Mike FennellExplorer

There are plenty of fascinating views throughout Torres del Paine National Park, so you can understand why it's such a popular destination. But with so many people doing the most popular hikes like Los Torres, it can feel a bit overcrowded. But somehow this very accessible hike is still relatively quiet of tourists, and you can find 360 panoramic views of the Park all to yourself.  There are t...

The waterfall is located in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, which is delightful enough by itself to explore and have a picnic or lounge around. The easiest way to access this area is to park at the lot at the end of Fallsview Rd, located on top of the Dundas escarpment area. There is a $10 fee to park, or you can park on a nearby road and walk a little further, which may be better on a bus...

This area is located on the other side of Independence Pass from Aspen, which is only accessible during the summer, or can be reached year-round via Leadville, which is about 20 miles away along Highway 24. From Twin Lakes Village drive approximately 1.5 miles east on Highway 82 and take the exit for White Star Campground. There are a few other campsites in the area such as Dexter campground, a...

The trailhead is located next to the Minister Creek Campground, which is 14.7 miles southwest from the town of Sheffield, via state route 666. If coming from the west on highway 62, the trailhead is located 20 miles from West Hickory along state route 666. There is a parking lot across the road from the campground, but the trailhead is on the same side of the road as the campground, less than a...

This is part of the Aspen Snowmass Ski area so you'll have to buy a ski pass to take the lift up, or if you're up for a bigger workout, put some skins on and trek up to the top of Elk Camp. The easiest way to get there is to take the Elk Camp gondola to the Elk Camp lift. Once at the top of the lift, make your way to skiers right (east) and follow the signs to Burnt Glades. You can see the trai...

Located within the Lake Ouachita State Park, the Caddo Bend Trail is an wonderful 2-3 hour hike. Although promenently covered by shade the entire 4 miles, the Ouachita Lake area can be very hot in the summer and the trail should be done in the morning or late afternoon. Either way, I nice dip in the refreshing lake after your hike with cool you right off!The State Park is located off Mountain P...

Located at the most northern part of the Faroe Islands, the mountain Villingardalsfjall is a gorgeous coastal cliff that will offer views of all the surrounding north islands. The trail begins at the top of road Vid Gard, in the northern part of the town Vidareidi. The trail starts along side a 4ft tall rock wall. There is a small parking area, which most likely will not be filled because of th...

The Government Trail is beautiful and relaxing during spring and summer, but my favorite time to hike it is during fall because it goes through countless numbers of Aspen groves, which have turned a majestic yellow. After a moderate ascent for the first couple of miles, the trail become flat and peaceful for your viewing pleasure!The best way to access the trailhead is by parking at the Aspen R...

This is a point-to-point trek so you can either begin at Te Paki Stream or the Spirits Bay campsite at Kapowairua. This description starts from the Te Paki Stream. To get here, you need to drive north on SH1/Cape Reigna Road until you reach the tiny village of Te Paki. Turn left onto the Te Paki Stream Road. Take this 2 miles to where it ends at the Giant Te Paki sand dunes parking lot.The trai...

Although the iconic Crystal Mill is the main attraction on this hike, the river that leads you there through the magnificent mountains of the White River National Forest is nothing short of extraordinary. Getting There The hike is located in the small town of Marble, about 40 minutes east of Carbondale on Highway 133. Drive through the town and past beautiful Beaver Lake and find a place to p...

The perfect little adventure in the city of Hamilton, this waterfall is along the iconic Bruce Trail and can easily be turned into a longer adventure along the Grindstone Creek. It can be explored at any time of the year, whether you're looking for a lot of water in the spring, fall foliage in autumn, or a hot day with a cool mist in the summer.From Hwy 403 take the Hwy 6 N (Guelph) exit and tr...

The Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you can park right there at the parking area on the side of the highway. Do not drive further down the ...

The trailhead for this hike is 9 km south of the town Súðavík at the inside tip of the fjord Álftafjörður. There‘s a small dirt parking lot off the road just before the small bridge. You can park your car here and begin your hike into the valley Seljalandsdalur. At the south end of the parking lot, there is a trailhead sign that says 2 km to Valagil. Even from the trailhead you can see one of t...

With the Elk Mountain range behind it, It appears to be standing by itself, and has the resemblance of a grand volcano.From Hwy 133 out of Carbondale, turn down Prince Creek Road and drive 6 miles to the trailhead. The trail is a nice mixture of meadows and woods, with excellent views of the valley along the way. The hike to Thomas Lake is about 3.5 miles from the trailhead, and is is easy enou...

This 8.8 mile "loop" is not a true loop and the trail ends 4 miles apart along Independence Pass, so a car shuttle is recommended. I would recommend starting at the west trailhead (closer to Aspen) but will describe both trailheads so you can set up another car or shuttle at the other one.1) West Trailhead: Drive 14 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to the parking lot directly across from Lost ...

Located on the Niagara River, which is the border of Canada and the USA, it dumps water from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. There are technically three waterfalls in close proximity that have come to form what is now just known as Niagara Falls. From largest to smallest there is Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The combined falls produce a flow rate that is the highest of a...

This hike is short and sweet, with it only being 2.4 miles to the other side of the tunnel and back. It's easily accessible, located right off the highway at the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground on the Potamac River at the border of Maryland and West Virgina. The town of Paw Paw is on the West Virgina side of the Potomac River, but the trail is located on the Maryland side of the river.From the campgr...

The trail to Quartz lake begins on southend of the Bowman Lake beach. I recommend going in a clockwise direction and getting the steep bit out of the way, but the ~13 mile loop can be done either way. Follow the Bowman Lake shore on the West Lakes Trail for about half a mile and then you will find the split where the loop begins. Turn left if doing the trail clockwise. The next 4 miles will be...

The dirt road loop is relatively smooth and can be driven on by just about any car, campervan, or RV. However, check the weather beforehand because some areas can become flooded after rain and will be a difficult mud crossing. It can be driven in either direction. One entrance is off Highway 163, 15 miles west of Bluff and 7 miles east of Mexican Hat, and the other entrance is off Highway 261, ...

You most likely won't find another person hiking this trail the same day as you, and for good reason; the trailhead is at the end of a 55 km gravel road that begins at British Columbia Highway 95, near the remote town of Spillimacheen. There is helicopter transportation if you are staying at the Canadian Mountain Holidays Lodge, located just a few hundred yards from the Cobalt Lake Trailhead. T...

The trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom of the road less than 100 yards from the Highway 80 off-ramp. The first mile of the trail is actual...

Angel Oak Park is located just 12 miles from downtown Charleston, so it makes for a great mini trip if you're already visiting the beautiful area. The tree is half a mile down Angel Oak Road, off of Maybank Highway on Johns Island. The Park is free and open from 9am - 5pm. Tripods are only allowed to be used 100 ft from the root trunk, but otherwise the tree is free to explore all around and un...

From downtown Basalt, drive up the Fryingpan River Road 28 miles and turn right on CR #504, also known as Elliot Way, just before Norrie Colony. Drive across the river and up the switchbacks for approximately 3 miles. Take the left fork, continue 1 mile and take the right fork approximately 1/2 mile to the trailhead on the left side of the road.The hike from the trailhead to the lake is 0.8 mil...

The trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. At the parking area you will notice a paved walkway that takes you to the viewdeck, which is a easy five minute walk and worth checking out. The tundra around the area is easy to navigate about and fun to explore ...