As a fitness buff, I often plan vacations around scenic hiking and biking trails. Not only is it a budget friendly vacation activity, but you also get in a great workout at the same time. I was fortunate to live in a number of areas with access to wonderful hiking trails like Flagstaff, Asheville, Boston, and Greenville. I also really enjoyed the incredible rail trails and paved biking paths in Massachusetts and Florida.
I got into cycling after moving to Long Beach, where I had easy access to the wonderful Strand which runs alongside the diverse L.A. beach towns. After living here, finding beautiful bike paths became one of my favorite travel activities. Biking is a great workout and also a fantastic way to see a lot of an area without overtaxing yourself. From California coastal paths, to New England rail trails, to urban stunners like the Lakefront Bikeway in Chicago, there is a bit of something for everyone no matter where you live. You don't have to travel far to find a great recreational path!
My favorite thing to do in beautiful Prescott is biking the Peavine trail which features views of Watson Lake and the historic Granite Dells.
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A few of the most scenic trails I have biked recently including the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, The Strand in SoCal, and the Chicago Lakefront.
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My guide to biking Tampa's beautiful Bayshore Blvd path, one of the longest uninterrupted sidewalks in the world at 4.5 miles.
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Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in Pasco County, Florida is home to a beautiful tree-lined 6.5 mile long biking trail
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My recommended things to do at Fort DeSoto Park including relaxing at top rated beaches and biking a gorgeous 7 mile palm lined bike trail.
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A beautiful 7 mile long bike ride at Flatwoods Park in New Tampa, Florida. Biking this trail is a great way to escape suburban congestion.
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The Virginia Beach boardwalk is a gorgeous 3 mile coastal multi-use path which is conveniently separated into a separate biking/walking path.
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My guide to biking the Pinellas, an award winning 45 mile bike trail in Tampa Bay which has been featured in the Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame.
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The Pa'Rus is the only trail open to biking at Zion National Park. The flat and scenic 3.5 mile journey winds along the Virgin river.
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A bike ride on the tree-lined 7.5 mile long Upper Tampa Bay trail offers a peaceful escape from surrounding suburbia.
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What we did on our short weekend trip to Boise: biking the Greenbelt, a stroll around the zoo, and seeing Xanadu at a dinner theater.
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I love biking the beautiful Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath trail one way and taking the train back the other way.
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My experience biking the beautiful 22 mile long Cape Cod Rail Trail. HIghlights include beautiful forested views and beach access.
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My favorite bike trail in Rhode Island is the East Bay rail trail. It's a gorgeous 14 mile path with views of the harbor and forests.
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I took a gorgeous fall bike ride through Myles Standish State Forest. Legend says an abandoned mental hospital is buried in the woods.
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I recommend a bike ride along the 7 mile long paved canal bike path as one of the best free summer activities in Cape Cod.
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My experience biking the Ladybird Hike & Bike trail, a gorgeous 10 mile trail in downtown Austin. I love the dense greenery and lake scenery.
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My favorite bike trail in Boston, the Minuteman, runs a scenic 11 mile course from Bedford to Cambridge. Leaf peeping season is amazing!
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Bike paths featuring great mountain views, from the red rocks of Zion to the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff, Arizona.
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Fort Tuthill Park in Flagstaff, Arizona is a beautiful 4 season recreational oasis for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
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My guide to biking the Lakefront in Chicago: a gorgeous recreation path running 14 miles along Lake Michigan.
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The Mission/Pacific Beach boardwalk is a gorgeous 3 mile beachfront path in San Diego. I love sightseeing and people watching here!
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The 22 mile long Marvin Braude bike trail, aka The Strand, is a wonderful multi-use trail that travels past L.A.'s most active beach towns.
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The Scottsdale Greenbelt is an 11 mile paved route that travels along green golf courses, lakes, & parks. A wonderful place to bike!
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Mission Bay is a gorgeous place to run or bike in San Diego. Featuring beautiful views of the world's largest aquatic park, it's a must-do.
5 min readThe best waterfront bike paths. Where to enjoy a healthy bike ride while also taking in tranquil water scenery.
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The most scenic bike paths in Tampa Bay! From a diverse ride along the 50+ mile Pinellas trail to a trek along the world's longest sidewalk.
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The best urban bike paths including "The Strand" along the beautiful Southern California coast and a scenic ride along the Chicago Lakefront.
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My favorite bike paths in Tucson, a city known for its' great cycling culture. My favorite is a 130+ mile long trail known as "The Loop."
