An Outdoors Guide to New Mexico

New Mexico was the epi-center for budding explorers (like Kit Carson) in the mid- to late-1800s. Re-discover the wild peaks, alpine lakes, desert oasis with these trips.

#1: White Mesa, San Ysidro (Mountain Biking)
Taming the Dragon in New Mexico's painted desert mesa country on the doorstep of the Jemez range.


#2: Lincoln National Forest, NM: Canyons, Creeks and Springs (Hiking)
On this 7.6-miler ideal for a leisurely overnight or longer day trip, trek through a high-desert wonderland en route to spectacular western panoramas from a meadow-topped mesa.


#3: Spence Hot Springs (Hiking)
Pack a suit and soak in the soothing waters of Spence Hot Springs on this one mile out-and-back in the secluded Jemez Valley.


#4: Santa Barbara Campground to Aspen Basin (Hiking)
This 42-mile trek through the picturesque Pecos Wilderness high country features towering peaks, alpine lakes, and lots of wildlife (marmots, bighorn sheep, and more).


#5: North Foothills (Mountain Biking)
Sample the smooth singletrack of Albuquerque's North Foothills on this rolling, 11.9-mile loop that features several rock obstacles and up-close views of the Sandia Mountains.


#6: Wheeler Peak Loop (Hiking)
Connect alpine lakes and tag three summits on this wildflower- and wildlife-packed loop.


#7: Tour De Acoma (Road Biking)
Explore ancient Puebloan tribal lands on this desert century featuring a trip to the magnificent La Ventana Natural Arch.

An Outdoors Guide to Georgia

It’s hard to explore the storied wildlands of Georgia without mentioning the Civil War, blood, or guns. In this post, we tour old Rebel staking grounds, an infamous peak, a few segments of America’s first long trail, and a road bike ride the college-town of Athens.

#1: Blood Mountain (Hiking)
This 5.5-mile loop in Chattahoochee National Forest follows a leg of the Appalachian Trail and provides long views across the Blue Ridge peaks.


#2: Kennesaw Mountain (Hiking)
Tour a southern Civil War battleground on this 15.8-miler that offers Atlanta dayhikers multiple opportunities to experience their own journey through time.


#3: Duncan Ridge (Section 2A) (Hiking)
A classic Appalachian ridge hike, this 11-mile shuttle tackles numerous knobs and summits under heavy canopy with occasional Blue Ridge views.


#4: Watson Mill Loop (Road Biking)
Combine the best parts of Athens' road riding on this 56-mile loop that cruises red-clay backroads, the state's longest covered bridge, and miles of open countryside.


#5: Amicalola Falls State Park - Len Foote Hike Inn to Springer Mountain
Hike from Amicalola Falls State Park in northern Georgia to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain on this 16.2-mile loop.


#6: Smith Creek Trail - Unicoi State Park to Anna Ruby Falls (Hiking)
A really nice five mile hike (one way) up to Anna Ruby Falls. The sign says three hours to complete, but I did it (slowly) together with my eleven year old son and it took us about 2hrs 40min.

An Outdoors Guide to Texas

Here are eight ways to soak up high-desert views, natural wonders, and beautiful trails in the Lone Star State.

#1: Amarillo, TX: Lighthouse Trail (Hiking)
Hike 5.75 miles through Palo Duro Canyon State Park where sandstone buttes soar above the Grand Canyon of Texas. The payoff? Front-row sights of the 300-foot-tall spire known as the Lighthouse. Tip: Go on a weekday for quiet trails.


#2: Wilderness Ridge-Guadaloupe Mountains National Park (Hiking)
Permian Reef Geology Trail on Wilderness Ridge from McKittrick Canyon ranger station to the turnstile at the Texas-New Mexico border. Length ~10 miles out and back. Day trip or overnight.


#3:Big Bend Ranch State Park, TX: Closed Canyon (Hiking)
Descend into Closed Canyon's slot for a 1.4-mile round-trip trek from Big Bend's scenic River Road toward the Mexican border and the raging Rio Grande.


#4: Austin - Walnut Creek Metro Park (Mountain Biking)
This urban park feels a million miles from Austin. Use this 4.5-mile loop as an intro to more than 11 miles of beginner- and intermediate-level trails on the city’s north side.


