Here’s A Quick Guide To The Top 12 Hiking Destinations In The US

With an astonishing variety of landscapes and mountain ranges, the US is truly a hiker’s paradise. From the towering peaks in Montana to the sun-drenched trails in California, there is an adventure for every outdoor enthusiast.

This guide will take you through some of the best hiking destinations in the US, each offering its unique allure and unforgettable experiences.

1. Glacier National Park, Montana

Renowned for its stunning vistas and diverse wildlife, Glacier National Park offers some of the best hiking trails in the United States. The Grinnell Glacier Trail is a favorite, known for its breathtaking views of glaciers and lakes. 

The Highline Trail offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain. For a glimpse of the park’s diverse ecosystems, the Iceberg Lake Trail is unbeatable, leading to a spectacular lake with floating icebergs. The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail provides picturesque views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding peaks, making it a must-visit for any hiker.

2. Zion National Park, Utah

Utah’s Zion National Park is a treasure trove of scenic trails that offer diverse hiking experiences. This is a unique hike where you wade through the Virgin River, enclosed by towering canyon walls. This adventure offers a refreshing and exhilarating experience as you navigate through the river’s shallow waters and admire the massive, narrow canyons. 

Angel’s Landing offers a thrilling hike with extended views of Zion Canyon, combining physical challenges with a vast overlook. For a more serene experience, the Emerald Pools trail offers a peaceful walk with beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation. Observation Point gives you bird’s-eye views of the entire park. It’s a favorite among photographers.

3. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming boasts more than 200 miles of trails, catering to every level of hiker. The Cascade Canyon Trail winds through rocky mountain scenery and diverse wildlife, making it a top pick among hikers. 

For those seeking the park’s full spectrum, the challenging climb up to Delta Lake rewards with crystal-clear waters and a striking landscape. The Jenny Lake Loop is less strenuous. It skirts the lake’s shoreline, offering serene views of the Tetons reflected in the lake. Taggart Lake Trail provides easy terrain and a picturesque ending at the lake, is perfect for families or a relaxed day hike.

4. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park offers some of the most scenic trails in the United States. Mist Trail leads to the iconic Vernal and Nevada Falls where the payoff is unique water features. 

For a challenging hike, Half Dome is a must-try. It’s a thrilling journey, culminating in a steep cable-assisted final climb. This challenging hike rewards the brave with unparalleled views of the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite Valley below. 

Another gem, the Glacier Point Trail, offers easier access to the grand vistas of Yosemite Valley. For those seeking tranquility, Tuolumne Meadows presents serene paths through high-elevation meadows and granite landscapes. The John Muir Trail winds through the park. It’s ideal for experienced hikers seeking a multi-day adventure. 

5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park boasts a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels. The park’s diverse landscape ranges from lush forests and serene lakes to rugged peaks, offering breathtaking views. One of the most popular trails is the Emerald Lake Trail, a relatively easy hike leading to three alpine lakes. 

For a more challenging adventure, the Sky Pond Trail winds through beautiful scenery, culminating at a secluded mountain pond. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Flattop Mountain Trail, which ascends to a summit with perspective views, tracing paths used by early park explorers. 

Wildlife sightings, especially of elk and bighorn sheep, are common, adding a thrilling element to the hikes.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

6. Grand Canyon, Arizona

A hike in the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list experience for any hiking enthusiast. The Bright Angel Trail is a classic, descending into the canyon with endless passages and historical rest houses along the way. It’s ideal for both day hikes and overnight trips

The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim. It offers diverse ecosystems and dramatic views of the inner canyon. Though steeper and without shade, The South Kaibab Trail rewards hikers with overarching views, especially at Ooh Aah Point and Skeleton Point. 

The Rim-to-Rim hike, combining North and South Kaibab Trails, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for seasoned hikers, showcasing the canyon’s vastness and geological wonders. 

7. Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Located deep in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest offers a variety of exceptional hiking trails. One of the most famous is the Looking Glass Rock Trail, a strenuous 6.5-mile round trip that rewards hikers with amazing payoff views. 

Another notable trail is the John Rock Loop, a 5-mile journey that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest. For waterfall enthusiasts, the Moore Cove Falls Trail is a must-visit, offering an easy 1.5-mile round trip to a picturesque waterfall.

The challenging but rewarding Art Loeb Trail, spanning 30 miles, traverses diverse landscapes and offers an immersive experience in the heart of the forest.

8. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park in Washington offers over 600 miles of trails. From the majestic mountain peaks to the enchanting rainforests and rugged coastlines, there is something for everyone to explore. One of the popular trails is the Hurricane Ridge Trail to Hurricane Hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. 