7 min readMy love of hiking began soon after I moved to Massachusetts where I had access to so many nature preserves and big hiking areas just outside of Boston. I began planning many vacations and roadtrips to national and state parks. Hiking is a great workout, it doesn't require a lot of equipment, and most of all, you can enjoy some spectacular viewpoints for next to nothing. My favorite hiking destinations thus far include: Northern Arizona, The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Tucson, Sedona, Upstate South Carolina, the Boston metro, and New Mexico. Whether you prefer big mountain vistas or relaxing views of the water, you are sure to find something to suit your interests in my guides.
The Slate Mountain trail, located just 40 min outside of Flagstaff, offers the most magnificent views of the San Francisco Peaks.
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I love hiking Black Balsam Knob, the second highest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range at 6214 feet. This is a great hike near Asheville!
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Los Liones is one of the best hikes in the Santa Monica mountains. The 1.5 mile trek to the first overlook features great coastal views.
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Doe Mountain is a short & incredibly scenic 0.7 mile climb in Sedona. Upon reaching the mesa, you will get to enjoy 360 degree red rock views.
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The Hidden Canyon Bowen Trail in Tucson Mountain Park is one of the city's hidden gems. The 2 mile trek is easy and loaded with cacti.
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Catawba Falls is a mesmerizing leaf peeping hike where you will get to see a 100 foot waterfall. One of my favorite hikes near Asheville!
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One of my favorite waterfall hikes near Asheville is the short, woodsy half mile trek to the 60 foot hidden gem, Tom's Creek.
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On the Triple Falls waterfall hike in Western North Carolina, you will get to see 3 incredible falls plus a covered bridge.
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Dripping Springs is a wonderful hiking area in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I loved the gorgeous mountain scenery and solitude on this hidden gem.
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Brins Mesa is a beautiful 3 mile red rock hike in Sedona. The trail is moderate in intensity and offers breathtaking views.
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At beautiful Chimney Rock, you can climb 500 steps to an overlook of the mountains. I also love the hike to 400+ foot Hickory Nut Falls.
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Linville Falls, located in the mesmerizing Linville Gorge, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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My favorite hikes with views of the Hollywood sign including the trails at the Griffith Observatory and Runyon Canyon.
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Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve in San Diego offers 6 hiking trails featuring wonderful views of the coast and native greenery.
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Camelback Mountain is an iconic hike to the highest peak in Phoenix. The view on the way up to the 2704 foot summit are breathtaking.
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The Kiwanis trail is a short & scenic 2 mile hike at South Mountain, one of the most popular hiking areas in Phoenix.
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Usery Mountain Park in Mesa is a wonderful place to hike, wildlife watch, and enjoy nature. I love all the diverse cacti and mountain views!
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One of my favorite places to hike in the Phoenix metro is the Scottsdale McDowell Preserve. The mountain and cacti views are stunning.
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The amazing Pinnacle Peak Trail in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a hard climb of 1500+ feet, which rewards with incredible views.
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Thumb Butte #33, my favorite trail in the Prescott National Forest, is a semi challenging climb to a great mountain overlook.
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Red Rock State Park is a low-key gem featuring 5 miles of beautiful hikes. I love the scenery from Eagle's Nest.
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My experience walking across the largest sandstone arch in Sedona. The iconic Devil's Bridge hike is super popular with first time tourists.
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Fay Canyon is a gorgeous short hike through the Sedona red rock wilderness. A detour leads you to a magnificent arch.
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Soldier's Pass is a unique Sedona hike which features the most active sinkhole, beautiful arches, and a series of cascading pools.
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My experience hiking Little Horse, a wonderful, well-marked Sedona hike which is moderate in intensity & big on views! Great for first timers!
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Broken Arrow, one of Sedona's easiest and most popular hikes, offers tremendous views of the iconic red rocks via minimal effort.
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The Bell Rock Pathway is one of the easiest and flattest trails in Sedona. It is also one of 4 healing vortex hikes in the region.
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My experience hiking Airport Mesa, a scenic Sedona hike with vortex energy. The steep drops offs are crazy on this one!
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The breathtaking Cookstove Trail is a short, yet extremely steep 0.7 mile adventure to a stunning overlook of Oak Creek Canyon.
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Templeton is a short & scenic Sedona hike featuring plenty of greenery and views of Oak Creek. One of my favorite short strolls!
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Wilson Canyon is a beautiful easy Sedona trail features diverse desert plant life and plenty of shade coverage. A great summer hike!
