Abby ShepardExplorer

Ohiopyle State Park, located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is full of adventure along the Youghiogheny River. During your visit, make sure you stop by the Meadow Run natural waterslide for some serious fun.  You can park for free at the Meadow Run parking lot, and then take a short walk down a flight of wooden stairs to access the water. The parking lot fills fast, so plan to get there at o...

A cenote is a natural sinkhole that appears when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater beneath. The exposed water can be above ground, or in a series of underground caves and rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is somewhat known for cenotes, and a trip to the area isn't complete without a swim in one. Las Mojarras is a big, open, above-ground cenote. The water is clear, deep, and surrounded by ju...

If you are going to tour Northern Delaware, look no further than the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. This ~12 mile route links some of the best sites and attractions in the region including Bellevue State Park, Wilmington State Park, Brandywine Creek State Park, Brandywine Zoo, and Rockford Park. Hike by two historic estates, the Brandywine River, the dramatic rock walls of Alapocas Run State...

The Michael N. Castle Trail (known locally as the Mike Castle Trail) is a 19.7-mile trail in northern Delaware along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. You'll get great views of the canal and the bridges.  The trail is flat and paved, making it a great pick for biking. The trail is one way, but can be accessed at multiple points. I prefer to start at Biddle Point, but you can also start in Del...

Dubrovnik is stunning seaport city located right on the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by impressive fortifications known as the City Walls. Walking the City Walls is a popular tourist activity, but seeing the famous walls from the water offers an entirely new perspective.  Sea Kayaking around the city allows you to discover amazing views of the city walls, explore nearby Lokrum Island, snorkel or...

Due to the incredibly dense vegetation, Mt. Pelée can only be climbed on one of three established trails. The Aileron Route is a popular choice, and is a wonderful hike to the crater rim. Aileron refers to the fin-like pinnacle projecting out from the main body of Pelée. The volcano is almost always engulfed in clouds. To avoid the clouds and to get the best views, many blogs recommend taking t...

The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park is unique because the sandy peninsula separates the Delaware Bay from the Atlantic ocean, and curves in a way that the sun sets directly over the water on the Bay side even though you’re on the east coast.  On the Delaware Bay side, you'll get an excellent view of the East End Breakwater Lighthouse with the sunset. During low tide, the bay turns into a ser...

A cenote is a a natural sinkhole that appears when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater beneath. The exposed water can be above ground, or in a series of underground caves and rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is somewhat known for cenotes, and a trip to the area isn't complete without a swim in one. 7 Bocas means 7 Mouths, and this cenote is unique because there are 7 different entrances to a...

Located in the heart of Kent County, Delaware, Killens Pond State Park features a 66 acre millpond, established in the late 1700s. Today, the park is a favorite destination for fishing, camping, hiking, and more. The Pondside Trail follows the circumference of the pond, and meanders through hardwood forests, over creeks, and past the park's campsite, where the smell of campfire often fills the...

Killens Pond State Park surrounds a 66-acre pond. Kayak, canoe, and peddle boat rentals are available from their boat dock. You can also bring your own water craft and launch it from the boat ramp.After entering the park, follow the road until you arrive at the nature center. Park in the nature center lot, and take the short trail to the left of the center to the boat dock. Rent your kayak and ...

The Blue Grotto is a must when visiting Malta. This giant sea arch is impressive, and the water below is strikingly blue. The Blue Grotto is located in the southeast coast of the main island of Malta, a short distance off the fishing town of Wied iż-Żurrieq. To see the Grotto, you have two options. There is a little lookout on the side of the road where you can either get off the bus or pull ov...

The Assawoman Canal is a beautiful waterway in Ocean View, Delaware and a perfect spot for an easy, yet scenic paddle. The canal is narrow and calm, which makes for some spectacular reflections of the surrounding trees.  You can start and park at the Assawoman Canal Trailhead parking lot off of New Road. There is a small parking lot and restrooms. However, there are no kayak rentals, so make su...

Located on the small, rugged island of Comino, Blue Lagoon is definitely worth a day trip during your visit to Malta. The attraction may seem like a tourist trap, and once you get off the ferry, be prepared for masses of tourists and food trucks. However, walk past the food trucks, climb a bit of rocky ground, and you will be rewarded with the stunning Blue Lagoon.  The lagoon itself is an expa...

In 1951, Trap Pond Trap State Park became one of Delaware's first state parks. Today, the pond is home to the northernmost natural grove of baldcypress trees in the country, and offers absolutely beautiful kayaking through the ancient swamps. Upon arriving at the park, follow the main road to the Baldcypress Nature Center. The Nature Center offers information about the baldcypress trees and wil...

Laurel Ridge Cross-Country Ski Center is a great place to try cross-country skiing! The ski center maintains and grooms 30 kilometers of cross-country ski trails through Laurel Ridge State Park.  You can rent skis from the rental center onsite. As of January 2021, they do not take reservations for rentals. The ski center is open Fridays-Mondays during the ski season. You can find up to date in...

Castles are abundant in Slovakia, and Čachtice Hrad (Cachtice Castle) is one you don't want to miss. This hike is popular with locals, and will give you an excellent taste of Slovak history, culture, and nature. Built in the first half of the 13th, Cachtice Castle is famous (and possibly haunted) for being the residence of “bloody countess Elizabeth Bátory”, who allegedly killed 600 young girls...