Matthew Pesner

Matthew Pesner on recognizing, preventing, and treating hypothermia while hiking.

Matthew Pesner on what winter activities are available at Ober Gatlinburg in Tennessee.

Matthew Pesner on the best ski resorts to visit in Utah.

Preparing to go hiking in the winter is not an easy undertaking. There is a lot that needs to be done in advance. Hikers must have the items they need to stay safe and healthy.
One of the most critical aspects of preparing is ensuring a hiker has warm enough clothes. Experts recommend dressing in layers to keep hikers more comfortable. The bottom layer of clothing should be able to absorb any sweat produced. The middle layer acts as insulation, keeping warm air in and cold air out. The outer ...

Hiking is a popular pastime for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. You may enjoy casual walks along mountain streams or seek out rugged backcountry to test your climbing skills. Whatever your reason for hiking, safety should always be at the forefront of your mind. Here are the top eight survival skills that every hiker should know, regardless of experience level or hiking type.
How to Build a Fire
Even if you are venturing out for a short excursion, you may one day find yourself...

Hiking is a popular pastime for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. You may enjoy casual walks along mountain streams or seek out rugged backcountry to test your climbing skills. Whatever your reason for hiking, safety should always be at the forefront of your mind. Here are the top eight survival skills that every hiker should know, regardless of experience level or hiking type.
How to Build a Fire
Even if you are venturing out for a short excursion, you may one day find yourself...

Utah is a spectacular vacation destination at any time of year. Camping is most often put on the itinerary for summer, but autumn is a great time to see the sights and enjoy nature. Here are some of the best spots in Utah for camping in the autumn.
Utah State Parks
The off-season is an ideal time to enjoy not only Utah’s national parks but also some of the state parks that are overflowing with visitors during the summer. Located just 15 minutes from St. George, Sand Hollow State Park is a fan...

This year has been a challenge for many people on so many levels. One way to escape the onslaught of bad news these days is to get outdoors. As Jane Austen once wrote, “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the verdant green hills is the most perfect refreshment.” And what better way to do that than on a hike to visit some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Tennessee?
Anyone who enjoys the breathtaking beauty of waterfalls will find many of the best throughout Tennessee. Every one o...

Matthew Pesner shares excellent locations for backcountry camping in Tennessee.
Backcountry camping is an excellent means of getting away from the hassles of daily life while surrounded by beautiful natural vistas. There are numerous locations throughout the state of Tennessee that welcome rustic campers. Choose a location and be prepared to relax and unwind.
Long Hunter State Park
The park is a convenient 20 minute trip from Nashville. Long Hunter remains open year-round and has two rustic c...

Tennessee stands out as one of the most fabulous destinations for kayaking and canoeing due to its great lakes and vast river routes. The vibrant state allows kayakers with various skills to navigate the river routes and gorge explorations from different angles.
Here are some of the best spots local tourists and vacationers can enjoy kayaking and canoeing in Tennessee.
Harpeth River
The Harpeth River is a scenic river popular for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and fishing. This river contains sl...

Tying knots has always been a crucial outdoor skill that people, especially those who lack it, tend to ignore. However, the experienced outdoorsman has had enough success and failure to know that there are right and wrong knots for specific jobs. It is, therefore, essential to understand which knots to use where and when.
An ideal knot can save lives when handling a survival situation, conducting first aid, and working over heights or water. However, it is essential to note that you have to k...

One of the most sought out states to visit is Tennessee. It offers a busy city life and a peaceful beauty that isn’t found anywhere else. There are many different places to see within Tennessee on a trip. Tennessee offers amazing parks and spectacular murals. It also has an abundant amount of wildlife and historical sites. There is something for everyone.
Rock City
Rock City is a unique place that’s located just out of Chattanooga. The sought-out Swing-A-Long bridge reaches almost 200 feet ac...

If you’re planning a trip to Tennessee, you can’t miss the National Parks. The hardest part will be deciding which ones you have time to visit. The best parts of the parks in this state offer scenic views or a rich southern history, so you’ll want to make your choices with that in mind.
If you have the chance, schedule your travels to catch the gorgeous fall colors here. The rich autumn leaves aren’t like anywhere else and are a large part of what Tennessee’s landscape has become famous for, ...

The Rocky Mountains offer almost endless possibilities for hikers, from causal, easy trails to advanced multi-day treks. The Front Range covers approximately 300 miles of terrain 40 to 50 miles wide, and finding the ideal areas to hike can be challenging. Colorado's Front Range appeals to many because of the vast vistas, varied habitats, and excellent trails for every experience level. Here are the top six hiking trails in the Front Range.
Easy: Castle Trail
Castle Trail is located just outsi...

It’s probably not a stretch for most people to believe that a brisk walk or serene stroll in nature is good for the mind, body, and spirit. There also happens to be hard scientific data to show that hiking is genuinely good for mental health.
One fascinating study was recently conducted in Japan. Two groups were formed. The subjects of one group were instructed to take a walk in a forested region. The others were told to walk through a busy city environment. The subjects were monitored for he...