No adventure compares to driving across the United States. I鈥檒l never forget my first coast-to-coast drive. It was two friends and me, post college, in a beat-up Subaru loaded with everything I owned. We took the long way home, starting in the farmlands of Vermont and making out-of-the-way pitstops for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains听of Tennessee, dining at legendary barbecue spots across Mississippi, and listening to live music in New Orleans. We drove west, climbed the highest peak in Texas, ate green chile in New Mexico, and stared into the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Most nights, we slept in a tent and dreamed of where the next day would take us. When we finally crossed the California state line toward our final destination, I remember feeling like I wanted to stay on the road forever.

The cross-country road trip is an American rite, a true pilgrimage where you can plan only so much; the rest will unfold wherever the road goes. These three epic journeys have starting and ending points, as well as some spots that may be worth pulling over for along the way, but what you make of the trip鈥攁nd what you ultimately take away from it鈥攊s up to you.

We鈥檝e picked three routes on major highways that cross the country (for a Southwest specific guide, explore our seven best road trips of that region), but along the way, we鈥檝e provided suggestions for detours and byways that get you off the beaten path and out of your car to stretch your legs, experience local culture, and see the sights you鈥檒l be talking about all the way to your next stop. You鈥檒l pull over for things like meteor craters, giant art installations, and donuts. With visits to roadside national monuments, waterfalls, and hot springs鈥攁nd with stays at unique hotels, campsites, and cabins along the way, these road trips aren鈥檛 just a long drive, they鈥檙e an incredible adventure waiting to happen.

The Music Lover鈥檚 Journey: Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington

Route: Interstate 90

Distance: 3,051 miles

This northern route across the U.S. follows Interstate 90 from east to west, passing by major cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Minneapolis. But you鈥檒l also touch on some of the country鈥檚 coolest wild spaces, like the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Inspire your road trip playlist by checking out the outdoor music venues and festivals throughout this route.

Pitstop: The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Hop on Interstate 90 in Boston and point it west. Your first stop is the Berkshires, a mountainous region filled with charming small towns 120 miles west of Boston. Go for a hike in , then pick up a tangleberry pie or farm-fresh apples from market in Great Barrington. In Stockbridge, the is worth a stop to learn more about American painter Norman Rockwell, who lived in the area, or check the performance calendar at , home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for major touring acts in this pastoral outdoor music venue. It鈥檚 worth the 30-mile detour off the highway to North Adams to post up for a night or two at (from $194), a revamped motor lodge that hosts guided hikes, live music, and pop-up dinners.

Must See: Niagara Falls, New York

Peel off the highway in Buffalo, New York, for a visit to , America鈥檚 oldest state park and home to its three namesake waterfalls. Grab a yellow poncho and a ticket ($14) to view the falls from below at the observation decks.

Pitstop: Saint Charles, Iowa

Take a detour to visit Saint Charles, Iowa, home to the four-day held each August on a 350-acre plot of grassland. This year鈥檚 headliners include Tyler, the Creator, Kacey Musgraves, and Lana Del Ray. You can camp on site during the festival and hop a free shuttle into nearby Des Moines. If you can鈥檛 make the show, Des Moines still delivers, with 800 miles of trails to explore on foot or bike, including the paved 25-mile , a converted rail-trail with an iconic bridge that鈥檚 lit up at night over the Des Moines River valley. rents bikes.

Pitstop: Black Hills, South Dakota

There鈥檚 tons to see in the Black Hills of South Dakota, including famous highlights like and , as well as lesser known gems like the third longest caves in the world at or the annual buffalo roundup each September in . Grab donuts for the road from , a famed roadside attraction. Stay in a canvas tent among ponderosa pines at (from $179), outside the town of Keystone.

Stretch Your Legs: Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

It鈥檚 not far off I-90 to reach , a geologic monolith with deep roots to indigenous cultures in the northern plains and the country鈥檚 first national monument. Parking and trails can be crowded here, so skip the main lot and hike the 1.5-mile instead鈥攊t鈥檚 less busy and still has good views of the tower.

Pitstop: Bozeman, Montana

Post up at the (from $189) in downtown Bozeman, which has on the property. Stroll Main Street, then take a walk up through Burke Park, a few blocks away, for a nice view of town. It鈥檚 about an hour and 20 minutes drive to reach the north entrance to , known for its geysers and 2.2 million acres of wilderness. If 测辞耻鈥檙别 on the road for music, the in nearby Big Sky takes place in early August.

Pitstop: Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho

Home to Lake Coeur d鈥橝lene as well as dozens of smaller lakes, you鈥檒l want to stop in Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho, for a swim or a paddle. rents kayaks and paddleboards. on the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille has cabins and campsites (from $48), a , and access to 45 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

Must See: The Gorge Amphitheater, Washington听

Music听breaks up the drive, and there鈥檚 no better place to see live music outdoors in this part of the country than the in Quincy, Washington. There鈥檚 on-site camping during shows and an upcoming lineup that includes Billy Strings and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Stretch Your Legs: Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Hike to stunning alpine lakes on Snoqualmie Pass, just an hour outside of Seattle on I-90. You鈥檒l need a $5 to access most of the hikes in this area. The 2-mile follows the Snoqualmie River to a 70-foot waterfall. For a more stout climb, the 8.5-mile roundtrip hike to in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a real gem.

Final Stop: Seattle, Washington

Celebrate the end of an epic journey by watching the sunset over the Olympic Mountains and dipping your toes into Puget Sound from Seattle鈥檚 . Stay in the heart of downtown at the (from $189) and you can browse fresh produce and maker鈥檚 stalls outside your door. The 10-mile paved sits right along the waterfront. Want more live music to cap off your trip? The is downtown Seattle鈥檚 coolest music venue.

The Best National Parks Road Trip: San Francisco, California, to Washington, D.C.

Route: Interstate 80 and Interstate 70

Distance: 2,915 miles

Travel across the heartland of the U.S. on this iconic route along I-80 and I-70, passing through stunning western mountain ranges like California鈥檚 Sierra Nevada, Nevada鈥檚 Ruby Mountains, Utah鈥檚 Wasatch, and Colorado鈥檚 Rockies. You鈥檒l visit the great national parks across southern Utah听and hit cities like Denver, Colorado; Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, and Columbus, Ohio, before landing in the country鈥檚 capital.

Pitstop: Lake Tahoe, California

Depart San Francisco on Interstate 80 heading east, leaving the shores of the Pacific Ocean to begin a steady climb toward the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range.听, in the roadside town of Auburn, has good burgers and homemade pies for the road. Lake Tahoe is your first stop, a short but worthy departure from the highway. Stay at the new听 (from $138), which opens in March, and you鈥檒l be steps from the lake. Rent bikes at听 to pedal the world-class singletrack along the听 or grab a paddleboard from听. Don鈥檛 miss dinner at the newly opened, featuring eclectic dishes and locally-sourced ingredients.

Pitstop: Ruby Mountains, Nevada

听There鈥檚 not much on Interstate 80 as you cross Nevada between Reno and Salt Lake City鈥攅xcept for the Ruby Mountains, which spike straight up from the desert floor of the Great Basin. In the winter,听 offers heli-ski access to 200,000 acres of rugged terrain. In the summer, there鈥檚听. Stay at Ruby Mountain Heli鈥檚听 or one of their two mountainside yurts (from $190).

Must See: Great Basin National Park, Nevada

For a national park detour, consider visiting听, which has one of the darkest skies in the world for stargazing. Near the entrance to the park, the听 make for a great overnight stop and snack resupply station.

Pitstop: Moab, Utah

In Salt Lake City, you鈥檒l say goodbye to Interstate 80 and head south to meet up with Interstate 70, but not before spending time to explore the Mighty Five national parks that made southern Utah famous: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. You could spend weeks here鈥攐r just a couple of days. Be sure to book a self-guided or ranger-led hike in the slot canyons of the in Arches National Park and get a permit to hike the exposed rocky cliffside of in Zion National Park. (from $129) makes for a great base camp, or there鈥檚 .

Stretch Your Legs: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado

Get back on I-70 and make your way into Colorado, where scenic Glenwood Canyon makes for a stunning drive along the Colorado River. The paved parallels the highway for over 16 miles, making for an easy biking or running destination. Afterward, stay for a soak in the . A new 16-suite boutique hotel called Hotel 1888 is opening near the hot springs this summer.

Pitstop: Breckenridge, Colorado

Spend the night at (from $320), which opened in early 2025 at the base of Peak 9 at, home to skiing and snowboarding in the winter and biking and hiking come summer. Stroll the charming Main Street of downtown Breck and don鈥檛 miss a visit to the , a 15-foot-tall wooden art installation now located on the town鈥檚 Trollstigen Trail.

Must See: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

It鈥檚 not exactly on the way, but this adventure clearly detours for national parks, so make the trek north to Rocky Mountain National Park, a quiet, snowy paradise in the winter and a fishing and backpacking mecca in the warmer months. The short hikes to and are popular among families. For experienced mountain travelers, Longs Peak is the park鈥檚 most famous 14er鈥� leads guided treks to the peak. Stay overnight in Denver before you head into the plains: (from $189), the country鈥檚 first carbon positive hotel, opened in Denver鈥檚 Civic Center Park late last year.

Stretch Your Legs: Monument Rocks, Kansas

There鈥檚 a on an 80-foot easel鈥攐ne of three in the world鈥攙isible from the highway in the town of Goodland, Kansas. Then, pull over for 50-foot-high fossil rock outcroppings and limestone spires on the Kansas prairie at , which is on private land that鈥檚 open to the public south of Oakley, Kansas, right off I-70. 国产吃瓜黑料 of Topeka, you can visit the , a former school site that commemorates the historic end of racial segregation in public schools.

Pitstop: St. Louis, Missouri

Next stop on your national park tour? The of St. Louis. You can ride a tram 630 feet to the top of the arch, walk the palatial grounds beneath the architectural wonder, or admire the arch from a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The (from $149) is housed in a historic shoe company building and has a rooftop pool and restaurant overlooking the city. is a public market with a food hall, retail shops, and live music, and don鈥檛 miss brunch amid a plant nursery at the city鈥檚 .

Pitstop: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio听

Ohio has but one national park and it鈥檚 worth the detour to visit: has paddling along the Cuyahoga River, 20 miles of multi-use pathways along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and 125 miles of hiking trails through woodlands and wetlands. There鈥檚 no camping within the national park but has tent camping (from $40) nearby or the (from $200) is within the park and on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Final Stop: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

End your national parks tour of the U.S. with a visit to the . The C&O Canal follows the Potomac River for 184 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C. It makes for a great walk or bike ride. Pitch a tent at one of the free hiker or biker campsites or pull your car up to one of a handful of drive-in sites (from $10). Or you can stay in a (from $175) along the canal.

The History Buff鈥檚 Tour of the U.S.: Los Angeles, California, to Charlottesville, Virginia

Route: Interstate 40

Distance: 2,696 miles

This pilgrimage sticks to one highway only for most of the way: Interstate 40, which starts in the Mojave Desert of California and crosses the southern portion of the U.S., over the Rocky Mountains and through the Great Plains and the Appalachian Mountains. It traverses Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Much of the western route parallels the historic U.S. Route 66, so it feels like a throwback to another era, a perfect journey for those who love learning about our nation鈥檚 past.

Pitstop: Mojave National Preserve, California

听You can watch a drive-in movie, visit a ghost town, or hike through lava tubes in . You can鈥檛 miss a visit to , an hour away, for stellar stargazing, rock climbing, and 300 miles of hiking trails. Stay in an adobe bungalow at the centrally located (from $195), which has an on-site farm, restaurant, and picnic lunches to go.

Stretch Your Legs: Lake Havasu, Arizona

will deliver you a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters of the , once a major tributary on the lower Colorado River and one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest.

Pitstop: Flagstaff, Arizona

Post up at the (from $109) in Flagstaff, Arizona, and then go explore the sights around Flagstaff, including , an hour and a half north. The 3-mile , along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, makes for a mellow stroll. The on Route 66 in Flagstaff used to be a historic taxidermy shop and is now a popular bar for country music and line dancing.

Must See: Meteor Crater National Landmark

Yep, 测辞耻鈥檙别 pulling off the highway to see this: The most preserved meteorite impact site on earth is right off I-40 near Winslow, Arizona. For a $29 admission at the , you can sign up for a guided hike of the crater鈥檚 rim.

Stretch Your Legs: Continental Divide Trail; Grants, New Mexico

听You鈥檙e passing from one side of the Continental Divide to the other: Might as well get out of the car and go for a trail run or hike along the Continental Divide Trail, which crosses Interstate 40 near the town of Grants, New Mexico.

Pitstop: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take a detour off I-40 in Albuquerque to spend a night or two in Santa Fe, the highest elevation capital city in the U.S., which sits at 7,000 feet in the high desert. Splurge on a night at (from $645), a full-service retreat in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos. For art and history buffs, the and the are well worth a visit.

Must See: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

You鈥檝e already seen the actual Grand Canyon, so now it鈥檚 time to see the Grand Canyon of Texas, in , 25 miles outside of Amarillo. The park has camping and cabins, an 800-foot-deep canyon, mountain bike trails, and an outdoor stage where actors perform a Texas musical.

Pitstop: Hot Springs, Arkansas

You鈥檒l come to Hot Springs for the historic bathhouses and modern-day spa resorts. At , you can soak in one of two original bathhouses. Want to learn about some of the country鈥檚 most infamous criminals? , in downtown Hot Springs, has exhibits on Al Capone and Owen Madden. The (from $169) is housed in a centrally located historic building. Don鈥檛 miss: is the only brewery in the world that uses thermal spring water for its beers.

Must See: Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

If 测辞耻鈥檙别 into geologic history, add a visit to Arkansas鈥� , where you can dig for minerals and gems in a 37-acre field on an eroded volcanic crater. (And yes, notable diamonds have been discovered here.)

Pitstop: Nashville, Tennessee

From the music scene to the foodie paradise, you might never want to leave Nashville. Stay in one of eight suites in a 19th century mansion at (from $306), where wood-fired pizzas are served in the backyard. The currently has exhibits on Luke Combs and Rosanne Cash. Go for a walk or run in or take a guided bike tour of the city鈥檚 murals and street art with .

Pitstop: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, you can hike to waterfalls like Mouse Creek Falls or Mingo Falls, fish for brook trout, or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, which is closed to cars on Wednesdays from May through September. The coolest place in the park to sleep? The (from $189), located atop Mount Le Conte and accessible only via foot. Open from March through November, the lodge requires at least a five-mile hike to reach. Bookings for this year are mostly snatched up already, but you can get on the waitlist or plan ahead for next year.

Final Stop: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

Your trip finale comes in the form of ditching Interstate 40 in exchange for a meandering drive along the , a 469-mile stretch through the Appalachian Mountains and one of the most scenic roadways in America. You鈥檒l stop to see Whitewater Falls, the east coast鈥檚 tallest waterfall at 411 feet, and the rugged Linville Gorge Wilderness. Stay nearby at (from $175), which opened in the mountain town of Highlands in 2024 with a supper club and Nordic spa. They鈥檒l also book you outdoor excursions, ranging from rock climbing to fly fishing.

