6 Suggestions For Majestic And Awe-Inspiring Hikes

6 Fantastic Hiking Places

Hiking the Stawamus Chief in Squamish

Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

• Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D
• In the winter, leaving the house can lessen the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Hiking is a great way to stay physically active
• Walking in the fresh air can help with mental health
• It's a great opportunity to learn about local plant and animal species
• Going outside may be good for children's vision

Experience the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

In Depth

The world has many beautiful and unique locations to explore from the striking mountains in North America to the wonders of Machu Picchu in Peru. Whether you are someone who is interested in history, thrill, or simply enjoys the outdoors, in no particular order, here are 6 impressive hikes to try on your next adventure.

Coming in at #1 is the Schuylkill River Trail which travels through the historically rich region of southeastern Pennsylvania. The trail is a multi-use path that extends 120 miles from Frackville in Schuylkill County, through Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties to Philadelphia and passes through rural, agricultural, suburban, urban, and industrial landscapes.

The Schuylkill River, Dutch for Hidden River, is where the American, Industrial and Environmental Revolutions were born. Most of the trail is built over abandoned railroad lines. Along its path, trail users can see evidence of several centuries of industrial development, canal navigation, railroad transportation, quarrying of limestone and iron ore, and the production of iron and steel.

Most of the trail is built over abandoned railroad lines.

Next up at #2 is the Stawamus Chief hike located in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Towering nearly 2,000 feet above Squamish, the Stawamus Chief is one of the largest granite monoliths in North America, and one of the most talked about rock climbing and hiking destinations, attracting hundreds from all over the world during the busy summer season.

While not overly technical in nature, the Stawamus Chief is nonetheless a challenging hike, mainly because it doesn't beat around the bush. The trail goes straight up, right off the start, and is sure to get your heart and lungs into overdrive. The Stawamus Chief is divided into three distinct summits and all three are accessible from the main hiking trail.

At #3 is the Stone Barn Savanna trail located in the 3,800 acre Nachusa Grasslands Preserve in Franklin Grove, Illinois. On the trail you will find a lovely extensive oak savanna which as of 2020 is under restoration, restored prairie openings, wetlands and sandstone cliffs. The site contains numerous prairie remnants, residuals of the most threatened major ecosystem in the world.

The site contains numerous prairie remnants, residuals of the most threatened major ecosystem in the world.

Nachusa Grasslands is an unusually diverse mosaic of prairie, wetlands, and savannas which encompasses a rich diversity of plants, birds, reptiles, insects, mammals, and interesting geological features. The purpose of the preserve is to protect and restore rare habitats and to serve as an influence, inspiration, and resource for other conservation partners, researchers, and the public.

Coming in at #4 is a hike along an 80 kilometer section of the Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia among the forests, mountains and monasteries of Dilijan National Park. Self-sufficient hikers will find plentiful wild-camping opportunities along the route, giving you the ability to modify the itinerary to suit your preferred schedule and level of challenge.

As well as taking in the stunning limestone escarpments and broadleaf forests of the region, your hike will also pass close to some of the most iconic historical sites in Armenia, including the early Christian monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, which date back to the 10th century, as well as several lesser known natural and cultural sites.

As well as taking in the stunning limestone escarpments and broadleaf forests of the region, your hike will also pass close to some of the most iconic historical sites in Armenia, including the early Christian monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, which date back to the 10th century, as well as several lesser known natural and cultural sites.

Next at #5 is The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru. The Salkantay Adventure goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek. It is also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture as you learn about the Inca civilization and the extraordinary legacy that they left for generations to come.

This seven day adventure includes visiting the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site on the way to the town of Mollepata, a round-trip hike to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay, a climb to the Salkantay Pass, a descent into the cloud forest, a picnic lunch along the Santa Teresa River, and ends in the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Last at #6 are the trails through caves and caverns at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Ontario, Canada. Self-guided trails weave throughout seventeen unique geological features, naturally carved millions of years ago by glacial ice. Once home to the Petun First Nations people and currently situated within one of Canada's 18 UNESCO sites, the rich landscape has much to offer.

Once home to the Petun First Nations people and currently situated within one of Canada's 18 UNESCO sites, the rich landscape has much to offer.

Descend into the aptly named Refrigerator Cave, explore a labyrinth of caves and caverns 70 feet below the surface or shimmy through Fat Man's Misery at just 36 centimeters wide. The rewards are plentiful with multiple panoramic vistas of Georgian Bay along limestone cliff edges. The self guided tours take approximately 2 hours to complete and are open to all ages.