Guided Nature Hikes Offered in January

Cold weather turns many people off from hiking, but the key to winter trekking is staying warm by dressing in layers. For some, winter is the best time to hike since the trails are deserted, meaning peace and quiet is easy to find.

If you're itching to get out and enjoy some of the fresh air, consider joining a free guided nature hike. Campbell County in Northern KY is offering 4 hikes this month that offer opprotunities to watch wildlife in their natural setting while also learning how they stay warm and how to identify plant and animal tracks.

The hikes are free and may temporarily cure the cabin fever that has set in among many outdoor enthusiasts.

Click here for more information on these hikes, as well as where to register.

Tower Park: Urban Hiking in Northern KY

I live in Northern KY, because to me it offers a sense of serenity that the bustling and hustling of Cincinnati doesn't offer. Imagine my surprise to discover hiking trails within a few blocks of my apartment!

Tower Park in Ft. Thomas has more than 6 miles of mountain biking trails, but these can be used as hiking trails of course. The terrain is surprisingly rough and rugged, giving you a good workout. You can click here to see a map of the park and its trails (on the left tab, click on MAP). Be sure to bring a compass and a copy of the map if you're heading out for the first time, since the trails are roughly marked and intersect quite frequently. Views of the Ohio River can be seen at several points.

I highly recommend these trails for locals who just need to 'get out there' but don't have the time to drive a couple of hours where the best trails are.

Welcome!

This blog will follow my hiking pursuits across the tri-state area as I seek to compile information for my book. I plan on using this blog as a sort of digital data book where I can share about hikes in the area and receive feedback from other hikers as well.

Areas I plan on targeting before May 2009 include:

-Indiana area (Brookville Lake/Adena Trace, Knobstone Trail and any others I learn about)

-Cincinnati parks (Mt. Airy Forest will be my main concern- to this date there is not official map of the trails in the forest. I plan on changing that!)

-Tower Park (Ft. Thomas)

I think this is a reasonable list of goals that will keep my plenty busy in the next couple of months. With the warmer weather coming, it shouldn't be too hard to fit in a hike every so often! I plan on giving mileage information, terrain and park notes and pictures of the area/trail.

Follow me to learn more about hiking and backpacking- you just might discover a love for it yourself!