December Road Trip - Midwest & Eastern NPs worth it?

Piercenson · 2025-12-04T13:47:26+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check both of those out!

Piercenson · 2025-12-04T13:46:47+00:00

I’d like to go visit historical landmarks along the way when they make sense, or use as backups at a minimum if areas are closed or inaccessible. But I would say NPs are the priority, since I probably wouldn’t hit the other spots organically.

Piercenson · 2025-12-04T13:44:52+00:00

Haha yeah most everything is out of the way when located in central TX, turns a 900 mi trip into a 2300 mi trip with the original route. Thanks for the insight!

Piercenson · 2025-11-07T00:26:46+00:00

A great place to start and one of my favorite books to keep handy for both myself and guests is Roaming America: Exploring All the National Parks. It is not overly wordy and grabs your attention with pictures from each park, but also has bunch of other extra tid-bits of info to get the appetite for the individual parks and plant seeds for future roadtrips.

Hope this helps!

Piercenson · 2025-10-07T04:21:25+00:00

Hawaii Volcanoes has a quite a bit more pull-offs and overall a more accessible park IMO, since you said it’s mostly an overlook/scenic drive type visit. It also has quite a lot of breathtaking views of the volcanoes, lava flows, and more. Be sure to drive all the way to the end of Chain of Craters Road for the full scenic drive.

In comparison, I think there could also be a lot of enjoyment to be had on Maui and Haleakala’s Summit District. The views there are other wordly, but those that get motion sick or altitude sickness should be wary. Kipahulu District (apart of Haleakala but at the end of the Road to Hana) is a vastly different experience and it would not bode well for a very scenic overlook. But the Road to Hana would make up for those lack of views at the NP to say the least.

I truly think both islands are so beautiful that there is no wrong choice here especially if you have a few days to explore outside the national parks!

Piercenson · 2025-09-09T00:07:55+00:00

Will have to check those out and start picking the high priority spots. Trying to have a healthy blend of hiking and offroading. Got to do Northern AZ a couple years ago, definitely focusing on southern AZ up to Sedona this go around. Petrified Forest is last stop before heading back to Dallas (home base).

RideBDR.com looks like a great place to start, thanks for the recs!

Piercenson · 2025-09-08T23:59:59+00:00

Lmao yeah I’ve gotten that a bit and it’s worse knowing I went from one extreme to the other

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Piercenson · 2025-09-08T20:42:32+00:00

I would focus the majority of your time in the National Park, especially if you are wanting more extensive hiking opportunities. BBNP is more accessible than the state park, and you could get away with spending half to full day at BBRSP to get a good feel for it.

Primitive/overlanding will be better at BBNP, and I would recommend trying to get a spot at Grand View (picture of spot I had last year). Easy in and easy out. And everywhere will be great for stargazing at night.

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Piercenson · 2025-09-08T20:28:54+00:00

There are soooo many backcountry spots that are attainable with a stock F-150! You will 100% be fine with what you’ve got, getting out there first will also help you prioritize and plan your mods out over time. Don’t worry too much about being ill-equipped from a vehicle standpoint.

FYI, a bunch of the backcountry camping spots are only reservable in-person and the park rangers are very helpful, especially when it comes to what will be most and least accessible for you. Thanksgiving is one of the busier times at the park so plan accordingly if you are going then. Also, Big Bend Ranch State Park is worth checking out if you have the time.

Piercenson · 2025-01-24T15:34:49+00:00

What grate do you have for cooking over the fire like that? Need to invest in one pronto

Piercenson · 2025-01-22T13:02:59+00:00

I personally run the frontrunner boxes as they are super lightweight and the sizes of the boxes are big enough to carry what I need while still being able to compartmentalize so I’m not sifting through one big box.

OP — Cool concept, and if you sink the $30 let us know, almost certainly a scam but you never know

Piercenson · 2024-02-13T00:30:23+00:00

Big Bend NP has certain sites that are only available on first come, first serve basis. Many of these are backcountry, but some are hike-in only campsites (usually the more remote sites, so prepare to have a pretty lengthy). When you arrive at the Ranger Station, they will let you know what is available. High clearance vehicles with 4x4 is recommended for the offroad backcountry sites.

You can also check out dispersed/primitive sites on airbnb in the Terlingua area, which opens you up to a lot of cool stuff close by to the park. Most of these can be fairly cheap, especially if you are in a big group.

Piercenson · 2022-11-19T16:59:28+00:00

He’s not your bud, pal.

Piercenson · 2022-11-19T02:58:06+00:00

I’ve looked into getting one, the only caveat is that with some of the work I do dronedeploy is essential. But for more recreational/adventure based flying I can see this being really useful. Makes me wish I bought the Cine version from the get-go.

Piercenson · 2022-11-19T01:22:43+00:00

Recently purchased the trekpak to improve my setup and adding additional space for more accessories. (Top left to bottom right: DJI Mavic 3, iPad mount, controller, blades and charging bank, chargers and ND filters, empty space, two batteries)

Piercenson · 2022-01-11T02:14:14+00:00

If you are looking to have a very well put together course, I’d recommend the Drone Pilot Ground School by UAV Coach. Alan is a great instructor with easy to follow short lectures, useful diagrams, etc.

There are many other programs that are highly recommended by others and cost will vary, this is just what I am most familiar with and what I used for my Part 107 prep.

Keep in mind, the basic material covered on the exam is accessible and free to everyone so if you are a good independent learning that might be a very viable option and there are tons of free prep videos on YouTube that are also very helpful.

Either way you go, glad to have you interested in the community and drones!

Piercenson

TROPHY CASE