#5: Austin - North Town Tour (Road Biking)
Sample north Austin—and stretch your legs climbing Mt. Bonnell—on this easy 14-mile loop that hits several cultural highlights and leaves time for a nap on the capitol lawn.


#6: Dallas - Duck Pond Trail (Hiking)
Escape busy Dallas. This 3.2-mile out-and-back pierces the heart of Cedar Hills State Park and provides a quick getaway into Texas hill country.


#7: Weatherford - The Peach Pedal Ride (Road Biking)
This is one of the most challenging routes in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The course is all rolling hills with virtually no flat section. In this ride, you are either going up or going down. you are either going up or down. The hills range from 2% to 9% grade but they are fairly short in distance, the longest hill is only about mile or 2 long.


#8: Beaumont - Turkey Creek Trail (Hiking)
Feast your eyes on Big Thicket National Preserve's longest trail--and east Texas carnivore country. This easy 15-mile point-to point hosts hikers, alligators and insect-eating pitcher plants, too.

More Apps on More Phones

We are pleased to announce a major release on Verizon Wireless today. Our three flagship apps--AllSport GPS, Geocache Navigator, and Trimble Outdoors--are now available on more Verizon Wireless phones. Read more in the news release below.

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Trimble Launches Outdoor and Fitness GPS Apps
on Select Verizon Wireless Feature Phones


SUNNYVALE, Calif. and BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 18, 2011 – Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) and Verizon Wireless announced today that AllSport GPS™, Geocache Navigator™ and Trimble Outdoors™ apps are now available on select Verizon Wireless feature phones, including Samsung Alias™ 2, Samsung Convoy™ and Nokia 7705 Twist™.

Perfect for a variety of outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, these apps use the phone’s built-in GPS to provide detailed stats, maps, and navigation essential for a variety of outdoor activities. The apps greatly enhance running, cycling, walking, backpacking and geocaching--a fast-growing outdoor sport, which combines treasure-hunting with high-tech navigation.

"Our apps continue to be one of the most widely available apps for enhancing outdoor and fitness activities. Now more Verizon Wireless customers can track their fitness goals and enjoy the outdoors by turning their phones into GPS devices,” said Rich Rudow, general manager for Trimble Outdoors. “Each app provides helpful map and location-based tools specifically designed for niche markets. Hikers can navigate through remote areas with the Trimble Outdoors app, while AllSport GPS allows fitness fans to collect and analyze their daily workouts."

About the Apps

AllSport GPS: The app lets people track workouts, including runs, bike rides, walks, and more from their mobile phone. It collects more than 20 heart-pounding stats, including calories burned, miles, and speed. AllSport GPS subscribers can analyze results, store workouts, and share training sessions with friends on AllSportGPS.com and Facebook. AllSport GPS is available on select BlackBerry® smartphones, Apple iPhone™, Android™ devices and feature phones.

Geocache Navigator: The app allows Verizon Wireless customers to instantly get access to 1.2 million treasures (called geocaches) hidden around the world. There is no need for pre-planning or printing maps ahead of time. Find geocaches in local parks, neighborhoods, or at far away locations. See caches on a map, read clues, and report finds from a mobile phone to geocaching.com. Geocaching is a great outdoor game for kids and adults, and it adds extra fun to road trips and family vacations. Geocache Navigator is available on select BlackBerry smartphones and feature phones.

Trimble Outdoors: The app turns Verizon Wireless devices into an outdoor navigator for hikers, backpackers, and off-roaders. Verizon Wireless customers can track routes on various maps, while collecting waypoints, photos, and audio clips. Use the digital compass and the phone’s built-in GPS to stay on track. The Trimble Outdoors app is available on select BlackBerry smartphones, Android devices and feature phones.

Customers can purchase apps depending on compatible phone in Verizon Wireless’ online Media Store (www.verizonwireless.com/mp3), Media Center/Get It Now®, V CAST Apps or Android Market™. V CAST Apps, available on select BlackBerry and Android smartphones, give customers an ever-expanding selection of games, productivity tools, entertainment and news apps. V CAST Apps enables customers to pay for their apps with one click, and the charge will appear on their monthly wireless bills. A full list of compatible phones can be found at http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/SupportedPhones/#carrier=verizon.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-2 JOIN IN      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or go to: www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Trimble Outdoors

Trimble Outdoors is a family of GPS-on-cellular applications for consumers. With Trimble Outdoors, consumers can use their GPS-enabled cell phones to navigate trails and highways, track workout performance, geocache, and create, manage and share those experiences with others. By leveraging Trimble's 30 years of commercial expertise in GPS, software, and communications, Trimble Outdoors delivers cost-effective and convenient position-based services that promote consumers' well-being, security and active lifestyles.

