Elyse ClarkExplorer

From the parking area at Turk Gap (MP 94.1), cross over the Skyline Drive.  The Appalachian Trail (AT) intersects right here, and take the AT south by taking the trail on the left.  After 0.2 miles you will turn right off of the AT onto the blue-blazed Turk Mountain Trail.  The trail junctions mentioned above are well marked with stone posts.  The Turk Mountain Trail descends down into a saddle...

Though only 0.75 mi (1.2 km) to the summit, this hike gains over 1100 feet (340m) on the ascent to the top of Sugarloaf Hill of the Knockmealdown Mountains. Park at the Bay Lough parking area on R668 near the "Vee". Cross the road and ascend the hill by staying on the apparent path to the right of the county wall (stone wall). The path is very rocky and steep the whole way up the hill, and re...

This is a strenuous 4.5 mile hike beginning from the Lower Parking Lot in Stone Mountain State Park (for a 5.2 mile hike, begin at the Upper Parking Lot). From the lot, take the trail by the bathroom. Keep right at the first trail intersection, then left at the second trail intersection to stay on the orange circle-blazed trail. You'll soon pass the Hutchinson Family Homestead, over a century ...

Park at the parking lot at the crest of Clinch Mountain at Hayters Gap on Rt. 80, and walk along the road (Raven Ridge Road) behind the gate. The trail is fairly easy with minimum elevation gain and follows an old road bed almost the whole way. Be sure to keep to the left when the road splits and cross into "Channels State Forest".The trail is easy and well-marked, and will soon lead you to the...

The Devil’s Bathtub is a deep pool of blue-green water known for being a great swimming hole and a beautiful natural feature. This hike is a 3.2 mile out and back hike with 250 feet elevation gain. There are at least 15 stream crossings, so extreme caution should be taken during periods of medium-to-high flow as the stream crossings may be slippery and submerged. This hike has gotten very cro...

This trail in Burren National Park traverses the limestone pavement typical of the Burren and summits Mullaghmore Mountain with a beautiful view of the unique geology of the area. This loop climbs 140 m (460 ft), is 7.5 km (4.7 mi), will take about 3 hours, and is difficult due to the rocky and pitted nature of the landscape.Burren National Park is in northern Co. Clare. To get to the lay-by f...

Starting from the Mammoth Cave Visitor's Center, take the "Historic Entrance" trail that descends down the hill between the Visitor's Center and the Mammoth Cave Hotel. After 0.2 miles you will reach the historic entrance of Mammoth Cave on your right side. You cannot go in the cave without a guided tour, but you can walk down and look at the entrance.  The trail splits into two trails at the h...

Linville falls is one of North Carolina's treasures and perhaps the most photographed water fall in the state. Bring the whole family out and explore the area surrounding the falls. There are about 4 total miles of trails meandering around and through the gorge and right up to the falls. There are plenty of picnic spaces and large flat rocks near the creek where you can relax, take in some sun,...

Lewis Ginter has over 2 miles of pathways to follow through more than a dozen themed gardens including a Children's Garden, Rose Garden, Asian Garden and a conservatory. Admission for adults is currently $13.  Throughout the year there are various events.  In April-June are the "Million Blooms" which includes daffodils, tulips, roses, and more.  From mid-April to mid-October there is a butterfl...

From the parking lot at MP 81.1 on the Skyline Drive, take the trailhead to the left of the sign with the trail map. Immediately you'll cross over the Appalachian Trail-stay straight on the blue-blazed trail to Doyles Falls. The trail will descend rapidly for 1.3 miles to Upper Doyles Falls (28' waterfall), then another 0.3 miles to Lower Doyles Falls (63' waterfall). Both of these waterfalls a...

Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and rightfully so. Located at MP 176.1 the mill is beautiful in any season and easily accessed from the parking lot. Since this place is so popular, be prepared for crowds.This place is a nice " leg-stretcher" if driving the Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or a short side trip from the trailhead if you're hiking Rock Cas...

If visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for the day, consider paying the extra $8 admission to walk around the Audubon Swamp Garden.  Parking for these gardens is on the way out of Magnolia Plantation on the left side.  The trail begins to the left side of the parking area, and you will have to enter the code given to you at the admissions office to open the gate and enter the swamp.  Immed...