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The Huckaby trail is a Sedona gem featuring wonderful red rock views and secret swimming holes. This moderate adventure is 2.8 miles long.
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My guide to hiking Jim Thompson, a Sedona hidden gem which is light on the foot traffic but big on the breathtaking red rock views.
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The hike to gorgeous 50 foot tall Yellow Branch Falls in The Upstate is one of the region's most stunning waterfalls!
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My experience hiking Fatman's Loop, an underrated trail in the Coconino National Forest right by the Flagstaff mall.
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Aspen Nature Loop is my favorite short & scenic hike at Arizona Snowbowl, just outside of Flagstaff. I love hiking through the aspen groves.
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The Red Mountain Trail is a short & scenic hike to the amphitheater of an old volcano. It's a great stop on the way to the Grand Canyon!
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The Inner Basin trail in Flagstaff is a gorgeous high altitude adventure into the heart of the San Francisco Peaks - Arizona's highest range.
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My experience hiking the beautiful Kachina, one of 3 fantastic trail options at Snowbowl in Flagstaff. It's the perfect summer hike.
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The most scenic hiking trails in Arizona including the enchanting South Kaibab trail at the Grand Canyon and red rock wonders in Sedona.
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Beautiful PIma Canyon in the Pusch Wilderness area of the Santa Catalina Mountains is one of the most scenic hikes in the Tucson region.
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My favorite short, easy, & scenic hiking trails for the hot summer season in Tucson! Catalina State Park is a beautiful choice!
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Linda Vista is a fantastic short hiking trail in Tucson featuring grand views of the majestic Santa Catalina mountain range.
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Picacho Peak is a hidden gem located on I-10 in between Tucson and Phoenix. I recommend a quick hike along the Calloway to break up the drive.
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My favorite hiking trails around the Tucson metro including Tumamoc Hill featuring great views of the city and several gems in Oro Valley.
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My guide to exploring Chiricahua, "the wonderland of rocks," one of Arizona's most interesting places. It's a quick 2 hour drive from Tucson.
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Leaf peeping at Mt Lemmon, a cool, high altitude fall escape just an hour outside of Tucson. I recommend the Aspen Draw trail.
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Check out some of my favorite easy hikes in Sedona which are perfect for new visitors. These hikes all feature fabulous red rock views.
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Tumamoc Hill is a steep 1.5 mile climb up to a great city overlook. It is my favorite hike in Tucson if you are up for a challenge.
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Mt. Lemmon is a gorgeous high altitude escape located just an hour outside of Tucson via the Catalina Scenic Highway.
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The Teacup/Sugarloaf Summit trail is the most stunning hike in Sedona. This trail is short and fairly easy, but big on the views!
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The Teacup trail is one of the most breathtaking and easily accessible hikes in Sedona. The easy terrain makes it a great pick for everyone.
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My favorite red rock hikes in Sedona including iconic Devil's Bridge where you can walk across the city's largest sandstone arch.
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Hike to the top of one of the world's largest volcano tuff cones on the North Menan Butte hike in Rexburg, a small town in Southern Idaho.
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One of the best hikes at Bryce Canyon is located outside of the main amphitheater. I really loved the short & scenic trek to Mossy Cave.
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Queen's Garden is an awesome moderate hike into the Bryce Canyon amphitheater. You will get to see the famous Queen Victoria hoodoo.
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On a recent trip to Bryce Canyon, we hiked the moderate 1.5 mile trek from Bryce to Inspiration Point. It's one of the best in the park!
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Treasure Falls is a stunning 105 foot waterfall in the beautiful San Juan National Forest of Southwest Colorado.
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At 411 feet, Raven Cliff Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Carolina. It's located within Caesars Head, a prime leaf peeping park.
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Carrick Creek is an easy nature trail at Table Rock State Park featuring a small waterfall. This park is a great daytrip from Greenville, SC.
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Paris Mountain State Park, just outside of Greenville SC, is a beautiful place to hike, kayak, picnic, birdwatch, and get back to nature.
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Collier Cove is a small, yet beautiful preserve located just 20 min from Asheville. The quiet hiking oasis offers an escape from the crowds.
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Roaring Fork Falls is a beautiful hidden gem located just 2 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
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Richard Balsam, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, sits at an elevation of 6410 feet. You can hike a 1.5 mile trail to the summit.
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The best easy hiking trails near Asheville to add to your bucket list including the trails at the renowned North Carolina Arboretum.
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The hike to the 4773 summit of Rough Ridge is one of the most dazzling leaf peeping hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina.