Megan Michelson is an 国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor who loves long drives, even when her two children are whining in the backseat. She has recently written about Airbnb treehouses, the most beautiful long walks in the world, and the 10 vacations that will help you live longer.听

The post Three Epic Cross-Country Road Trips to Start Planning Now appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If a cave dwelling conjures images of primitive camping, you haven鈥檛 seen the Cave at . This 1,500-square-foot rock formation turned modern vacation home 50 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, books out one year in advance. Bold design touches like crystal chandeliers, purple kitchen tiles, a pool table, and floor-to-ceiling walnut bookcases stocked with 500-plus tomes have made it a social media sensation. , a YouTuber who showcases the coolest Airbnbs in the United States, has called it the most unique home he鈥檚 ever been to.

But the highly is just one part of its allure. The other? Its location in Hocking Hills. The Buckeye State may not be nationally known for its natural wonders, but this unsung region in southeast Ohio will surprise you with its massive caves, deep gorges, tumbling waterfalls, and hemlock-shaded forest trails. Word is quietly getting out about the area鈥檚 adventure potential, but when you book the Cave, you never have to worry about crowds. Set on 35 acres, the property has its own network of trails that lead to a creek, waterfalls, and other unique rock formations. Most guests book for the novelty of sleeping in a cave, but return for the private park vibe. Here’s what to know about this super cool vacation stay.

The Backstory: How Dunlap Hollow Cave Came to Be

Ohio native Bryant Gingerich never imagined he鈥檇 be able to make a living from a trio of Airbnbs. Uninspired working as a mechanical engineer, the outdoor enthusiast initially thought a rental property in Hocking Hills, his go-to adventure escape from his home in Columbus, could be a side hustle while he figured out a job transition. 鈥淚 grew up working in construction and building cabins sounded fun to me,鈥� he says.

In 2019, he started casually browsing , a real estate site that specializes in rural properties. Within a week, he came across a 35-acre plot priced at $415,000 in Rockbridge, an unincorporated community minutes from some of Hocking Hills鈥� state parks and preserves. 鈥淚t was everything I dreamed of buying,鈥� he says. With financial help from family and a loan, he and his wife Amy bought the property and named it Dunlap Hollow, as it sits on Dunlap Road and is largely within a ravine, or in Appalachian terms, a hollow.

The mortgage was more than half of his paycheck, so he immediately set to work transforming the property鈥檚 dilapidated 1920s hunting cabin into a charming, one-bedroom rental cottage. In October 2019, after four months of work and an $120,000 investment, he listed it on Airbnb. 鈥淚t became profitable immediately,鈥� he says. 鈥淲ithin the first month or so we were at 85 percent occupancy.鈥� Encouraged, he quit his day job and spent seven months and $320,000 building a three-bedroom, two-bathroom A-frame cabin on the property, which he listed in March 2021.

While wandering the far side of the forested grounds during construction, he stumbled across a huge recess cave hidden behind trees and got the idea to turn it into a third rental.

鈥淗ocking Hills has no shortage of cabin rentals,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 knew a cave home would be something special.鈥� Gingerich drew on his engineering background and constructed it like a slab home, installing solar panels and radiant floor heating. He added floor-to-ceiling windows across the entrance to flood sunlight into even the far reaches of the cave, and four humidifiers that remove 40 gallons of water from the air per day. He sunk $400,000 into the eight-month project, and couldn鈥檛 have fathomed its return on his investment. In two years, it鈥檚 had one vacant night and during the peak summer months, costs $1,200 per night. All three rentals collectively earned $700,000 last year, which after costs, brought him $350,000 in net profits.

Secrets to Rental-Home Success

Gingerich now offers hourly consultations to aspiring rental home owners starting at $450 an hour and also sells his A-frame plans (from $1,950). Here鈥檚 some of his complimentary wisdom if 测辞耻鈥檙别 looking to craft a space to support outdoorsy guests who want to get outside.

• Do something creative that isn鈥檛 mainstream. 鈥淭here were a lot of traditional cabins in Hocking Hills,鈥� Gingerich says. 鈥淚 think what made our business successful was that the area didn鈥檛 have a lot of A-frames and certainly not a cave and we were in an area people wanted to be.鈥�
• Start by listing on high-visibility platforms. 鈥淎irbnb is like free marketing,鈥� he says. Hosts typically pay a three percent听fee, and guests also pay Airbnb a . Gingerich now also offers direct bookings, which save guests around 15 percent in fees, he says.
• Tap into local influencers. Gingerich hosted a Columbus influencer in the A-frame in exchange for promotion and says it grew Dunlap Hollow鈥檚 Instagram following from 3,000 to 30,000 within a month.
• Invest in social media. After completing the Cave, Gingerich hired a content firm that charges $2,500 a month in exchange for their social media expertise and video production that is used in three social posts per week鈥攎ostly on reels鈥攐n Dunlap Hill鈥檚 Instagram account.
• Add a personal touch. Gingerich and his wife pay a cleaning team around $115,000 annually to keep all three properties spic and span. But they devote around a dozen hours per week to the bookings and communications with guests. They鈥檝e created property trail maps and leave recommendations for area activities in every rental and have stocked the pantries with locally sourced goods ranging from bath salts to coffee.

What Guests Love About This Airbnb

Alison Payden of Columbus discovered Dunlap Hollow through social media and was struck by the contrast of the natural rock formation and the contemporary decor. 鈥淚t feels like 测辞耻鈥檙别 staying in a medieval castle,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he interiors are like a work of art filled with beautiful tile work, arched doorways, royal color schemes, and locally sourced antiques.鈥� She and her husband rented the property when summer was in full bloom and in the dead of winter. 鈥淣o matter the season there is so much beauty to soak in everywhere you look,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t is so quiet and secluded, you wouldn鈥檛 even know there are two other homes on the property.

While the Cave is undeniably the star of Dunlap Hollow, the property鈥檚 cottage and A-frame are also in high demand, largely because of its private wilderness setting.

Gingerich estimates that half of Dunlap Hollow鈥檚 guests are from Columbus and are looking for an easy urban-to-nature detox. Kim Poling of Columbus booked the cottage for her 25th wedding anniversary in September 2023 and she and her husband have returned four times since. 鈥淭here is a sign in the cabin that says 鈥楢nd into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul,鈥� and that sums up my experience,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 around an hour from our home, which is a perfect escape from reality. It is so serene. We bring food because once we check in, we don鈥檛 leave.鈥� The couple has navigated the property鈥檚 trails, but mainly they relax, soaking in the outdoor hot tub or sitting by the indoor or outdoor fire. 鈥淢y husband doesn鈥檛 like to spend money but he said the cottage is worth every hard earned penny,鈥� she says.

Repeat past guest Matt Martin of Columbus also rarely leaves the grounds. The property has a 1.2-mile trail network and the 0.8-mile, out-and-back Overlook Trail has trailheads at all three units and leads guests to a scenic overlook with views of the valley below. Over the last decade, the growth of the Central Ohio region combined with the pandemic boom in outdoor activity, has caused a surge in area tourism, says Martin. In the peak months of summer and fall, trails can often feel crowded. 鈥淒unlap Hollow feels like a state park but 测辞耻鈥檙别 on private land,鈥� he says. 鈥淭o have these caves and trails all to yourself is something you just don鈥檛 get from other cabin rentals in the region.鈥�

Martin says the wilderness setting would be a perfect camp site. 鈥淚鈥檝e thought about bringing a tent but the rentals are too nice to resist,鈥� he says.

Local Intel: What to Know About Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills鈥� main gateway towns, Lancaster and Logan, are 25 and 20 minutes away, respectively. Logan has a Kroger and Walmart Supercenter for guests looking to stock up on supplies and stay put.

If you want to venture out, some of Gingerich鈥檚 favorite eateries include in Lancaster and , a restaurant attached to a brewery, wine tasting room, and distillery in Logan.

Cool Outdoor Things to Do at Dunlap Hollow and Nearby

You could easily spend a weekend traversing the trails of Dunlap Hollow, but it鈥檚 well worth mustering the motivation to explore beyond the property. And you don鈥檛 have to go far. Within a ten-mile radius you鈥檒l find hemlock-shaded gorges, plunging waterfalls, dramatic cliffs and caves, trout-stocked lakes, and trail-laced state forests, parks, and nature preserves, all of which are free. Here are some not-to-be missed experiences.

See the Geological Wonders Within Hocking Hills State Park

A 25-plus mile trail network leads to incredible rock formations and cascading falls that transform into frozen wonders each winter. The six-mile, one-way is named for Ohio native 鈥淕randma鈥� Emma Rowena Gatewood, the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail, and overlaps with the 1,400-some mile that encircles the state.

It takes in some of the park鈥檚 most popular features including Old Man鈥檚 Cave, a rock shelter that鈥檚 part of an impressive, waterfall-lined gorge cut through 150-foot thick blackhand sandstone, 50-foot Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave, the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi. The latter has a runoff waterfall that spills 90 feet from one corner of its horseshoe-shaped, 700-foot rim and can also be reached along a half-mile, wheelchair-accessible trail.

Get Off the Ground

Nearly 100 acres of forest land one mile east of Conkles Hollow within Hocking Hills State Forest have been set aside for rock climbing and rappelling. offers a range of experiences, from intro to rock climbing sessions to 120-foot waterfall rappels (both $180 for up to two people).

Outfitter operates from private land located just past Clear Cleek Metro Park Nature Preserve. The owners have routed 35 to 70-plus foot sandstone cliffs with Petzl anchors and climbing clinics (from $94) can be combined with rappelling and ziplining (from $175).

For an adrenaline rush, try the SuperZip created by ($35). This quarter-mile long zipline has users launch head-first from an 85-foot tower. You鈥檒l feel like a superhero soaring up to 50 miles per hour through the forest and over the Hocking River.

Make the Most of Lake Life

Anglers have their pick of lakes to cast from as long as they have a valid ($25 for residents per year, $50.96 for non–residents). Rose Lake, located via a half-mile trail within Hocking Hills State Park, is stocked with trout each spring. The waters of Lake Logan State Park and Lake Hope State Park teem with bass, bluegill, catfish, northern pike, saugeye, and crappie. In winter months, hardy fishermen hunker down to ice fish at all three locations and 400-acre Lake Logan is where locals head to ice skate. In summer, the rents kayaks, paddleboards, and pedalboats (from $14 an hour) and local outfitter runs evening kayak excursions in search of the lake鈥檚 elusive giant beaver ($100 for three hours).

Enjoy a Different Take on Nightlife

Hocking Hills has some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. is open year-round to DIY astrotourists who own telescopes. On Friday and Saturday nights between March and November resident astronomer and star wonk Brad Hoehne hosts entertaining celestial programs using the park鈥檚 high-powered telescope. Programs are free to the public, but complimentary parking passes must be reserved in advance by calling ahead. The 21-acre garden at family-run has more than 60 species of butterflies and 1,094 different moth species. The moth zone hosts Saturday night education programs from June through August, and visitors can witness hundreds of moths and caterpillars glow in the dark ($6).

Jen Murphy is a frequent 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor. She has slept in a cave hotel in Matera, Italy and the cave at Dunlap Hills has inspired her to take her first trip to Ohio. She has recently written about brand-new, gorgeous hotels that’ll satisfy your adventurous side, as well as how to make the most of solo travel, and how to avoid fighting with your partner when you pack for road trips.听

The post This Cave in Ohio Is One of the Nation鈥檚 Most Booked Vacation Homes appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Many of America鈥檚 63 national parks charge an entrance fee, usually $30-$35 per vehicle or $15 if 测辞耻鈥檙别 walking or on a bike. Or you can get an for just $80. The fee covers you for seven days, and the money goes to a good cause: according to the NPS, 80 percent is used within the park, helping to improve trails, campsites, and roads, and 20 percent goes to other park sites. And there are six or so .

You can also have a national-park experience for free another way, by visiting one of the 20 national parks that don鈥檛 charge an entrance fee ever. Come and go as you please without dropping a dime. Many of them are among our least-visited national parks, which means you might have these landscapes to yourself.

These are the 20 national parks that are free to visit every day. If you’re wondering whether these are good ones, they鈥檙e not鈥攖hey鈥檙e great ones.

1. Biscayne National Park, Florida

A coastal park located in south Florida where the mainland transitions to the Keys, Biscayne National Park is a collection of islands, mangroves, coral reefs, and open water that鈥檚 largely inaccessible except by boat. While entering the park doesn鈥檛 cost a thing, if 测辞耻鈥檙别 bringing a boat and want to anchor at certain areas, expect a $25 docking fee on weekends and holidays.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is hot and buggy (with temps in the 90s and mosquitoes), and hurricanes are possible in the fall. Shoot for winter, when temps hover in the mid 70s and the storms and bugs are dormant.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Biscayne Bay is known for its shipwrecks, and the Mandalay, a schooner that sank in the 鈥�60s, is one of the top sites, as the hull sits in shallow enough water to be seen by snorkelers as well as divers. This wreck is part of the which includes five others. Don鈥檛 want to spend your time underwater? Head to Boca Chita Key, also part of the park, a 32-acre island with camping ($25 a night, first-come, first-served), hiking, and a lighthouse. The half-mile trail that circumnavigates the small island leads to its beaches.

2. Channel Islands National Park, California

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five rugged islands in the Pacific Ocean about 30 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. If you ever wondered what Southern California would look like without the development and traffic, this is it. The park is full of remote beaches, steep cliffs, expansive meadows, and pristine forests.

Best Time to Visit: Summer, as the water and air temps are both in the 70s, a little cooler than most of Southern California but still warm, so you can make the most of those beaches scattered throughout the park.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: I hit Channel Islands last summer as part of a seven-day adventure cruise, but the easiest way (compared to arriving via seaplane or private boat) to reach the park is by ferry, with (day trips from $96). Get dropped off on Santa Rosa Island and hike the 12-mile out-and-back to Skunk Point, a prominent peninsula with sand dunes and cliffs jutting into the Pacific. You鈥檒l pass rare Torrey pines, a gnarled-looking, wind-twisted type of tree only found on the Channel Islands and in La Jolla on the mainland, and have copious views of the ocean and island along the way.

Or book a sea-kayaking tour with and paddle to sea caves and gaze at natural rock arches (from $145 per person).

3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

You could say Congaree National Park is a swamp, and you wouldn鈥檛 be wrong, but the word doesn鈥檛 do the place justice. The 26,692-acre Congaree holds the largest intact old-growth bottom-wood forest in the South, boasting trophy-sized loblolly pines and cypress that rise straight from the water. The same forest has one of the tallest canopies in the eastern United States, with an average tree height of more than 100 feet.

