Places

Feel like chasing even more waterfalls? After visiting DuPont State Forest, head on over to Gorges for even more water-filled nature scenes! As one of the newest parks in NC, little to no visitors are on these trails. Be sure to hike just a bit outside this park for Rainbow Falls.

Looking for some waterfalls? Feel like hiking through the forest to find them? Look no further than DuPont located in Transylvania County, NC - aka 'Land of Waterfalls!' Be sure to keep an open eye to find scenes where The Last of the Mohicans & The Hunger Games were filmed.

Start with scenery that makes your heart leap. Sedona nestles among a geological wonderland. Multi-hued stone formations jut upwards from the high desert floor creating a vivid, mesmerizing setting that changes hourly with the light.

Be sure to hike Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock!

Obviously, how can I not recommend visiting the Grand Canyon? Nothing quite like this second most-visited US National Park! My advice is to go during the early morning hours before loads of visitors fill the buses and overlooks.

One day I'll complete a multi-day hike down into and across the river. However, for those with only a day to visit, go check out the South Kaibab Trail and head on down to Cedar Ridge Point!

AKA - "Largest Ghost Town in America"

​Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. Four disastrous fires destroyed large sections of the town during its early history, resulting in the incorporation of the City of Jerome in 1899.

​One of San Diego's most popular hikes, the Iron Mountain Trail leads to the second highest peak in Poway and offers great views of Northern San Diego County. On a clear day hikers can see Mt. Woodson as well as the Catalina Islands.

1 hour south of NC's capital, Raven Rock provides local hikers and horse riders plenty of trails to explore. The main loop to Raven Rock is roughly 2.1 miles in length, very easy for most folks except for the ascend back up from the river stair case (170+ steps). Don't forget to stop by Campbell University when you're in the area, as well as Sunni Sky's Ice Cream!

Explore the 'Mountains away from the Mountains' at this hiking-oriented park 40 minutes north of Winston-Salem, NC located in the Sauratown mountain range. Beware, the main trail up to the legendary 'Hanging Rock' is not easy, but it's well worth the views of the surrounding landscape. One of a kind in NC.

Nice easy 1.5 mile hike up Big Creek to this local swimming hole. Water is refreshingly cold and very clear. Bring snacks and drinks for the hike and to watch folks jump from the rocks nearby!

Fantastic park for those hiking enthusiasts with nearly 30 miles and a swinging bridge. Be sure to walk across the river near Fews Ford as well!