Clare HealyExplorer

Unless you own a boat or a kayak, this adventure requires a ride on the Blue and Gold Ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco. But let’s be honest, that’s actually half the fun. Who doesn’t love a ferry ride? Angel Island State Park is the largest island in the Bay, and recommend the 6-mile loop around the island that combines the North Ridge and Sunset Trails. This route is mostly single track, n...

Raccoon Mountain is an extensive, yet newer system of singletrack that circle the TVA Raccoon Mountain pumped storage facility, just 15 minutes east of downtown. The 30 miles of trails primarily span from intermediate to advanced levels, but a few beginner friendly routes can be found as well.Grab your bike (or rent one from one of the many shops around Chattanooga) and head up to the mountain'...

The North Fork of Big Pine Creek is often cited as having the most unbelievable scenery reachable in a single day. And it's hard to disagree. The Big Pine Creek North Fork trail is just minutes outside of Big Pine off the 395. If going in the winter, access to the trailhead can be closed off, so always be sure to check conditions with the governing agency before going. From the start, this trai...

Between the frequent rains and the often overcast forecast, Kauai is not always the typical Hawaiian tropical getaway people dream of. But there are few islands that offer the same majestic waterfalls, luscious valleys, world renowned breaks, and more. Like a handful of the island's other gems, Queen’s Bath is one of the spots that makes Kauai, well, Kauai.After driving through the town of Prin...

I think all explorers agree there is nothing more serene than being surrounded by nothing but wilderness. If you are one of these said explorers, a trip to Calpine's fire lookout is a must.Calpine is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1934 and is one of 3 remaining examples of the enclosed windmill-style lookout in California. The lookout was actively used every summer until 19...

Whether you have your own canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board or you need to rent, paddling the String Lake and Leigh Lake circuit is a less beaten path through Grand Teton National Park. Upon entering the park (or whenever you're ready for this portion of your trip), head straight for Dornan's, located right near the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Here, you can rent your water v...

Hanakoa Falls is one of two large waterfalls along Na Pali Coast. While most set out for a high-paced hike on Kalalau Trail, rushing past Hanakoa Valley, those who choose to explore Hanakoa Valley and Falls will not be disappointed. To reach the beautiful Hanakoa Valley, you will take the same trail as you would to reach Kalalau Beach. Kalalau Trail is world-renown for its breathtaking coastal...

This 14.7 mile loop has some fun single track descents through the gorgeous Alabama Hills. It kicks off with a climb up the road, which can easily be shuttled if you have more than one car or someone to brave a hitched ride up the road.  From the trailhead start, you'll encounter quite a bit of loose sand trail for about 3 miles as you make your way out to the single track. Right when you think...

From snow-dusted red rocks to dramatically painted evening skies, winter brings out a side of the Grand Canyon that is rarely seen at other times of the year. Skip the massive crowds and have your choice of driving your own car from lookout point to lookout point or taking the shuttle from the west end of the South Rim to the east end. The Village Shuttle Bus (Blue Route) connects the Visitor C...

Take in a scenic sunset and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! Muir Beach changes the number of fire pits it has seasonally. May through November, the beach offers 6 fire pits, and in the colder months (December through April), there are 3 fire pits on the beach toward the south end of the parking lot.This spot is a little further drive for city folk than Ocean Beach, but on the plus s...

John Muir once wrote, "The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" So it's no surprise that this is a sought after destination for hikers and climbers alike.  Named after the fact that most climbers use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to reach this climbing area (rather than hiking up the 10,834' mountain), The Tramway is a granite city scattered...

To hit one of the best panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge, head into Prentice Cooper State Forest and head straight for Snoopers Rock. This 6,000+ acre protected park is home to over 35 miles of trails, campsites, and so much more.To access Snoopers Rock, you can drive through Prentice Cooper and park just yards away from the gorgeous viewpoint. But if you are up for a hike, Mullens C...