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Flat Rock is a great easy adventure up to a 4000+ foot summit in Western North Carolina. Views are especially dazzling at the peak of fall.
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60 foot Graveyard Fields is one of the most popular sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Beautiful fall foliage surrounds the waterfall in autumn.
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Beautiful 70 foot tall Crabtree Falls is a moderate hike to one of the Parkway's top waterfalls. An easy drive from Asheville.
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Three Waterfalls Loop is a wonderful hike to 3 incredible waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. The hike begins in laid-back Bryson City, NC.
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My experience hiking Glen Falls in high altitude Highlands, NC. On this beauty, you will get to enjoy 3 waterfalls via a moderate trek.
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Petroglyph National Monument is a unique place where you can explore 400+ ancient carvings - a must for history buffs visiting Albuquerque.
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The most scenic easy Smoky Mountain hikes including 80 foot tall Laurel Falls and the Kuwohi, the highest point in the Smokies.
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My favorite easy waterfall trails in the Smokies including 80 foot Laurel Falls. These hikes are perfect for families & casual walkers.
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James E. Grey Preserve in New Port Richey, Florida is a quiet destination for hiking and bird and wildlife watching.
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Brooker Creek Preserve is a quiet place to hike and birdwatch in Tarpon Springs. It's just minutes from the famous sponge docks.
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I recommend hiking at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness in New Port Richey if you are seeking a quiet, shady place to escape the tourists.
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Conner Preserve is a small preserve with numerous hiking trails in Land O'Lakes, Florida. The park is home to many ecosystems and wildlife.
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Myakka State Park in Sarasota is one of Florida's oldest and largest parks. Activities include hiking trails, boat rides, and a canopy walk.
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Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg is a great bird & gator watching destination. It is home to one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf.
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Hillsborough River State Park, one of Florida's oldest parks offers 7 miles of rustic hiking trails and a 2 mile bike loop.
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Robinson Nature Preserve is a quiet hiking and birdwatching oasis in Bradenton, Florida. I love the views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge!
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Long Creek Falls is a short scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. This 1 mile trek leads to a mesmerizing 50 foot waterfall.
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Hiking the steep 1 mile trail to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia at 4784 feet. Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery from 4 states.
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The most stunning mountain hikes. All of these featured trails are easy/moderate in intensity, gorgeous, and easily accessible.
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10 gorgeous waterfall hikes under 2 miles including natural wonders in the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountains and upstate New York.
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One of my favorite short Blue Ridge Parkway hikes is Devil's Courthouse, a steep trek to an overlook of 4 states.
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Must-do summit hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway including Devil's Courthouse where you can see 4 states from the majestic overlook.
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We really loved the gorgeous mountain scenery & serenity on the 2 mile long Whiteside Mountain trail in Highlands, North Carolina.
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My favorite moderate waterfall hikes within an hour of Asheville including a triple falls hike and several Blue RIdge Parkway stunners.
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The hike to the 5721 foot Mount Pisgah summit on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful hike easily accessible from Asheville.
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My most recommended beginner waterfall hikes in Upstate South Carolina. All 5 hikes are an easy drive from Greenville.
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Little Red Schoolhouse is a quiet place to hike, birdwatch mand escape the hustle and bustle of the Chicago suburbs.
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I challenged myself to the Three Dunes Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park. I loved the beautiful views of Lake Michigan along the way.
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Challenge yourself to the Diana Dunes Dare at Indiana Dunes National Park. The steep trail offers amazing views of Chicago & Lake Michigan.
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Indiana Dunes, on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, is known for white sand beaches. Check out my experience climbing a massive sand dune!
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, one of the nation's only free national parks, is home to a gorgeous 60 foot waterfall.
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My top picks for leaf peeing trails in the Cleveland metro including the incredible Brandywine Falls loop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
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Tyler State Park is home to Schofield Ford, the longest remaining covered bridge in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
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Ohiopyle State Park, one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful natural areas, is home to whitewater rafting, waterfalls, and 70+ miles of trails.
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My favorite state parks within an hour drive of Pittsburgh including McConnells Mill featuring a historic covered bridge.
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My experience hiking to Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskill mountains. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in the East at 260 feet.
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Starved Rock, a beautiful state park just 2 hours outside of Chicago, offers beautiful hiking trails and seasonal waterfalls.
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Lincoln Woods is a beautiful state park for hiking, fishing, picnicking, biking and swimming located just 20 minutes from Providence.
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Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge is a small preserve offering 2 miles of trails. The tranquil vibe makes it a great escape from busy Newport.