Best Time to Visit: Avoid summer because of the sweltering heat and bugs. Winter and spring are fine, but you might as well show up in the fall when the weather is perfect, the rivers are full from seasonal rains, and the hardwoods, like tupelos and sweet gums, are popping with color.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Most of the fun in Congaree is water-based, so bring a canoe or paddle board and slowly make your way through the , a 15-mile marked 鈥減ath鈥� that winds through old-growth cypress. The current is mellow enough to paddle up or downstream, so you don鈥檛 need a shuttle.

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

An oasis of public land sandwiched between the bustling cities of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley holds 33,000 acres of forest and historic farmland surrounding the Cuyahoga River. What the park lacks in towering peaks or grand vistas, it makes up for in waterways, waterfalls, and cultural significance; you can ride your bike beside the Ohio and Erie Canal, which connected the Ohio River with Lake Erie, key to the country鈥檚 western expansion during the early 1800s.

Best Time to Visit: It鈥檚 a four-season park (although winters can be cold and snowy), and I could make an argument for every season. Fall brings bright foliage, and spring is mild and uncrowded, but show up in summer and you can take advantage of the many farmers鈥� markets in and around the park. The Cuyahoga Valley is still a very active agricultural hub of the Midwest.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: You have to bike at least a section of the , a 100-mile crushed-gravel trail that follows the Ohio and Erie Canal. Roughly 20 miles of the Towpath sit inside the park, passing through small towns and meadows full of wildflowers, like trillium and bloodroot, with deer and foxes along the way.

5. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Want remote wilderness? Go to Alaska, then keep heading north into the Brooks Range, and you鈥檒l find Gates of the Arctic, a 13,000-square-mile expanse of mountains and river valleys north of the Arctic Circle. There are no roads in Gates of the Arctic, nor a visitor center or gift shop, nor even established trails. Just herds of caribou, the glow of the northern lights, and several federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers winding through the tundra. 听

Best Time to Visit: Hands down, summer has the warmest temps, as well as rivers that are full from snowmelt and a landscape that comes alive as everything from wildflowers to grizzly bears makes the most of the sunshine. There鈥檚 plenty of that, too; 测辞耻鈥檙别 so far north, you can expect daylight for up to a month at a time in the summer.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Try, if you can, to see this park from the hull of a boat. Consider paddling the Noatak, a sinuous river that鈥檚 carved a broad valley through the Brooks Range. You鈥檇 plan for a 10-day canoe-camping trip, with mostly calm water and a few stretches of class II rapids on the 60-mile section inside the park. You鈥檒l float past meadows full of alpine sunflowers and snow buttercups, fish for arctic char, and keep an eye out for grizzlies, wolves, and Dall sheep ( from $8,900).

6. Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri

Gateway Arch isn鈥檛 like other national parks on this list. It鈥檚 an urban park, located in St. Louis, that was originally set aside to commemorate the cultural significance of our country鈥檚 push westward. It鈥檚 only 91 acres, tucked into the banks of the Mississippi River, and has the 630-foot Gateway Arch as its centerpiece. Fun fact: this is the tallest arch in the U.S. Inside the park are five miles of paved trails for walking and running along the Mississippi.

Best Time to Visit: Show up in fall or spring, when the weather is mild and the crowds are minimal.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Really, ride the tram to the top of the arch. The journey takes you through the structure鈥檚 hollow legs and ends at a viewing platform with a panorama of the Mississippi River and its many bridges below. The only catch? The ride will cost you $19.

7. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

It takes some effort to reach Great Basin National Park, in eastern Nevada roughly 285 miles north of Las Vegas, but once 测辞耻鈥檙别 there, you won鈥檛 need to contend with crowds. Only 140,000 people a year venture to Great Basin, compared to 14 million visitors for Great Smoky Mountains National Park听in 2023. Yet Great Basin has towering 13,000-foot peaks; groves of shimmering aspen as well as old-growth bristlecone pines, which are believed to be the oldest known tree species in the world; and a fascinating system of caves to explore.

Best Time to Visit: Much of the park can be inaccessible during winter, when the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which ascends from 6,700 to 10,180 feet in elevation, is unplowed but open to skiers and snowshoers, and there are various other winter closures. So going between late spring and early fall is your best bet. Late summer will give you the best chance for snow-free trails.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: The cave tours are popular, but I say hike to the top of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, where views of the Great Basin Desert, the only 鈥渃old鈥� desert in America鈥攖he precipitation comes from snow鈥攕tretch in every direction for 100 miles on a clear day. It鈥檚 a 6.1-mile that gains 3,000 feet, much of which is above tree line, so take it slowly if 测辞耻鈥檙别 coming from sea level. Interested in something milder? Hike the 2.7-mile , which brings you to the edges of Teresa and Stella Lakes, both pools surrounded by evergreens.

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

This is the most popular national park in the country, with, as said above, some 14 million visitors annually. Fortunately, there are 500,000 acres of mountains in Great Smoky Mountains National Park听for all those people to explore, with more than 900 miles of trail that access 6,000-foot peaks, pristine trout streams, and historic farming valleys.

Best Time to Visit: There鈥檚 no bad time to hit GSMNP. The foliage goes nuts come fall, winter can bring snow and solitude, and spring is budding with renewed life鈥ut I like summer in the Smokies. Sure, some parts of the park are crowded, but the temperatures are perfect for splashing in the waterfalls and swimming holes.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Most visitors stick to the scenic Newfound Gap Road and its short nature trails, but I recommend hiking the 11-mile out-and-back up to LeConte Lodge, a backcountry inn on top of the 6,000-foot peak of the same name. Some sections of the trail are so exposed you use cables for safety, and you鈥檒l pass through Alum Cave, a rock overhang with a long-range view into the park. If you can鈥檛 score overnight reservations at the lodge, purchase a sack lunch from the kitchen for a picnic in some quiet spot with a view before heading back down to the trailhead.

9. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

An aerial view shows Hot Springs Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs National Park, Garland County, Arkansas, in summer amid the region’s green hills. Video courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Forget rugged cliffs or backcountry lakes. Hot Springs National Park protects a small town that was built on top of thermal springs that attracted travelers for centuries before the area ever became a national park. Today, you鈥檒l find two brick bathhouses for soaking your weary muscles and public fountains where you can fill a jug with natural spring water for drinking.

Best Time to Visit: The weather in the park is generally mild, so it鈥檚 a popular destination year round, but winter feels like the right time to sit in a tub of hot water.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Can relaxing be an adventure? Who cares? When in Hot Springs National Park, you sit in hot water. The Buckstaff Bathhouse has small private tubs, while the has a series of larger, Roman-style pools for group bathing as well. A man-made steam cave captures the radiant heat from the 143-degree water (from $25 per person). You can also hike the trails here and are welcome to bike on any of the paved roads and the Pullman Trail.

10.听 Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Katmai National Park is surely best known for its live bear cams, where you can watch massive brown bears fish for salmon from the comfort of your office chair. But this 4-million-acre park in Southern Alaska is more than just an internet sensation; it鈥檚 a playground of lakes, rivers, and mountains, with an active volcano.

Best Time to Visit: Show up in July when the temps approach 70, and the brown bears are actively hunting for fish.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Try to get a campsite or lodge room at the float-plane accessible (make reservations starting January 5, $18 per campsite per night) on the edge of Naknek Lake, and hike the 1.2-mile out and back to Brooks Falls, where the park鈥檚 most popular bear cam catches grizzlies poking around the water for salmon. Don鈥檛 worry, the hike ends at an overlook a safe distance from the action.

11. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

The heart of Kenai Fjords is the Harding Icefield, a 700-square-mile sheet of ice that has shaped Alaska鈥檚 Kenai Peninsula by leaving glaciers and carving fjords. Visitors to the park have 600,000 acres of fjords to paddle, many trails to hike, and innumerable icy crevices to explore, with 听options available.

Best Time to Visit: Technically, Kenai Fjords is open year round, but winters are cold and snowy, and the only way into the park is by fat bike, XC skis, or dogsled. Show up from June through August and the trails are open to hikers, the roads are clear, and wildlife is most visible, as animals actively look for food.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: This is your chance to explore a glacier in all its shrinking glory. A paved road leads to the edge of Exit Glacier, which forms the tail end of the Harding Icefield. From here a system of trails explores the valley carved by the glacier, offering a variety of views. Hike the 8.2-mile out-and-back , a strenuous climb through cottonwood forests and meadows, then above a tree line ridge that stops at the edge of the massive expanse of ice.

12. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

Kobuk Valley is one of the least-visited units of the national-park system (just over 17,000 people made the trip in 2023), but that鈥檚 more a reflection of the park鈥檚 location north of the Arctic Circle than its landscape, which is a mix of rivers and sand dunes that are populated by a hell of a lot of caribou traveling along the Kobuk River. No roads lead into Kobuk Valley, so most visitors arrive via . The other option would be a very long paddle in.

Best Time to Visit: Shoot for June or July, when you鈥檒l enjoy nearly 24 hours of light every day, blooming wildflowers like the herbaceous locoweed, and temperatures in the mid 60s. Or show up in August when the caribou begin their migration through the park.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: With no established trails or campgrounds inside the park, you need to be self-sufficient. Most people show up to camp in the 25-square-mile Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, or paddle and fish for salmon and whitefish along the 61 miles of the Kobuk River within the park鈥檚 borders. Either way, keep an eye out for caribou, which look like lean reindeer.

13. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Much like Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark has no roads leading into the park and is typically accessed by small plane. But make the effort and you鈥檒l see 4 million acres of quintessential Alaskan terrain with 10,000-foot peaks, backcountry lakes, glaciers, and wild rivers, all about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Best Time to Visit: It鈥檚 Alaska, so summer will give you the longest days and warmest weather of the year. The brown bears are active too, filling up on salmon running up the rivers, so it can be a once-in-a-lifetime thrill seeing them (from a safe distance).

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Catch a to Crescent Lake and spend your time on a boat, fishing for sockeye salmon, which fill the lake in July during their annual migration, or lake trout. Bring your binoculars too, as the lake is a hub for brown-bear activity during the summer.

14. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Most national parks wow you with what鈥檚 above ground, but Mammoth Cave鈥檚 secret sauce lies beneath the dirt; the park protects the largest cave system in the world, with more than 400 miles of mapped passages.

Best Time to Visit: Mammoth might be the truest year-round park in the system, as the temperature in the caves is a consistent 54 degrees through every season. But visit in the fall and the hardwoods above ground are bursting with color.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: The landscape offers plenty to do above ground, from paddling the Green River to mountain biking the park鈥檚 20 miles of singletrack, but 测辞耻鈥檙别 here for the caves. The Historic Cave Tour is the classic introduction, a two-hour guided adventure that hits the biggest rooms and tight channels alike ($24 per person). Or if 测辞耻鈥檙别 feeling adventurous, sign up for a Wild Cave Tour and crawl through tight passages that lead to lesser-seen rooms over 5.5 miles of exploration ($79 per person).

15. National Park of American Samoa

Looking for something remote and tropical? American Samoa is a collection of seven islands located 2,600 miles south of Hawaii. National Park of American Samoa protects pieces of four of those islands, boasting tropical rainforests, steep peaks, remote beaches, and access to the surrounding ocean and coral reefs.

Best Time to Visit: It鈥檚 warm year round in American Samoa, but winter can be rainy. The dry season runs from June to September, offering the best chances of good weather for hiking and clear water for snorkeling.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Tutuila, the largest island of Samoa, is loaded with hiking trails that lead through rainforests to dramatic viewpoints over the coast. If I ever get to go, I鈥檓 visiting Ofu Island, which has a remote shoreline with pink sand that has been called the most beautiful beach in the world. The is amazing too, as the water is clear, the coral reefs are close to shore and packed with colorful fish, and the area hosts more than 950 species of fish.

16. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park packs an adventurous punch in its svelte 73,000 acres, protecting 53 miles of the class IV New River and the steep, rocky gorge around it. Rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting鈥ou can do it all inside this relatively small park.

Best Time to Visit: Summer brings the warmest weather for rafting, but if 测辞耻鈥檙别 looking to climb, show up in the fall when the humidity dissipates, temps drop, and the leaves pop.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: It鈥檚 hard to pick just one here, but rafting the New has to top the list. The river drops 750 feet inside the park鈥檚 boundaries, unraveling in a series of III-IV wave trains, drops, and big pillows. A number of outfitters , from half-day milder water options to two-day overnight adventures.

17. North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades might be close enough to Seattle for a day trip, but this landscape is a world removed from the bustling city, with high alpine terrain full of evergreen forests, craggy peaks, backcountry lakes, and more than 300 glaciers鈥搕he largest collection in any park outside of Alaska.

Best Time to Visit: Late June to late September has the most user-friendly weather and the best chances for snow-free trails.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Take on , a steep 9.4-mile hike from the edge of Ross Lake that passes through meadows toward sweeping views from a historic lookout tower that Jack Kerouac once lived in while working as a fire scout. On the horizon are the craggy, fin-like Hozomeen Peak and a portion of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

18. Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands

Protecting two-thirds of the island of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park is packed with beaches, lush mountains, and tropical rainforests. Visitors will split their time between water activities, lounging on beaches, and hiking through the hills.

Best Time to Visit: Summer can be hot and rainy and fall brings hurricanes, but winter in the Virgin Islands is delightful, with temps in the 80s and minimal rainfall.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Explore Salomon and Honeymoon Bay, dueling white-sand beaches separated by a rocky point. Snorkelers have colonies of coral reefs teeming with tropical fish to explore. Or go for a swim in Brown Bay, from a beach that鈥檚 only accessible by boat or a 1.5-mile hike on Brown Bay Trail.

19. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Situated on the Canadian border in Northern Minnesota, the 218,055-acre Voyageurs National Park is known for its series of lakes interconnected by 60 miles of canoe trails. Moose and wolves thrive inside the park, which is also a good spot for seeing the northern lights.

Best Time to Visit: Visitor centers and tour operators open in June and the lakes are busiest in the summer, but September brings changing colors and fewer crowds. The season ends quickly, though, and October can feel more like winter than fall.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: People visit Voyageurs to canoe and fish the lakes for walleye and northern pike. The larger lakes can be busy with motorboat traffic, but the smaller interior lakes are linked by a series of marked canoe trails and backcountry campsites. Paddle the 13-mile Chain of Lakes trail, which traverses four small lakes on the Kabetogama Peninsula via small creeks and short portages. Each lake has a campsite, and the park service stages boats for use by those with camping .

20. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

One of the oldest national parks in our system, established in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt, the 33,000-acre Wind Cave protects a landscape in transition, where the Great Plains give way to the Black Hills. Above ground, the park boasts broad swaths of grassland occupied by herds of bison and elk, but underneath that bounty of wildlife are 143 miles of mapped cave passages.

