South CarolinaSouth Carolina buys Upstate land for fishing and huntingFebruary 16, 2019CLEVELAND, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina has added land along the South Saluda River it plans to let people use for fishing, hunting and hiking.The Department of Natural Resources said the 2.7 square-mile (711-hectare) parcel of land in northern Greenville County was bought for $4 million ...AnimalsDog defends owner from rabid raccoon during Poconos hikeFebruary 8, 2019BUSHKILL, Pa. (AP) — Officials say a hiker in Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains was attacked by a rabid raccoon and defended by his dog, who pulled the varmint off.A spokeswoman for the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Center says the raccoon “came out of nowhere” and lunged at the ...MountainsMarine Corps veteran readies for 7,000-mile hikeBy MARY BIEKERTJanuary 14, 2019EAST LYME, Conn. (AP) — It will take Marine Corps veteran Steven Lesage of Plainfield about 18 months to hike The American Discovery Trail. Organized as a system of recreational trails and roads that collectively form a coast-to-coast hiking route, the American Discovery Trail extends 6,800 ...WalkingOregon parks report presses for money for urban trailsJanuary 8, 2019SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A new report by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department calls for more funding for hiking and walking trails in urban centers.The Statesman Journal New Year's DayFirst Day Hike tradition celebrates new year in natureBy SIERRA HENRYJanuary 5, 2019SEVEN SPRINGS, N.C. (AP) — Quinn Sigman and her sister Peighton Sigman raced through the woods, leaped over tree roots and trudged up steep hills at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park on the afternoon of Jan. 1 — all while wearing tutus, spotted leggings and a pair of shiny cat ears on their ...SuperiorMan rescued after being stranded in ravine in DuluthJanuary 1, 2019DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Police in Duluth say a man has been rescued after being stranded for days in a remote area near the Superior Hiking Trail.Officials were called Monday afternoon to an area near the trail and the Lake Superior Zoo about a person needing medical assistance.Fire ...North DakotaNorth Dakota state park launches annual hiking challengeDecember 30, 2018MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — Hikers are set to welcome the New Year in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park south of Mandan.The state park launches its fourth annual 12-for-12 hiking challenge on Jan. 1.Seventy-five-year-old Berny Schuh of Bismarck says she’ll be there when the challenge starts ...VermontClean water fund helps with park road restorationDecember 29, 2018BOLTON, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation says it will improve a state forest access road in Camel’s Humpy State Park with the help of state funding.The road hosts a portion of the Catamount Trail and serves as a part of a popular hiking and skiing loop. ...HikingMissouri park officials weigh new hiking, biking trailDecember 29, 2018EUGENE, Mo. (AP) — Missouri parks officials will soon have to decide whether or not to accept a planned donation of a rail line and turn the corridor into a biking and hiking trail.The state parks division will have until Feb. 21 to make a decision on Ameren’s donation of the 144-mile ...KansasNew Year’s Day hikes planned in 19 of 26 Kansas state parksDecember 26, 2018TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nineteen of the 26 Kansas state parks are offering guided New Year’s Day hikes as part of a nationwide initiative.The Topeka Capital-Journal MountainsAsheville man gives Parkinson’s the boot climbing 40 peaksBy KAREN CHAVEZDecember 24, 2018ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Mary Fond Daughtridge knew her husband was whip-smart, quick-witted and physically fit. Still, each time Bob DeBrecht came home from a hike over the past two years, Daughtridge checked him over for places that might be oozing blood, banged up or broken.DeBrecht, a ...ArizonaAccess to parks in US Southwest a mixed bag during shutdownBy PAUL DAVENPORTDecember 22, 2018PHOENIX (AP) — The federal government’s shutdown presents visitors with a mixed bag at national parks and monuments in the US Southwest, home to some of the parks system’s crown jewels.Hikers who already have backcountry permits can still hike down into the Grand Canyon in northern ...ColumbiaPat Jones, whose contribution paved way for Katy Trail, diesDecember 18, 2018COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Pat Jones, who along with her husband provided