A hike to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain will not only put you at the highest point in Shenandoah National Park (4050'), but you'll have a 270 degree view perfect for a sunset. This moderate hike is located at MP 45.6 on the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, so you'll have to pay a $20 entrance fee (valid for 7 days) per car to enter the park if you don't have an annual pass. There...

COVID-19 CLOSURE: Due to Covid-19, this trail will be closed effective April 10, 2020 at 8 PM until June 24, 2020.  A short 1.0 mile hike to the summit with 700’ elevation gain, the trail switchbacks steeply up to the exposed rocky summit. To the north you can see Sharp Top and Flat Top at the Peaks of Otter, and to the south you can see Pilot Mountain in North Carolina. The summit has many pla...

This unique peak, also known as the Big Pinnacle, is in Pilot Mountain State Park.  From the main parking area on top of the mountain on Pilot Knob Park Road, you can first view the Big Pinnacle from the overlook attached to the parking lot.  The prominent mountain behind the Big Pinnacle is Hanging Rock.  Walk towards the bathrooms and on your right side will be the trailhead for the Jomeokee ...

**The road to Nuttallburg is part gravel and only wide enough for one car. Take caution driving along this road-you may have to back up some if you meet another car. Nuttallburg is an old coal mining town that once thrived in the early 1900's, but fell into ruin and then was restored by the National Park Service in the early 2000's. Starting from the parking lot, take the Tipple Trail (0.6 mile...

There are numerous parking lots and street parking available around Smale Riverfront Park. Start your walk on the side closest to Paul Brown Stadium (where the Cincinnati Bengals play).  From here you can take a minute to sit on the large swings that look out over the river.  Continuing along the river, walk up the stairs to the Roebling suspension bridge. You can walk all the way across the br...

The top of Apple Orchard Mountain is easily accessible via the Appalachian Trail. Access the trail at the Sunset Field Overlook at MP 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The concrete path will end shortly and turn into a blue blazed trail. Follow this for 0.25 miles until it intersects the Appalachian Trail. Turn right on the AT, and cross over the forest road. From here it is only a few switchback...

Brush Creek Falls is a beautiful 25' waterfall that spans across Brush Creek. It is accessed via a short 0.5 mile hike with minimal elevation gain. From the parking area on Brush Creek Falls Road, take the trail to the right of the picnic shelter. This easy and relatively-flat trail through rhododendron winds 0.5 miles to a fenced overlook of the falls. Take in the view of the falls from the ...

From Egilsstaðir, take the Ring Road (Highway 1) towards Fellabær.  Turn left onto Road 931 directly after the bridge crossing of Lake Lagarfljot.  Drive 35 km until you see the parking area on the right side of the road after an intersection on your left.  At the parking area is a bathroom, and the trail starts at the fence in the back of the lot.  The trail is steep and ascends some stairs.  ...

Park at the gravel lot across from the Brimberg Fish Factory (the parking lot is marked with a sign for Tvísöngur).  Walk up the gravel road in the back of the parking lot, which has a few switchbacks and after 10-15 minutes you will arrive at Tvísöngur.  Tvísöngur is a sound sculpture that was built in 2012. It has five individual chambers constructed of concrete that are supposed to mimic the...

From the parking area which is adjacent to where the Ferry Baldur loading area is, walk up the hill and shortly after you'll see the brightly-colored lighthouse.  It gets very windy here and there are birds everywhere.  From the lighthouse you can look out over some islands between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords, as well as look back over the town. Once finished, take a stroll ar...

Maryland Heights is at the convergence of Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath are also easily accessible from the trailhead parking lot. The parking lot holds about 16 cars and is between Locks 33 and 34, or approximately mile 61 of the C & O Canal Towpath. The hike starts on the opposite side o...

From the Dinis car park just off N-71, follow the flat Muckross Lake Loop trail towards Dinis Cottage. The path skirts around Muckross Lake until you arrive at Dinis Cottage, which is a tea room open during the summer season that has hundreds of rhododendron of different colors blooming in early summer. Just before the cottage, there is a sign marking a trail that goes back to the Old Weir Brid...