The Sunrise Ridge via the Sunrise Point Trail takes you through beautiful wildflower meadows. Another notable trail is the Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles, rewarding hikers with 360-degre lookouts. Don’t miss the picturesque Marymere Falls, the adventurous Mount Storm King, and the cascading Sol Duc Falls.

9. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers some of the most stunning hikes in Michigan. At 10 miles long, the Chapel Loop is a must-see with its breathtaking views of Chapel Falls, Chapel Rock, and Lake Superior. 

For a shorter journey, Mosquito Falls Trail is a 4-mile round trip that leads hikers through lush forests to a charming waterfall. Miners Castle Trail is an easy 0.6-mile hike that provides a view of the iconic Miners Castle rock formation. 

If you love lakeside scenery you’ll enjoy the Beaver Basin Overlook trail, a 1.2-mile trek offering views of the Beaver Lake and its pristine surroundings. Each trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore presents a unique slice of Michigan’s natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

Offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all skill levels, Acadia National Park is a haven for hikers. The Precipice Trail is known for its steep climbs and breathtaking views. It is a challenging hike leading to the summit of Champlain Mountain. This trail is not for the faint-hearted but rewards with long-range views of the park. 

Jordan Pond Path offers a more tranquil experience, circling the pristine Jordan Pond and providing serene forest and mountain scenery. For a moderate hike, the Gorham Mountain Trail is ideal, winding through varied landscapes and culminating in rugged coastal views. 

The Beehive Trail, another exhilarating option, combines climbing and hiking, offering a unique adventure with dramatic cliffside views. These hikes in Acadia not only provide physical challenges but also immerse visitors in the park’s natural beauty.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Make Your Summer Vacation Fun-Filled and Enjoyable This Year

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 12, 2021

Kids always wait for summer vacations to enjoy because they spend most of their time in school on regular days. They have many plans in their mind, and as a parent, you should make their summer holidays memorable. Here is a summer vacation quote that I like the most: “Summer Vacation: The time for a break, the time to rest, and the time to rejuvenate self.” So, if you want to make your summer vacation engaging and thrilling, go through these awesome ideas. Take your kids to their favorite places, visit relatives, grandparents, help them pursue their hobbies, and more. Awesome Summer Vacation Ideas- Summer vacations are not just for kids; it’s for everyone regardless of which stage of your life you are right now. Here are some great ideas to make your summer holidays memorable with your family. 1. Plan A Trip: Everyone loves to travel and visit new places. You can go on a vacation trip with your family to a tourist place and have some quality time. You can go to a historical place, a valley, or waterfall, or any place that’s on your bucket list. Ask your kids about their dream destination where they want to visit. If you're looking for something a little more idyllic, with plenty of beautiful scenery, and the smell of fresh flowers and lavender, then you can visit a farm near you and do a private tour in the tranquil surroundings and sunshine. If you are visiting a nearby place for a couple of days, travel by your car. If you are going to a new city far away from your home or on a trip to a foreign country, you can check out the cheap flights to your destination. 2. Take Kids to A Swimming Club or Water Park: Summer without water is not interesting or enjoyable. Be it swimming or any water activities, we all love to pop on the kids bathers and our own and play with water in the hot summer season. Entering into the water gives immense pleasure on summer days, doesn't it? If you have a swimming pool in the backyard of your house, take your kids for a swim. If you don’t have one, you can join them at a swimming club in your locality. Swimming helps to stay active, and hydrated and builds water confidence in your kids. Apart from swimming clubs, you can go to a water park or try Lake District outdoor activities Windermere for other and more engaging water activities. 3. Visit Relatives, and Grandparents: Many people live far away from their natives, relatives, and grandparents. Summer vacation is the best time to visit your relatives and have a good time with them. Since the summer holidays are long, you can plan to stay for a couple of days in your native place. It will help your kids play with their grandparents, learn about your culture, and tradition, build strong affection, etc. Also, it makes your parents feel happy that you visit them during the holidays. You can also plan to take them for a visit with the whole family for a picnic party. 4. Engage in Creative Activities: Another way to utilize the summer vacation and make it interesting as well as productive is by engaging them in a creative activity. You can enroll them in a painting class or social activity class where they will learn new skills and improve their cognitive ability. Apart from that, you can engage them with puzzle and word games. Don’t just tell them to do certain things; you should also participate in the activities with them. It will help them to connect with your kids, and they will feel more comfortable and special. 5. Encourage Your Kids to Read Books and Magazines: Even though your kids may not want to study in the summer holidays, you should encourage them by reading inspiring books and magazines. You will notice that they will develop an interest in some specific areas. It will help them to broaden their horizons and get a better understanding of the world. 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Help them to live their zeal, and cheer them up for their favorite sports. No matter which sports they prefer, be it basketball, football, cricket, or anything else, you will find many clubs are offering these sports training. If there are no sports clubs near you, go to a nearby field and play their favorite games with them. 7. Go Camping: Camping is also a unique way to enjoy the summer holidays. Choose a hill station or a valley where you can live inside a tent and make it a memorable experience for your kids. No matter where you plan to go camping, it’s a great way to spend quality time with family. Search for the best places for camping on the internet. Choose a place near a riverside or hills station or a botanical garden where your kids will get the chance to enjoy nature. Don’t forget to take all the camping essentials such as a pillow, sleeping bag, mat, spare batteries, portable charger, etc. Check the complete list before you plan for a camping trip. 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Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary

BY  Ankita Mar 13, 2024

Do you intend to take a trip to Los Angeles? The city attracted 51 million tourists in 2023, making it one of the top destinations. The attractions here are myriad, and they go beyond the ordinary. Discovering whale watching off the coast is like unearthing a hidden gem. That is despite the glossy, opulent charm of the metropolis.  Los Angeles is in a perfect location to watch these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. It is nestled along the stunning coast of California. The city offers the best of the great outdoors and wildlife besides its vibrant culture. Anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city will find whale watching an incredible experience. Imagine the thrill of seeing a massive pod of whales playing in the waves beside your boat. Nothing matches the exhilaration of seeing a whale break the surface.  Whale watching provides a mystical element to any schedule in Los Angeles. You will see grey whales, blue whales, and even orcas from up close. So, get ready to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Prepare yourself to discover the beauties of the deep blue ocean while you are in Los Angeles. Furthermore, read about the risks of whale watching both for humans and the animals! This is an important part of the activity because your awareness will lead to you having a better understanding of how to treat the whales or be prepared if you plan on such an activity. Unique experience Witnessing some of the most magnificent marine animals in their natural habitat is an unparalleled experience for anyone. That's what whale watching in Los Angeles is all about! The activity helps humans to learn about animals and connect with them. It is definitely an empathetic experience because it contributes in making you more emotionally stable. If fortune favors you, you may be able to spot a school of dolphins playing in the waves. You might also witness a massive humpback breaking the surface. It is a chance to create enduring memories and build a strong bond with the natural world. Adventure opportunity Seeing these massive mammals is an exciting and daring experience. It appeals to thrill-seekers as well as those who enjoy the outdoors. Going out on the broad ocean in search of these amazing creatures is sure to provide an unmatched surge of excitement.  Your pulse will race, and you will feel energized by the possibility of seeing a whale spout off in the distance or watching a lighthearted acrobatic show. Considering Whales are giant beings, it is quite an adventure especially when they are so up close! Imagine the enormity of the situation thus, it makes you feel the reality where we all are an organ of nature playing our part! Watching a whale with your own eyes is an overall beautiful experience. Scenic views Whale watching in Los Angeles provides the excitement of seeing whales and other aquatic creatures. 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As a result, you might promote a greater understanding of the maritime ecosystem and the significance of ocean conservation. Memorable activity Witnessing whales is an experience that will never fade from your memory. It is not merely a recreational activity. A lifetime adventure awaits you when you combine the exhilaration that comes from being out on the open sea with the amazing view of these magnificent species up close.  Los Angeles whale viewing will definitely be one of the pleasures of your trip to this city. It makes no difference if you are traveling alone or with companions. Photography advantage Whale watching provides a special benefit for photographers. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to use your camera to showcase the beauty of aquatic life. Not to mention, you get some flaunt-worthy shots for social media. You can take amazing pictures of dolphins playing in the waves or whales breaching the surface.  The California coast will be your backdrop. There are a ton of opportunities to capture stunning images. It is also a fantastic way to hone your photography skills and create amazing memories. It is regardless of your level of experience. Risks Of Whale Watching If you want to go on cruises and packages to watch whales, you have to learn about the rates of the trips! However, there are several risks that you will experience from the activity hence, you must take necessary precautions. It is important for you to consider your safety along with having an enjoyable experience because that is the whole process of traveling! Please be aware of the two risks of whale watching tours such as inclement weather and rough seas. At times, you might also suffer from seasickness! The safety measures that should be mitigated to the travelers so that they are aware of the risks. As an individual who is excited to experience whale watching, you should also be careful of sun exposure and dehydration. Safety Measures Of Whale Watching There are several steps that the trip managers take to ensure that all tourists are safe and do not feel sick! floatation devices and life jackets are given to each passenger in the boat. Even the boat in which you will travel if you go out for whale watching is equipped with all the necessary equipment. These equipment are all for safety such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and life rafts. The captain of the boat along with the crew members is trained to manage all emergency procedures in case of any emergency. It is a compulsory procedure for the captain to regularly monitor weather conditions and accordingly decide on the tour! All the boats that go out for whale watching are regularly checked and maintained with regard to their safety. Of course, there is also a rule regarding the number of people that are allowed on each boat and it must not exceed because it will increase the risks! All passengers are informed of all the risks and the precautions necessary. Whale Watching Impacting Whales! Do you wonder that watching whales as a commercial practice has become so severe that it is negatively impacting the whales? Vessel collision is a serious concern as at times, the boats might come too close that will lead to bumping to the whales. They might end up hurting the mammals! The engines of the vessels which are used to watch whales might impact them because it can disturb and sometimes damage them. It is basically a threat for all marine mammals especially when other technologies such as military sonar are used! Conclusion Whale watching in Los Angeles is not just a fun pastime. It is a unique journey that provides breathtaking scenery. It also provides the chance to learn about the natural world and leave a lasting impact. Exploring and learning about whales is possible in Los Angeles through whale watching.  You may simply wish to spend time in nature, or you may be searching for a great adventure. So, get ready to embark on this incredible journey and explore the splendors of the vast blue sea while in Los Angeles. Read Also: Savannah In Full Swing: What Is The Best Time To Visit Savannah? Pigeon Forge Indoor Adventures: From Go-Karts To Laser Tag A Step-By-Step Guide To Find The Best Places To Live In Utah For Every Lifestyle

