Clare HealyExplorer

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

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

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

The Tennessee Riverwalk is a part of the Tennessee Riverpark System that features the Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, Ross's Landing, and the Walnut Street Bridge, all jewels of downtown Chattanooga. It is a networks of boardwalks, bridges, and paved pathways that runs alongside the Tennessee River. It is regularly used by locals and visitors as a way to see parts of the Tennessee River and fo...

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

Sunset Rock provides spectacular access to the Bluff and Gum Spring Trails for hiking, is home to some of the top trad climbing routes in the area, and is perfect for residents and visitors alike who are seeking a great view of the Chattanooga area. Parking is allowed in a tiny lot provided on West Brow Drive and leads visitors to a short 0.1 mile dirt and stone trail down to the viewpoint.Upon...

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

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

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

You'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the parking fees, but there is also a strip of street parking that has no regulations, just outside the p...

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

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

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

Most Rainbow Lake Trail hikers have seen or heard the majestic Rainbow Falls, but fewer have ventured down the treacherous path to the falls themselves. Albeit a bit daunting, especially if there has been recent rain, the path from Rainbow Lake Trail down to Rainbow Falls is a rewarding trek for those capable. The hike from the Rainbow Lake Trailhead to Rainbow Lake is casual and great for fir...

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Laurel-Snow Trail was the first National Recreation Trail designated in Tennessee and at just under 35 miles from downtown Chattanooga, it is perfect for a day hike, for a day of climbing, or for setting up basecamp for the weekend. The 2,000 acre area sits along the Walden Ridge of the Cumberland Plateau and offers a plethora of trails to explore.The area is named after the two waterfalls,...

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

Chattanooga's Walnut Street Bridge was once almost demolished, but instead it was revitalized to be one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Connecting the Downtown Arts District to Northshore's Frazier Avenue, this bridge hosts visitors and locals year round. Whether you walk, bike, or run across, this bridge's scenery will not disappoint.

Because it's only accessible by canoe, kayak, or foot, the 8 Leigh Lake campsites have a solitary backcountry feel to them while providing all the necessities for an enjoyable night under Mt. Moran in Grand Teton National Park. The western campsites are paddle-in only, while the easter campsites can be accessed via trail or canoe. First, you will need to visit one of the ranger stations to rese...