Our recs: National Climb A Mountain Day
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It's National Climb A Mountain Day, and you don't need to go west to experience rugged terrain and rolling vistas.
The big picture: Whether you want a different (less crowded) idea for a mountain getaway or just want to stay a little closer to home, we have recommendations for an East Coast hike and one right here in Missouri.
St. Francois Mountains
👋 Travis here. When I was told there are mountains in Missouri, I was skeptical. My mom hails from Denver, and I spent my summers growing up in Colorado.
Reality check: The St. Francois Mountains in southeast Missouri are definitely not the Rockies.
Yes, but: They are mountains, with rapidly changing elevation and long, steep climbs that would put any hiker to the test.
Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet, and the Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail is no joke.
- I spent three days backpacking there, and it was both stunning and challenging.
- Just don't leave your keys back at the beginning as I did, and bring LOTS of tick repellent.
By the numbers: The 35-mile section ascends rocky ridges, explores boulder fields and crosses verdant ravines.
- It's more than 4,100 feet of elevation in either direction, and guides rate it difficult.
Worth your time: The nearby Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is magnificent, with massive rock features and crystal clear water.
White Mountains
🙋🏻♀️ Abbey again. I have climbed four mountains in my life. Last week's was Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire's White Mountains. I thought the 9-mile hike would take six hours MAX.
It took 16 hours.
By the numbers: You have to climb more than 4,100 feet of elevation in either direction, and guides rate it difficult.
- Not a brag — just information I wish I'd known.
The start of the climb is stunning. The trail goes through dense woods past three waterfalls and the view at the top of the peaks is worth it.
- However, most of the hike is essentially vertical and for miles you jump from rock to rock, so tiny your foot can barely fit on them.
- On the descent, you look straight down the mountain to find your next step, and it's just loose rocks the whole way.
I finished the descent in the dark using my phone flashlight, blaring 80s pop ballads to keep the bears and ghouls away. Nothing came out of the trees, so I'm saying it was a success.
- I just like to complain. I still recommend the hike. New Hampshire is beautiful. Just plan better than I did.
The bottom line: Two mountains, two states and two reporters who should have packed better.