Hike, bike, or snowshoe this 3.1-mile loop to pioneer ruins and a relaxing waterfall in Patapsco State Park, a short drive from downtown.

Nestled deep along Genesee Falls, this 6.5-mile reverse-lasso loop overlooks New York's "Grand Canyon" in Letchworth State Park.

This preserve offers plenty of big city escape. Shady forests, gentle waterfalls, and a lofty vista over the Des Plaines River are just a few stops along this 10.1-mile multi-use loop.

This narrow sandstone wonderland is a gateway to unlimited off-the-grid backpacking near Navajo Mountain.

A stiff 2,300-foot climb rewards you with monster views and a waterfall swim on this 8.8-mile out-and-back in the Santa Monica Mountains.

BURNEY FALLS to GRIZZLY PEAK: Scope a raging 129-foot waterfall to start this tough-and-dry 37.5-mile leg through rolling fir-forest basins to an isolated peak that rewards with views of Mount Shasta.

Climb an easy 1,000 feet above the Clackamas River to a three-tiered waterfall that rivals almost anything in Maui.

Go deep into a rugged creek basin teeming with towering trees and a charming waterfall on this 4.2-mile hike in Portola Redwoods State Park.

Solitude rules on this 9.4-mile out-and-back hike along Little Kachess Lake to rock gardens ablaze with wildflowers,giant green forests, and a quiet lakeside hideout.

This 9.6-mile hike into a narrow wooded valley passes through old settler farmlands, impressive waterfalls, and mountain overlooks to a quiet creekside lunch spot.