Tag: hike

Garrett Mountain Reservation new york city skyline
hiking

Walking Garrett Mountain Reservation

Hollie

Walking Garrett Mountain Reservation

Recently I was in Passaic County and decided to stop at Garrett Mountain Reservation in Northern New Jersey.  Located off Route 19 in Woodland Park, Garret Mountain Reservation is 568-acres.  Garrett Mountain Reservation reaches an elevation of 500 feet about sea level. I didn’t know until I visited that it is actually on several National Natural Landmarks in New Jersey.

Garrett Mountain Reservation covers the northern tip of First Watchung Mountain.

Most of Garrett Mountain Reservation is located in Woodland Park but Garrett Mountain Reservation also extends to both of the cities of Paterson and Clifton. When I arrived, I thought I was in Rifle Park or Rifle Camp but I quickly learned I was not.

Garrett Mountain Reservation

I’m glad I made it to Garrett Mountain Reservation because the view of the New York City Skyline was beautiful. The Lambert Tower and Observation Tower provide beautiful views of the New York City Skyline.

Garrett Mountain Reservation

Inside Garrett Mountain Reservation there are plenty of things to do including:

  • Main paved path (Morris Canal)
  • Grass fields and picnic areas
  • Walking and Hiking Trails (even paved trail)
  • Basketball courts, picnic areas
  • Barbour’s Pond is state stocked with fish for anglers
  • Equestrian Center with horseback riding lessons.

I also learned a few fun facts about Garrett Mountain Reservation including apparently, Garrett Mountain Reservation is a stopover point for migrated birds and there are over 150 species per year that stop by.

Garrett Mountain Reservation lambert castle

In short, besides hiking there is a lot to do at Garrett Mountain Reservation. If you just want the view of the New York City Skyline, you can take the single-lane road to the look out point.

Also located in Garrett Mountain Reservation is Lambert Castle which is located 0.2 miles off of the Moris Canal.  Lambert Castle has a parking area nearby and hosts the Passaic County Museum. If you are walking on the Moris Canal, it’s closeby. You can also host private events at the Pat DiIanni Boathouse.

Garrett Mountain Reservation new york city skyline

Since I had some time, I decided to walk on the Morris Canal which circles Garrett Mountain Reservation.  It gave me a nice view of the New York City Skyline as well as everything Garrett Mountain Reservation has to over. I enjoyed seeing the Garret Mountain Equestrian Center as well as the Lambert Tower.  In all, it was a fun stop and I hope to get to more Passaic County Parks soon.

You can see all hikes here.

Questions for you:

Where is your favorite view of the New York City Skyline? 

What is the last hike you did?

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Pocomoke River State Park
hiking

Hiking Pocomoke River State Park

Hollie

Pocomoke River State Park (Pocomoke, MD)

On my many drives from New Jersey to Virginia, I’ve seen Pocomoke River State Park near Pocomoke City and Snow Hill in Worcester County. I’ve always wanted to stop at Pocomoke River State Park, but for whatever reason, weather, timing, it just didn’t work out.

Pocomoke River State Park

A couple of weeks ago, my legs were feeling restless, so I decided to stop.  I was not disappointed!

Pocomoke River State Park

Pocomoke River State Park is located right off Route 113, just before connecting with Route 13. There are plenty of hiking trails.  Plus, if you are looking for camping, they have an electric hookup, camp store, picnic area, nature center, bathhouse, dumping station, swimming pool and even large boat launch. There are several areas to camp, including Shad Landing and Milburn Landing Areas

Pocomoke River State Park
Pocomoke River

I went to Shad Landing which is on the south side of the Pocomoke River near Route 113. I didn’t realize there was a whole separate section called Milburn Landing.  It’s 25 minute drive between the two sections of Pocomoke River State Park.  I can see how they host an 50k ultra race at Pocomoke River State Park.

Pocomoke River State Park
Catch the vulture?

Located within the 15,000 wooded acres of Pocomoke State Forest has about 15,000 wooded acres. Pocomoke River State Park is famous for its loblolly pine and for its cypress swamps. The Pocomoke River originates in the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware and flows south 45 miles to the Chesapeake Bay. Cypress Swamp and upland is home to plenty of plant and animal life, including otters and bald eagles, and over 50 species of fish.

