Author
hanalarock
I'm Hana- a freelance travel writer and teacher who currently lives in South Korea. I'm originally from New York, but have spent the last two years traveling and living abroad. My first time hiking in the US was when I traveled around the country as a teenager. Though, my first adult backpacking trip was a year ago, when I hiked from Thailand down to Singapore for a month. I'm looking forward to many more adventures in the future. Visit my site for more information.
316 articles
Stories
9 Books to Get You in the Mood to Go Backpacking
Sometimes we need a bit of encouragement to motivate us to do something different. If you’ve ever thought about packing your bag and heading out into the backcountry, but you need something to spark your sense of adventure, then burying your nose in one of these travel memoirs might certainly help you get in the […]
1 min read · Aug 31, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
President Obama Is Giving Mt. McKinley Its Name Back – What It All Means
This past Sunday, it has been decided that Mt. McKinley, named after the 25th president of the United States, will be getting its Alaskan name back; Denali. The decision was made by Lame Duck president, Barack President Obama, who has been using his last year of presidency to leave as much of a positive impact […]
1 min read · Aug 31, 2015 · hanalarock
Backpacking
8 Gadgets For Backpackers That You Didn’t Know You Needed
Because one of the main reasons to pack a bag and head into the wilderness is to get away from civilization, the last thing backpackers are usually thinking about is what technology to bring along with them. Of course, some things are necessary – a compass or a GPS, a flashlight, a water bottle or […]
1 min read · Aug 28, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
7 Romantic Backcountry Destinations
Backpacking and ‘romantic getaway’ don’t always go hand in hand. Usually, the exhausting hikes, dirty clothes, and the inability to take a shower or clean off can sometimes take away from the romance. Most couples might prefer to stay at a resort or lodge instead of pitching a tent. However, some of the most romantic […]
1 min read · Aug 27, 2015 · hanalarock
Backpacking
Hiking with Teens – The Pacific Northwest
While many people head to the backcountry regions of the US with a friend or a significant other, over the last few decades there have been more and more teenagers who try backpacking with hardly any experience. Some have never even left home before. Lauren Langer, a counselor for a summer program for teens looking […]
1 min read · Aug 25, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
5 Highlights of the John Muir Trail
John Muir was one of this country’s early lovers of the natural world. During the 1800’s, he worked to preserve the spaces that became some of the largest national parks in the United States today, including the Sierra Nevadas, the Yosemite Valley, and Sequoia National Park. He wrote about his own adventures in these places […]
1 min read · Aug 21, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
A Guide to Hiking the Former Transcontinental Railroad
After the discovery of the Western Frontier, the US worked to create what was called ‘The First Transcontinental Railroad”. This railroad was constructed in the 1860’s, and was built west of the Mississippi to the Pacific, connecting an already existing railroad in Iowa that served the eastern part of the United States. The Railroad was […]
1 min read · Aug 19, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
Hike the Lewis and Clark Trail in These 5 ‘Expedition’ Stretches
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was the first of its kind to explore the Western Frontier of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase. Lewis and Clark began their journey 1804 near St. Louis from the Mississippi river, and continued until 1806 when they finally reached the Pacific Ocean. Their journey has sparked historical discussion, […]
1 min read · Aug 18, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
The 7 Best Backpacking Spots to Bring Dogs
Backpacking with dogs, as long as your pup is prepared, can be one of the great joys of dog ownership. Your dog is, after all, another member of the family. However, time on the trail usually means leaving your furry friends back at home, sometimes boarded up in a kennel while you enjoy all the […]
1 min read · Aug 10, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
6 of The Most Terrifying Trails in America
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii Why it’s Terrifying There are many risks involved in hiking Kalalau Trail. Three stream crossings here are known to rise unexpectedly and rapidly. There are also very narrow and long sections that are difficult to maneuver. One wrong step can be fatal. Other hazards include wild animals, extreme rainfall, dangerous plants, falling […]
1 min read · Aug 6, 2015 · hanalarock
Stories
Backcountry Animal Attacks That Happened Without a Selfie
Last week, a woman broke the internet, but thankfully no bones, after she attempted to take a selfie with a wild bison in Yellowstone National Park. Although this 43-year old woman from Mississippi was very lucky in an incident that could have potentially ended very badly, she is not the only person to survive a […]
1 min read · Jul 30, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
The Most Beautiful Trails in Hawaii
Although many people come to Hawaii for a luxurious vacation at top resorts and beaches, others come to do some serious backpacking. Hawaii, in addition to her resorts, is home to breathtaking hikes, landscapes, craters, natural pools and waterfalls, mountains, gorgeous coastlines, and unique features that are only found here-like black and red sand beaches. […]
1 min read · Jul 28, 2015 · hanalarock