Fire lookouts, they evoke images of small, weathered, glass encased huts on high peaks, wide views with clouds drifting over trees and an immense amount of solitude. Maybe they also bring up images of the lonely lookouts creating poems and literary works in their free time - sometimes this was the case. The fire lookouts of the North Cascades inspired a generation of beat poets, whose time spent in solitude and musings on society helped to inspire North American mountain cult

Nestled in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest, Chimney Top is my favorite easy overnight backpacking trip. This particular area of West Virginia is a favorite of mine, in addition to Monongahela National Forest, you have Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and Blackwater Falls State Park. These areas are a wonderland for hiking, camping, backpacking and climbing. Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920 and protects over 921,0

When I hear the word highlands, I instantly think of Scotland with mist floating over moors. But did you know there are highlands in...