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Caratunk Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful nature oasis located 10 minutes outside of busy Providence, RI. A gem for hiking and bird watching.
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My favorite Connecticut park for leaf peeping features a beautiful 60 foot waterfall, a covered bridge, and beautiful hiking trails.
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I took a gorgeous winter hike at Great Neck Wildlife Refuge in Wareham. This is one of many tranquil nature escapes in Massachusetts.
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Gertrude M. Boyden, a peaceful wildlife refuge in Southeast Massachusetts, is a wonderful birdwatching destination.
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The Great Island Trail is a gorgeous 7 mile long Cape Cod hike featuring access to an amazing quiet beach. I loved the secluded beach walk.
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Camden Hills is a scenic hiking oasis in mid-coast Maine. I recommend the breathtaking Mt. Battie climb, featuring views of Penobscot Bay.
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My experience hiking through late spring snow on the Greeley Ponds trail in the beautiful White Mountains National Forest in New Hampshire.
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Bear Wallow is a great moderate 1 mile climb up to a 600 foot meadow. This is the perfect Western North Carolina hike for new tourists.
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The most scenic waterfall hikes (under 2 miles) near Asheville including beautiful 80 foot Tom's Creek Falls in the Pisgah National Forest.
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Middlesex Fells Reservation is a wonderful natural oasis located just 10 minutes of the hustle and bustle of Boston.
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Blue Hen Falls is a beautiful, moderate waterfall hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a free nature oasis 30 min outside of Cleveland.
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125 miles of gorgeous hiking trails can be found at Blue Hills Reservation, conveniently located just 20 minutes from Boston.
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Enjoy beautiful city views on the challenging Skyline Trail at Blue Hills Reservation, located just 20 min outside of Boston.
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I love hiking & leaf peeping at Blue Hills, a massive reservation with 100+ trails located just 10 miles outside of Boston.
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Sachuest Point, located near Newport, is a gorgeous place to hike, birdwatch, and enjoy nature in a gorgeous waterfront setting.
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My favorite hiking destinations within an hour of Boston. Escape the traffic and crowds in exchange for a relaxing trek through nature!
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Veit Springs is a gorgeous short hike through pines and aspens on Snowbowl Road in Flagstaff, Arizona. Don't miss the hidden pictographs!
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My experience hiking the Inner Basin trail, a majestic leaf peeping adventure into the heart of the San Francisco Peaks.
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The Aspen Nature Loop at Snowbowl is my favorite fall hike in Flagstaff. This trail is loaded with brilliant aspens this time of year.
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My experience hiking the West Fork Trail on Oak Creek Canyon drive. This popular hike features 13 fun creek crossings.
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Bear Jaw is an amazing high altitude, leaf peeping trail on the north slope of the San Francisco Peaks, just outside of Flagstaff.
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Looking for a traditional fall hike in Arizona? Leaf peeping along Oak Creek's West Fork Trail is similar to a gorgeous trek in New England.
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My favorite scenic hikes in Flagstaff, a 4 season, high altitude mountain oasis located just 2 hours north of Phoenix.
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Enders Falls is a small, yet attractive waterfall located in beautiful Enders State Park in the leaf peeping hotspot of East Haddam, CT.
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Short and scenic summer hikes in Sedona, Arizona including relaxing creekside strolls along the West Fork and Templeton trails.
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Amazing fall color hikes throughout the US. From the high altitude trails of Northern Arizona to the best of New England.
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Hikes with scenic water views including the gorgeous trails of Zion National Park and a gorgeous coastal hike in the Santa Monica mountains.
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A beautiful summer walk along the East Reservoir trail at Myles Standish State Forest, a large recreational area just minutes from Plymouth.
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Copicut Woods is a small preserve in Fall River, Massachusetts featuring over 5 miles of rustic hiking trails.
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Marg's Draw is one of Sedona's easiest and shortest trails, although it offers no shortage of fabulous red rock views!
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My guide to exploring Saguaro National Park. Your admission fee includes access to both park district (East and West) for 7 days.
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Catalina State Park in beautiful Oro Valley, a suburb of Tucson, is the best place to hike in the metro. The mountain scenery is amazing!
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My favorites hiking areas in Phoenix including the challenging climb up Camelback and the cacti loaded Scottsdale McDowell preserve.
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Gorgeous fall color hikes around the Pittsburgh metro. Enjoy colorful foliage, a great workout, and crisp weather.
6 min readYou can search by state, city, category, activity or season.