READ MORE Surfing

Beginners Guide To Surfing: What You Need To Know

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 27, 2022

Surfing is one of the best ways to enjoy spending time in the sea. Learning how to surf may not be as easy as you may think. It will take some time, regular practice, and commitment to perfect your technique. So, you will need to know the basics first, learn how to keep yourself safe and dedicate your time to the waves. Learning how to surf can be fun. So, let's learn about the basics of surfing. What to Wear in the Water While Surfing? Before you hit the water, you need to choose the right wetsuit. There are plenty of wetsuits to choose from, in all shapes, sizing, for summer and winter use, for both cold water and warm water. First, think about where you want to surf – is it somewhere warm or cold? Then, think about how much money you want to spend on your wetsuit. Some wetsuits offer a lot of comforts, while others offer a lot of mobility. The thickness of the neoprene is crucial for a wetsuit. It affects the temperature, comfort, and flexibility of the wetsuit. Then you have various types of wetsuits – full suits, long john, top, bottom, and more. So, try to find the best wetsuit that suits your needs. Which Surfboard is Best Learning to Surf? Now that you have something to wear, which type of surfboard should you opt for in the beginning? Longer surfboards are recommended for beginners instead of opting for a shorter surfboard. Short surfboards may look cool, but they lack the volume and length for beginners to catch the waves without more advanced surfing skills. Longboards are easy to ride and paddle and can help you to learn how to ride the waves much easier. There are many surfboards that are shorter than 8ft in length. These surfboards can often be referred to by names like Mini Tanker, Funboard, Fish, Egg, Mini Mal, and Bonzer. Surfboards like these are easy to paddle into smaller waves and swells. How to Catch a Wave and Ride it Catching the wave and riding it is the goal of any surfer. There are seven basic steps that you can take to start. Here are the steps: 1. Practice popping up. You can do this on dry land or on the beach beforehand to develop your technique. Do this by pressing your hands into the ground or board beneath your chest. Try to do this swiftly until you can jump to your feet in one swift movement.            Consider Going Through: Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida For Families 2. In the water, paddle out to the lineup of incoming waves. 3. When you see the wave, you would like to catch, turn your surfboard around and point your board toward the shoreline. Lay down and start paddling to gain speed. Try to keep the tip of your board above the water, but not too high. 4. Look behind you to see where the wave is and continue paddling forward. Try to stay not too far in front of the water and not too far outside. Understanding where you need to be to catch a wave may take some time and regular practice to perfect your technique. 5. Keep looking forward and sense where the wave is. When you feel your momentum is increasing, it’s time to stand up. Use the technique you practiced on dry land to transition from laying to standing on the surfboard. 6. Hop in one motion and ride the wave. A moment of hesitation could disrupt your stability. When you manage to stand up on your board and start riding the wave, stay calm, look ahead and watch where your feet are. 7. Keep bending your knees and put more weight on your back foot. Use your arms to balance yourself. Now you are surfing. Final thoughts Training how to surf can be tiring during your first few times. Don't be surprised if you feel tired after the first few sessions. Surfing is a unique physical sport and requires a lot of energy for paddling and balancing the board. But with the right equipment and techniques, you will become a proficient surfer. Read Also: 10 Best Places To Travel In May – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In April – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In January – Travel Guide 2022