For more information about Trimble Outdoors, visit www.TrimbleOutdoors.com.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit: www.trimble.com.

An Outdoors Guide to Iowa

Iowa is famous in the cycling world for the RAGBRAI, a seven-day cycling tour across the state in July. Don’t have seven days for a cycling trip? Then check out the 100K rock and road cycling route near Des Moines. Plus, hikers consider the 3-mile hike near Johnson Lake.

#1: Davenport - Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area (Hiking)
Follow this 3-miler through glacial moraine and across a man-made dam for panoramic views of Johnson Lake, a snack-bar pit stop, and a sampling of this state recreation area's year-round attractions.



#2: CIRREM Route (Road Biking)
Central Iowa Rock Road Enduro Metric (CIRREM). 100K worth of the best of central Iowa gravel.

An Outdoors Guide to Pennsylvania

Five reasons to love PA: 1) The Appalachian Trail snakes for 229 miles from Pen Mar to Delaware Water Gap. 2) Lehigh Valley is home to world-class velodrome racing, Bicycling magazine, and awesome cycling roads. 3) Thousands of hawks and eagles migrate across the state’s pale blue skies every fall. 4) PA has its very own Grand Canyon. 5) Rickets Glen State Park features the best waterfall hike in the Northeast. Get the details on each below, plus TK more trips.

#1: Harrisburg: Sunset Rocks via Appalachian Trail (Hiking)
Hop on the Appalachian Trail at its halfway point and navigate creek crossings and a steep boulder scramble to above-the-trees vistas of Michaux State Forest.



#2: West Chester: Creeks and Horses Recovery Ride (Road Biking)
The perfect recovery ride: This easy-going, 45-mile loop near West Chester features meandering creeks, lush woods, and horse-filled pastures.



#3: Weiser State Forest Haldeman Tract Iron Mine/Deep Hollow/Rock's Ridge Trails (Hiking)
This loop hike traverses about 6 wooded miles in the Weiser State Forest in south central Pennsylvania (Dauphin County). An elevation gain of about 800 feet at the beginning of the route rewards hikers with fabulous views of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region and distant peeks at the Susquehanna River Valley.



#4: Mount Minsi (Hiking)
Geology and rhododendrons star in this 4.2-mile loop up Mount Minsi, Pa.



#5: Allentown: Hawk Mountain (Hiking)
After hiking past boulder fields, this 4.7-mile loop climbs up the spine of Hawk Mountain and stops at overlooks perfect for scoping hawk migrations.



#6: Appalachian Trail: Lehigh Gap to Wind Gap (Hiking)
This 19.4-miler is a test in balance and nerve as you pick routes through mind-numbing boulder fields. The payoffs are scenic ridges with 180-degree views and toned calf muscles.



#7: Philadelphia - Falls Trail Loop (Hiking)
Pass 21 waterfalls on this 6.2-mile, five-star loop through a wrinkled ravine and tranquil forest in Ricketts Glen State Park.

#8: West Rim Trail (Hiking)
The West Rim Trail is a 30 mile long hiking trail located adjacent to the western rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

#9: Emmaus: Powder Valley (Road Biking)
This rolling 21-mile hike is local favorite among BICYCLING editors and racers.

An Outdoors Guide to Nebraska

Deer, turkey, and ducks, oh my. Explore wildlife havens and bits of the old Oregon Trail on these four dayhikes in Nebraska.

#1: Scottsbluff, NE: Saddle Rock Trail (Hiking)
The crumbling caprock and sheer sandstone faces of Scotts Bluff frightened Oregon Trail-era emigrants, but they're the draw on this challenging, 3.8-mile out-and-back that climbs 500 feet up the towering massif.


#2: Scottsbluff, NE: Mitchell Pass (Hiking)
Cut through Mitchell Pass and follow in the footsteps of Oregon Trail emigrants on this easy, 1.1-mile out-and-back in Nebraska's Scotts Bluff National Monument.


