United States

As stated, the campsites are free. They do not require reservations or permits and are on a first come, first served basis. Regardless of which direction you're coming from, you will be traveling on Crabtree Falls Highway until reaching Meadows Lane. This is a gravel access road that requires 4WD...

Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, CA is a gorgeous reservoir used for kayaking, paddle boarding, and all manner of water sports. To get there, from Highway 101 take the 24th street exit in Paso Robles west till it turns into Lake Nacimiento Drive. Lake Nacimiento Drive will eventually turn into G...

This is a fairly steep trail with many switchbacks, which makes it an easy hike down and a tough one back. But don't worry there are bridges and stairs to help you out. It is also family friendly, but make sure you plan on taking on the added weight if you have young children with you. We went wi...

This loop starts at the parking lot on the Firebreak Trail. About 1 mile in the trial hits a fire road and turns right but you will cross the road and continue on the Firebreak connector to Stewardship Trail. Take a left and continue onto the Stewardship Trail. You'll pass over two bridges, after...

The Big Creek Greenway is a roughly 8-mile stretch of paved trail that runs from its northern Marconi Drive entrance in Alpharetta down to Old Alabama Road in Roswell. There is also an extended bit of the Greenway a little further north in Forsyth County, though these two trails do not connect. T...

The hike to High Rocks begins at a gravel parking lot up a long winding road, seems like forever but really is only mile or two past the quarry when your turn onto the road.  The out-and-back hike begins by passing through the two large boulders near the back of the parking lot. The trail leads d...

Look Rock tower has spectacular views and is a great hike to enjoy year round. The tower is an old fire tower used for spotting smoke in the valley. Because of this the tower is placed on the highest ridge around making for some amazing views. The only way to get to the tower is along the Foothil...

The Reservoir Ridge and Foothills trail system around Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins is excellent for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. During the winter it is particularly great for fat tire mountain biking, and the Foothills Trail is one of the best. The trail itself is roughly...

Rabbit Ears Pass outside of Steamboat Springs is packed with winter nordic trails. Most trails are marked and accommodate cross-country skiing or snowshoeing; to be courteous to other users keep snowshoes and dogs off ski tracks. Depending on how much recent snow there has been, the trails can ...

As close to magic as you'll ever see on this Earth, the northern lights, or aurora borealis, are an absolute must-see for any nature enthusiast. The aurora borealis are visible in Fairbanks from August through April, meaning there's an astounding nine months of aurora viewing! Of course, the auro...

Make sure you swing by the Visitor's Center to get a map and a paper copy of directions to the trailhead as it goes through private property.The trail starts at the parking lot and heads into a wilderness area. After a few hundred feet you will pass through a gate. Make sure to sign the booklet i...

The Sunset deck at Balcones Canyonlands is an amazing family- and pet-friendly spot. Parking is only about 100 feet from the overlook and is easily accessible for any and everyone. The overlook is absolutely serene and great for a picnic. There is also a small beginner trail ("Ridgeline Trail") n...

The Desert View loop trail begins in the Twin Peaks Campground's group camping area. Hike it in either direction, but be sure to get to the top before the sun goes down. The trail is a gentle climb through a diverse cactus forest. Birds abound, and keep an eye out for the occasional lizard, snak...

This hike starts at the King Canyon Trailhead. You'll follow the King Canyon Trail along the wash then down into the wash near the picnic area. You won't be in the wash for long before the trail will turn off to the right out of the wash. This trail is very well signed. You'll continue along King...

By all appearances, Sand Hills State Forest is well-maintained and seldom-used. This particular adventure refers to the Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area, but there's more of the forest to explore.  Sugarloaf mountain is a geographical oddity that provides a pleasant view of the scrub-pine fore...

One of the most remote hikes in the beautiful Loyalsock State Forest, this loop through the Frozen Run Gorge is a fantastic hike for an experienced hiker looking to see a place that few other hikers do.There are no official trails through the gorge and this hike is a bushwhack. There are a couple...