Outbound Collective logo

Stephen Catalano

Had a great time closing out my day of hiking at this spot. We stopped here for sunset before heading home and it was a great choice!

If you're coming for sunset, bring along your telephoto. This is the perfect overlook to really compress the landscape and show the layers of the Blue Ridge.

Brought my dog here earlier this summer and he absolutely loved it. I arrived early and almost had the whole place for my self. Bring Chaco-style sandals for traction/protection!

If you're planning on photographing the fall colors here, arrive early before any wind pics up. You can usually get a glassy reflection (also use a tripod) and you might even get some morning fog rolling through the hills.

Great, short hike, with a great view. Perfect if you're carrying up heavy camera gear! I also recommend bringing along a telephoto, if you've got it!

The falls really pop after a lot of rain, so wait to go until you see that in the forecast! They're really pretty. Also recommend bringing an ND filter or two to help with the light.

While I haven't camped this, I scouted out the spot on a hike for photos and its something I'll definitely be doing. The fact that there is only one spot is a bit stressful (if someone else is there), but I think it'd be worth it to roll the dice. Great photo opportunities up here.

These falls are extremely picturesque during the fall when the leaves are changing. It makes for a great spot for photography and even a picnic.

I did this hike in late summer/early fall and brought along the entire family. Everyone enjoyed it and it wasn't too tough for everyone-- the views also helped round out the hike for the non-hikers!

I thought the history behind this was the coolest part. The trail is beautiful and the hiking is easy, but learning about the history is what makes this special.

Close-by to another great hike, so you can knock both out in a day!

Not sure why it took me so long to finally come out and do this hike, but super happy I did. Its now one of my go-to's thats close to DC. Plenty of dogs there, too!

Unique spot that I actually heard about on a local talk radio show. I had to check it out as soon as possible and it didn't disappoint. A really unique area thats worth the time to visit.

Plan your visit on a morning with fog. It makes for an incredibly dramatic scene, especially in areas like the Korean War Memorial. And if you'd like to avoid crowds, come at night with a small group. There is lighting at each memorial and it gives you more time to visit each site (not rushed by the hot weather, crowds, etc).

Can always count on Burke Lake for an easy day of bass fishing. Its a scenic area, too, so you can go for a nice walk around the lake itself.

We did a float trip down the Platte. It was extremely crowded and the river flows very slow. Not really what we were looking for, but definitely a relaxing float if you're looking to tube with the family.

In the summer it gets very hot... I think folks imagine that the dunes are an easy climb (which are surprisingly strenuous), so bring plenty of water in the summer and proper shoes. The first time I did this, I went barefoot... not a good idea. The sand gets hot and its a long walk to lake!

This bluff is pretty incredible. Sweeping views of the aqua-blue Lake Michigan during the summer months make this an absolute hit in my book. Nearby are the Sleeping Bear dunes, as well, so don't forget to check those out (but start early cause the sand gets hot!)

The Betsie lighthouse is a gem for photography. Come here at night for amazing night sky photos. You'll find plenty of fine art photography (shot at the Point Betsie lighthouse) in town in Frankfort, MI.

Came here in late June of 2019 and it was fantastic. The ride is easy going, mostly flat. There are a number of different rental companies to choose from (if you don't have your own bike) and they all make it quite easy, including a shuttle (*check with them regarding status during COVID*) ride to the trailhead at a designated point.

These falls are beautiful, especially when the water is really flowing. Bring a wide angle lens and tripod to capture the drama of the flowing water from a low angle.

Can't really go wrong with Linville Falls. Its a crowd pleaser, so if you're looking for a short hike for the family, this is it.

Super quick walk to the top and a bunch of rocky areas to walk out on for photos. The view at the top is beautiful and there are plenty of photo opportunities. During fall, this is a must see.

If you have diving gear, bring it along! A wetsuit, fins, and weight belt would go a long way here. Its a gem and the colors in the pool really are beautiful!