the initial donation that led to development of Missouri’s popular Katy Trail State Park hiking and biking path, has died.The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says Jones died Monday. A cause of death was not ...WaterfallsMan dies after falling at Manoa Falls on OahuDecember 18, 2018HONOLULU (AP) — A 27-year-old man has died after falling from near the top of a waterfall in a popular hiking area on Oahu, authorities said.The man was found in the pool at the bottom of Manoa Falls on Monday morning after he fell more than 75 feet (23 meters).Ailish Rincon, who ...Mountains2 Scandinavian women found dead in Morocco’s Atlas MountainsDecember 17, 2018RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Authorities in Morocco say the bodies of two Scandinavian women have been found in the Atlas Mountains, a popular hiking destination.According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, the women from Denmark and Norway were discovered on Monday with “evidence of ...Environment55 Tennessee state parks to offer free guided hiking eventsDecember 11, 2018NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee is offering free guided hikes at 55 state parks to kick off 2019.The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced the free offering as part of its annual First Day Hike program, part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes in all 50 ...CaliforniaTrains briefly halted after California bluff collapseDecember 10, 2018DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Train service was briefly interrupted when part of a seaside bluff collapsed near tracks just north of San Diego.Officials in the city of Del Mar say nobody was hurt when the rain-saturated cliff came tumbling down shortly before 9 a.m. Monday.Train traffic ...AP's Member Network:Connecticut PostDEEP announces 2019 hiking challenge for CTFebruary 21, 2019Broomfield EnterpriseSouth Boulder's Charmed Towhee and Homestead Trail LoopFebruary 20, 2019Wilkes-Barre Citizens' VoiceGarden Club Plans Biennial Tour Of Back Mountain GardensFebruary 15, 2019The SunUML Student Hurt in Fall on Icy TrailFebruary 12, 2019Wilkes-Barre Citizens' VoiceBlooming In The Back MountainFebruary 11, 2019MichiganMichigan officials hope to redevelop Henry Ford millsDecember 6, 2018DETROIT (AP) — County officials in southeastern Michigan want to redevelop historic Henry Ford mills to create a more vibrant parks system.Wayne County officials hope the project along the Middle Rouge River will bring more visitors into Hines Park, which features hiking trails, pocket ...ArizonaCompletion of Maricopa Trail links parks around PhoenixDecember 1, 2018PHOENIX (AP) — There’s a new way to get around metro Phoenix, or at least its circumference.Maricopa County has completed a 315-mile (507-kilometer) hiking and biking trail that circles Phoenix and most of its suburbs.The Arizona Republic ColoradoBreckenridge task force will find new home for trollNovember 21, 2018BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (AP) — A Colorado ski resort town has set up a task force to find a new home for a huge wooden troll sculpture.The 15-foot (4.5 meter) work known as Isak Heartstone was dismantled last week after it attracted crowds of people to a hiking trail in a residential area in ...OregonPermit system to limit hiking in Oregon wilderness areasNovember 16, 2018SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service is planning to implement a new permit system to limit the number of hikers in three of Oregon’s most popular wilderness areas.The Statesman Journal EnvironmentFree hikes offered at state parks day after ThanksgivingNovember 9, 2018NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Need to walk off your Thanksgiving Day meal? Tennessee’s state parks are offering free hikes the day after the holiday later this month.Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation officials say all 56 state parks will be offering free guided hikes on Nov. ...IndianaBoy Scouts, anglers help save brothers after kayaks capsizeOctober 31, 2018PERU, Ind. (AP) — Members of a Boy Scout troop are winning praise for helping save two brothers whose kayaks capsized on northern Indiana’s Mississinewa (mis-ih-SIHN’-uh-wah) Lake.The Miami County Sheriff’s Office says the scouts and two fishermen who found the brothers “undoubtedly saved ...MountainsThe Latest: Moon gives condolences for Korean climbersOctober 15, 2018KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — The Latest on mountaineering deaths in Nepal (all times local):South Korean President Moon Jae-in, an amateur hiking enthusiast who visited Nepal in 2016, has expressed condolences for the