John Clairmont
I have a passion for outdoor adventuring, and I love taking opportunities to encourage others to go explore.
Explore the History of George Rogers Clark Park
Springfield, Ohio
5.0
The George Rogers Clark Park has over 6 miles of nature hiking trails as well as a fishing pond. There are large A-frames at several points in the park to set up for the afternoon and grill some hotdogs, and plenty of field space to lay out some blankets and break out the picnic basket. The biggest attraction for this park, however, is the opportunity to take in some history, both of this land ...
Climb at Mad River Gorge
Springfield, Ohio
1 mi
Just a short hike down from the parking lot lies a half mile of cliffside full of climbing opportunities! Plenty of variety for different skill levels, although someone in your group will need to lead climb to set up the route first. There are hooks already in place on each route, and you are not allowed to drill and add more. Top rope climbing is also not allowed here.
When we came, the parkin...
Conquer the Glacier Ridge Challenge Course
Plain City, Ohio
0.25 mi
This quarter mile course is perfect for those looking for athletic competition, fun challenges, or ninja training. It is located adjacent to the parking lots in the main area of Glacier Ridge Metro Park, so there will always be plenty of parking for your group. There are water fountains at the beginning of the loop, and bathrooms just a short walk across the parking lot. Instructions for each o...
Discover the Complete History of US Aviation
Riverside, Ohio
5.0
The best part about this adventure? It is FREE!
Free parking, free WiFi, and yes, you can see all sorts of planes from the SR-71 Blackbird to past Air Force Ones, all without paying a dime. Some planes you are even able to walk through to get a good look of the interiors! This is one of the best museums I have been to, and there are extremely informative signs all along the way. Most of the st...
Photograph the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights
Dayton, Ohio
5.0
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, these massive water fountains operate several times each day according to a rigid schedule: 10-minute intervals at the top of the hour, Mon.-Fri., 6:55 AM-9:55 PM and weekends 10:55 AM-9:55 PM. The five fountains shoot 2,500 gallons of water per minute 200 feet high and 400 feet wide, with the central geyser also shooting water 200 feet high.
Each fountain s...
Trail Run at Sweet Arrow Reserve
Sugarcreek Township, Ohio
4.0
3.1 mi
/ 164 ft gain
Like forests? Like fields? How bout running in them? If so, this is the park for you!
There's a map at the parking lot to help you navigate each trail and plan your route. The parking lot also has plenty of space and a porta-john. Trails are short, but you can mix and match them to create the distance you want to go that day. If it is warm you can run through the woods, but if you're seeking so...
Disc Golf at Snyder Park
Springfield, Ohio
4.0
This course, sponsored by Hazy Shade, is not for beginners! It is for disc golfers who have some experience and are willing to challenge themselves and live on the edge. Almost every hole has a water hazard, with several of them being in spots that may cause you to need to stop and switch your game up a quite bit. You'll go back and forth over Buck Creek and ponds as you progress along this len...
Photograph the Gateway Arch
St. Louis, Missouri
4.5
St. Louis is well known for this monument, which was built as a monument to those who had explored the frontiers and enabled the western expansion of the United States. It towers over the city skyline, demanding to be noticed and claiming its dominance. The Arch is located in Gateway Arch National Park, a riverfront plot of land with small ponds, trails, some parking areas (though you may need ...
Float the Mad River near Springfield
Springfield, Ohio
4.0
This section is perfect for the beginner river adventurer or a family with little ones. It is only 2.5 miles long, and is extremely calm and pretty. Depending on river levels and speed, it should take around 60-90 minutes to complete (kayak/canoe). There are also several shores along the way for you to stop and switch up seating arrangements or eat a lunch!
This adventure starts and ends at Ma...
Kayak the Chestatee River South of Dahlonega
Dahlonega, Georgia
4.0
This six mile section of the Chestatee River is a safe, enjoyable float mostly away from civilization. There are several small rapids and bumpy areas (class 1) throughout, with two larger rapids (class 1-2) towards the end of the section. It does get pretty shallow in some sections, so keep watch and steer clear of bigger rocks! We saw many turtles sunbathing on the banks and on partially subme...
Photograph Lago di Misurina
Misurina, ItalyThis beautiful lake and small town are tucked away in the Dolomite Mountains. It is the largest lake in Cadore, and also was the last outdoor location ever used for an Olympic speed skating event. There is ample parking alongside the lake along with a dock where you can set up your tripod. On a clear day you'll be able to see the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, though this area is just as pretty o...
Hike Deer Mountain
Estes Park, Colorado
6.03 mi
/ 1200 ft gain
Beginning in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Deer Ridge Junction (where US 34 & US 36 meet), park your car in one of the 20 spots on either side of the road. Start at the trailhead booth and head north, keeping to the right-side trail at the first intersection about a tenth of a mile from the start (following South Deer Mountain Trail). You'll follow the very obvious trail, skirting a...
