A VIEW FROM THE TOP -- April 21, 2016

I do a lot of climbing for someone who is afraid of heights.  Nothing extreme...but when I'm biking or hiking and come across a bunch of boulders or a random structure that gives a view of the land below...I want to take a look.   I have a definite sense of fear...which is what keeps me alive.  I don't wander near the edge of a cliff and I always make sure that, before I make my way up, I have a plan on how to get back down.  My phobia isn't one that keeps me off of roller coasters or from visiting the Grand Canyon...I just hate standing at a precipice with nothing between myself and falling to my certain death.   

It's peaceful when you climb to the top. If you climb high enough you sometimes can't even make out a building, a car, or another person.   The world below seems almost untouched by human beings. No car horns...no road side garbage...no construction noise.  Worries and stress of everyday life temporarily float away in the breeze.  How do I find these places?  Sometimes hiking, but usually while mountain biking or riding my road bike.  All the sidewalk walking I've been doing the past few weeks has made me appreciate the views from above...and anxious to get back up to them!  Here are just a few to share.  I hope you enjoy.

A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF POLE STEEPLE TRAIL--MICHAUX STATE FOREST, PA

Pole Steeple is one of the most famous trails in Michaux State Forest.  Very rarely will you find yourself there alone...but the view of the mountains in central Pennsylvania is astounding.  Throught the trees, on the right, you can catch a glimpse of Fuller Lake.  August 5, 2015

A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF SKY TOP DRIVE--YORK COUNTY, PA

Climbing Sky Top Drive, just west of Dover, Pennsylvania, is no easy task.  You can expect to climb almost 600 feet in under a mile!  But once to the top,  the view of York County, Pennsylvania is beautiful!  November 20, 2011

A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF CHICKIES ROCK--LANCASTER COUNTY, PA

Chickies Rock sits along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County.  At one time, seven iron furnaces operated in the area. Remnants of a few of the furnaces can still be seen.  Today, it is a great place to hike and get a birds eye view of the Susquehanna River dividing York and Lancaster Counties.   April 21, 2012

A VIEW FROM THE TOP IN BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK, WV

I can't remember any details about this picture I took way back in June of 2007 except that,  while mountain biking in Black Water Falls, we came across this scenic look out.  Wow.  

A VIEW FROM THE TOP IN PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK, MARYLAND

A short detour off of the yellow trail in Patapsco Valley State park will take you to this scenic overlook.  December 30, 2013

A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF BAUGHMAN ROCK OVERLOOK--OHIOPYLE STATE PARK, PA

I love Ohiopyle State Park in southwestern Pennsylvania (No...it's not in Ohio!)  As a child, my mom and dad brought me here often.  Now, I take a trip there each year with my wife Robin and my son Alex.  Baughman Rock Overlook is just one of many things that will mesmerize you at Ohiopyle.  July 20, 2014

A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF ROCKY RIDGE COUNTY  PARK--YORK COUNTY, PA

I don't have to go too far from home to get this view from Rocky Ridge County Park.  From here you can see Ski Roundtop, Three Mile Island, and the Susquehanna River.  

A VIEW FROM THE TOP NEAR CALEDONIA STATE PARK, PA

All I can tell you is that this amazing view is somewhere south of Route 30  and west of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  Mark Lentz and I passed through here while mountain biking on Columbus Day 2015.  October 12, 2015

A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY, BEDFORD COUNTY, PA

I had a perfect September day to ride my bike from my dad's house in Bedford, Pennsylvania to the top of the hill beyond Breezewood, Pennsylvania...taking the Lincoln Highway (Route 30) the entire way.  This is the same view (minus the PA Turnpike below) that British General John Forbes would have seen as he and his men made their way westward to wrestle control of Fort Duquesne from the the French in 1758.  September 20, 2014

A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE ROCKS-- MICHAUX STATE FOREST

One of the most secluded spots in Michaux State Forest.  I accidentally found it while looking for Tumbling Run.  I  call it "The Top of the Rocks."  It is located south of Woodrow Road and on the east side of Ridge Road.   May 8, 2011

Life is a journey, not a destination.


David A. Raymond -- April 21, 2016

A view from the top of Tumbling Run in Michaux State Forest.  Mark Lentz first showed me this spot (Thanks, Mark).  I chose this magical place to propose to Robin Arnold.  She said "Yes."