School
Duquesne University, Humboldt University Berlin, Central European University
Expertise
National parks, Foreign travel, Hiking trails
- Stephen has covered breaking travel news and major travel trends for top travel publications.
- An avid traveler, he has stepped foot on four different continents and more than two dozen countries.
- When not writing, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and nature photography.
Experience
Stephen Hanson is an author, travel writer, and amateur photographer. A native of Pittsburgh, he has also lived in Berlin, Vienna, and Washington, D.C., where he currently resides. Steve has published both fiction and non-fiction in international publications. In addition to his published works, he has also studied cognitive science at the graduate level and worked in the educational field.
Education
Stephen has a bachelor's degree with a dual focus on English and philosophy, and is currently completing a graduate degree in the field of cognitive science.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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Pennsylvania
By Stephen Hanson
Make the most of the fall season by booking a trip to this massive Pennsylvania gorge, often dubbed the state's very own Grand Canyon.
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South Carolina
By Stephen Hanson
This beautiful creek in an underrated national park offers visitors calm waters to paddle through while seeing some of the tallest trees in the Eastern U.S.
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Virginia
By Stephen Hanson
A towering Virginia waterfall plunges from the cliffs of the Alleghany Highlands, offering a stunning roadside view for travelers passing through the mountains.
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Colorado
By Stephen Hanson
Escape to Colorado's Rockies where a pristine park blends rushing waters, scenic trails, and epic mountain views with the solitude many travelers dream of.
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Experience an Ohio destination where hidden wetlands meet Lake Erie's coast, creating the ultimate mix of outdoor beauty, wildlife, and adventure.
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Tennessee
By Stephen Hanson
This Tennessee trail reveals wildflower forests, dramatic bluffs, and mountain ridges, ending with breathtaking views across the Great Smoky Mountains.
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Colorado
By Stephen Hanson
High in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, a picturesque lake invites you to kayak, hike, fish, or simply relax on its scenic shores surrounded by alpine beauty.
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West Virginia
By Stephen Hanson
This West Virginia drive winds past rugged cliffs, vast forests, and quiet towns, making it one of the best ways to see fall foliage and mountain views.
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California
By Stephen Hanson
This Mojave Desert trail may be short, but its slot canyons, strange formations, and a ring-assisted climb make it one of California's most unique hikes.
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West Virginia
By Stephen Hanson
From panoramic overlooks to hidden trails and lively festivals, West Virginia offers dazzling fall scenery and plenty of seasonal charm that are worth a trip.
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New York
By Stephen Hanson
This rugged Adirondack trail climbs high peaks and rocky ridges, offering stunning views for hikers willing to take on one of the toughest routes in the U.S.
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A Lake Erie beach park blends golden sand and skyline views with swimming, fishing, boating, and trails, creating Cleveland's ultimate outdoor playground.
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North Carolina
By Stephen Hanson
In North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, a little-known peak offers stunning panoramas, scenic hikes, and craggy ridges that attract adventurous climbers.
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One of the country's toughest hikes is in Oregon, with the 40-mile loop challenging even the most seasoned hikers who face steep climbs on a multi-day journey.
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Vermont
By Stephen Hanson
Vermonts third-tallest peak in the Green Mountains is an outdoor paradise filled with gorgeous scenery, miles of trails, and photo-worthy waterways.
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California
By Stephen Hanson
Discover mountain vistas, granite peaks, and over 100 lakes on this epic California hiking trail hidden away in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
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Thought Ohio was all flat? Think again. The Buckeye State has some fabulous hikes, no more magnificent than this curious trail to a natural wonder.
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The Lone Star State is packed with gorgeous nature in every direction, and visitors will find plenty of Texas magic at this stunning state park in the tropics.
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Colorado
By Stephen Hanson
Discover history at the Colorado-Utah border destination, which is filled with ancient structures built by the Indigenous people and scenic trails.
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North Carolina
By Stephen Hanson
This unique hike from within the North Carolina stretch of the Appalachian Mountains is a must-visit for experienced hikers.
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This circuit summits multiple New Hampshire peaks above 4,000 feet, providing a difficult but rewarding hike with great views of the White Mountains.
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South Carolina
By Stephen Hanson
If you have ever dreamt of tackling a canoe trail that idles through a spectacular forest of the ancient variety, the Palmetto State has just the park for you.
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Pennsylvania
By Stephen Hanson
Dust off those hiking boots, charge the camera, and get ready for a truly adorable adventure in this gorgeous state park in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands.
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Walk and hike around this massive icefield in southeastern Alaska that's twice the size of New York City and drains into more than 30 different glaciers.
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Tennessee
By Stephen Hanson
Spend time in nature at this scenic Tennessee river that offers an abundance of water and land-based activities.
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Arizona
By Stephen Hanson
Parts of Arizona may seem like a desert wasteland, but tucked away are gems like this desert refuge home to exotic wildlife and beautiful canyon views.
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Kentucky
By Stephen Hanson
The spectacular Red River Gorge is one of the undoubted highlights of the Bluegrass State, but make a beeline for this easy trail to get a new view of Kentucky.
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