Go exploring on these 5 new rail trails across the US

Discover the trails.

Chances are, there’s a rail trail near you. Since 1986, the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) has turned abandoned and unused railway corridors into multi-use paths. As the conservancy says in its mission statement, “we are building a nation connected by trails. We reimagine public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors.” You’ll also find runners, wheelchair users, inline skaters, and sometimes even cross-country skiers or horseback riders on the more than 25,000 miles of open rail trails.

The RTC recently noticed a tipping point in rail trail appreciation. “We used to say there’s a rail-trail in every single state, and now we can say there’s at least one developing trail network in every state,” said Brandi Horton, vice president of communications for the RTC, in a statement. “It matters so much because it illustrates the relevance of trail networks to the nation. This is happening literally everywhere in America.”

Here are five of the most exciting RTC developments from 2023.

Discover the LA hiking trail frequented by stars like RuPaul and Taylor Swift

Visit a star-studded trail.

Celebrity sightings probably aren’t what draws most hikers to the great outdoors. Still, for fans of people like Taylor Swift, the chance to see your favorite star can be excellent motivation to explore a new trail. If you’re curious to discover a hiking hotspot frequented by celebrities like Swift, Ed Sheeran, and RuPaul, make your way to Los Angeles, California’s Franklin Canyon Park.

Visitors will find this lovely nature retreat tucked away between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley. Rumor has it that couples like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis love to hike the trails within Franklin Canyon Park. In 2013, Taylor Swift and friend Ed Sheeran were even spotted hiking in the park. Swift was seen hiking Franklin Canyon again in 2019, with then-boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

https://www.instagram.com/taylahschild/p/C0AJQHgN4fL

Want to check out Franklin Canyon Park for yourself? While you’ll want to check the park’s official website for any closures, the area welcomes anyone looking for a place to unwind and escape the city. Get a sense of the area and learn what to expect there with the gallery of Franklin Canyon Park trail photos below.

Mind-blowing sights you’ll see on Glacier National Park’s best hike

It’s a stunner.

Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Lake Trail is one of the best hikes in Montana. Some hikers may even consider it the best hike in America. Join us on a trek through the woods to see what makes Avalanche Lake so special.

Two key factors help determine a trail’s popularity: accessibility and scenery. Spectacular views draw people to a trail, and accessibility ensures that those visitors can actually enjoy exploring the trail. While few trails are accessible to all people, the Avalanche Lake hike’s moderate difficulty makes it manageable for a wide audience of hikers. Plus, the Trail of the Cedars section of the hike is accessible using off-road wheelchairs.

Now, let’s dive into the scenery you can look forward to during your Avalanche Lake hike. If you’re looking for crystal clear waters and breathtaking natural landscapes, you’re in luck. Here are seven photos showing off the best of Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Lake hike.

Discover one of Maryland’s best hikes on Billy Goat Trail

It’s time to explore.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park spans Maryland, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. Within this sprawling park, the wildly popular Billy Goat Trail branches into three sections — A, B, and C. As of November 2023, Section B is closed due to erosion and trail damage. Even with this section closed, Billy Goat Trail remains “one of the busiest trails in the D.C. area.”

What brings so many hikers to this trail? Visitors report enjoying the challenge of navigating rock scrambles while traveling along the scenic Potomac River. If you’re planning a trip to Billy Goat Trail, discover what you can expect there with this helpful photo guide.

What to know before hiking Overlook Mountain Trail in the Catskills

Hike the Catskills.

This trail in New York’s Catskill Mountains is just a few miles outside the busy, touristy town of Woodstock. The key to the trail’s popularity is in the name: that overlook means stunning and far-reaching views. Especially if you visit in the fall. Your 2.3-mile (4.6-mile roundtrip) walk pays off in letting you stand above a sea of golden leaves. Of course, I’m sure springtime green wouldn’t be bad, either.

Allow at least three hours for this moderately challenging hike through a mixed deciduous forest featuring maples and oaks. The trail may be a bit crowded, especially on weekends. Your leashed dog can also enjoy hiking the Overlook Mountain Trail. April through November are the best months to go. Here are some additional details to help you plan your trek.

A golden forested valley with cloudy blue sky overhead.
The view from the top! / Photo by Gideon Parque

Discover Crabtree Falls on this gorgeous Virginia hike

Explore the great outdoors.

If you’re planning to travel along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway this fall, scenic views are probably your top priority. Come autumn, the region’s forested ridges transform into a colorful spectacle that visitors can’t help but marvel over. While fascinating stops and lovely overlooks abound on this 469-mile parkway, adventurers seeking an unforgettable hike will want to make a detour to this trail just six miles from milepost 27.

A visit to the Crabtree Falls Trail will find you traversing an idyllic path through the Virginian wilderness. The roughly 3.5-mile trail wanders through the woods and across a bridge before reaching a glorious waterfall consisting of “five major cascades.” Get a glimpse of these incredible sights and plan your trip with this photo guide to Virginia’s Crabtree Falls Trail.

Wander through the woods on these 6 cozy fall hikes

Go on an autumn adventure.

Get back to nature before winter comes calling. Cold temperatures will arrive faster than you think, and the frosty weather will have all but the bravest hikers cooped up indoors. So, why not enjoy the fall foliage and autumn breezes while they’re here?

There are so many ways for you to make the most of this season. There are camping trips to go on, road trip routes to explore, and even some surprisingly scenic swamp tours to try. Of course, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably just looking for some hiking trails that provide quality views of colorful foliage. We get it. So, without further ado, here are six of the best cozy fall hikes in the United States.

How much do you know about the Appalachian Trail?

Explore the AT.

The Appalachian Trail has quite a reputation. Its challenging terrain and magnificent views can be life-changing for a hiker. At 2,190 miles long, it’s also the world’s longest hiking-only footpath. As you might imagine, maintaining such a massive and popular trail is no small feat.

That’s where the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) comes in. The ATC protects the trail with help from the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and hundreds of thousands of supporters from various states and countries. The group’s work helps make the Appalachian Trail safe for hikers and local wildlife.

Learn more about this beloved hiking destination with Outdoors Wire’s list of five fascinating facts about the Appalachian Trail.

The 6 best hikes in Los Angeles

Reconnect with nature.

Most big cities aren’t known for their hiking scenes, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great trails to be found. In Los Angeles, there are actually tons of cool places to hike, if you know where to look. Let’s dive into where you can find these hot spots.

For scenic and engaging LA hikes, you’ll want to head out to local parks and peaks. The county’s ridges and green spaces provide optimal back-to-nature vibes and gorgeous wilderness views. From Griffith Park to Solstice Canyon, here are the six best hikes in LA, where you can find them, and why you’ll love them.

See 10 waterfalls on a trip to Silver Falls State Park in Oregon

Here are five things to know before you go.

Oregon is rich in waterfalls, with many excellent waterfall hikes around the state. But the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park is a huge crowd favorite. If you’re a waterfall lover, you’ll want to take this hike.

Silver Falls State Park is located near Silverton, Oregon, 20 miles southeast of Salem. With more than 9,000 acres, it’s Oregon’s largest state park. Explore 24 miles of walking trails, or ride a horse or bike in some parts of the park. It’s also a gorgeous place for a picnic if you just want to chill and enjoy the trees.

Hikers near a forest waterfall.
Photo by Teresa Bergen