Sarah GiekExplorer

Tenaya Lake is located alongside Tioga Road in the park's Tuolumne Meadows region. There is a family-friendly trail that surrounds the lake. Though some spots along the trail on the western shore may require fording the waters, the 2.5-mile trip is an easy hike for all to enjoy. Many others prefer to find a sunny spot along the shore to relax and enjoy the views and the clear waters. Parking...

The large open meadow at the summit of Cole Mountain is a unique and breathtaking experience that is worth the 5.8 mile hike. Cole Mountain is frequently referred to as Cold Mountain, but the official name listed by the United States Geological Survey is the former. This hike is in the George Washington National Forest and starts a few miles north of Route 60 in Central Virginia. The parking...

The hike begins at Glacier Point. Find the marker for the Panorama Trail just beyond the viewing steps (to the right, if you’re looking at Half Dome). The first section of the hike will be lined with open views of Half Dome, Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. It will be hard not to stop to listen to the rushing waterfalls and take in the views. To date, this has been the most peaceful spot I ha...

The Bowl is a small pond nestled in the mountains of Acadia National Park.  Although it is a great way to relax after completing the challenging Beehive Trail, it can also be reached via a less strenuous out-and-back hike that is just under 1.5 miles. The trailhead is located on Park Loop Road, just across from the Sand Beach parking lot.  After 0.2 miles on the Bowl Trail, you will reach a ju...

The main trail to the Middle Gaylor Lake is about 1.5 miles round-trip, but if you’re looking for more adventure, you can hike a little further to Upper Gaylor Lake (which will add a mile to your trip) or continue on to the Great Sierra Mine (which will add 2 miles to your trip). The Gaylor Lake Trail begins off the parking lot next to the Tioga Pass entrance. If the lot is full, there is ano...

A natural phenomenon caused by waves crashing into a narrow inlet, Thunder Hole is a sight worth seeing in Acadia National Park.  As the waves rush in and out of the small cavern at the end of the inlet, the water collides with trapped air, creating a loud thunderous sound.  The splash of the water can reach up to 40 feet when the elements are just right.  The best conditions for experiencing t...

Swiftcurrent Lake is easily accessed along the shores of Many Glacier Hotel where ample parking is available. The Glacier Park Boat Company offers single and double kayak rentals onsite (pricing and dates of operations are available here: glacierparkboats.com) or you can bring your own.The calm waters allow you to relax and take in the views of the surrounding mountains. And for an added adve...

This multi-use (hiking, biking, horseback riding) rail-trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia to Whitetop, Virginia, passing through forests in the Blue Ridge Mountains, small farming communities in the countryside, and small historic towns.While you can pick up the trail at any point, the most popular option is to take a bike shuttle from Damascus to Whitetop and cycle back down the ...

While most hikers who park at the Sunrise Visitor Center head west to get closer to the peak of Mount Rainier, heading east will take you away from the crowds while still providing incredible views. Starting from the parking lot, head north up a set of stairs. When you reach the split in the trail, head west towards Sourdough Ridge. The rest of the trail will be easy to follow, as you continue...

Chimney Rock (also referred to as Chimney Top) is a hidden gem in the Monongahela National Forest that offers some of the best views in the state of West Virginia.  There are several trail options that pass this overlook, including a 24 mile point-to-point backpack of the North Fork Mountain Trail, but this adventure details the hike via the Landis Trail off of Smoke Hole Road.  This is the sho...

Mary’s Rock is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance in Shenandoah National Park’s Central District. This write-up details the hike from the Meadow Spring Parking area, but there are alternate routes starting from the Panorama parking area (3.7 miles round trip), Jewell Hollow Overlook (6 miles round trip) and Buck Hollow parking area (9 miles round trip). The Meadow Spring option is the sh...

Big Schloss (the German word for “palace”) is a popular hike in the George Washington National Forest.  The trailhead is conveniently located at the Wolf Gap Campground.  To begin, follow the path behind the restrooms at the parking lot.  Cross the paved road where you will find a trail map with other information about the area.  You will also see the first of many orange blazes that will guide...

