15 Hikes with Scenic Water Views
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6. Los Liones trail at Topanga State Park
Location: Los Angeles, California
Coastal hiking is a free and healthy activity to add to your Southern California bucket list. While most tourists head to the busy beaches and Hollywood attractions, you can escape the crowds in exchange for a relaxing trek into nature. The Santa Monica mountains offer endless opportunity to explore the natural landscapes around L.A. Topanga Canyon State Park features 76 miles of trails and is referred to as “the largest state park within a city limit in the US.” The Los Liones hiking trail features stunning views of the coast and mountains. It’s free to visit, so a must-do for anyone seeking a fun, healthy, and budget friendly L.A. activity. Simply go out to the first overlook (Fire Rd) for a moderate 1.5 mile hike or challenge yourself to the full 7 mile trek to Parker Mesa overlook (difficult, but the views keep getting better!).
7. West Fork Trail in the Coconino National Forest
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Featuring a fascinating array of incredible 250+ million year old colorful red rock formations, Sedona is one of the most incredible destinations for hikers and nature lovers. Beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, running a 14 mile course from Flagstaff to Sedona, is one of the most scenic drives in the entire country. Along the route lies the most popular hiking trail in the Coconino National Forest, the West Fork Trail. This trail is geographically different than the jaw dropping red rock trails found throughout the region as it features gorgeous views of perennial Oak Creek and over a dozen challenging creek crossings. Plenty of dense trees to meander through (providing lots of shade) which turn brilliant shades of orange and red during the fall season. Due to the immense beauty, Oak Creek Canyon is often considered to be “the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon.”
8. Guy Fleming trail at Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve
Location: San Diego, California
San Diego’s best attraction (outside of the gorgeous beaches) is Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve, home to 2000 acres of uninterrupted coastal state park. Enjoy one of several short and scenic trails or take a walk along a beautiful quiet beach. While you could easily hike several trails here (all are relatively short and easy), the scenic ~ 1 mile Guy Fleming trail is a great place to start. Along with taking in magnificent views of the California coast, you will also get to explore local desert cacti and plant life and wildflowers. Frequently sighted mammals include cottontail rabbits and California Ground Squirrel, although mule deer, coyote, and gray fox are sometimes seen. After hiking, enjoy a long walk, swim, or surf at the wide & sandy Torrey Pines State Beach.
Learn more about this coastal hiking oasis
9. Linville Falls trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Location: Western North Carolina
This beautiful waterfall hike is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive.” With over 14 million visitors per year, it’s America’s most visited national park site. Linville Falls is one of the most incredible waterfalls on the Parkway and it is easily accessible from major tourist destinations like Asheville, Greenville, and the Smoky Mountains. The hike is 1.5 miles round-trip, moderate in intensity with several steep hills, and features 4 incredible viewpoints. Not only will you take in gorgeous views of the Linville Gorge and the Upper and Lower Falls (totalling 150 feet), but you will also enjoy a fabulous viewpoint of the Linville River. Be sure to plan this beauty during the peak of fall as the hemlock forest contrasts beautifully with the vivid foliage of the oak, birch, and hickory trees.
See more pics of The Parkway’s most stunning waterfall
10. Cliffwalk
Location: Newport, Rhode Island
The historic Newport Mansions draw tourists from all over the country, but few tourists know about Cliffwalk, a dazzling 3.5 mile walk along the Newport coastline. The walk is free, features amazing views of Narragansett Bay and the mansions, and is an excellent destination for birdwatching. The best time to visit is during the fall when summer tourist crowds have finally died down. Get in some exercise and enjoy exterior views of iconic Mansions like The Breakers – this walk is a great budget friendly alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to pay for a pricey mansion tour. Bonus – there is a great beach (Easton’s) adjacent to the start. After your hike, take a relaxing harbor cruise or enjoy a shopping and dining adventure through historic Thames Street.
