One of Pennsylvania's most beautiful state parks, McConnells Mill is filled with loads of gorgeous scenery and great local history. Dense hemlock forest, gentle waterfalls, more than twenty miles of well-manicured hiking trails, a historic covered bridge, and a mid-1800's gristmill all make for a great day trip to the park. Maybe the best part of visiting - no matter where you're at in the park, the sight and sound of Slippery Rock Creek's whitewater rushing through the glaci

Home to historic and charming towns like Jim Thorpe, Milford, Stroudsburg, and Honesdale, the Poconos have been Pennsylvania's top vacation destination for more than a century. Its rolling mountain terrain, beautiful waterfalls, pristine rivers and lakes, dense forests and swanky stays are often the perfect weekend getaway for millions of nature lovers. The 2,500 square mile region is home to more than 250 miles of hiking trails, 45 of which belong to the Appalachian Trail, m

Often referred to at the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park is a world unto itself. Spread over more than one million acres of glacier carved peaks and valleys, the park's pristine turquoise lakes, millennia old glaciers, ancient forests and abundant wildlife attract visitors from all over the world every year. The park's 700 miles of hiking trails provide its travelers with one dramatic view after another. In addition to its large population of Bighorn sheep and m

Nestled among deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, and pristine lakes, New York's Finger Lakes Region boasts not only breathtaking beauty but also rich historical significance. The eleven lakes—Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco—originated as modest streams flowing northward through narrow V-shaped valleys. Approximately two million years ago, advancing glaciers moved southward, covering the va

Designated a national park in 2020, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is an outdoor lover's paradise. Every year nearly two million people visit its more than 100 miles of hiking trails, world-class rock climbing routes and legendary whitewater runs. In late summer and early fall people from all over the world flock to the gorge for Gauley season, one of the top whitewater runs in America. Jackie and I did this trip late summer and had a blast. Day 1: Endless Wall Cath

Nestled in rural northwest Ohio, halfway between Cleveland and Detroit, lies Oak Openings, a preserve of sprawling oak savanna and grassland prairie, and home to more endangered native plant species than anywhere else in Ohio. This globally rare ecosystem, once part of the Great Black Swamp, has been studied by botanists all over the world for its rare plant and animal species, including its rare butterfly population. The Nature Conservancy once named Oak Openings to its "Las

The state with the second most waterfalls in the country, topped only by it's neighbor to the north, Oregon is a truly magical place. Its geographical makeup is one of the most diverse in the country, marked with towering volcanoes, dense evergreen forests, pristine lakes and rivers, arid deserts and moss covered everything. To the west, a primeval landscape on the edge of the world. To the east, miles of high altitude desert too desolate for life to thrive. On this advent

I went solo on this trip in late June and it turned out to be one of my favorite trips to Colorado over the last half dozen or so years. The map below illustrates nearly all of the stops on this adventure and clicking on each waypoint previews the photos found throughout the article. Day 1: Loveland Pass Mount Sniktau, Cupid & Grizzly Peak (8.2/3,500') I began the trip along the Continental Divide on a day hike to tackle Mount Sniktau, Cupid Peak, and Grizzly Peak—three amaz

In the heart of Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest lies a 400-million year-old canyon system known as Red River Gorge Geological Area. Spanning 29,000 acres, this National Natural Landmark features over 150 naturally sculpted sandstone arches, ranking second globally in arch concentration behind Arches National Park. With 70+ miles of scenic hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, extensive sandstone cliffs, and abundant backcountry camping spots, Red River Gorge stands a

Cuyahoga Valley, formed over many millions of years ago with the help of oceans, glaciers and rivers, is now a refuge for native plants and wildlife. Its rolling hills, dense forest, wetlands and open farmlands are home to the mighty Cuyahoga River. The park preserves natural features including its many waterfalls and sandstone formations, and provides a haven to historic attractions such as the Everett Covered Bridge, Canal Exploration Center and Stanford House. Frequently m

If there is one state that looks and feels like a different planet, it's Utah. It's wild landscapes and soaring rock formations are simply earth defying. Forests of stone, amphitheaters of rock, colorful canyons and towering cathedrals, this is a land of undeniable beauty. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Arches National Park, collectively known as the Mighty Five, offer lifetimes of o

Arizona, one of America's most colorful states with its stunning red peaks, golden hills, and psychedelic sunsets. Home to one of the most dramatic geologic creations on Earth, ancient volcanoes and lava flows, towering peaks, colorful badlands, petrified forests and so much more. Nearly 85% of its more than 110,000 square miles comprises national forests, national parks, recreation and wilderness areas, wildlife preserves, and Native American reservations. The Grand Canyon

New Hampshire's White Mountains, encompassing more than a quarter of the Live Free or Die state and home to New England's tallest mountain peak, are a wickedly rugged region with more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails, towering granite peaks, crystal clear rivers and beautiful lakes. Its Presidential Range hosts the largest connected area of alpine tundra in the US east of the Rocky Mountains. Here, nine peaks have been named in honor of former US Presidents. Its tallest peak

If you've travelled anywhere in Ohio you've likely noticed its expansive flat land and occasional rolling hills. While this holds true for much of the state, its southeastern reaches are quite different. This area, often referred to as Ohio's Hill Country, is part of one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Appalachians. And, within Ohio's Hill Country you'll find the Hocking Hills Region, the state's crown jewel. Here, dense hemlock forests, large rock formations,

Hugging the northeast side of Lake Michigan and home to more than 65 miles of shimmering turquoise water lies the crown jewel of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Known for its towering scalable dunes that banket the coast, the park has grown to immense popularity over the last few decades. It's such a beautiful area that ABC's Good Morning America named it the Most Beautiful Place in America, beating out the likes of Grand Teton National P