Best time to Visit: Summer is hot and thunderstorms with hail are common, while winter brings snow and sub-freezing temps. Hit Wind Cave in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for mild weather and to see active wildlife.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: The only way to explore the caves is on a . The Natural Entrance tour is a good family-friendly option, as visitors experience the winding opening of the cave system before exploring some of the larger interior passages, known for walls that look like honeycombs. If you want more of an adventure, sign up for the Wild Cave tour, which will have you crawling through smaller, undeveloped passages deep down in the system ($17 per person).

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national-parks columnist. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he is fortunate enough to live within a few hours of three free national parks. He recently wrote about the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, his favorite mountain town, and the national park he chose as the most adventurous.

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If you grew up on any one of the Great Lakes, like I did, you may have heard of the sea lamprey鈥攁 vampiric creature that literally sucks the life out of a lake trout. As a kid, I thought they were a myth, a horror story that parents liked to tell kids on fishing trips. I wasn鈥檛 aware of the havoc this parasitic fish wrought on the entire region when it first wiggled its way from the Atlantic Ocean into the largest freshwater ecosystem on earth.

A new documentary, The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery, unpacks the ecological crisis created by the lamprey, and the extraordinary effort to contain it. 鈥淭he sea lamprey is what put invasive species on the map in the Great Lakes,鈥� says director Lindsey Haskin. 鈥淔or many people, it was the first time they become aware of the scale of damage that鈥檚 possible.鈥�

The Great Lakes鈥擮ntario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior鈥攕traddle the border between Canada and the U.S. Five million people fish them every year, reeling in tasty catches like yellow perch and walleye, and even coho salmon, which was introduced for sport fishing in the late 1960s. Recreational and commercial fishing in the Great Lakes region is a $7 billion industry. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, on the shore of Lake Erie, my earliest outdoor memory is fishing with my dad from the Neff Road breakwall.

Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons narrates The Fish Thief. Simmons describes how sea lampreys worked their way into the Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway to Lake Ontario. For most of history, Niagara Falls prevented them from spreading any further.

That changed in the early 1900s, with improvements to the Welland Canal, which bypasses Niagara Falls to create a shipping channel between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The first sea lamprey was found in Lake Erie in 1921. By 1938, sea lampreys had infiltrated the rest of the lakes, all the way to the farthest corners of Lake Superior.

Sea lampreys resemble eels with their long tubular shape. But their mouths are unmistakable: a suction cup lined with concentric circles of fangs, spiraling down to a toothed tongue. They latch onto other fish, create a wound with their razor-sharp teeth and tongue, and suck out blood and other fluids.

In the Atlantic Ocean, where sea lampreys have lived for more than 340 million years, they are mere parasites, attaching themselves most often to sharks and other sea mammals. But in the Great Lakes, very few fish are large enough to escape unscathed from a sea lamprey encounter. By the 1940s, the blood-suckers were killing their hosts鈥攍ake trout, lake whitefish, and ciscoes鈥攊n droves.

The region鈥檚 fishing industry began to collapse in the 1950s, paralyzing towns and Indigenous communities on every shoreline. By 1960, the annual Great Lakes catch, once around 15 million pounds of fish, had plummeted by 98 percent to a mere 300,000 pounds.

The Fish Thief, which has won awards on the environmental film festival circuit in North America and Europe, is the first to tell the story of the lamprey in its entirety, from the initial mystery of droves of dead fish, to the resulting ecological crisis, to the efforts to find a solution. It was eight years in the making.

Haskin, who grew up in the region, near Detroit, says they filmed in a variety of regions, 鈥渇rom the far east extremes of Lake Ontario all the way to Duluth, Minnesota, and down to Chicago.鈥�

What stood out most for Haskin about the project was the tenacity of the people involved devising a solution to the lakes鈥� ecological collapse. 鈥淭he original title for the film was Relentless, which applied to the sea lamprey, but also to the people that did battle with it,鈥� Haskin says. 鈥淭heir original ideas failed, but they just stuck to it and kept going and kept going and kept going and eventually found a solution that has been workable for almost 70 years now.鈥�

Part of the challenge was the cross-border cooperation required to study, test, and, eventually, implement processes to bring the ecosystem back into balance. It required federal government oversight, which most of the fishing industry, and many of the states and provinces bordering the Great Lakes, were hesitant at first to enlist. But eventually, they ran out of options. There was nothing left to do but trust that the government (and science) could find a solution. In 1955, the U.S. and Canada formed the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the first joint agency of its kind.

The commission confirmed that it was impossible to eradicate sea lampreys from the Great Lakes. But scientists could greatly reduce the invasive species鈥� numbers by attacking them during their larval stage, when they live as filter-feeders in lake tributaries. Some 6,000 compounds were tested to find the best 鈥渓ampricide,鈥� a pesticide capable of destroying lamprey larvae without significantly impacting other organisms, or causing long-term damage to the ecosystem.

Administering the pesticide to larvae in tributaries, as well as using barriers and traps to prohibit full-grown sea lampreys from making it out of the tributaries into the Great Lakes, cut the 鈥渧ampire fish鈥� population by 90 percent. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has been working to keep sea lampreys at that benign level ever since.

The sea monster of my youth is real. The next time someone from back home brings up sea lampreys, I鈥檓 going to have a whole lot more to add to the story.

The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery is set to release on January 31, 2025 in the U.S. and Canada, where it will be available to stream, download, or rent on platforms including Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google/YouTube, and Tubi.

The post 鈥楾he Fish Thief鈥� Explores a Crisis in the Great Lakes Caused by the Sea Lamprey appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The big ones you already know: Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, Yosemite. All of these national parks have well-documented fall-foliage displays. They鈥檙e stunning, but the crowds can be stunning, too.

So, let鈥檚 spread the love. Here are nine national parks that have managed to fly under the leaf-peeping radar while boasting an autumn display that rivals that of the big hitters.

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is named for the 鈥渃rooked river,鈥� as it was known by the Lenape, the indigenous tribe that called the area home in the 1600s and 1700s. It may be the most amazing park you鈥檝e never seen. Does it have towering peaks? No. But it protects a lush river valley between Cleveland and Akron that is loaded with waterfalls, mossy cliffs, historical sites, and a hardwood forest that absolutely pops come fall.

It’s also a comeback story I celebrate. In the mid-1900s, the Cuyahoga River was a cautionary tale, actually catching fire at least a dozen times from pollution. The last such fire, in 1969, was so devastating it sparked creation the next year of the first Earth Day and the Environmental Protection Agency. Today that once-abused waterway is part of a flourishing national park of over 33,000 acres of river valley, wetlands, farmland, and rolling hills.

Peak Color: Show up in the middle of October. You can expect the sugar and red maples to turn first, with displays of red, yellow, and orange, while the white oaks follow, turning a deep, rich brown. Bonus: in early October, the New England aster wildflower blooms purple along the towpath trail, where in the 1800s mules pulled boats up and down the Erie Canal.

The Best Way to See Foliage: , a 100-mile crushed-gravel trail that once carried goods and passengers between Lake Erie and the Eastern U.S., is now the playground of hikers, runners, and cyclists. Twenty miles of the towpath, between the Lock 39 and Botzum trailheads, reside inside the national park. Ride this section and you鈥檒l pass through small towns and Beaver Marsh, a hotspot of wildlife viewing.

You can purchase a on the scenic railway to go out and return by bike on a 13-mile stretch of the towpath between the Akron North station and Peninsula Depot through October ($5 per person). has bike rentals (from $60 a day).

There are 125 miles of trail in Cuyahoga, but the 2.5-mile loop is a must-hike, as it follows a tall band of sandstone cliffs covered in moss. You鈥檒l have the chance to scramble 听up and over boulders, but the trail also puts you deep into a forest alive with color. Look for the yellows of hazelnut trees.

2. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, a volcano adorned with white glaciers, is the obvious focal point of this 236,000-acre national park. While every season offers a different reason to visit, I鈥檇 argue that fall is the best, or at least the most colorful. And it has nothing to do with the trees.

Sure, the deciduous forests change in September, but most of the color in Rainier comes from the shrubs and ground cover that blanket the vast meadows surrounding that famous three-summited mountain amid 26 glaciers. Mount Rainier is full of elderberry and huckleberry bushes, as well as vine maples, all of which turn different shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn.

Peak Color: Aim for the beginning of October, as snow begins to descend on the park towards the end of the month.

The Best Way to See Foliage: Hike the around Reflection Lake, which is famous for holding the mirror image of Mount Rainier on calm, clear days. The two main tarns on this trail are flanked by subalpine meadows with a variety of shrubs and wildflowers that change colors in the fall. You鈥檒l also see some mountain ash turning yellow within the dense evergreen forest on the edge of the water.

For bigger views and an abundance of color, the 5.5-mile has long-range vistas of the area鈥檚 most famous volcanoes, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams, while also passing through expansive stretches of huckleberry and vine maple, which are turning red and orange.

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

I know what 测辞耻鈥檙别 thinking: West Texas is the desert, man. No trees. While it鈥檚 true that Guadalupe Mountains National Park occupies 86,000 acres of dusty, high-desert terrain best known for cactus and towering buttes, the place is also home to forests of deciduous trees that undergo the same transformation as the better-known hardwood forests of the East and Midwest.

The higher elevations in the park receive twice as much rain as the desert floor, creating a more diverse habitat that includes oaks, maples, and ash trees as well as a few aspens, all mixed in with ponderosa pines and Douglas firs.

Fall foliage is easy to find in a place like Vermont, where trees are literally everywhere, but you鈥檒l have to work for it in Guadalupe Mountains; every foliage focal point requires at least a short hike, but the effort is part of the appeal as you move through dusty canyons into high alpine forests.

Peak Color: Fall comes surprisingly late in Guadalupe Mountains, with trees starting to change in mid October and hitting their peak towards the end of the month. The first week of November can also deliver bright hues.

The Best Way to See Foliage: Hike the 15.2-mile out-and-back (or a shorter variation) which has the greatest concentration of fall color in the entire park. The trail follows the canyon floor, tracing the edge of a small, clear creek for four miles before steepening to climb up and out of the canyon to McKittrick Ridge. You鈥檒l gain 2,700 feet of elevation, most of which comes during that two-mile rise.

Make it to the dense forest of Pratt Canyon, 4.7 miles in, or hike all the way to McKittrick Ridge and a view of the canyon in its entirety, as it splays out in a mix of fall color and tan desert floor.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion can hardly be considered an 鈥渦nderrated鈥� park (as opposed to being one of the lesser-visited national parks, it was the third-most-so in 2023, with 4,623,238 visits), but the element of surprise is that few people think of this desert oasis as a hotbed of fall color. It is. I鈥檝e visited the park in the spring and summer on a number of occasions, and really want to see it 听during fall, when the oaks and maples scattered throughout various canyons turn shades of orange and red.

The Virgin River, which runs through Zion鈥檚 entrance and carves the iconic canyon at the heart of the park, is surrounded by cottonwoods that turn bright yellow. The crowds are typically thinner, too, as the summer-rush people are back to school and work.

Peak Color: Trees at higher elevations will start turning in September, but the best color in the park goes from late October into early November.

The Best Way to See Foliage: You鈥檒l spot the cottonwoods along the Virgin River as you enter the park, but for a bird鈥檚-eye view of the foliage, hike the mile-long on the east side of Zion, which traverses a relatively flat expanse of sandstone to an outcropping with an all-encompassing view. From your lofty perch, the main arm of Zion Canyon looks as if it鈥檚 carpeted by yellow cottonwoods.

5. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

I鈥檓 embarrassed to admit that I鈥檝e never explored Congaree National Park, even though it鈥檚 only a few hours from my home, in Asheville, North Carolina. But I need to rectify the omission, because by all accounts, Congaree is a one-of-a-kind landscape that is home to some of the most impressive trees in the country. The national park protects the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast, with stands of 500-year-old bald cypress trees, loblolly pines that stretch 165 feet in the air, and towering elm, oaks, tupelos, and sweet gums.

In the fall, most of those massive old trees put on a show, with the tupelos turning red and gold and oaks deepening into reds. Even the bald cypress get in on the action. The species is best known for its knobby 鈥渒nees,鈥� roots that rise above the dark water of Congaree鈥檚 Cedar Creek, but these giant trees are deciduous conifers with leaves that turn cinnamon and orange.

The park is small, just 26,000 acres, and best explored by canoe or paddleboard, as the Congaree and Water rivers merge here to create an extensive floodplain that dominates the terrain.

Peak Color: Fall hits late, beginning at about the end of October and running into November. This also happens to be the best time to visit Congaree, as temps are mild (up to the 70s), bugs scarce, and the water levels ideal for paddling.

The Best Way to See Foliage: Explore the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail from Bannister鈥檚 Bridge to the Congaree River. The current is essentially non-existent, so you can choose your own out-and-back adventure. If you want to go with a local, runs guided trips into Congaree ($100 per person). And while 测辞耻鈥檙别 here for the trees and color, keep an eye out for otters, turtles, and the occasional gator in the water too. Congaree is also a hotbed of woodpecker activity, with all eight southern species found in the park.

6. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Named for the French-Canadian fur traders that used to travel through the area in birchbark canoes, the 218,000-acre Voyageurs National Park is comprised mostly of lakes: four big ones鈥擱ainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sandy Point鈥攁nd 26 small ones. There are also 500 islands and 650 miles of shoreline ripe with fall color in September, as stands of aspen, basswood, oaks, maples, and birch trees shake up the green forest palate of spruce and fir. I like the idea of paddling a canoe surrounded by a forest canopy ablaze in red and orange.

Voyageurs is situated against the Canadian border at a high enough latitude for visitors occasionally to glimpse the aurora borealis. Your chances of seeing these mystical northern lights increases in the fall as nights grow longer and darker. The University of Alaska operates a service that the activity of the lights up to a month in advance.

Voyageurs is also an International Dark Sky Certified Park, so whether or not you can see the northern lights, clear nights reveal a cornucopia of stars above.

Peak Color: Aspens and birch trees begin to turn yellow in the middle of September, and the oaks and maples follow with reds and oranges as we move into October. Aim for the end of September or beginning of October for the most color. Keep in mind that while the park is open year round, the Rainy Lake Visitor Center is the only visitor center operating into October. The other two close at the end of September.

The Best Way to See Foliage: For a quick immersion in fall color, hike the 1.7-mile , which starts at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and loops through a hardwood forest on mostly flat trail via double track and skinny boardwalk over marshy sections. You鈥檒l also get views of marsh grass shimmering in the wind leading to Rainy Lake itself. If you want to go out on the water, the park service runs a 2.5-hour , which cruises the island-studded Rainy Lake seeking out wildlife and delivering postcard-worthy views ($50 per adult).

7. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska

In a state that鈥檚 absolutely crammed with dramatic public landscapes, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve often gets overlooked. Its neighbor Katmai National Park, after all, is home to the cutest bears on the internet. But Lake Clark has much splendor of its own, from sheer granite-walled peaks to ice-blue glaciers and wildlife worthy of any safari. (Grizzlies! Moose! Caribou! Otters!)

