United States

...When you research hiking gems to explore in New Mexico, this cave most likely won't be one of the first ones to pop up. This amazing landmark, called Kit Carson Cave, is a short drive off the I-40 and is located near the town of Gallup.  After a long day of driving, or if you're just looking ...

This is a fun and easy overnight trip that is good for all ages. Start at the Stone Door Ranger Station which has plenty of parking and public restrooms as well. Follow the signs to the Stone Door Trailhead and in a short 0.8 miles you'll arrive at the edge of the gulf (canyon) and the first sign...

Once thought to be the highest point in Iowa, the Ocheyedan Mound stands tall in the middle of prairie grasses and cornfields. Though it was surpassed by Hawkeye Point, it is still one of the highest points in Iowa. The trail is free to public and easy to park at. It is a mowed trail that has a p...

There are many things to do at Icy Straight Point!  You can explore the rocky beach by kayak, photograph the pier, or skip rocks on the glassy surface. The water here is extremely calm and is great for paddling.  There are also hiking trails nearby that allow you to explore the mountains. Some tr...

Harper's Topiary Garden in San Diego's Mission Hills neighborhood is a whimsical front yard transformation by Edna and Alex Harper. 15 years ago, the Harpers decided to create an enchanting topiary garden for everyone to enjoy. Unlike typical topiaries shaped around wire frames, Edna's sculpture...

Curt Gowdy State Park, one of the few southeast Wyoming hot spots, has a couple of hidden gems. One of the best is the “Chameleon,” ruler of Curt Gowdy State Park. To reach the Chameleon, head out on Crow Creek Trail, then loop back on Mo’ Rocka Trail. The trailhead is near the entrance of Curt G...

Franklin Falls via Wagon Road Trail is an alternate route to the falls adjacent to the Franklin Falls Trail. Off the 90 East of Seattle lies the Wagon Road Trailhead. The hike is just about 2 miles and at 400ft elevation gain we had an easy time hiking to the falls. At the end was the 70ft water...

There are several short trails within the park that loop upon each other, so there are several different routes you could take. We chose the Houghton's Hill trail (which is a total of ~1 mile) and looped up with Pond Cove trail (also ~1 mile) by taking Millhill trail. The entire loop ended up bei...

Yellow Aster Butte has to be one of the most visually rewarding hikes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for the effort required to get there. Abundant with lush, rolling mountain meadows, hikers can be treated to an abundance of wildflowers, heather fields, and berry patches with dreamy...

A very nice hike down to the river behind the Hart Plantation home. Explore this very historic home from the Civil War along with the Jacob Kelley House a mile away. The trail goes down a well maintained walkway seeing many different flora and fauna along the trail. As the river winds around ...

This 1.2-mile trail has minimal elevation gain and leads to Lower Falls. This waterfall flows the most in the spring, especially after a snowy winter, and can dry up around July during dry summers. What's the trail like?The loop has a one-way path, making it easier for people to get in and out. ...

The start of the Pine Grove Loop in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located just a short distance from the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Loop. To access this trail, you can either walk or drive back toward Broadkill Beach Road. Then take a right toward Turkle Pond, where you'll see t...

This beautiful photogenic spot in Loyalsock State Forest is viewable as you drive by, but be sure to stop and take some photos. The Hoagland Branch Road (gravel forest road) drives right by this scenic waterfall and waterway, you will see it while crossing on a small bridge. There is a pull off ...

Koko Head Botanical Garden is a loop trail offering a hike for the whole family. The trail is wide, well-marked, with minimal elevation gain. Along the loop, the sections are well-marked with information about which regions of the world the vegetation is native to. You can complete the loop clock...

This trail is located at the Ijams Nature Center. Ijams Nature Center is only 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville and is a great place to escape city life and enjoy the outdoors. The parking lot here is quite large and in the busy season it has an overflow lot too. Ijams Nature Center has many hik...

The Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is dedicated to the Mattachine Society (The name was taken from a medieval French secret society that set out to right wrongs.) in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group. Right along this stairway is a small ho...