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Erin Gifford

Contributing Writer, Via

Erin Gifford is a travel and outdoor writer based in Virginia. She is the author of three guidebooks highlighting hiking trails in Virginia, as well as a web resource called GoHikeVirginia.com. She enjoys seeking out quirky roadside attractions, biking rail-trails, and hiking at state and national parks. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she's checked off 36 states).

Featured Publications

Erin's articles have also appeared in The Washington Post, Northern Virginia Magazine, AAA World, Parents, Family Circle, SouthernLiving.com, HGTV.com and USA Today's GoEscape.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Economics, University of Virginia

Connect with Erin

Articles by Erin Gifford

Hikers overlook Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona on a partly cloudy day.

Explore Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona

See rhyolite rock spires and soaring hoodoos.

A family kayaks on Flathead Lake in Montana.

8 Hidden Gem Road Trips in the West

It’s all about the journey on these scenic drives.

Two road-trippers pose under the Extraterrestrial Highway sign in Nevada.

Road Trip on Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway

The truth is out there, possibly on this quiet stretch of State Route 375.

A pregnant woman shops for a child car seat

Complete Car Seat Safety Guide

From infant car seats to boosters, here’s everything you need to know to keep kids safe on the road.

A hiker rests along the shore of the Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island State Park in Utah.

8 Must-Visit State Parks in Utah

Skip the national park crowds at these stellar state parks.

brother and sister look at a tablet in the backseat of a car

Road Trip Activities for the Whole Family

A family travel pro shares her top tips for a successful road trip.

Pink and orange rock formations in Utah's Snow Canyon State Park.

5 State Parks to Visit Instead of Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks

These state parks in Southern Utah are quieter alternatives to Utah's popular national parks.