Lake Clark is located just 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, but relative to other national parks, gets a scant 200,000 visitors a year. Credit the lack of roads; the only way to access the park is via aircraft or boat.

Peak Color: Fall is by far the best time to visit Lake Clark, and by fall, I mean September, as the snow typically begins in October here. Hit the park during the three- to four-week window, and you鈥檒l see groves of birch trees turning gold amid their conifer neighbors, as lakeside lowland shrubs go orange and red. Fall is also berry season (look for cranberries and blueberries), and bears are particularly active, foraging for food in anticipation of hibernating through winter.

Lake Clark itself is 42 miles long and five miles wide. The tiny Port Alsworth (pop: 130) sits on the east side of the lake, serving as the gateway town to the park, and has its only visitor center. The National Park Service maintains of air taxis with permits to fly into the park if you want to venture deeper into the terrain.

The Best Way to See Foliage: Maintained day-hike trails are scarce in Lake Clark, but the four-mile out-and-back offers convenient access and a bevy of fall color. The hike begins on the edge of Port Alsworth and passes through stands of birch trees to Tanalian Falls, a 30-foot beauty that drops over lava rock, all surrounded by spruce and birch forest. Turn this hike into a loop by taking the Beaver Pond Trail back to the trailhead, hitting more golden-hued birches as you meander past a small beaver pond.

8. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

I鈥檓 convinced Theodore Roosevelt National Park would be more appreciated if it were located closer to larger cities. The Dakotas are among the most interesting states in the Midwest, and this park is a highlight. The 70,000-acre park protects a landscape in transition, where the great plains meet the canyons of the badlands. It鈥檚 divided into three sections鈥擲outh Unit, Elkhorn Ranch Unit, and the North Unit鈥攕titched together by the Little Missouri River.

The North Unit has the deepest canyons and most remote trails, the Elkhorn Ranch Unit preserves Teddy Roosevelt鈥檚 hunting cabin, and the South Unit blends broad, grassy plains with wide river gorges. You鈥檒l find beautiful foliage throughout the park, as the Little Missouri River is shrouded in a cottonwood forest. You鈥檙e also almost guaranteed to see some epic wildlife, too; big species like feral horses, elk, and bison roam free.

Peak Color: Shoot for mid-September to mid-October for the most vibrant colors. Trees in the North Unit tend to shift earlier, while the South Unit pulls up the rear in the middle of October.

The Best Way to See Foliage: Is it lame to recommend a scenic drive? Not when it鈥檚 the 28-mile Scenic Drive in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The byway rambles through grassland and the tan-colored badlands, with pullouts that feature views of rock outcroppings and canyons and the Missouri River aglow with cottonwoods. Stretch your legs on the Achenbach Trail, a 2.4-mile out and back that leads through grassland (keep an eye out for bison) and ends at an overlook that takes in a bend in the Little Missouri.

9. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Way out in eastern Nevada, close to Utah, Great Basin National Park protects 77,180 acres of scrubby desert, caves, and imposing peaks. It鈥檚 not the most obvious fall-foliage destination, but a legit one, and you鈥檒l likely have it all to yourself: Great Basin only gets 140,000 visitors per year. Rest assured, that low attendance is strictly a factor of location (Great Basin is far from everything), because the landscape is destination-worthy, from the craggy 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak to the underground world of Lehman Cave. As for foliage, picture groves of aspens turning shining gold.

Peak Color: Great Basin is a higher-elevation park, so aspens begin to turn in the middle of September and are typically done by mid-October.

The Best Way to See Foliage: Cruise the 12-mile long Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which gains 4,000 feet from the park entrance to the flank of the mountain it is named for. The way passes through a variety of different habitats, from sagebrush to evergreen conifers, and by the 10,000 feet, you鈥檒l drive through so many colorful aspens you鈥檇 almost think 测辞耻鈥檙别 in the Rocky Mountains. At the end of the scenic drive, hike the 6.4-mile , which passes through a high-elevation meadow and delivers you into a dense grove of the aspens.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He lives in the Southern Appalachians, a hotbed of leaf-peeping activity. Fall is his favorite season for bike rides and trail runs, largely because of the technicolor backdrop in his backyard.听

For more by this author:

9 Beautiful Mountain Towns in the Southeast

The 10 Best Bike Towns in America, Ranked

8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture

The post 9 Most Underrated National Parks for Incredible Fall Foliage appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Our national parks are awe-inspiring and family-friendly destinations. That said, some are cheaper to get to and stay in or near than others. I know: from 2020 to 2023, I visited all 63 U.S. national parks as a columnist for 国产吃瓜黑料, in a van and on a shoestring budget. Then I wrote a book about it, called .

To come up with a list of the most affordable parks, I looked at the primary costs that go into a national park trip鈥攏amely proximity to a major airport, transportation and accommodation, and the top activities there. The results reflect the cost of lodging for three nights for an average-priced hotel room or Airbnb in May; park entrance fees and other ancillary fees included in my suggested itinerary; and a rental car for four days. I have not factored in airfare, food, and gas, which will vary pending where you’re based and h how much you dine out and drive.

These are the 10 most affordable parks to visit based on my research.

1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Approximate total cost: From $204

• Average car rental for four days: $166
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $30 /听$363
• Park entrance fee: Free
• Lehman Caves tour: $8

How I鈥檇 do it: The nearest airport鈥擟edar City, Utah鈥攊s 142 miles away, so gas will likely be your main expense when visiting Great Basin. If 测辞耻鈥檙别 camping, try to snag a coveted free site at ; otherwise, post up in Ely, 55 miles west, which has more hotel and food options than tiny Baker, just outside the park gates.

Spend your first day admiring the 3,000-year-old trees on the Bristlecone Trail and picnicking near the , which is offering first-come, first-served sites for the rest of 2024 ($20).

On day two, reserve tickets for a tour of the (from $8 per adult and $4 per child) and learn about the region鈥檚 rich Native history at the (free).

Make day three all about big-mile hikes, either summiting 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak (the second-highest in Nevada) or traversing fragrant sagebrush slopes on a ten-mile round-trip up to shimmering . Fuel your post-hike hunger at in Baker.

Best Time to Visit: June through September

2. Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada

Approximate total cost: From $235

• Average car rental for four days: $157
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $48 /听$297
• Park entrance fee: $30

How I鈥檇 do it: Most commercial flights in this region go to Las Vegas. From there it鈥檚 a 125-mile drive north to the Wild West town of Beatty, which is funky and close to noteworthy ghost towns, like Rhyolite. Camping is available inside the park and options range from free primitive sites to the full-service (from $30).

Your first day in the park, check out the narrow, multicolored Mosaic Canyon on foot. During the cooler early-evening hours, take in the sunset hues while hiking or boogie-boarding at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (don鈥檛 forget your snowboard or boogie board, which Reddit readers have reported using on these slopes).

The next day, wake while it鈥檚 still dark so you can snap some sunrise pics at Zabriskie Point, then move on to marvel at the bizarre geological formations along Badwater Road, stopping at Devil鈥檚 Golf Course, Artists Palette, Golden Canyon, and Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America) along the way.

If 测辞耻鈥檙别 a peak bagger, you could spend your third day summiting 11,049-foot Telescope Peak, but for anyone less ambitious, I鈥檇 recommend a stroll around both and the free next door. Reminisce that night over a pint and a pizza at Beatty鈥檚 Sourdough Saloon.

Best Time to Visit: November through April

3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Approximate total cost: From $244

• Average car rental for four days: $139
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $60 / $492
• Park entrance fee: $25
• Board rental: $20 per day

How I鈥檇 do it: A visit to Great Sand Dunes is really a visit to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost Rockies. You could fly into Denver and drive the 250 miles south, but flights into Alamosa, just 30 miles from the park, are relatively affordable.

Book a hotel or an Airbnb in quaint Crestone (or book a inside the park), rent a sand board at (four miles from the park entrance), then drive into the park and spend your first day amid the massive dune field鈥攖he tallest in North America鈥攎aking a point to top out on the and surf down the steep slopes. Afterwards, cool off in Medano Creek if the water is flowing steadily.

Day two, explore the woodlands and admire the incredible views of the imposing peaks along the 7.5-mile .

For your final full day, I鈥檇 opt for a visit to or a challenging hike to .

Best Time to Visit: May through October

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Approximate total cost: From $246

• Average car rental for four days: $147
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $66 / $360
• Park entrance fee: Free
• Bike rental: From $15
• Railroad tour: From $18

How I鈥檇 do it: Look for an affordable vacation rental in Akron, which is 38 miles south of Cleveland and slightly closer to this 33,000-acre park鈥檚 top sites. Or check out ($22 for anyone not from the town of Stow), 15 minutes from the park.

Spend your first day trekking from the 19th-century Stanford House to the roaring Brandywine Falls, a 4.8-mile meander (see the Gaia GPS map of this route below). Before the sun sets, make your way to viewpoints along the .

Learn more about the Cuyahoga鈥檚 history of locks and canals on day two by renting a bicycle from and spinning your wheels along a stretch of the riverside Towpath Trail.

Take a chill pill on your last day and ride the from Akron to Peninsula, with the option of an elegant multi-course meal aboard a vintage car. Visiting in October? Good choice; that鈥檚 when a Technicolor display of epic fall foliage is everywhere you look.

Best Time to Visit: April through June and September through October

5. Carlsbad Caverns + Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, New Mexico and Texas

Approximate total cost: From $255

• Average car rental for four days: $150
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $60 / $441
• Park entrance fees: $15 and $10, respectively
• Lower Cave tour: $20

How I鈥檇 do it: Hit two national parks in one trip, flying into El Paso, Texas, and then basing yourself in the affordable hamlet of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Both Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains are economical parks and amazing in their own way, and the latter is home to an excellent .

Book a and spend your first day strolling Carlsbad, heading into its depths via its natural entrance (as opposed to an elevator down from the visitor center). If 测辞耻鈥檙别 visiting late May through October, stay after hours and take advantage of the free , led by a park ranger; this blew my mind as a nine-year-old.

Wake up early the next day, drive to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and summit the 鈥淭op of Texas鈥� on an 4.1-mile ascent of for jaw-dropping views of the vast Chihuahuan Desert.

Take it easy on day three and return to Carlsbad Caverns for the three-hour, ranger-guided Lower Cave tour ($20 per adult and $10 per child).

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November

6. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Approximate total cost: From $262

• Average car rental for four days: $172
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $60 / $465
• Park entrance fee: $30

How I鈥檇 do it: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then plan to stay in Tacoma, an hour north of the park. Though it鈥檚 not as woodsy as Rainier鈥檚 gateway town of Ashford, Tacoma has loads of affordable motels and vacation rentals for park-goers who鈥檇 rather not in the wet Washington weather.

If you鈥檝e secured a timed-entry permit, spend your first day exploring the iconic of the park, hiking to the perfect photo op at Myrtle Falls or breaking a sweat on the 5.5-mile . Pop in and marvel at the fabulous architecture of the historic Paradise Inn, while 测辞耻鈥檙别 at it.

On day two, circumnavigate the glacier-capped peak by car, stopping at Martha Falls, Reflection Lake, and the adorable town of Enumclaw, making a pit stop at along the way.

On your last full day, get off the beaten path and brave the bumpy road up to sapphire . Picnic in a designated area near the lake, take a dip in the alpine tarn, or challenge yourself on the 7.5-mile hike (one-way) to the .

Best Time to Visit: June through September

7. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Approximate total cost: From $276

• Average car rental for four days: $151
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $42 / $282
• Park entrance fee: $30
• Trail ride: From $53

How I鈥檇 do it: Though it鈥檚 out of the way from a major airport鈥攖he nearest is in Bismarck, 135 miles east鈥擳heodore Roosevelt is fantastic for hiking and wildlife viewing. Plus, it boasts an uber-affordable ($14).

Savor the prairie- and badlands-filled drive to the park鈥檚 South Unit on your first day, then spend the remaining hours scouting for wild horses, herds of bison, and playful prairie dogs on the area鈥檚 48-mile . Stop at the Maltese Cross Cabin, a former home of Theodore Roosevelt himself, before taking in the sunset from the one-mile Painted Canyon Nature Trail.

If 测辞耻鈥檙别 not camping at the park, spend the night in Watford City, which is cheaper and only slightly farther away than the gateway town of Medora.

On day two, splurge on a morning through the colorful badlands, and check out the longer in the afternoon.

Reserve day three for the park鈥檚 , home to a 14-mile scenic drive where you might spy bison, coyotes, and longhorn cattle. But you don鈥檛 want to be driving around all day. I suggest a trail run along the easy, four-mile , which overlooks the Little Missouri River.

Best Time to Visit: May through September

8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Approximate total cost: From $279

• Average car rental for four days: $189
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $60 / $396
• Park entrance fee: $30

How I鈥檇 do it: Fly into Montrose Airport (with daily service from four major U.S. airports) and pick up your rental car; from there it鈥檚 a mere 15 miles to the park鈥檚 south entrance. You鈥檒l be basing out of Montrose, which has affordable hotels and Airbnbs, but for even more of a savings, nab a site at the park鈥檚 ($20 per night).

On your first day in the park, stop at Tomichi Point for jaw-dropping views of the canyon鈥檚 dark gneiss before hitting up the South Rim Visitor Center, which has plenty of parking and is the starting point for the and the connecting Gunnison Route, together offering an easy few miles of wandering below the canyon鈥檚 steep rim. Motor along exploring the south rim鈥檚 seven-mile scenic drive, pausing at the Painted Wall Overlook and, if 测辞耻鈥檙别 up for it, another hike, this time out to .

On your second day, head to the less touristed north rim and enjoy equally less crowded viewpoints (the aptly named Exclamation Point is a must). Stretch your legs on a 7.2-mile trek up Green Mountain before exiting the park, making a beeline for Colorado Boy Pizzeria in Montrose and rewarding yourself with a slice and a cold one.

Maximize your trip by tacking on a detour to Mesa Verde National Park (142 miles from Montrose) on your final day, or go fishing for trout in the Gunnison River.

Best Time to Visit: May through October

9. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Approximate total cost: From $290

• Average car rental for four days: $169
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $63 / $435
• Park entrance fee in summer: $30
• Boat ride: $28

How I鈥檇 do it: Major airlines service Medford, 63 miles southwest of the national park, and accommodations in southern Oregon are relatively cheap, so I suggest basing yourself in Medford itself or in Klamath Falls, 45 miles southeast of the park. Itching to camp? Book early and grab a site in the park at ($21).

Go big on your first day and hike to the Watchman Peak fire lookout (see Gaia GPS map below) for second-to-none views of Crater Lake鈥檚 otherworldly deep blue. I also like the hike down to the lake鈥檚 chilly fresh water via the steep .

If 测辞耻鈥檙别 not interested in backpacking a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail鈥�33 miles of it run through the park鈥攗tilize day two to explore Wizard Island, near the lake鈥檚 western edge ( cost $28 per adult and $18 per child). The thrill of standing atop the lake鈥檚 only major island will wow you.