climbers who died in a storm on a Nepal mountain.Five South Koreans ...VermontHike, drive or ride to New England summits for foliageBy LISA RATHKEOctober 2, 2018For an ever-changing perspective on the fall foliage, try viewing the colors from a higher elevation by hiking, driving or taking a ski lift up one of New England’s mountains.The foliage starts to turn orange, deep red and gold first in the mountains and other colder spots. The color ...MaineHiker airlifted from Maine state park after breaking ankleSeptember 28, 2018MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — Authorities say a hiker who fractured her ankle hiking a trail on Mount Katahdin has been airlifted to safety.Baxter State Park officials say a team of volunteers and staff carried the unidentified 57-year-old woman down the slope to a campground early Thursday. ...HikingZion National Park reopens flood-damaged Angels LandingSeptember 24, 2018ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Zion National Park has reopened the trail to one of its most popular hiking destinations for the first time since flood waters ravaged the southwestern Utah canyon in July.The (St. George) Spectrum reports the West Rim ...SpearfishOfficials consider making Devil’s Bathtub an official trailSeptember 22, 2018SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) — U.S. Forest Service officials are considering a proposal to turn a little-known hiking trail in the Black Hills National Forest into a recognized attraction.Northern Hills District Ranger Steve Kozel is looking into the project to make Devil’s Bathtub a designated ...AnimalsThe Latest: No evidence of bear attack at Colorado parkSeptember 20, 2018DENVER (AP) — The Latest on a woman who reported being attacked by a black bear in a Colorado state park (all times local):9:20 p.m.Colorado wildlife officials say evidence does not support a woman’s claim that she was attacked by a black bear while hiking with her dog at a state ...ColoradoBear reportedly injures hiker at state park in ColoradoSeptember 20, 2018DENVER (AP) — Colorado wildlife officials say a woman hiking with her dog reported being attacked by a black bear at a state park northwest of Denver.KMGH-TV in Denver reports Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating the incident at Golden Gate Canyon State Park on Wednesday ...MaineFalmouth island estate in Casco Bay sold for over $4 millionSeptember 19, 2018FALMOUTH, Maine (AP) — An estate dating back to the Gilded Age of the U.S. built off the coast of Maine has been sold for over $4 million.Broker David Banks says the Clapboard Island estate features an 18-room mansion, five beaches, a helicopter landing pad, stone fireplaces, a guest ...HikingBody of hiker who fell 1 month ago found below waterfallSeptember 14, 2018IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. (AP) — The body of a hiker from California who fell to his death last month while take a photo above Oregon’s Toketee Falls has been recovered.Hikers spotted 23-year-old Brian Lewinstein’s body in the second pool of the waterfall on Thursday while hiking in southwestern ...Mississippi2,320 miles: Mississippi man paddles Mississippi RiverBy BRIAN BROOMSeptember 9, 2018VICKSBURG, Miss. (AP) — Fueled by a love of the outdoors and a desire to preserve it, a Mississippi man is on a solo trip paddling the length of the Mississippi River.“I guess it would be fair to call me an adventurer, at least that’s how it all began as a young man,” said Matt Briggs of ...PhoenixPhoenix officials: Man killed in fall on Camelback MountainSeptember 1, 2018PHOENIX (AP) — Authorities say a man fell to his death while hiking on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix.Officials said the body of 54-year-old Marc Daus was found Friday on the mountain’s south side following a search after he was last heard from Thursday.A Police Department ...North AmericaMeet the groups diversifying the great outdoorsBy JASON NARK, The Philadelphia InquirerSeptember 1, 2018PHILADELPHIA (AP) — When Victoria Buitron ventured onto her first trail for a New Year’s Day hike a few years ago, she said the ever-changing terrain transformed her.The treadmills she was used to didn’t stand a chance.But Buitron, 29, noticed one aspect of the great outdoors that ...Idaho71-year-old hiker recovering after being struck by bouldersAugust 29, 2018BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A 71-year-old Boise man is recovering after two boulders fell on him while he was hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho.The Idaho Statesman reports Dick Ross suffered two broken ...MountainsHikers cross mountains to spread awareness for trans rightsBy HAVEN