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Stephen Catalano

I gave this a shot during this past winter, but the ice made it just too slick to continue safely. So if you're heading there during the off season, bring crampons or just leave this on the bucket list for a summer trip!

There are some tips out there to go to the far side of diamond beach where there are less crowds. That being said, I found that the western side of the beach had far larger icebergs and the crowds weren't as much of an issue as I expected (I was there in winter, however).

A tip I received before going to Iceland was to focus on the stuff thats overlooked by most people when they travel there. Bring a telephoto lens or look for interesting angles... might help break through the noise!

I came here at sunrise this past winter. Its worth every penny and a wonderful experience to have on your trip to Iceland!

Popular spot among locals and visitors alike. The waves break a bit further out (not common on the Delaware shore), so this tends to be a great location if you're looking for easygoing waves near Bethany, Dewey, Fenwick, or Rehoboth.

If you find yourself in one of the nearby communities in Bethany Beach, the only options for running are the beach (which can be heavily sloped most days) or the main highway. I recommend running down Coastal Hwy to the prickly pear trail loop. It offers tons of shade and is a great change of pace from the main road or the waterfront. Not too crowded, but keep in mind that its dual use so you may encounter cyclists. The trail is packed sand/oyster shell/light gravel.

Went here a couple weeks ago and it was phenomenal. The author of this post is right, you feel as though you're in a totally different world when you're in the dunes. The old watch towers add a bit of drama to the scene, especially if you're there for photography purposes!

Come at low tide! You get some great tide pools and texture in the sand that provides a pretty incredible foreground for your photos. It won't disappoint!

Every summer I come to Henlopen to bike the trail. Its really relaxing and has something to offer everyone that comes to visit. The trails aren't difficult and there's plenty of beach access!

Bring along a rod, you can usually pull some bluegill and bass out of the lake without much effort!

Dolly Sods gets a ton of rain, so whenever I see clear skies and sunshine in the forecast I take full advantage. The trails stay pretty muddy but the sweeping views and diverse flora are truly spectacular. The landscape is essentially what you might find in northern Canada (read the signs when you get there, they'll tell you why!).

Amazing opportunities for astro photography (and photography in general), so plan for the Milky Way season and you can get some incredible shots. Camped here a few times and there's almost always been rain, so don't forget to bring a rain fly!

I find myself coming to Mary's Rock pretty frequently for sunrise, usually when I've overslept and need to quickly get up to an overlook. Its right next to the Thornton Gap entrance, so its super convenient (although crowded).

If you decide to hike around in Sky Meadows (not to be confused with Big Meadows in Shenandoah Natl Park), make sure you do a tick check! During spring I was just about covered in them (as was my dog). But that shouldn't scare you away from the hiking, which is some of the best in the Northern Virginia region.

Not many folks come out here and you can avoid the big Shenandoah crowds by choosing this hike. Recommend to anyone looking for some solitude!

Plenty of brookies in here. If you're coming from the DC area, stop in at one of the local fly shops for some beta. They should be able to help you get a few of trout on your fly.

Highly recommend this location for a picnic and light hiking. When you enter the meadow, find the small outcropping of trees and hang out over there. The trees offer some shade while still providing sweeping views of the meadow. Don't forget to do a tick check (since this is a common bed-down area for deer).

I'll second the recommendations to come during spring, as it can be pretty underwhelming during the drier months. There are plenty of little spots to hangout and look at the waterfall too. Bring along a Jetboil and an Aeropress and enjoy a good cup of coffee!

While I haven't camped the loop, I've hiked the Rose Rive Loop plenty of times and can say that it would be a great spot to spend the night. Lots of access to water and its not too far into the backcountry, so you can bring some extra gear without worrying about the weight!

Incredibly well maintained, flat, with limited elevation change. The perfect trail for families with small children or the elderly. I've been lucky enough to see quite a bit of wildlife around this trail as well, so keep your eyes peeled!

It doesn't get much better than Old Rag. Yes, the crowds are insane. Yes, it gets congested. Arrive early and you'll have the trail to yourself and a couple other smart planners. Oh, and just because its popular doesn't mean its easy... its a difficult hike with some rock scrambling. I've seen many folks/families have to turn around just a couple miles in...

Absolute hit. Don't know what else to say about this one. The reward for such a short walk is pretty incredible, especially in the early morning or late evening. Expect crowds during peak hours, as with most short hikes along Skyline.

Get here early, as the summer months see a lot of visitors from the DC area (and beyond). The crowds can be somewhat overwhelming, but Harpers Ferry makes up for it with plenty of trails and a beautiful town!

Did some winter hiking up here this past year. I'm crossing my fingers for a big snowfall this winter so I can finally do some snowshoeing along skyline drive. When the road is closed, it truly feels like whole park is yours!