Sara SheehyExplorer

Access the trailhead for Big Fall Creek Falls via Trail Creek Road. From Sun Valley the road is typically passable for sedans but is prone to producing flat tires. The parking area doubles as dispersed, free camping.Start the hike by crossing the creek on the log bridge. With the creek on your right, follow the well-worn path up to the falls.Seeing the falls requires a water crossing without a ...

Park in the turnout west of Redfish Lake Road on Highway 75. The turnout is plowed to fit 10 to 15 cars.Walk over the bridge and turn right onto Redfish Lake Road. You will likely see tracks as it's a good access spot for backcountry skiers. The trail follows the road and is easy to navigate.Pass by the beautiful timber bridge over Redfish Creek before seeing Little Redfish Lake on your right. ...

Set off from the Bruneau Lake parking lot and circumnavigate the lake in a clockwise direction. The hike traverses small rolling dunes before beginning it's ascent of the big dune. The big dune rises 450 feet and it's loose sand is both entertaining to climb as well as a test of patience.The 360 degree view from the summit of the big dune showcases Bruneau Lake, a cirque formed from sand called...

The High Bridge is the highlight of the 31 mile High Bride Rail Trail in central Virginia. The trail, paved with crushed limestone, is nice for biking, walking, and running. Park at the River Street parking area near the town of Farmville. The parking lot is big enough for two dozen cars and charges a $4 use fee. The honor-system use fee box is next to the well maintained bathrooms. Cross the...

Located at 6,100 feet above sea level, Harriman State Park (also called "the Ranch") is renown for it's fly fishing along the Henry's Fork. Whether you bring a fly rod or not, this scenic loop through the park is a delight for hikers of all abilities.Make a stop at park headquarters to pay the entry fee ($5 per car) and grab a trail map. The road continues for another mile before terminating at...

Mine Hill Tour is a self-guided driving tour focused on Mackay's mining history. Stops showcase artifacts of the once-vibrant towns that housed miners and their families.Much of the tour is available to passenger vehicles. Begin by picking up a Mine Hill Tour map from any local merchant in Mackay, and stick to the green route if you aren't driving a high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle.Stre...

From the intersection of Highways 75 and 20 drive east on Highway 20 for 7.3 miles. Turn right onto Kilpatrick Bridge Road and drive another 1.5 miles to the Silver Creek Preserve Visitor Center.Stop at the Visitor's Center to take in the desert landscape and snap a few pictures. Exit on the far side of the porch onto the trail. The trail crosses over a series of boardwalks then hugs the edge o...

Climbing to the Fire Tower on Oak Hill is a great urban adventure, short enough for a lunch break trail run or a morning hike with the family. The trail is primarily wooded, with a panoramic view from the Fire Tower for those brave enough to ascend it's wooden steps.Park at the well signed dirt lot on Shaker Road, north of the intersection with Snow Pond Road. A small kiosk outlines the hiking ...

Biking Crater of the Moon National Monument's seven mile loop road provides an intimate experience through a wild landscape.Park at the Visitor's Center. Grab a map and check out the interactive display explaining how Craters of the Moon was formed in the same tectonic event that birthed Yellowstone. Hop on your bike and pedal into the park. Be sure to check out Inferno Cone, Spatter Cones, and...

The hike to Pioneer Cabin is a Sun Valley classic, combining incredible mountain views with fields of wildflowers and a steady climb.Begin the hike at the Pioneer Cabin Trailhead. Climb 2500 feet over 3.6 miles on the Pioneer Cabin Trail. The terrain switches from forested to high alpine meadow and finally up a switchbacked scree field before cresting above the cabin. Wildflowers are best in la...

The Devil's Den Trail, in Devil's Den State Park, is a haven of vivid green along Lee Creek. This is the perfect hike for families, photographers, and those new to the Ozarks. The trail is a modest 1 1/2 miles with little elevation gain. In that compact span it weaves past gravity fed seeps, dripping (sometimes rushing) waterfalls, caves that waft cold air from their depths, and the beautiful ...

Civil War history buffs may find themselves near the tiny town of Shiloh, Tennessee. While in the area be sure to explore Big Hill Pond State Park, in nearby Pocahontas, and hike Dismal Swamp. After a night at the park's campground I drove a couple of miles on well-graded gravel road to the trailhead. Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center to get a map as trail junctions in the park aren't well ...

The northern section of the North Branch of the Moose River is a gentle, scenic paddle that feels much more remote than it actually is. Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company in Old Forge offers rentals and shuttles, and will have anything you may have forgotten. It's easy to do with two cars as a self-shuttle, but even easier to have Mountainman drop you off and pick you up. Put-in at Carter Road,...