Rachel Tand

This is an incredible and beautiful hike that is just off of Route 6 but feels a million miles away. Drive up Douglas Mountain Road for the west park access (and I do mean UP - it's a quick elevation gain), and you'll run right into the Centennial Cone Park entrance. There is a bathroom and a decent amount of parking, especially when you're one of the only people on the trail like I was! This t...

The Scout Trail at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in Swanton, Ohio is an easy hike that covers a lot of beautiful ground! I love this hike and do it several times each season (REALLY recommend the fall for the gorgeous colors!). I am constantly surprised by how few people take advantage of this trail. It is fairly well maintained (though you will definitely encounter fallen trees) and easy to ...

The Lemosho Route is one of the longest routes up Kilimanjaro (7 days) and is considered a little more difficult but very scenic, with ample time for acclimatization. You will need to hike with a tour guide - there are many great companies to choose from.The Lemosho Route begins at Lemosho Gate, which has an altitude of about 6,900 ft. You are in the rainforest here, so it's hot and muggy but t...

CVNP only has one designated camping area with five sites, located behind the Stanford House. The Conservancy for CVNP runs the reservations, and they fill up quickly so plan ahead (I made my reservation about 2 months in advance, and it was the earliest I could get in). There is a parking lot at the Stanford House, but backcountry campers can't leave their cars there overnight, so you can park...

Plan to park at the Boston Store Visitor Center. From here, head west on W Boston Mill Road, where you'll pick up the Buckeye Trail just after the train tracks on your left-hand side. Follow the Buckeye Trail crossing over W Boston Mill Road and heading north toward Blue Hen Falls. Continue north on the Buckeye Trail past Columbia Road (3 miles from TH) until you reach Snowville Road and the C...