ORECCHIO-EGRESITZAugust 27, 2018ADAMS, Mass. (AP) — Mason Dunn and Ev Evnen have spent the past two weeks hiking across Massachusetts with a message: Trans rights are human rights.After trekking up and over 13 mountains, encouraging fellow hikers to vote yes on Question 3 on the November ballot — it asks to stop the ...HikingPutin keeps his shirt on, hikes in Siberia to relaxAugust 27, 2018MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin typically seeks out exciting, rugged, sometimes shirtless activities on his summer vacations. This year he was more laid back.One summer Putin took a dive in the Black Sea only to allegedly discover an ancient amphora. Another time he ...Insect stingsSeveral hikers attacked, stung by bee swarm in ConnecticutAugust 24, 2018ANSONIA, Conn. (AP) — A medical rescue crew used all-terrain vehicles to reach several hikers who were attacked and stung by a swarm of bees in the Connecticut woods.Ansonia Rescue and Medical Services says one person stung while hiking in the Ansonia Nature Center on Thursday night ...AnimalsBear attack injures 10-year-old boy in Yellowstone parkAugust 24, 2018HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A bear charged a family hiking in Yellowstone National Park on Thursday, knocking down and injuring a 10-year-old boy before his parents were able to drive the animal off with bear spray, park officials said.The unidentified boy from Washington state was transferred ...OregonThe Latest: Hiker in fatal Columbia River Gorge fall from NYAugust 23, 2018BRIDAL VEIL, Ore. (AP) — The Latest on a hiker who fell to his death at Bridal Veil Falls in Oregon (all times local):5:15 p.m.Authorities have identified a 64-year-old man who fell from a trail while hiking in the Columbia River Gorge as John Ferdinand Winther, of Mastic Beach, ...HikingHiker dies in fall from Columbia River Gorge trailAugust 22, 2018BRIDAL VEIL, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say a 64-year-old man fell from a trail while hiking and died in the Columbia River Gorge.Media outlets report that authorities were called Tuesday afternoon to help a man who had been hiking with family members when he fell along the Bridal Veil ...National Park ServiceRoad signs in the works as monument’s anniversary approachesBy DAVID SHARPAugust 19, 2018PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — At long last, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument will soon have highway signs directing motorists to the federal recreation area, which boasts hiking, canoeing and camping, along with stunning views of Maine’s tallest mountain, Mount Katahdin.The road signs ...MountainsAt-risk kids surmount challenges on Grandfather MountainBy ERIC WILDSTEINAugust 19, 2018LINVILLE, N.C. (AP) — York Chester Middle School is helping its at-risk students to overcome challenges by hiking Grandfather Mountain in Linville.Two cohorts of about 10 students each completed the outdoors adventure program known as the “Grandfather Mountain Challenge” last school year. ...ConnecticutPolice say death of woman found on trial was a suicideAugust 14, 2018VERNON, Conn. (AP) — The death of a woman found unresponsive on a Connecticut hiking path has been ruled a suicide.Police investigators tell the South DakotaSouth Dakota trailhead sees parking problemAugust 11, 2018DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota officials are trying to alleviate parking problems at the trailhead to Devil’s Bathtub in the Black Hills.Private landowners near the popular hiking destination in Spearfish Canyon are having problems getting in and out of their properties because of ...MississippiGrant will fund better bridges on Natchez Trace hiking trailAugust 8, 2018RIDGELAND, Miss. (AP) — A charitable group is paying to improve some hiking-path bridges near the Natchez Trace Parkway in central Mississippi.The National Park Foundation is providing $75,000 for the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail.The grant will pay to replace two 30-foot ...ConnecticutWoman found on hiking trail diesAugust 7, 2018VERNON, Conn. (AP) — A woman who was found unresponsive on a Connecticut hiking path has died.Police say the woman was found on the Rails to Trails hiking area in Vernon on Tuesday morning.First responders performed CPR, and the woman was transported to a hospital where she later ...PhoenixMan who died while hiking on a Phoenix mountain identifiedAugust 6, 2018PHOENIX (AP) — Authorities have identified a man who died while hiking on a Phoenix mountain.Phoenix police say it’s still unclear if the death of 47-year-old Kevin Lurito was heat-related.The Maricopa County medical examiner will determine the cause of death.