United States

Hike along the Appalachian Trail as it passes through South Mountain State Park, taking you to a number of very scenic lookout spots. From the parking area, take the connector trail a short distance until you see blue blazes on the left – these will lead you to the Appalachian Trail (white blazes), ...

Most visitors have a vision of how they'd like to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it typically involves climbing to the top of a mountain like 4,928-foot Mount Cammerer. This is a very strenuous hike involving a breathtaking amount of elevation gain along the rugged Low Gap and Appalach...

From the Rock Creek Pass Trailhead, begin the short hike to Three Corner Rock by heading south on the Pacific Crest Trail from its crossing of Road CG 2090. After a steady 1.5-mile climb of roughly 600 feet, look for a large fallen sign marking the junction to Three Corner Rock. Shortly after, anoth...

This is a nice and casual hike through the meadows and rolling hills, dotted with cows and hawks and sometimes goats or foxes. As you head up Lafayette Ridge, you'll be rewarded with the beautiful vista spanning from the Oakland Hills to sparkling Lafayette Reservoir. The hike is mostly through the ...

Diablo Lake is a reservoir in the North Cascades created by Diablo Dam. The hue of the lake is created by ground up rocks from local glaciers, which end up drifting down streams into the lake. If you’ve decided to take in the viewpoints driving Hwy 20 through the park, be sure to check out Liberty B...

If you're looking to get moving and get your heart rate up or want a place to snap great photos, start with hiking to Makapu’u Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1909 on a 600-ft cliff, which overlooks Makapu’u beach. The hike is more of an uphill walk and can be done in sandals unless you’re l...

The Wild and Scenic Clackamas River above the North Fork Reservoir is a great destination for paddlers and only about an hour drive from downtown Portland. This popular 13.5 mile section of river lies within the Mt. Hood National Forest and offers continuous class II-III boating with a little class ...

Park your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area. The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north. As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination. Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and then turn...

Mount Aire, standing around 8600 ft, certainly isn't the most inspiring peak in or around Salt Lake City, but to me it serves as a quick summit to catch the sunset when I'm short on time. Getting There: Start by heading up Mill Creek Canyon Rd. After passing the ranger booth, drive about 5.5 miles u...

Starting from the Indian Mound Reserve parking lot, follow the private drive back until the signs indicate to follow the trail through the woods to the right, about 1/4 mile. Make sure you stay right of the painted yellow line on the road, trespassers on the private land surrounding the park are not...

The East Summit trail is a 1.5 out and back that reaches a final elevation of 1,011ft. The trailhead is in the southeast corner of the East Summit Parking Lot on Pinnacle Valley Road. Walk about 10 yards down the trail to the junction, take the right fork and follow the RED and WHITE blazes. This is...

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located in Sulphur, Oklahoma which is located about 10 miles to the east of I-40. It is pretty easy to get to once you exit off of I-40 just head east there a plenty of signs that will lead you to the park entrance . You will find plenty of places to photogr...

Your Shuckstack adventure starts at the Fontana Dam outside of Bryson City, NC. As the highest dam East of the Rocky Mountains, it's a sight on its own. This will be your last chance to fill up water bottles and use the restroom so take advantage. You can leave on foot from the dam and continue alon...

Hovenweep National Monument consists of 5 separate units which were once Ancestral Puebloan communities. The main trail, Little Ruin Canyon, starts from the Visitor Center and is the only unit that has paved access. Don't let the dirt-clay roads keep you from the other units though, they are not to ...

Hiking at sunset/night is a great way to beat both the heat and the crowds. On a clear day, you can see from Mexico to Catalina Island! If you stay long enough, you can see all of San Diego's city lights turn on, or the marine layer fog creeps into the canyons. South Fortuna Peak is part of Mission ...

Highlands Hammock State Park is one of the best places in all of Florida! There are multiple trails to choose from, but if you want to see ancient oak trees in a quintessential swamp then the Ancient Hammock Trail is your best bet. The boardwalk meanders through the swampy forest and you can be on t...