouched in its virgin state.

A popular destination with many outdoors enthusiasts - hikers, campers, rock climbers, and sightseers - Mt. San Jacinto is an alluring location for those strong enough and healthy enough to make the long trek to its summit. The shortest route to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, nicknamed “San Jack” by many locals, is via the Marion Mountain Trail. This trail qualifies as a “no-nonsense” trail that doesn't waste any time gaining elevation. The one-way distance to the top of San Jacinto via this trail is roughly 5 ½ miles; and those miles are tough miles! The majority of those miles are the kind that leaves your heart thumping, your throat screaming, and your legs begging for mercy! But at the top of the summit, a summit that was once labeled as being “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on earth” by none other than John Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club and noted naturalist, the view of the surrounding landscape is well worth the work.

On a clear day, when the winds are blowing and the sky is swept clean of Southern California smog, it's often possible to make out the distant Pacific Ocean to the west, the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains to the north, and the low-lying ridges and mountain passes that mark the southern California border with Mexico and Arizona. Up here, standing atop Mt. San Jacinto's 10,000-foot-plus summit, with nothing but the wind in your face and the cool, crisp smell of elevation, the rest of the world seems a minor footnote; a distant nuisance in some far-away land that has no effect or reach on you as you sit guarded, suspended, and engulfed by the lofty heights of Mt. San Jacinto!

The first time I went, it was breathtaking, the panoramic view from the top, and looking down at every thing makes you realize how good those birds have it that they can see something of great magnificence from such a perspective. But it should not be surprising to that Pilot Mountain is home to some of the most wonderful creatures such as squirrels, quails, etc. It's a haven for any breathing thing.

However, besides sightseeing and bird watching, you can do a lot more on Pilot Mountain. Elevated at about 2,500 feet, it's ideal for rock climbing and hiking, as well as camping. It is a little chillier than ground level, but that can be to your advantage during the summer. If you are a parent, with teenagers, or even pre-teens, this is the perfect summer destination for you and your family. The hiking is my favorite, but I never really have to climb the rocks. Bummer! However, the best part of the whole experience is the time I got to spend with family and loved ones.

New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids - Monument Trail

This New Jersey hiking trail is found in High Point State Park in Sussex, NJ. It is named for the large monument to war veterans. The path is nearly five miles long and requires a long climb up many stairs to reach the top. This is a challenging path with several sections of boulders to scramble across. It is best suited for older kids with some hiking experience.

New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids - Cedar Swamp

The Cedar Swamp trail is in Wawayanda State Park in the Highland Lakes area of north Jersey. This is an easy four-mile hiking trail for kids. It has a small elevation gain that should not cause any trouble.

The main attraction of the Cedar Swamp hiking trail is the long boardwalk that takes you through a real cedar swamp. There are many swamp plants, birds, and frogs in this interesting ecosystem.

New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids - Lost Brook Preserve

This is another easy hiking trail for kids in New Jersey. It is about four miles and begins at the Tenafly Nature Center where you and your kids can speak to a naturalist and view various animals, insects, and birds from the area.

This hiking trail winds through woods and fields and passes the tiny Pfister's Pond. The area is abundant in wildflowers.

New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids - Jenny Jump

The Jenny Jump state forest in Hope, New Jersey offers multiple easy to moderate hiking trails for kids and their parents. The main trail is a three mile long loop with a moderate elevation gain.

This hiking trail gives you pleasing vistas of the farmland below and the Kittatiny Mountain ridge.

New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids - Washington Crossing State Park

Washington Crossing State Park is near the famous site of George Washington crossing the Delaware River. The park actually spans the river with areas in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

There are many hiking trails perfect for kids in this park. There is also a Nature Center crammed with hands-on exhibits, playgrounds, and an open-air theater.

New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids - Allaire State Park

The main draw of Allaire State Park is Allaire Village, a historic site peopled by reenactors that educate and entertain. Beyond the village, there are almost four miles of hiking trails that are perfect for kids. After hiking, the kids might like a ride on the Pine Creek railroad, a steam train in the park.

1. Proper Clothing and Shoes

All members of the family should wear proper clothing and shoes on a hike. For short hikes, sneakers or cross-trainers will probably suffice. For longer hikes, however, both adults and children will benefit from properly fitting hiking boots.

When hiking with children, it is important to dress them in comfortable, non-binding or chafing clothing. Children will complain readily if their collar is too tight or their waistband rubs their belly. Long pants thick enough to deter thorns and insects are a must for hiking children.

2. Hiking Sticks for Everyone

Hiking sticks can help with balance and support on tricky hiking trails. When hiking with children, provide hiking sticks that are the right size and weight for them. Hiking sticks can either be found wooden branches that are smooth and sturdy, or man made, purchased varieties. The hiking stick for children should be narrow enough for them to grip and not to heavy.

3. Planning the Route

If a hiking trip is too long, children are apt to complain. Be sure to plan the route before you set out. Either plan to hike in a loop that will take you back to the car or campsites, or hike half the distance out and half back. When hiking with children, it is a great idea to map out the route with them beforehand. They will enjoy following the map and knowing how far they still have to go.

4. Drinks and Snacks

Everyone needs some nourishing drinks and snacks while hiking. The most important thing to carry along when hiking with children is plenty of water. You could also bring sports drink. When hiking with children, it is also a great idea to bring fun snacks that can be carried along. GORP (good old raisins and peanuts), or trail mix is the ultimate hiking snack. Dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, and granola bars are other good choices. Hiking with children takes a lot of energy, and healthy carbohydrates give a burst when you need it.

5. First Aid

When hiking with children, be sure to pack a first aid kit. Of course, adults can also be injured, but small children are more susceptible to cuts and scrapes. A small injury may make a child feel as if they cannot go on. An adult ready with the first aid kit will keep the hiking day more pleasant for children.

Hiking with children is important for physical exercise, appreciation of nature, and family together time. If you want a safe and fun experience, there are certain things you must remember. Staying within the bounds of ability and comfort is important when hiking with children.