#3: Lincoln, NE: Conestoga State Recreation Area (Hiking)
Hikers must follow unofficial, angler, or game trails for most of this 3.1-mile circumnavigation of Conestoga Lake, a popular roosting ground for upland birds and gobblers.


#4: Omaha: Platte River State Park (Hiking)
In 3.3 miles, hike two loops—one leads to campsites and a lovely waterfall, while the other sneaks along ridges and gullies perfect for nature photography.

An Outdoors Guide to Illinois

Don’t worry Illinois. This arctic cold-snap is temporary. Soon the red-winged blackbirds will migrate back. Then warmer temps will bring spring flowers and fresh breezes off Lake Michigan. In the meantime, cuddle under a warm blanket and check out these six trips, a few are just a short drive from downtown Chicago.

#1: Chicago - Lincoln Park to Northbrook Velodrome (Road Biking)
Link Chicago's north side neighborhoods to the Northbrook Velodrome on this 44.7-mile urban loop that starts and ends at one of the Windy City's Lake Michigan beaches.


#2: Chicago - Waterfall Glen Loop (Mountain Biking)
Cruise ponds, marshes, a scenic view of the Des Plaines River, and a picnic-perfect waterfall on this rolling 10-mile loop through Chicago's Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve.


#3: Chicago - Matthiessen State Park (Hiking)
A lush, green garden of waterfalls and giant pools awaits on the dells of Matthiessen State Park; this route tacks on a bluff-top viewpoint for 5.8-miles of prime Illinois day-hiking.


#4: Robert Allerton Park (Hiking)
Stop for a bluff-top look at the Sangamon River on this 4.1-miler that loops through lush forests in a designated National Natural Landmark—and one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois.


#5: Mount Vernon - Garden of the Gods (Hiking)
Loop past 230-million-year-old sandstone and into a moss-coated canyon on this 4.6-miler that follows a low-traffic trail in Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area.


#6: Beaver Dam Lake (Hiking)
Explore a 59-acre lake and get a bird's-eye view of a buzzing wetland on this 2.9-mile hike through an historic state park in central Illinois.


#7: Panther Den Loop (Hiking)
Explore ridges, evergreen forests, and odd rock formations on this 4.3-mile dayhike through the smallest wilderness in Shawnee National Forest.

An Outdoors Guide to Maine

It took Henry David Throreau 15 years to craft the perfect words to describe the Maine Woods. Whether you are an inspiring wordsmith or not, the seven trips below will have you gushing with awe-inspiring words.

#1: Appalachian Trail - 100-Mile Wilderness (Backpacking)
Explore the Appalachian Trail's wildest stretch.



#2: Mount Katahdin (Hiking)
Big climb. Big crowds. Bigger reward. This classic 9.8-mile route climbs the tallest peak in Maine, a hiking high point in every sense.



#3: Appalachian Trail - East Flagstaff Road to US 201 (Backpacking)
Weave through old-growth stands of white pine and spruce on this 19.3- mile hike that tours four ponds and ends with a wet crossing of the Kennebec River.



#4: Portland - Back Cove to Eastern Promenade Trail (Road Biking)
Bring the whole family on this easy, 7.2-mile loop, which traces the paved Back Cove Trail and the Eastern Promenade Trail and features tranquil Casco Bay panoramas.



#5: Portland - Casco Bay Paddle (Paddling)
Paddle to an old military fort and visit several quaint Down East islands on this 6.8-mile trip around the rocky fingers of Maine's coast.



#6: Acadia National Park - Cadillac Mountain via Dorr Mountain (Hiking)
Summit three Acadia peaks on an 8.8-mile loop, passing overlooks of neighboring bays and island clusters along Maine's coastline.



#7: Long Pond (Paddling)
Paddle out to the Southern Neck of Long Pond with views of Mansell, Beach, and Bernard Mountains the whole way.

An Outdoors Guide to Indiana

From the sandy dunes in the north along the coast of Lake Michigan to the vast Ohio River in the south, Indiana is a rolling prairie-filled land that's perfect for many outdoors activities.

#1: Gary - Shoreline to Ridge Hollow Loop (Hiking)
Loop 5.7 miles into shaded hollows and up the highest dunes on Lake Michigan's southern shore in Indiana Dunes State Park.