The Signal Point to Edwards Points trail serves as the southernmost leg of the Cumberland Trail, winding through part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. From the initial Signal Point overlook, the path descends into Middle Creek Gorge, passes through the Rainbow Lake Wilderness Area, then enters Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Management Area.The sweeping views...

When the weather is in your favor, these treeless mountain tops will have your jaw on the floor with layers upon layers of Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike can be done in one day, but with panoramic views at multiple points, you'll want to take your time along this link of trails. This ~10-mile loop, starting at one of Blue Ridge Parkway's most popular overlooks, Graveyard Fields Overlook, wind...

Lula Lake Land Trust may only be accessible on the first and last Saturday of every month, but a visit to this North Georgia park is well worth planning for. It offers a small, but beautiful lake, a large waterfall, and over 6 miles of trails for hiking or biking. The 1-mile level gravel road from the parking area to the falls and lake is the easiest path, but exploring the web of forest trails...

After much time in Big Sur, it became quickly apparent that Prewitt Ridge is the crown jewel of camping in the area. It has even been described as "the most beautiful car camping spot on god's green earth" and that doesn't do it justice.While Prewitt Ridge is an officially designated campground in the Los Padres National Forest, it's "dispersed camping," meaning there's no reservations, no toil...

Skidaway Island State Park is a peaceful setting rich with wildlife. A conglomerate of maritime forest and salt marsh, this gem offers all kinds of opportunities for enjoying the outdoors.  We sought out this State Park due to it's proximity to downtown Savannah, but it turned out to be far more than an ideal location. As we drove into the park, we immediately knew it would be a place we would...

Red Rock Canyon is a must stop for those driving along Highway 14 between the Owens and Antelope Valleys. The park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converge with the El Paso Range and features scenic desert cliffs, buttes, and spectacular rock formations. Each tributary canyon is unique, with dramatic shapes and vivid colors. The sandstone formations are nicely varied,...

When it comes to the beauty of Big Sur, a half day on Tanbark Trail to the Tin House captures it all. From the redwood forest along Partinton Creek, to the abandoned Tin House, to Highway 1 and coastal views, you can't ask for much more.The hike starts on the east side of Highway 1 - the northern trailhead is recommended. You will quickly come to a bridge that crosses south over Partington Cree...

The trail starts near Dell Picnic area, near the Trails Cafe. On this wide fire road, you can choose to run or hike, but don't expect to have the trail to yourself, especially if you're heading out on the weekend. With that said, you can time your run or hike around sunset and get amazing views before you head back down to the car. On the trail up, you'll be able to enjoy views of both the obs...

Is a so-called ‘secret beach’ that sits on Secret Beach Road considered secret anymore? Perhaps not, but don’t let that deter you from exploring the depths of Kauai’s renown Kauapea Beach, more widely known as Secret Beach.The 3,000-foot long north shore beach is known for it’s size, privacy, and scenery. Its location between Kalihiwai Bay and Kilauea Point sets the beach up for pure photograph...

Renaissance Park is a 23-acre urban wetlands park, snuggled between the Market Street Bridge and Cherokee Blvd. on Chattanooga's North Shore. This pet-friendly park features nature trails, an outdoor pavilion, public art, and more. If you're smart, you'll bring some broken down cardboard and slide down the big, grassy hill in the middle of the park (adults welcome).Hammock hanging and slack lin...

Fall Creek Falls State Park is sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. The 20,000-acre park is one of the most scenic parks in the country and is the largest recreation area in the state of Tennessee. It is home to a 256-foot waterfall, cascades, gorges, 5 other waterfalls, campsites, cabins, and more than 34 miles of hiking trails. You can park right at the Fall Cree...

If you're looking to camp somewhere with exceptional hiking and beautiful waterfalls, Southeastern Tennessee locals know not to look further than Lookout Mountain. Located on the western edge, Cloudland Canyon State Park straddles Sitton Gulch Creek and is perfect for a weekend exploration.If staying a night or two, your accommodation options are (almost) endless. From cottages and yurts to RV ...