On day three, soak it all in on a scenic drive around the entirety of Crater Lake鈥攁 33-mile route鈥攕topping for snapshots at the park鈥檚 30 .

Best Time to Visit: July through September

10. Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Approximate total cost: From $338

• Average car rental for four days: $184
• Average campground site / hotel for three nights: $75 / $339
• Park entrance fee: $25
• Museum fee: $30
• Colossal Cave tour: $24

How I鈥檇 do it: Saguaro straddles Tucson, an affordable and road-trip-friendly destination for desert lovers. Its eastern Rincon Mountain District is a mere 25-minute drive from the local airport, so drop your bags at your Tucson motel or a campsite in nearby (from $25), and then spend your first few hours craning your neck up at century-old cacti along . Next, get your heart rate going on the , either just a portion of it or the full eight miles one-way.

On day two, learn about the area鈥檚 flora and fauna at the before setting out for the Scenic Bajada Loop Drive in the park鈥檚 western Tucson Mountain District.

On day three, summit 4,688-foot Wasson Peak, and picnic at Mam-A-Gah, or branch out for a little something different: a tour of the nearby .

Best Time to Visit: October through April

Honorable Mentions

There were a handful of affordable national parks that scored just shy of making my list. But if 测辞耻鈥檙别 hungry for more budget-friendly park ideas, I recommend checking out Redwood National Park, in California; Congaree, in South Carolina; White Sands, in New Mexico; North Cascades, in Washington; and Gateway Arch, in Missouri.

Emily Pennington is a regular contributor to 国产吃瓜黑料 and continues to travel far and wide. This year she鈥檚 returning to Great Sand Dunes and looks forward to exploring every corner of her new home state, Colorado.

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On Tuesday, September 19, a series of meadows containing Native earthworks in Ohio was granted the same status held by world-famous locales such as Easter Island, the Great Wall of China, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Last week, the 45th meeting of the Unesco World Heritage Committee heard proposals for over 70 potential new , locations with “cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.”

The , a National Historic Park, isn鈥檛 as immediately striking as someplace like the Taj Mahal. It鈥檚 a collection of remains of giant geometric shapes made with rocks by Indigenous Hopewell people nearly 2,000 years ago. Slate reporter Dan Kois described some of the Hopewell sites as literally difficult to see, since they had been worn down and disturbed in parts by time and human activity鈥攕everal have been plowed over by farmers who worked the land before the park was formed in 1923. 鈥淭he prehistoric walls were both too subtle and too grand for my eye to comprehend,鈥� .听

The National Park Service uses 鈥渋nterpretive mowing鈥� to highlight the remaining rock shapes, leaving the plants growing on the forms taller than the surrounding grass. The stone walls used to stretch over 12 feet tall, but now lay close to the ground. Some, like the 800,000 square-foot circle and square at the Hopeton Earthworks site, were built to track the movements of the sun and moon, and all the remaining earthworks have spiritual, ceremonial significance.

The National Park Service describes artifacts found at the earthworks as 鈥渁mong the most outstanding art objects produced in pre-Columbian North America,鈥� and says that there鈥檚 evidence those who built the earthworks 鈥渋nteracted with people as far away as the Yellowstone basin and Florida.鈥� The structures were nominated for being 鈥淢asterpieces of Human Creative Genius鈥� and 鈥渁 unique testimony to the tradition of the Indigenous Hopewell culture two millennia ago.鈥澨�

Tribal leaders from the Seneca Nation, the Miami Nation, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, the Wyandotte Nation, and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, who can trace their own lineage to the Hopewell, were present when the Unesco committee passed the resolution to add the Earthworks to the esteemed list of World Heritage sites.听

鈥淢y immediate reaction is to shout and shout with joy,鈥� Genna Wallace, chief of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, when the verdict was announced. 鈥淏ut at the same time, my eyes are moist with tears, and my lips, my chin, and my voice tremble.鈥�

鈥淭hey were not just geniuses,鈥� she said of the ancestors who built the Hopewell earthworks. 鈥淭hey were uncommon geniuses.鈥�

The U.S.鈥檚 newest spot of 鈥渙utstanding value to humanity鈥� isn鈥檛 hard to get to鈥攋ust a 45-minute drive from downtown Columbus, Ohio. The earthworks are also only ten miles from I-70, making them an easy stop for anyone road tripping through the area.听

Unesco designated as World Heritage Sites at last week鈥檚 meeting. The destinations include caves in Italy, fortresses from the Viking era in Denmark, Bronze Age monuments in Mongolia, and a cathedral in Ukraine, among a number of other historic, cultural, and naturally beautiful places.

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The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in America, in 2017, I watched it from atop a small butte on BLM land west of Lander, Wyoming. The scene couldn鈥檛 have been more surreal: a handful of friends and strangers and I stood in the axis of the earth鈥檚 umbral shadow as the moon crossed the sun鈥檚 path, an event that lasted for less than two minutes from my vantage point. I stared at the corona鈥攖he wispy outer layer of the sun鈥檚 atmosphere, not visible at any other time.

The eclipse was a bewildering experience, because it incorporated elements I鈥檇 known my whole life鈥� the sun, the moon, light on a landscape鈥攁nd yet felt so entirely new that I imagined myself to be on another planet, or perhaps in another dimension.

No photo or video footage can do this phenomenon justice. Telescopic shots of the eclipsed sun look like digital art. Wide-angle images capture only one static moment of a dynamic progression that elicits new astonishment with each change, from the sunset light in every direction to the confusion of insects and wildlife as night descends in the middle of the day, to each singular phase: the , , and totality鈥攖hat moment when the sun is fully obscured, the corona is visible and you can take in the sun鈥檚 prominences, or loops of plasma rising from the sun鈥檚 surface.

So find your most difficult-to-impress friend (or maybe 测辞耻鈥檙别 the skeptic) and place them beneath this show of shows come April 8鈥攁nd start looking now for prime dark-sky viewing destinations, because, as we鈥檝e seen with this fall鈥檚 annular eclipse, the best spots book up fast鈥攁nd I guarantee they will involuntarily gasp in awe. I was so transfixed that I immediately identified as an eclipsophile, and made plans to watch the next total eclipse, which as fate would have it, fell on my 40th birthday. On July 2, 2019, I watched it from a Buddhist temple in Chile鈥檚 Valle de Elqui, and it was no less glorious the second time:

Why Is a Total Solar Eclipse in the U.S. So Special?

When the total solar eclipse crossed America from coast to coast in August 2017, touching 14 states during its 70-mile-long path of totality, it whet the appetite of a nation that hadn鈥檛 seen a total eclipse so widely viewed since one crossed the country in 1918. This spring, 32 million people living in the are poised to experience the event, which will be visible in North America beginning in the Mexican state of Sinaloa before continuing its spectacle all the way east to the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The next one won’t happen until 2044.

Many who witnessed the phenomenon in 2017鈥攁s well as those who missed out鈥攚ill be making pilgrimages to the path. Adding to the hype is the annular eclipse crossing the Southwest on October 14, the first since 2012. (In an annular eclipse, the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun but doesn鈥檛 fully cover the sun, a startling effect coined the 鈥�.鈥�)

April鈥檚 total eclipse will also last longer鈥攁 maximum of 4 minutes 28 seconds鈥攖han the one in August 2017鈥� a maximum of 2 minutes 41 seconds. (While a total solar eclipse is visible anywhere within the path of totality, the speed of the moon鈥檚 shadow varies depending on location; points along the very center of the path will enjoy the longest viewing times, .) Complicating matters, however, is the fact that weather in April is cloudier and rainier than August, making the selection of an ideal viewing location more challenging. But as it is the last eclipse to touch the lower 48 until 2044, many people, including me, will go to great lengths to make the effort.

Where Are the Best Places to See the Total Solar Eclipse?

indicates that Mexico will offer the clearest skies for the event, with Texas the likely runner-up. Pair historical cloudiness info with and you can stake out a sweet spot for successful viewing within the path of totality at many places along the route of the umbral shadow.

I personally wouldn鈥檛 make travel plans anywhere north of Missouri, based on the probability of cloud cover. (According to Weather Spark, for example, .) This means that as much as I would love to see an eclipse on my home turf in the Northeast, I鈥檒l be heading to Mexico or Texas. Live up north and can鈥檛 travel far? Take a gamble on lodging reservations and hope for good weather, or day-trip to the path of totality if you live within a reasonable distance.

No matter where you decide to watch from, just know that you likely won鈥檛 be able to find affordable last-minute accommodations. In fact, lodging for April 6 through April 9 in most locations along the path of totality is already difficult to come by.

Here are my top seven picks to view the eclipse along its route.

Mazatl谩n, Mexico
Start Time of the Total Eclipse: 11:07 A.M. PST
Duration: 4 minutes 16 seconds

This Pacific coast resort town is arguably the best place to view the total eclipse of any location along the path of totality, based on median data over the past two decades, indicating only a 25 percent chance of cloudy skies. You can watch the event from the beach or while strolling the 尘补濒茅肠辞苍, preferably in well-touristed areas like the Golden Zone and historic Old Town. The State Department has a 鈥淒o Not Travel鈥� advisory in place for the state of Sinaloa, due to violent crime and threat of kidnapping (check back for updates ); however, it does permit government employees to visit the city as long as they stay in the aforementioned tourist areas. Securing accommodation in those quarters might not be cheap, especially considering that the total eclipse also falls during the height of spring break and this destination remains among Mexico鈥檚 most popular. Airbnbs in the greater Mazatl谩n area are priced around $400 per night from April 6 to 9; in comparison, a room at the Courtyard by Marriott Mazatl谩n Beach Resort currently runs for $1,800 during those dates.

Durango, Mexico
Start Time: 11:12 A.M. PST
Duration: 3 minutes 47 seconds

The dry air of this Mexican state鈥檚 high desert equates to an ideal climate for eclipse viewing鈥攕omething eclipsophiles are well aware of, as many accommodations in this preserved colonial city are already nearing capacity. This is another destination where you should heed State Department advisories (currently suggesting 鈥淩econsider Travel鈥�). Stroll the Plaza de Armas, across from the iconic Catedral Basilica de Durango, which dates to 1695, enjoy dishes prepared with hyperlocal tornachiles, and seek out lodging in major tourist areas.

Kerrville, Texas
Start Time: 1:32 P.M. CT
Duration: 4 minutes 24 seconds

Hill Country arguably provides the best chance of clear skies in the U.S., and both the annular and solar eclipses will pass through this rolling ranchland. NASA has selected , 65 miles northwest of San Antonio, as one of three locations along the centerline of the eclipse path to set up shop. The free will feature scientist speakers, kids activities, a NASA live stream of the eclipse. Early April is also a great time to get outdoors in Kerrville: temperatures are in the seventies and the bluebonnets are beginning to bloom. Most Airbnbs in this area are currently running for more than $1,000 per night, so why not camp? The local KOA is already fully booked, but as of press time there were still tent and cabin sites available at the San Antonio KOA, starting at $70 and $160 per night, respectively.

Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Start Time: 1:34 P.M. CT
Duration: 4 minutes 2 seconds

The weather prospects in Arkansas are nearly as strong as those in Texas, so I鈥檇 make a beeline to Buffalo National River, an International Dark Sky Park in the heart of the Ozarks, to watch the eclipse. Campsites in the park range from $16 to $20 per site per night and reservations for most sites open six months in advance. There are first-come, first-served sites as well. Check out this page, which lists accommodations that still have availability. In the run-up to the event, enjoy top-notch biking trails and hikes to waterfalls, such as And plan to celebrate in the nearby town of Leslie, which is hosting from April 4 to 8 with folk music, food, and a quilt show called 鈥淪olar E Clips.鈥�

Sandusky, Ohio
Start Time: 3:12 P.M. ET
Duration: 3 minutes 45 seconds

You might not expect a city on the Great Lakes to be a prime candidate for viewing the total eclipse at this time of year, but forecasters are bullish on Sandusky for the total eclipse, thanks to weather effects over Lakes Erie and Ontario that improve the clear-skies outlook by 15 percent compared to the surrounding area. Sandusky is an ideal , with many communities in the Shores and Islands region gearing up to host pre-eclipse festivities: gather with the masses at the Total Eclipse of Sundusky Festival on Jackson Pier; hop a ferry (unless the lake is frozen) from the village of Marblehead to for a quieter experience, hiking along its sandy beaches or on forested trails before the skies dim; or watch from the shore at Lakeside Chatauqua, a historic recreational community hosting a family-friendly eclipse event. Rooms at the Fountain Inn in Lakeside are booked, but cottages in town are expected to open soon. Camping will be quite chilly in Ohio in April, but the hardy can book cabins and tent sites at starting from $67 per night.

Lake Placid, New York
Start Time: 3:13 P.M. ET
Duration: 3 minutes 20 seconds

The Adirondacks will witness totality for the first time in recorded history, and the festive Olympic mountain town of Lake Placid will be ready with activities and amenities. I recommend watching the spectacle from one of the region鈥檚 46 high peaks. Expect full-on winter conditions at elevation, though, so if this peak experience is on your list, enlist a local guide service like . For more laid-back (but crowded) viewing, gather by the lakefront Mid鈥檚 Park. Or venture west 30 miles to Tupper, whose is hosting an ellipse event, including a solar-powered silent disco, naturalist sessions, maple tasting and tours, and a community mural creation. The dog-friendly High Peaks Resort in downtown Lake Placid still has rooms available from $333 per night, or try the more economical for as low as $32 per night.

Rangeley, Maine
Start Time: 3:29 P.M. EST
Duration: 2 minutes 24 seconds

Rangeley is where I鈥檇 be if I could guarantee clear skies. Unfortunately, cloudiness here could be as high as 90 percent, but if the sun gods grace this popular skiing destination, even this late in the season you might be able to get some turns in at Sugarloaf or Saddleback Mountains before the sun and moon do their thing.听 Or climb to one of the summits of the rugged, beautiful Bigelows鈥�4,145-foot West Peak and 4,088-foot Avery Peak, overlooking Flagstaff Lake, are two of my favorites. The hiking in the Carrabassett Valley is excellent, with nine peaks above 4,000 feet on the Appalachian Trail. If 测辞耻鈥檙别 not an experienced winter hiker, go with a . Hostel of Maine is popular, with rooms starting at $59 per night.

Tips and Tools That Will Enhance Your Experience

Given the changing spring weather, you may want to have a car and the time to pivot and drive to another nearby location with better weather if need be. Expect unique traffic and congestion even in the most rural of places, and plan to get to your selected viewing site as early as possible.

Book now. Many accommodations in towns within the path of totality are already sold out. If 测辞耻鈥檙别 up for a few days of camping, check out the website Hipcamp for more options.

An important note on safety: Never stare directly into the sun, ever, including during the partial eclipse which precedes and follows the total eclipse.It鈥檚 only safe to look at the sun when it is completely eclipsed. I protect my eyes with which you can purchase .