Little Hunters Beach is a hidden gem in Acadia National Park.  It’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds and listen to the crashing waves and the crackling of the cobblestones.  You might be tempted to venture in to the water, but beware – cool waters and strong currents do not make this a swimmable beach.The beach is not well marked – you’ll have to keep your eye out as you drive alon...

The parking lot is located on the east side of the lake, just before the group lodge on Lake Drive. The Molly’s Knob trail begins just uphill on the right and is marked by white blazes. You can also take an alternate route and follow the Lake Loop Trail (located to the left of the parking area) to the Ridge Trail, and then join the Molly’s Knob Trail, though this will add about 0.2 miles each...

House Mountain provides two amazing views via two out-and-back hikes, for a combined hike of 8.75 miles. If you’re short on energy and/or time, the 6 miles round trip to Big House Mountain is (in my opinion) the better of the two overlooks. Either way, keep in mind that this hike covers a great deal of elevation gain across primitive trails. Allow plenty of time to complete one or both! The...

This short, easy hike will take you to some of the best views in Shenandoah National Park. As an added bonus, it’s perfect for catching the sunset without a long walk back to your car in the dark. If you’re looking to increase the level of difficulty, there is an alternate, moderate trail option that increases the mileage and the elevation gain, but won’t leave you breathless (until you reach t...

Pendleton Point Overlook in Blackwater Falls State Park provides visitors with expansive views of Blackwater Canyon.  The overlook is easily accessed via a short walk from the parking area and marks the widest and deepest point of the canyon.  The wooden platform has tower viewers so visitors can magnify the vista, but in my opinion the best vantage point is from the rocky outcrop 20 feet away....

Walking in either direction, the trail is easy to follow. If you take the loop counter-clockwise, you will reach the Grinnell Glacier parking area in just over a half mile (which is an alternate starting point for this trail). Follow the signs and continue left to rejoin the trail. About a mile later, you will reach the southern boat dock. I would recommend the short detour here, which will tak...

There are two route options, both are under 2 miles and are suitable for hikers of all experience levels. The shortest option, a 1-mile circuit, follows the Appalachian Trail from the Blackrock Summit parking area, which is just north of mile marker 85 on Skyline Drive. With only 175-feet of elevation gain, the trail is an easy walk to the summit. Once the trees open up, you will be treated to...

Prescott Park is a waterfront park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire that is famous for its extensive flower gardens.  During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the blooms of the annual and perennial beds, sit in the shade of the Japanese crabapple trees, and relax on the white benches along the perimeter of the garden.  Beyond the well-known formal garden, the 10-acre park also features a vast r...

This short, easy walk provides some of the best views of several iconic Yosemite landmarks from the valley floor.  If you complete the entire loop, expect to see Yosemite Falls from the Swinging Bridge, Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge (a popular spot at sunset), and the historic Yosemite Chapel.  And if you’re visiting in early summer, the meadows will be awash with wildflowers.  It’s the perfe...

If you go to Blackwater Falls State Park for the falls, stay for the overlooks.  This one, the most popular in the park, overlooks Blackwater Canyon from 3,000 feet above.  Although the parking area at the trailhead is small with room for only 4-5 cars, you can also park along the road or at the ski center one mile away.  The sign marking the trailhead is easy to miss; if you see the road sign ...

Park at the Tunnel View parking lot. The Pohono Trail, which you fill follow for the first half mile, starts on the left side of Wawona Tunnel. You should notice a small path starting from the parking lot. The trail quickly ascends up a series of switchbacks before reaching a junction. If you continue straight and follow the Pohono Trail, you will eventually (after 12 miles) reach Glacier P...

Rohrbaugh Cliffs is the social name given to the expansive views found along the Rohrbaugh Plains Trail.  This easy hike in the Dolly Sods Wilderness will take you to one of the best overlooks in the area.  For a longer or more challenging hike, connect this trail with one of the many others in the area. The trail begins off Fire Road 19, just past the Dolly Sods picnic area.  There is a small ...