Glacier National Park is one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in the United States, protecting more than one million acres of diverse habitat that supports more than 70 mammal species. Grizzly and black bears, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, coyotes, marmots, bald eagles, golden eagles, and many other animals can be found throughout the park, but certain areas consistently offer better viewing opportunities. Visitors can improve their chances by

Few trails in Zion National Park deliver views as commanding or experiences as unforgettable as the Observation Point hike via the East Mesa Trail. Perched high above Zion Canyon, the moderately easy route offers sweeping views of landmarks like Angels Landing, Great White Throne, and Hidden Canyon without the intense crowds found elsewhere in the park. Whether you’re chasing a glowing Zion sunset, seeking solitude among the pines, or visiting one of the park’s most iconic ov

The longest cave system in the world with 426 miles of mapped passageways (and counting), Mammoth Cave is truly a world unto itself. Named a national park in 1941, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990, and an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, its list of accolades is both long and deserving. I’ve experienced every cave tour available in the park and compiled a brief summary of each below. You’ll also find links to detailed overvi

Descending into the Wild Cave Tour of Mammoth Cave National Park is like stepping into the lungs of the Earth itself—each breath filled with ancient dampness, every heartbeat echoing through stone corridors that haven’t seen sunlight in eons. This is no gentle stroll; it’s a primal crawl into darkness, squeezing through serpentine passages with names like “Bare Hole” and “The Cheese Grater,” where only the bold dare to follow. Helmets scrape against unforgiving rock, boots si

Deep within the heart of Zion National Park, hidden among towering cliffs and winding canyons, lies one of the most surreal and breathtaking hikes in the American Southwest—The Subway. This otherworldly slot canyon, sculpted by time and the relentless force of water, stands as a masterpiece of nature, a place where adventure and beauty collide in the most dramatic way. To hike The Subway is to step into a dream—a world of swirling sandstone, emerald pools, and cascading water

An excellent overnight or multi-day loop through one of the most scenic areas in Virginia. The route leads hikers to the summit of Mount Rogers, the highest peak in the state, beside large rock outcroppings offering expansive ridgeline views, and through lush mountain meadows where wild ponies roam freely. The loop also features exceptional backcountry camping options, providing mountain panoramas sure to leave lasting memories for those who call Mount Rogers and the Grayson

The following is an evolving list of plane crash hikes in the Northeast and Southeast, each with a brief description, location, and links on how to find them. If considering hiking to one of these sites, please recognize that several of them mark the loss of life and refrain from disturbing or removing any wreckage. United States Air Force T-28 Trojan Location Lyndhurst, Virginia A May 1, 1964 plane crash site located along the eastern slope of Humpback Mountain, just a handf

What connects Thomas Edison to Presidents Warren G Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and pop-singer Madonna? Look no further than the Sachem, one of the more storied vessels to ever grace the Ohio River. From a private yacht to a WWI patrol boat, then to Thomas Edison's floating research lab, and later a Prohibition-era rumrunner and WWII patrol boat, its journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, its rusted hull rests along a tributary of the Ohio River, easily accessib

For thousands of years, the caves in the Mammoth Cave region served as a source of valuable mineral deposits for Native Americans. Evidence of their presence within the caves has been found in the form of paths marked with woven moccasins, extinguished cane reed torches, and, in certain instances, their own remains. The caves in this area have yielded some of the most noteworthy archaeological findings in American history, including a considerable number of human mummies. The

Enjoy a sensational sunrise, discover the remains of a 1943 B-25 bomber, and get in some light scrambling on a moderately strenuous day hike in Virginia's storied Peaks of Otter. Trail Info Length 3.5 miles Elevation gain 1,700 feet Route Out & back Permit required no Dogs allowed on leash Trailhead elevation 2,556' Water None Don't miss Sunrise from Sharp Top's summit and scrambling at Buzzard's Roost Hiking Sharp Top Mountain & B-25 Bomber Crash Site Situated within Jeffers

In northeast Ohio's Hinckley Reservation, the Worden's Ledges Loop Trail meanders beneath a dense canopy of oaks and elms, revealing a tapestry of history etched into moss-covered sandstone ledges. The formations, carved by nature's hands over millions of years, showcase the craftsmanship of a humble bricklayer who infused the area with his own personal flair long before the footpath was sculpted. The story begins with Hiram Mace Worden, a skilled tombstone and statue artisan

It's one of the most mysterious ancient rock art sites in the American Southwest. Haunting images depicting limbless human-like figures with hollowed out eyes and strange looking antennae blanket the sandstone walls of southern Utah's Thompson Canyon. Formally known as Sego Canyon Interpretive Site, the ghostly figures found here were created during the Archaic period (8000 BC to 500 BC) by artists belonging to the nomadic hunter-gatherer peoples who inhabited the region tho

For hikers with a passion for exploring ancient Native American ruins and rock art, embarking on a backpacking journey through Utah's Salt Creek Canyon may very well be an opportunity of a lifetime. Located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, a far less frequented area of the park, Salt Creek Canyon is adorned with towering arches and sandstone cliffs, vestiges of the early pioneer era, a vast number of prehistoric ruins, and some of the most distinct pictog

An overnight multi-trail loop backpack leading to two separate plane crash sites just south of Shenandoah National Park. Escape the crowds, enjoy sweeping views of Rockfish Valley, and take in one of the area's most iconic natural landmarks. Trail Info Length 10 miles Elevation gain 2,300 feet Route Loop Permit required yes, for backcountry camping Dogs allowed on leash Trailhead elevation 2,357' Water None Don't miss backcountry camping at Glass Hollow Overlook Hiking Dobie

A stone's throw from downtown Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, on the rocky slope of Bald Eagle Mountain, rests the remains of a 1986 plane crash known as N32777. The single engine Piper Cherokee departed William R Piper Memorial Airport July 16, 1986 with only Hazelton, Pennsylvania resident John Yatso on board. Yatso was in Lock Haven for a Piper Airplane reunion and was attempting to fly home. Shortly after takeoff, due to poor visibility and strong wind, the Piper Cherokee fl

If you've never heard of the North Fork Mountain to Chimney Top hiking trail you're missing out. What might be the best hike in the entire state of West Virginia, North Fork Mountain to Chimney Top is packed with sweeping ridgeline views, a lush subalpine vibe, and some of the best backcountry camping in Appalachia. There's simply no way to oversell this one. It's fantastic if done as a day hike, but even better as a short overnight backpack. Trail Info Length 5.3 miles E

Nestled deep in the White Cliffs of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument lies one of Kanab's most remarkable geological features, the Great Chamber. Named by David Swindler, owner of Kanab's Action Photo Tours, the massive windblown cave has become a top spot for photographers and adventure junkies in recent years. The view from inside the cave is nothing short of spectacular, but getting there can be somewhat challenging. There are two routes to get to the Great Cha

Located close to the western edge of one of Florida's oldest state parks lies a true hidden treasure of the state. Unless you're a local, chances are slim you'll stumble upon it. Deep Hole, within Myakka River State Park, is a colossal sinkhole, 300 feet wide and 130 feet deep, partially submerged by Lower Myakka Lake. It stands as one of the prime spots in North America to witness wild alligators up close. During Florida's dry season, typically from October to May, you can s