Finally, if you鈥檇 like to take a deep dive, like I do, on this subject, there are several fantastic sites that will take you into the . To better help you plan where skies might be clearest in your area, for each day dating back a few years. NASA also has a trustworthy with fun facts, cool images and video footage, more safety information, and definitions of some of the many terms you鈥檒l hear mentioned as the event draws close. And finally, this is the most functional such map out there; you鈥檒l find yourself referring to it again and again.

Mardi Fuller has fanciful travel dreams for all the upcoming total solar eclipses worldwide, but she鈥檚 living one celestial event at a time and has a hotel room booked in Dallas for the April event.

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Some hikes seem to transport you to another world鈥攁nd others to an entirely different time. A peaceful place where you pause today may be where another once stood in defense, defeat, or determination.

I love seeking out places that connect me to people听who passed through long before. I鈥檝e hiked the Reef Bay Trail in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Towpath Trail听in Ohio鈥攂oth described below鈥攁s well as the Battle Road Trail at Minute Man National Historic Park in Massachusetts. While many national historic trails in the United States retain physical evidence of long-ago travelers, including old foundations, artifacts such as copper kettles used for colonial sugar production, or visible wagon-wheel ruts, sometimes simply feeling the same earth under our feet helps connect us to another person鈥檚 journey years or centuries ago.

See if you feel the spirit or sadness of yore as you trace the footsteps of proud high chiefs or the victims of the Donner Party disaster, while walking these incredible historic trails. They鈥檙e also in beautiful places.

1. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Hawaii Island

Traverse past lava fields, ancient petroglyphs, and the landscapes of Kailua-Kona, where ruling chiefs once presided over settlements that held rituals for rain and fertility on this 175-mile corridor. The 鈥渢rail by the sea鈥� passes through four of听Hawaii Island鈥檚 six regions, connecting prime west-coast beaches while preserving natural and cultural components like caves and anchialine pools (enclosed water bodies with subterranean links to the sea) within lava rocks, where red shrimp and fresh water supported early communities. According to legend, one such pool (in a cave now closed to visitors)听sheltered the Hawaiian princess Popoalaea when she fled from her cruel husband.

The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail follows the stunning white-sand coastline in the 16,451-acre parcel, which in July of 2022 became part of 听Volcanoes National Park ($30 per vehicle). Some parts of the trail cross through private lands, but you can always access it through any of (entrance fees vary).

Three rewarding, fairly flat hikes include the 2.8-mile round-trip Kiholo Bay walk, which takes you near sea turtles, over a black sand beach, and by an anchialine pool; the bumpy 1.8-mile portion from Spencer Beach Park past the white sands of Mau鈥檜mae Beach to Waiulaula Beach; and a pleasant through lava rock and soft sand at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.

2. Donner Party Trail, Truckee, California

Revisit a harrowing moment in American history on the moderate 6.2-mile (round trip) Historic Donner Pass Trail, which wends through flat, damp railroad tunnels before ascending an exposed loop path to mountaintop views. During the winter of 1846鈥�47, emigrants en route from Springfield, Illinois, to California were stranded for months here in the Sierra by heavy snowfall. Forty-four of the 91-person Donner Party died, and it is generally accepted that others were forced into cannibalism to survive.

The disaster occurred in part because the group followed the harsher, less traveled Hastings Cutoff route, rather than the more traditional South Pass.

The train tunnels found on the trail today were built by Chinese immigrants in the 1860s, and within them are squeaky bats and gaps overlooking the valley below. Ambitious hikers can continue beyond the last tunnel onto a steep loop trail, which traverses loose, gravelly terrain to reach sweeping views over Donner Lake. This trail is best done in summer to avoid ice and snow, and a headlamp or flashlight will help you navigate the dark tunnels. Park across the road from the first tunnel entrance at Donner Ski Ranch on Donner Pass Road. You can also join the annual led by area guides. ( are other hikes in the area as well.)

3. Nez Perce Trail, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana

This 1,170-mile-long memorializes the bravery of the Nez Perce,听forced from their ancestral territory. In 1877, in a reversal of treaties, Chief Joseph was ordered to relocate his people from their homelands in Wallowa Valley, Oregon, to the Lapwai reservation in Idaho. The contingent, which included the elderly as well as children, was forced to cross the Snake River on May 31 during high spring runoff, and many of their livestock were lost.

Hostilities broke out shortly after on the Salmon River, and Chief Joseph, initially seeking the protection of Crow allies to the east, fled with about 750 men, women, and children on a protracted route through Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana from late June to October, with the U.S. Army on their heels.

The Army caught up to the Nez Perce at Bear Paw, Montana, where the Natives surrendered just 40 miles shy of sanctuary in Canada. Here Chief Joseph is believed听to have said the famous words, “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.鈥�

The trail passes through in four states. Notable hikes include the moderate 1.25-mile loop trail around Bear Paw Battlefield; a paved 0.5-mile loop path past Idaho鈥檚 Heart of the Monster, the Nez Perce people鈥檚 sacred creation site; and the moderate five-mile (one-way) in Oregon鈥檚 site of the Snake River crossing. The trailhead is two miles north of Cow Creek bridge on Forest Road 4260.

4. Reef Bay Trail, Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands

I never knew how much one valley could encapsulate the history of a place until I hiked the moderate two-mile (one way) on the island of St. John, in Virgin Islands National Park. Beginning at the Centerline Road Trailhead, you鈥檒l descend 900 feet on a well-maintained, initially rocky trail through shady Reef Bay Valley, passing kapok trees, pinguin plants, and petroglyphs left behind by the pre-Columbian Taino (1,000-1,300 years ago to the mid 1400s). There are sugar-plantation ruins dating from the Danish occupation (1718 to 1917) and traces of post-emancipation life, such as听the Par Force plantation ruins, where from 1848 to the early 1900s, 25 newly freed African Americans continued to grow sugarcane, raise livestock, and tend coconut and lime trees despite a mass population exodus from the island.

If 测辞耻鈥檙别 hiking on your own, turn onto the quarter-mile petroglyph spur trail on the right, about a half-mile from Reef Bay Beach, to see an ancient site where the Taino communed with their ancestors.

Although I鈥檇 made the four-mile round-trip to Reef Bay before, I recently skipped the uphill on the return by joining ($75 per person) just after a 2022 post-pandemic reboot. The tour bused our group to the trailhead and guided us down the path, at the shore听boating us back to our cars on The Sadie Sea, a 37-foot Lindsey Trawler with a smooth ride and a cheerful crew.

5. The Oregon Trail, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

Nostalgic millennials who played The Oregon Trail computer game during the 1990s can experience the real deal by exploring a section of the over 2,000 well-trodden miles of this , which spans six states heading west from Missouri. Witness astounding landscapes like Wyoming鈥檚 Devil鈥檚 Gate and 狈别产谤补蝉办补鈥檚 Chimney Rock, once important landmarks for hopeful emigrants journeying west on covered wagons from the 1830s.

狈别产谤补蝉办补鈥檚 ($6 for residents; $12 for non-residents) offers views of miles of rugged prairie from atop the paved Windlass Hill Trail鈥檚 steep 0.5-mile (out-and-back) trek. Here too, you can see ruts created when pioneers鈥� locked wagon wheels scraped the earth while the occupants carefully navigated downhill to Ash Hollow鈥檚 freshwater spring, which hikers can reach by descending the easy 0.4-mile round-trip Ash Hollow Trail.

Additional simple hikes along the Oregon Trail include Wyoming鈥檚 Register Cliff (0.4 miles round trip) and Independence Rock (a 1.3-mile loop), where you can still see name carvings left by travelers heading west.

6. Towpath Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Valley View, Ohio

This 98-mile path transports you to the 19th century, when the Ohio & Erie Canal opened up trade between the East Coast and Midwest, bringing prosperity to northeast Ohio (my home for 29 years), as well as the nation, through accessibility to domestic goods. Having always wondered what became of this 听I recently wandered down the Towpath Trail, a canal-side path once traversed by mules hauling cargo and people.

Starting at the Lock 38 Trailhead (a lock is a chamber that raises and lowers water levels for boats to pass), my husband and I walked the flat dirt path north along the marshy canal for 1.8 miles to reach the overgrown stone-wall remains of Lock 39. The Native American Heritage Walking Tour interpretive signs along the way described the Indigenous groups who once lived here鈥攆rom the Paleoindians (13,000 to 10,000 years ago) to the Whittlesy People (1,000 to 400 years ago)鈥攈unting big game, fishing, and growing maize and beans in Cuyahoga Valley. You can peruse exhibits at the wheelchair-friendly Canal Exploration Center, which once served as a tavern, store, and residence, and on summer weekends, the center holds lock demonstrations.

7. Chilkoot National Historic Trail, Alaska and British Columbia

The 33-mile (one way) , designated as such in 2022, chronicles a former Tlingit trading route that transformed into a busy passage during the 1897鈥�98 Klondike gold rush. The 16.5-mile U.S. portion travels from Dyea, Alaska, to and continues over the Canadian border to Lake Bennett, British Columbia.听En route you’ll see belongings鈥攊ncluding canvas boats, a steam boiler, and a gas-engine winch鈥攐f the former gold seekers.

Flooding in 2022 closed all but the first mile and a half on the U.S. side, but the Canadian segment of the trail remains open. Bring a buddy, pack bear spray, and be prepared for no cell service. The full hike from Dyea to Bennett, which is , Alaska, is expected to recommence in May 2024, so you can start planning now. Permits (see and are required for summer hiking, and in shoulder season you must still register for all campsites.

8. Pueblo Alto Trail, Nageezi, New Mexico

This moderate 5.1-mile in ($25 per vehicle) transports hikers back听a thousand years to a time when the thriving Chacoan civilization dominated Chaco Canyon. Between 850 and 1250 CE, roads emanated from this ceremonial, administrative, and cultural center, leading outward to 150 great houses (multistory buildings that were likely public spaces) in the region.

This trail, leaving from the Pueblo de Arroyo Parking Area, begins with a steep, exposed scramble before delivering sweeping mesa-top views over the San Juan Basin, and it links archeological sites such as Pueblo Alto, the impressive ninth-century, 600-room Pueblo Bonito great house, and the Chacoan steps. This remains a spiritual place for Chacoan descendants, including several Navajo clans. Because Chaco Culture National Historical Park is remote, with few amenities, bring plenty of water, dress for varying weather, and expect a bumpy ride in.

9. Unicoi Turnpike on the Trail of Tears, Coker Creek, Tennessee

This 2.5-mile (one way) trail through traces part of an ancient pass that connected the Cherokee capital of Chota, located in what is now Vonore, Tennessee, to coastal Cherokee settlements before becoming a toll road called the Unicoi Turnpike in the early 19th century. In the 1820s, the discovery of gold near Coker Creek brought an influx of white prospectors to the Cherokee Nation, prompting the U.S. government to establish Fort Armistead in a half-hearted attempt to keep the interlopers from overrunning Cherokee lands. Ironically, this fort, which is currently , became a holding area for the Cherokee in 1838 after the Indian Removal Act of 1830 compelled them to leave their fertile lands on a forced journey west.

Thus the Unicoi Turnpike became part of the Trail of Tears, a network of trails covering 5,000 miles and parts of nine states as Natives from the Southeast were displaced to present-day Oklahoma. Numbers vary, but according to the 10,000 died en route or shortly after the relocation; according to a doctor who accompanied the Cherokees estimates that 4,000, or one-fifth of them, were lost.

The free parking area and trailhead for the hikeable portion of this sit 2.9 miles southeast on County Route 40 from the Coker Creek Welcome Center.

10. Wanderer Memory Trail, Jekyll Island, Georgia

At Jekyll Island鈥檚 St. Andrews Beach Park, take this 0.5-mile family-friendly down a flat, gravel path (which is wheelchair-accessible) to learn about the history of the Wanderer, one of the last ships to smuggle enslaved Africans into the United States. The Wanderer was carrying about 400 captured people when it ran aground here on November 28, 1858. The trail鈥檚 eight exhibits take you on the ship鈥檚 perilous journey through the eyes of Umwalla, a captive African boy. This trail has received a Unesco Slave Route Project 鈥淪ite of Memory鈥� designation as a .

Linger at the park to enjoy sunset views and dolphin sightings. provides free beachgoing wheelchair use on a first-come, first-served basis (call 912-635-2368 for reservations and delivery), and a ramp at St. Andrews offers access to hard-packed sand.

All vehicles entering the island must pay a $10 daily parking fee.

Theresa McKinney lets her keen interest in history guide her travels, whether it鈥檚 navigating a new city like Copenhagen, Denmark, or exploring a new trail in Virgin Islands National Park.听

For more by this author:

National Parks After Dark: 12 Best Things to Do

For more info on Gaia mapping:

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First, a confession: I, like many avid hikers I know, have been guilty of viewing state parks as merely the backyard option. Even as I鈥檝e ticked off visits to nearly half of the 63 national parks, I鈥檝e only recently come to fully appreciate nature鈥檚 bounty in state parks.

鈥淭he hiking opportunities are virtually endless, and there鈥檚 an incredible mosaic of experiences in America鈥檚 state parks,鈥� says Lewis Ledford, executive director at the National Association of State Park Directors. Collectively, these protected areas generate a whopping 850 million visits annually, across nearly 7,000 park units, encompassing over 19 million acres.

You might even say that 鈥淎merica鈥檚 Best Idea鈥濃�攃reating national parks鈥攚as a knockoff of state conservation and recreation efforts. The state park system was born in 1862 with California鈥檚 Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias; it was ten years later that Yellowstone, mostly in Wyoming, became the first national park. Sequoia, in California, and Yosemite were second and third, both in autumn of 1890.

State parks have long protected some of our most prized wild places. Based on buzz from fellow hikers, state park staff picks, and personal experience, here鈥檚 a short list of great state parks for hiking鈥攁nd primo hikes there.

1. Letchworth State Park, New York

Dubbed the Grand Canyon of the East, 14,000-acre Letchworth State Park delivers the expansive views typical of the West, but in western New York. At the center of this 17-mile park, the Genesee River snakes along hundreds of feet below overlooks like Inspiration Point鈥攔ight where I found myself on an early morning in June.

I came to Letchworth, which features 66 miles of hiking trails, to see what I鈥檇 been missing. I鈥檇 been to Niagara Falls, about 80 miles northwest, but previously passed right by this region. The magic of this place was immediately clear, from the way the sunrise makes the canyon glow pink and orange like a living painting to the spectacle of the 107-foot-tall, 300-foot-wide Middle Falls. It鈥檚 one of three major waterfalls on this stretch of river, and I started hiking down Gorge Trail to see another, Lower Falls, up close.

