United States

There are two main sets of trails available for walking/running on. The trails connect across a small road and can be made into about a 4 mile loop if you run some of the interior loops as well. The trails are made of either wood-chips or boardwalks, and hold up to some snow and rain very well. The ...

Despite this trip report being titled " to Winchester Mountain ", the fun doesn’t stop there. Even though Winchester Mountain is the most popular summer hike departing from Twin Lakes, this whole area turns into a fun-zone during the winter. Upon reaching higher ground above the lakes, this zone off...

This beautiful State Park, which is the original location of the Pendley Homestead, is a historic apple farm (the apple trees are still there!). This is a favorite stop for families in the summertime, so if you come then, make sure to arrive early. It’s common to find throngs of people in the creek,...

The Aspen Grove trail is shorter but a bit steeper than the Timpanooke Trail . This usually means that fewer people take this route, and on an extremely popular mountain like Timpanogos, that’s a good thing. The trail is 14 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 5,140 feet. The hike begins at th...

The Alpine Lakes Loop is a 2.7-mile round-trip trail starting at 9,800ft and gaining 600ft at its highest point. The loop trail travels past two pristine alpine lakes, Stella and Teresa Lakes while providing excellent views of Wheeler Peak as a nearby backdrop. The trail is easy and accessible to hi...

Asilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. Asi...

A few miles east of the town of Luray and just a couple miles outside of the Thorton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park sits Lake Arrowhead Recreation Park. This small lake and park features fishing, swimming, picnic areas, and other recreational park type of activities. Use of the facilities ...

Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to do stand up paddle board. Depending on the time of year and the water level on the northern end of the beach there are s...

Getting there Fred W. Symmes (aka Pretty Place) Chapel is perched near the top of Standing Stone Mountain at 3000 feet above sea level. That being said, expect a long and winding drive up the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes starting from the bottom of the mountain to arrive to the chapel. The Ch...

To start this hike, find parking at Bidwell Park Parking Area E, near the Chico Rod and Gun Club. From there walk a short ways down Upper Park Road. You will see the sign for the Yahi Trail trailhead on the right. From here, simply follow the trail along the river. A reminder to those with dogs, alt...

Ken's Lake is an excellent location for peace and quiet. It is operated by the Bureau of Land Management and you can register on site or the reservation system at Recreation.gov. There are three group sites and 30 tent sites so relatively small. Faux Waterfall is within walking distance and a nice p...

Entering Point Reyes National Seashore from Bear Valley Road the Sky Trailhead is a 4.9 mile drive. Camping in Sky Camp requires a Camping Permit. Once at the Sky Trailhead parking lot. The Sky Trailhead will be on the left side pulling in. The hike is not very strenuous and not all that long. Once ...

The Cherokee Boat Ramp is easily my new favorite place for astrophotography in the Augusta area. If you drive around the boat ramp area for awhile, you'll notice plenty of spots to set up your camera and aim it down the beautiful Clarks Hill Lake. The ramp area creates a loop. Near the end of the lo...

During spring, summer and fall there is a road that allows you to drive to the top of Cathedral Ledge. In winter the road is closed off to vehicles so reaching the top requires a 1.7 mile hike. Once at the top, there is a fenced in lookout with a 180 degree view of North Conway and the surrounding m...

If you are visiting Anchorage, and you don't have time to get away from the city, the Point Woronzof Park offers some excellent views of Mt. Susitna, the Cook Inlet, and the Anchorage skyline in the distance. The park is located just outside the north end of the Ted Stevens airport. Not only can you...

There are three main trails in the park. The Green Loop (2 miles), Blue Loop (2 miles), and Purple Loop (1.5 miles). These all connect at some point so if you are looking for a little longer walk you can do all three at once. This totals a 5.5 mile loop. You can park at the tennis courts and do all ...