Pocomoke River State Park
Might need this…

Even though it was a beautiful 60 degrees in January, the seasonal things were obviously closed.

Pocomoke River State Park

I didn’t plan to stop at Pocomoke River State Park, so I didn’t have any ideas of trails. Several trails hike through the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware and Maryland. Plus, you can hike by the Chesapeake Bay as well as areas of the Pocomoke River.

Pocomoke River State Park
My favorite photo of Pocomoke River State Park. You can see the rainbow reflecting off the water

Here are a few photos from the stop.  I was only at Pocomoke River State Park for an hour, but it was a great stop to get out and stretch my legs. I find I’ve struggled to sit still on the 6-hour drive.

Pocomoke River State Park me selfie

You can see all the hikes here.

Questions for you:

Have you ever been to Pocomoke River State Park?

Do you sit still well in car rides? 

Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes Delaware)
hiking

Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park

Hollie

Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes Delaware)

While in Delaware, I wanted to check out Cape Henlopen State Park. It looked beautiful. With the exception of traveling through Delaware, I haven’t spent a lot time in Lewes, Rehobeth Beach, or Bethany Beach. I’ve heard Delaware State Parks are beautiful, so I’ve always wanted too. When the opportunity to visit Cape Henlopen State Park presented itself, I decided to go. Why not?

Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes Delaware)

 

The Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park is a natural, flat trail. While there isn’t much elevation change, it’s a great option to walk your dogs, get outside, or relax. You don’t need hiking shoes or hiking boots.

Cape Henlopen State Park has several things to do, including the surf, fishing pier, hiking, cycling, or just relaxing at the beach.  There are also campsites and bunkers if you want to spend a few days there. Near the parking lot and trailhead for the Walking Dunes Trail, there is a seaside nature center and park office. Towards the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, you can find a bait and tackle shop.

When we were down towards the shore, people were looking at horseshoe crabs.  Several loop trails are depending on the distance you want to go, but the Walking Dunes Trail was perfect for us.  We saw several people out too!

Plus, on the Walking Dune Trail, there is also Fort Miles, which is cool to see some historical sites.

Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes Delaware)
Like this bunker!

In all, it was a great time.

You can see more hikes here.

Questions for you:

Have you ever been to the Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park?

Do you prefer hilly hikes or sandy beach hikes? 

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Vest Review
Gear Review, Running

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review

Hollie

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review (Also known as the S.A.S.)

Recently I’ve been looking for a lightweight hydration pack that I can use for 1-2 hours of hiking. I don’t need anything heavy-duty, but something to keep water and maybe a snack on the go without holding it.

The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration seemed to meet those requirements, so I decided to try it.

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Vest Review

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.) Features:

  • Minimalist vest designed for fast, ultrarunning, trail running or short hiking
  • Soft Flasks vital kit sits tight and close
  • The fabric is lightweight, breathable and chafe-free
  • Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration uses SensiFit system molds to the contours of your body
  • It also has front hydration pockets allow for easy access
  • Additional storage with front pockets and side zip pockets.
  • The Chest stretch pocket with silicone grip makes it easy to forget you’re wearing a pack
  • Plus, reflective details and a whistle. I’m not hiking at night but good features if you’re doing a 24-hour ultra or night race.
  • Sizing small, medium, large

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.) Thoughts:

The greatest importance for me was to wear a pack but forget I was wearing a backpack. I wanted a pack that was lightweight and minimal and it didn’t feel like “another thing” I was carrying. That’s precisely what the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration is. It’s perfect for a short run or hike.

Salomon SAS Hydration Vest

I’m looking forward to using it more.

I appreciate the flasks are easily washable and I don’t have a giant bladder to clean out routinely. This pack isn’t meant for an all-day event, but something shorter. I appreciate the soft flasks and front stretch pockets for an ultimate gear stowing solution. I’ve used on several hikes less than 3 hours and never had an issue with chafing or feeling like it was bulky.

The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Pack isn’t a “one size fits all pack,” and I wear a small (I wear a small top too). Think unisex sizing, and whichever unisex top you typically wear should be reasonably comparable. Of course, I would try it on, if possible.

Salomon SAS Hydration Vest

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.)?

What is your favorite pack?