The trail鈥攁nd I鈥攂riefly flirted with the cliff鈥檚 edge, 550 vertigo-inducing feet above the Genesee, before meandering down the forested canyon. As I wound along the steeply stepped, mile-long descent to Lower Falls, the river alternated between lazy green ribbons and roaring whitewater. And then Lower Falls, 70 feet tall and as wide as Middle Falls, thundered before me, dropping into a dark green pool fringed by lush vegetation. A bright yellow hot-air balloon cruising high overhead took it all in.

I crossed the river over a stone bridge and followed a trail into the verdant, pine-heavy forest on the gorge鈥檚 south rim, threading in and out of thickets. There I joined the Portage Trail and eventually the trail to glimpse the canyon and Upper Falls through openings in the trees鈥攖he way I imagined others did long before the days of roads or infrastructure.

Entrance fee: Vehicle-use entrance fee is $10.

Best time to visit: All year. Summer with its warm temps and fall in its fiery foliage are the most popular seasons. Waterfalls tend to be fullest in the spring, when the rains come, and winter brings solitude.

Best hike: As with the state parks themselves, it鈥檚 always hard to narrow the list, let alone pick one. But you can鈥檛 go wrong with a section of the moderate extending from Middle Falls to Lower Falls, passing Inspiration Point en route.

Distance: Four miles out and back. To extend the hike and find more solitude, connect to the Portage Trail, across the river.

2. Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

I explored this park years ago with a friend鈥攐n a lark, as part of a larger trip that extended to Niagara and east to the Adirondacks鈥攁nd was blown away by the seven-mile . The hike, with its 21 named waterfalls (and counting, depending on rainfall), is a cascade carnival.

What really got me was how up close and personal鈥攁nd surprising鈥攖he whole experience was. Every twist and turn in the trail revealed something new, hidden until you were on it. One minute I felt as if I was in a trance, drinking in the quiet beauty of a minor 11-foot cascade. In the next, my friend hiked ahead of me to stand at the top of the 94-foot-tall Ganoga Falls, where he was a barely visible stick figure.

Entrance fee: None.

Best time to visit: Any time of year. Spring for the most gushers, or fall for the foliage, when yellow beech trees surround the cascades. Winter or any other off-peak time, such as summer weekdays, lets you avoid crowds.

Best hike: The hike here is the Falls Trail.

Distance: 7.2 miles.

3. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

The nearly 100-foot-high Hurricane Falls in Tallulah Gorge State Park is certainly Instagram bait. But to truly experience this park, head straight for the bottom of the gorge via听Gorge Floor Trail or Sliding Rock Trail鈥攊f you can snag a (free) permit. Only 100 are given out daily. The park regulates that number largely for safety reasons, and the permits are gone about as soon as the visitor center opens at 8 A.M., says West Malenke, a park ranger. So be there around 7:30 A.M., since permits can only be secured on the day of your visit.

Gorge Floor Trail is 鈥渧ery, very strenuous,鈥� Malenke says. But it鈥檚 also a quintessential summer hike, with many park-goers wearing swimsuits under their clothes in anticipation of a dip at the end. You鈥檒l descend 540 stairs, cross a suspension bridge, and forge the Tallulah River at the base of Hurricane Falls, jumping from rock to rock and wading through the water and听boulders to reach Sliding Rock, also known as Bridal Veil Falls. 鈥淭hat is the only place in the river that we allow people to swim,鈥� Malenke says. 鈥淵ou can actually slide down the waterfall into the pool at the bottom.鈥�

Entrance fee: $5 per vehicle, which covers parking.

Best time to visit: Summer if you plan to get wet, spring for wildflowers and to see the river at its peak, and fall for generally mild weather.

Best hike:听The Gorge Floor and Sliding Rock Trails take you right into the center of it all on a physically demanding loop from the gorge鈥檚 north rim. Once you鈥檝e reached Sliding Rock, you can return the way you came or cross the river and head straight up a section of the Sliding Rock Trail that gains 800 feet of elevation in about 1,200 feet.

鈥淏asically, what I would tell people is this is the toughest quarter-mile hike you鈥檒l ever do in your life,鈥� Malenke says.

Distance:听The loop is three miles. Don鈥檛 want to go that deep in the gorge? You can hike flat trails, cross suspension bridges, and check out all the wildflowers鈥攆rom trillium, asters, and violets to coneflowers and possibly a rare orchid鈥�.

4. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

Although many state parks are smaller than their federal counterparts, there are monsters in this group as well.

At 585,930 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest of California鈥檚 state parks and one of the biggest in the country. It invites hikers into the mountains, slot canyons, palm groves, and wildflower meadows, and its diverse habitat is home to everything from bighorn sheep and jackrabbits to the chuckwalla (a rotund lizard) and red-diamond rattlesnake.

Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle per day.

Best time to visit: Late winter for the mild temperatures and wildflowers, which peak around the last week of February and the first two weeks of March.

Best hike: To check out seasonal wildflowers and see a rare palm oasis where groundwater has been forced close to the earth鈥檚 surface by the rock underneath it, you can鈥檛 beat

Distance: About three miles.

5. Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park, Alaska

The first state park in Alaska is also one of the biggest in the country, boasting some 400,000 acres. No roads lead to this one; it can only be reached by chartered plane or boat or water taxi from Homer.

While people are scarce, the unspoiled wilderness is a habitat for everything from sea otters and whales to black bears and wolves. The pebbly coastline and undisturbed pine forests rise to 4,000-foot glacial peaks, with the Harding Icefield exemplifying the primordial nature of this accessible (by Alaska standards) park on the Kenai Peninsula.

Entrance fee: None.

Best time to visit: Summer for ease of travel and to avoid the snow and cold.

Best hike: Take the to see its eponymous glacier and lake. Optional short spur trails offer additional great views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Keep an eye on the treetops for bald eagles.

Distance: It鈥檚 6.4 miles out and back. (Further information here.)

6. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

It kind of goes without saying that Texas would have a massive state park, and this one鈥攖he state鈥檚 largest鈥攃overs 311,000 acres of high desert. Located about 100 miles east of Big Bend National Park, the state park encompasses the rugged mountains and steep canyons along the U.S. side of the Rio Grande, as well as the听Chihuahuan Desert.

Entrance fee: $5 per person year-round; free for visitors age 12 and under.

Best time to visit: Spring, when temperatures are moderate, is perfect. Summertime temperatures can be dangerously hot, rising to more than 100 degrees before noon and reaching as high as 130. Always carry loads of extra water, and avoid or reduce activity from late morning through the afternoon.

Best hike: The heads to the edge of Fresno Canyon and offers vistas of the Flatirons of the Solitario (similar to their counterpart in Boulder, Colorado, but more desolate). The views are seemingly endless, providing a sense of scale that might otherwise be difficult to appreciate in this vast landscape. See more hikes

Distance: Five miles out and back.

7. State Forest State Park, Colorado

Need any more proof that it鈥檚 possible to experience max wilderness at a state park? Look no further than this blandly named, 71,000-acre diamond in the rough next to Rocky Mountain National Park.

鈥淚t is my favorite place, and I feel it鈥檚 still a hidden gem that people don鈥檛 actually know about,鈥� says Rachael Gonzales, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Along with jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and other classic Colorado scenery, hikers have a great shot at seeing moose. (The nearby town of Walden claims to be the Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado.) Gonzales estimates she鈥檚 been to State Forest about two dozen times and encountered moose all but once.

Entrance fee: $10 for a daily vehicle pass.

Best time to visit: Summer for the most reliably snow-free hiking; fall for the foliage, when aspen leaves turn golden yellow; and winter for deep solitude. Just be prepared for anything, as the weather here changes fast.

Best hike:听The , which takes in high-alpine lakes, wildflowers in summer, Continental Divide views, and the chance of a moose sighting en route to the Michigan Lakes.

Distance: Seven miles total out and back. If you want to go even further, you can cross the State Forest border into Rocky Mountain National Park.

8. Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah

Kodachrome Basin State Park holds its own against the five national parks in Utah. Named by the National Geographic Society after the color-reversal film, the rocky landscape is tinged in the red, brown, yellow, and pink of the Southwest palette. Dozens of sandstone spires, or sand pipes, reach skyward.

The park offers 15 miles of trails for all fitness and experience levels, an accessible sample of the hiking you鈥檒l find in the southern half of the state.

Entrance fee: $8 per day per vehicle.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for moderate temperatures.

Best hike: The offers a glimpse of the best of this 3,500-acre park, from red cliffs to Kodachrome鈥檚 ubiquitous sand pipes, plus big desert views with a backdrop of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Distance: Six miles for the full loop.

9. Castle Rocks State Park, Idaho

With its ancient rock formations and cliffs that attract top climbers, this mountainous park has much to offer hikers as well.

Desert meadows come alive when wildflowers bloom in the spring and summer, and the state鈥檚 largest pi帽on pine forest provides cover for many resident animals, including moose, coyotes, mountain lions, and mule deer. In a relatively small area鈥攕ome 2,000 acres鈥擟astle Rocks showcases much of Idaho鈥檚 wild side, which is sometimes overlooked in favor of the iconic national parks in neighboring states.

Entrance fee: $7 per vehicle.

Best time to visit: Summer, spring (but check the weather, as it can still be windy and wet well into this season).

Best hike: encircles the park and eponymous geological area with craggy granite formations that jut upward from the desert floor. Hikers share this multi-use loop with mountain bikers as well as climbers.

Distance: About five miles.

10. Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota

The world’s largest freshwater lake鈥擲uperior鈥攃ollides with boreal forest in Tettegouche State Park听(pronounced tettah-goosh or tettah-gooch, depending on who you talk to), a rugged landscape designed for hikers.

The park has 23 miles of hiking trails, including the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail, which follows ridgelines that overlook the lake. One of the best things about it is there are no trafficked roads to these expansive vistas鈥�to top out on its cliffs or reach one of a half-dozen interior lakes, you鈥檒l have to hoof it.

Entrance fee: A daily vehicle permit costs $7.

Best time to visit: Summer for reliably warm weather. Although the area can get busy this time of year, the farther you hike, the fewer people you鈥檒l see鈥攁 solid plan in just about any state or national park.

Best hike: abound. The park’s interpretive naturalist, Kurt Mead, suggests starting out on Tettegouche Lake Loop, which circles the interior lakes, then hiking a connector trail to 1,286-foot Mount Baldy on the return trip, a combined loop of about nine miles.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 going to give you really beautiful inland overlooks, as well as a stunning 360-degree panoramic overview of Lake Superior and the surrounding area,鈥� he says.

11. Mount Tamalpais State Park, California

Rustic glamor, redwoods, meadows, and panoramic bay and Golden Gate Bridge views鈥攜ou鈥檒l find it all here. Even in California, which has more state parks (and national parks, too) than any other, this park is a standout.

Entrance fee: There鈥檚 no main-entrance fee, but you will pay to park in certain areas like East Peak ($8).

Best time to visit: Year-round.

Best hike:听 A combination of three鈥攖he Dipsea Trail, , and Matt Davis Loop鈥攕tarts in the town of Stinson Beach and makes it way through lush canyons, past waterfalls, and into groves of the world鈥檚 tallest trees while rising high above the Pacific Ocean on Mount Tam.

Distance: 6.7 miles.

12. Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas

Overlooking the Arkansas River, this state park offers a bounty of big views, bluffs, and Native rock art, while paying homage to a troubled past.

Intersecting the park is the which today comprises 2,200 miles of land and water routes and commemorates the journey that Indigenous people from 1830 to 1850 were forced to take from their lands in the Southeast to present-day Oklahoma. En route, the Cherokee and other tribes were led past the mesa of Petit Jean Mountain, 1,120 feet at its highest point, on which the state park is located. Part of their route is visible from Stout鈥檚 Point.

In addition to learning more about where the historic trail passes through Arkansas state parks and various , you can head out on trails that wind through听forests and meadows and up Petit Jean Mountain, passing water features like the 95-foot-tall Cedar Falls (reached via Cedar Falls Trail).

Entrance fee: None.

Best time to visit: Fall, when the temperatures cool and the leaves turn, which typically happens mid- to late October or early November.

Best hike:听After checking out the Trail of Tears, try the The full Boy Scout Trail loop includes segments of the Cedar Falls Trail, the Bear Cave Trail (a natural shelter formed by huge sandstone boulders), and the Seven Hollows Trail (a path through small canyons and past natural stone arches and featuring pictographs).

Distance: 12 miles.

13. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

Climbers from all over the world flock to the sheer faces of Smith Rock, a 600-foot-tall cliff system on a 3,200-foot ridge overlooking a bend in the aptly named Crooked River. But non-climbers, too, can access incredible views at the 650-acre state park; it packs a vertical punch with rocky spires and deep river canyons frequented by kayakers, and other adventure-seekers.

Entrance fee: A day-use fee of $5 is required to park at Smith Rock year-round.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for relatively stable weather and moderate temperatures.

Best hike:听The charges up 600 feet, traversing the airy ridge for views of the sweeping Crooked River Gorge below.

Distance: 3.5 miles.

14. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

I suggested Hocking Hills as a destination for my family, and took my children to meet up with my parents, my siblings and their kids last June because it was the most-visited state park in Ohio. I figured it had to be good, though I鈥檇 done minimal research. Even after we arrived and set out to explore, I still had no idea what was around the first bend.

Then we crossed a stone bridge and dropped immediately into a basin ringed by sandstone cliffs. They perfectly framed the 20-foot Upper Falls and its turquoise pool鈥�as if we’d found a Caribbean oasis in the heart of the Midwest! Enthralled, we all pushed ahead to see what lie around the next bend, and the next, and then the one after that, in the Old Man鈥檚 Cave hiking area.

The delights just kept coming, though we鈥檇 barely scratched the surface of the 2,356-acre park, which is cut by 59 miles of hiking trails. Within it is a portion of Ohio鈥檚 1,440-mile Buckeye Trail, which circles the whole state. The park trails at Hocking Hills twist through cavernous stream beds, past more waterfalls, around and into caves, and through hollows, and then stretch out over rolling hardwood-covered hills.

Entrance fee: None.

Best time to visit: Year-round. You can鈥檛 beat the winter solitude, and I鈥檇 withstand the summer heat just to visit this area again. But of course spring can be cooler (if rainy sometimes), and fall offers bug-free hiking and leaf-peeping.

Best hike: The starts at Upper Falls and connects the Old Man鈥檚 Cave hiking area to Cedar Falls and then Ash Cave, the largest recess cave in the state.

Distance: Six miles.

Honorable Mentions

Many other deserving state parks didn鈥檛 make this list.听Those include Baxter in Maine and Custer in South Dakota, which got the close-up treatment in another 国产吃瓜黑料 story, plus many others across the U.S. and close to my home (like my favorite Indiana state park, Turkey Run). The hiking options go on and on鈥攍ike the trails themselves鈥攏o matter which agency manages the land.

Michael Schroeder has hiked, backpacked, and camped on a variety of U.S. public lands from Maine to California and Alaska, including state parks across his home state of Indiana. He’s learned that one state or national park, forest, or other public land is often just a gateway into another.

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