#2: South Bend - Potato Creek State Park (Moutnain Biking)
A fast and flowing singletrack through rock gardens, open fields and dense forest, this 7-mile loop in Potato Creek State Park is a rave-worthy fat-tire ride for both beginners and advanced riders.



#3: Brown County State Park (Mountain Biking)
Covering 22 miles of singletrack, this ride loops past rock gardens, bridge obstacles, big hills, flowing curves and, for beginners, optional detours.



#4: Indianapolis - Monon Rail Trail (Road Biking)
It's a multi-use magnet! This 15.5-mile path through Indianapolis has a smooth, paved, and traffic-free surface perfect for an evening ride or family outing--just watch out for runaway rollerbladers!



#5: Indiana LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area (Hiking)
Geese, mallard--and occasional Chicagoland escapees--frequent the LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area where this 5.2-mile loop hints at the history of the world's largest marsh.

An Outdoors Guide to Maryland/DC

From wild horses on Assateague Island to the rocky path of the Appalachian Trail to the lonely farmland roads, Maryland offers various escapes for hikers and cyclists. Try one of these five trips.

#1: Assateague Island National Seashore - Tingle Island (Paddling)
Paddle to shoreline solitude, then perch on dunes above the Atlantic.



#2: Appalachian Trail - Greenbrier State Park to Raven Rock Road (Hiking)
Trace the high brow of the Appalachians on this 12.3-mile segment past several campsites and overlooks--including Annapolis Rocks, a popular crag for climbers.



#3: Williamsport - Cumberland Valley (Road Biking)
Loop 63 miles through corn and soy bean country on this metric century that tours DC and Baltimore back roads along the Mason-Dixon Line.



#4: Washington, DC - Museums, Monuments, Memorials, and More (Road Biking)
Sightsee DC's iconic landmarks from the saddle on this 6-mile loop around the National Mall, Constitution Gardens, and West Potomac Park.



#5: Washington, DC - Rock Creek -- Capital Crescent Loop (Road Biking)
Ditch the Beltway grind on this 25.5-mile commuter-friendly tour of D.C.’s landmarks on the twisting Rock Creek and Capital Crescent Trails.

An Outdoors Guide to South Carolina

Today we dish out a triple-play of natural wonders in South Carolina, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the banks of the Chattooga River. Enjoy.

#1: Charleston - Palmetto Trail (Hiking)
This 9.8-mile out-and-back strolls through sandy pine and oak forest, and across tidal creeks to stunning coastal views in Francis Marion National Forest.


#2: Augusta, SC - FATS (Mountain Biking)
The Fork Area Trail System


#3: Greenville, SC: Table Rock Mountain (Hiking)
Notch unrivaled vistas of South Carolina's Piedmont region from one of the state's most revealing vantage points on this 7-mile out-and-back to the iconic Table Rock Mountain.

An Outdoors Guide to Louisiana

Louisiana is for the birds. This state attracts flocks and gaggles of our feathered friends, including endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker. Grab your binocs and check out these two hikes.

#1: New Orleans - Boy Scout Road (Hiking)
This gentle 6.2-mile hike opens up with an orchestra of bird song, then leads to a marshy coastline perfect for viewing sunsets. Bring bug repellent.



#2: Lake Bistineau State park (Hiking)
Easy hike through the woods of Lake Bistineau State Park.

An Outdoors Guide to Kentucky

Nearly every place in the Bluegrass State has a storied past. In this post, we highlight four places to explore by foot or bike—including an adventurous trail walked by folk hero Daniel Boone.

#1: Lexington - Shakertown Out-And-Back (Road Biking)
Ride through the rolling fields of Bluegrass Country en route to a preserved Shaker religious community on this 42-mile out-and-back from Lexington.



#2: Knobby Rock Loop (Hiking)
This 4.8-mile loop links caves, sandstone towers, waterfalls, and a scenic overlook in the old-growth forests in Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve.



#3: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Wilderness Road Trail (Hiking)
Follow Daniel Boone's intrepid bootsteps westward over silent ground carpeted with ferns and history on this 9-mile figure-eight over the recently restored Gap.



#4: Louisville - Cherokee Park (Mountain Biking)
Cure your singletrack jones with a zip--day or night--through convenient Cherokee Park, just minutes from downtown Louisville.