Birdwatch at Peace Valley Park
Doylestown, PennsylvaniaThe feeder area is located in Peace Valley Park, tucked right behind the Peace Valley Nature Center. Here is where you'll find many unique smaller species. The shelter is covered and has several benches to relax on as you watch and photograph many varieties of birds. I've seen many blue jays and cardinals here, which are my personal favorites because of their bold colors.
Don't forget to also t...
Drive through Rocky Mountain NP to Moraine Park
Estes Park, ColoradoIn this specific case, the adventure is focused on the sounds. At night in September and October you can expect to hear the eerie bugling from Elk reverberating around the mountains. Even after an hour or two I was still getting goose-bumps listening to them.
Start your adventure at the Fall River entrance to the park, driving slowly and with the windows down to hear for elk as you may pass b...
Climb Lilly Lookout at Brown County State Park
Nashville, Indiana / 75 ft gain
Originally used as a wildfire outpost, Lilly Lookout was donated in 1942 and moved to the State Park to serve as a radio communications tower. It also serves as a public observation tower where visitors can climb most of the way up, though the booth at the top is usually locked.
The tower is located near the park office right by the start of Trail #10. There is plenty of parking next to the to...
Explore The Carillon Historical Park Museum
Dayton, OhioThe Dayton area is home to many major technological advances, including the cash register, the Bombe code-breaking machine, plutonium triggers for early atomic bombs, car self-starters, self-cooled refrigerators, and so much more. Probably most well known is the Wright airplane, which was developed and built in Dayton but first flown in North Carolina. This is why Ohio is known as the "Birthpla...
Waterfall Loop at Englewood MetroPark
Vandalia, Ohio
5.0
2.25 mi
This adventure begins at a parking lot within the Englewood East MetroPark, right at the trailhead for the white trail. Begin the hike into the woods, following the well-marked path through points 1 and 2. Continue straight on the white path until you hit point 7, where you will switch over to the green path and keep walking toward point 6. The first waterfall of the hike, Martindale Falls, is ...
Glen Helen Nature Preserve Loop
Yellow Springs, Ohio
2.77 mi
/ 367 ft gain
Glen Helen is located just next to downtown Yellow Springs, a small but well-known town popular for its eclectic and artistic community. This preserve was set to close permanently in 2020 due to lack of funding, but the former owner Antioch College sold the preserve to the Glen Helen Association who reopened it to the public and reinvigorated a new wave of donations to save the preserve. There ...
Mountain Bike at Brown County State Park
Nashville, IndianaBrown County State Park is made for mountain biking. There are literally more mountain biking designated trails than there are hiking trails, though you can hike on the mountain biking trails if you're aware of your surroundings and willing to jump out of the way for bikers.
At the time of publishing this adventure, there are 4 beginner trails, 4 intermediate trails, 3 advanced trails, and 3 ...
Tour the Trabucchi D'Illasi Winery
Illasi, ItalyTours are offered in English or Italian, and a wine tasting is included. You can chose between 3 or 5 wines, and for an additional fee they offer local salami and cheese to accompany your tasting. Overall the price is very affordable considering you get to experience the whole process and have a few glasses of wine at the end, including a glass of their most expensive (100 euro) bottle.
Their...
Swim at Buck Creek SP
Springfield, Ohio
2.5
Officially opened in 1975, Buck Creek State Park is home to a 2,120 acre lake with 1,896 acres of land consisting of forests, meadows, a beach, and two dams.
On a warm summer day, this beach is the place to be! Plenty of free parking and plenty of space to spread out. It is the only beach in Springfield, and only one of a few in Ohio. Sure, the sand more closely resembles small pebbles, and in ...
Tranquil Bluff Trail on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, Michigan
5.0
3.09 mi
/ 180 ft gain
You will need to take a ferry to the island to access this hike, but the fare is cheap and is worth it for a day trip.
This hike starts at the very popular (and thus usually crowded) Arch Rock and takes you halfway across the island to British Landing. Even with the initial crowds, you should be able to capture some great pictures at Arch Rock without people getting in the way. Once you begin ...
Photograph The Dolomites Near Misurina
Misurina, ItalyThe Dolomites in this area are absolutely stunning, and you can pair these massive mountains well in pictures with small towns like Auronzo, Reane, and Misurina. It may be a bit cold, but going in October or later will allow you to see the mountains with some snow sprinkled among the peaks.
If you enjoy more strenuous adventures, there are tons of great hikes in this area including the famous ...
Hike the Adirondack Trail at Hills & Dales MetroPark
Dayton, Ohio
2.92 mi
/ 230 ft gain
Hills & Dales MetroPark is surprisingly large, spanning 63 acres and nestled between two golf courses. When hiking here, it is quite easy to forget that it is surrounded by a city and is just a couple miles south of Dayton. The Adirondack Trail is the most prominent trail in the park, winding around to run through or adjacent to most of the main features of the park. These include the seren...
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