Sonja SaxeExplorer

Located just over an hour north of Belfast lies the tiny island of Carrick-a-rede and the famous rope bridge that connects it to mainland Northern Ireland. The rope bridge was initially built as a way for fisherman to access their fishing nets back in 1755. In 2008 it opened to the public and is now used by tourists to conquer a fear of heights and get the perfect vantage point of Northern Irel...

Wai'anapanapa State Park is located at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. The park has limited parking, but many of the tourists are making quick stops on their journey to Hana and the turnover for parking is fast. Once parked, check in at the office to obtain your overnight permit (must be ordered online ahead of time) and stake out a camping spot on the lawn.After your camp is set up you can...

While Sand Harbor Park is a popular summer destination, the sunsets from this spot are breathtaking year round and you will have less company in the winter. The park is located right off of Highway 28 and has an admission fee of $7. There is a parking lot that fills up quickly in the summer, so arrive early during the warmer seasons in order to get a spot on time. Once parked head towards the ...

This hike begins at the east end of the North Shore Visitor's area. The hike starts relatively level before turning to the right and leading you up steps. The spectacular views come quickly on this hike as immediately after you reach the top steps you will be treated to your first glimpse of the lake from the bluffs. The trail continues to climb through the oak forest with many stopping points ...

The Painted Desert is sprawling, its reach extends from the Four Corners, west to the Grand Canyon and south to Petrified Forest National Park. In total it encompasses 7,500 square miles and is full of colorful mesas that are worthy of its name. In Petrified Forest National Park you can head out into the backcountry to explore this otherworldly desert landscape. Your first order of business is...

This hike is located immediately off of Highway 101 in the Falls View Campground. If the campground is closed you can park right outside of the gate (but don't block it) and hike in. Inside the gate you will see 3 paths in front of you, take a left and after about a quarter mile you will reach the trail head. There are actually two trail options here. I recommend hiking the option on the right ...

The trip requires a backcountry permit for zone BB9 (reserve HERE). Backcountry permits in Grand Canyon National Park are available for reservation on the 1st of the month 4 months prior to your trip date (e.g. if you wanted to go on a trip on May 20 you could reserve your permit on January 1st). Permits cost $10 plus $8 per person per night. The route to Tanner Beach starts from Lipan Point. ...

Just minutes away from the hullabaloo of downtown Wisconsin Dells is the perfect spot to launch a kayak and paddle the Wisconsin River. Finding a place to launch a kayak on the Wisconsin River can be tricky but we found the perfect spot. To get there drive through downtown Wisconsin Dells and take a left on River Road then another left on Illinois Avenue. There is parking along Illinois Avenue ...

Pinnacles National Park is located just over two hours outside of San Francisco (depending on the traffic). It was designated the 59th national park in 2013 and while it is small it offers beautiful views and unique wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for California condors on this hike! This trail is accessed from the west entrance of the park. Once you pay your entrance fee you will drive a few...

Slieve League (also: Sliabh Liag) is a mountain located in County Donegal on the Atlantic coast. Towering at an impressive 1,972 feet (609m), Slieve League is home to the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The cliffs are nowhere near as famous as the Cliffs of Moher but are over three times as tall. Getting to Slieve League is a journey itself. You will follow a narrow road as it winds its way up t...

Wagner Falls is an easy-to-reach waterfall right off of 94. There are parking areas on both sides of the highway so even when the trail is busy you will likely find a spot. Its close proximity to the highway and short trail make Wagner Falls the idea place to go if you are limited on time but want a rewarding view.The trail to the falls is only a quarter-mile and ends at a viewing platform that...

This 5 mile hike begins at an elevation of 8000' at the Navajo Loop trailhead at Sunset Point. The view from the lookout of Sunset Point is only just a small taste of the sweeping vistas you will see on the hike. From Sunset Point follow the sign for the Navajo Trail and begin descending into a sea of towering spires and pinnacles. You will have great views of the famous Thor's Hammer on the wa...

Devil's Lake State Park has 29 miles of trail that vary in difficulty. The most popular trails are the East and West Bluff trails that circle Devil's Lake and offer some of the best views in the park. If you want a more relaxing day, head to the beach! It's a family-friendly spot that is the perfect place to spend a warm afternoon.Book a campsite in advance (fees here) to secure a spot. The cam...

Munising Falls is a 50' falls located inside the city limits of Munising. The trail to the waterfall is directly outside the visitor center and makes for a quick and easy hike after stopping by to pick up a permit or check in with a ranger.  The paved trail is cool and shaded as it follows a creek to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. There are also two sets of stairs that lead to ad...

You do need a Northwest Forest Pass to park in the lot overnight. You can buy a day use E-pass online here (pick Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest from the drop down menu) and print it out and it's ready to use. Or you can buy the annual pass here.The adventure to Artist Point begins in the Mt. Baker ski area. There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the ski area on weekends and busy days so...

Kitch-iti-kipi is a beautiful and easily accessed attraction in the southern region of Michigan's UP. The springs are a short 11.5 mile drive from the town of Manistique and are the perfect side trip for a UP getaway.Parking is plentiful at Palms Book State Park and a parking attendant will check for your recreation passport as you pull in. If you do not have one you can buy one on the spot. Th...

This winter adventure begins at the popular Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Make sure you arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly! We started the hike with our microspikes on and carried our snowshoes. The park ranger informed us snowshoes may be necessary in some spots but the trail started off very nicely packed and microspikes sufficed. The trail gradually ...

Glendalough is located in Wicklow Mountains National Park and is just over an hour's drive from Dublin, making it the perfect day trip from Ireland's capital city. There are 9 hikes of varying lengths and difficulties in Glendalough but the 9km Spinc and Glenealo Valley Trail (White Route) is the perfect hike to see everything the area has to offer. I recommend parking at the Glendalough Visito...

The Powerscourt Waterfall grounds are beautiful; picture an incredibly green wooded area with a towering waterfall cascading down a rock wall and then flowing into a gentle creek running through a forest that is full of chirping birds. Can you imagine a spot more perfect for a picnic? It's also a great place for kids because there is a playground. There is a concession kiosk that operates in th...

Murhut Falls offers visitors a relatively easy 1.6-mile round-trip hike to a stunning 130-foot two-tiered waterfall on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula. This family-friendly trail provides a perfect introduction to the lush temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Essential Details Distance: 1.4 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 371 feet Difficulty: Easy to moderate Best S...

This two day (easily extended if you want more time to explore) hike offers some of the best views in all 40 miles of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The days are split up into a 8.8 mile day and a 12.6 mile day and can be done in either direction but since I did the 8.8 mile day first I will explain the hike that way.  Day 1  The hike begins at the Chapel Basin Parking Lot, which is locat...

Getting Started There is a good amount of parking at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead but on weekends and nice days it will fill up quickly so it is best to arrive as early as possible.  The Trail The trail to Surprise Lake starts relatively level before quickly beginning to ascend after about a third of a mile and once the ascent starts, it doesn't stop, so be prepared for a strenuous uphill sl...

The Lower Montgomery Pass Yurt is a part of the Yonder Yurts yurt system and can be reserved through their website here. In the summer it can be accessed via a 4WD road but in the winter the road closes and you can either ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile the 3.4 miles to the yurt.  The trek begins at the Montgomery Pass winter parking lot which is located on the right side of Jackson County Road 4...

This is a great low effort, high reward hike that offers several viewpoints along the trail of the falls below before it meanders all the way to the shore of the creek. While it doesn't take long to hike to this spot you can easily spend an entire morning or afternoon exploring everything it has to offer.  Make sure to beware of the creek levels in the winter and spring, the current is swift a...