Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

Forget Denver, Retire To This North Carolina City With Mountains, Cool Weather, And Outdoor Adventures Instead

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Mon, 11 May 2026 23:45:00 +0000

This North Carolina city offers scenic drives, access to waterfalls and trails, historic estate tours, riverside recreation, and four-season mountain views.

Which US National Park Has The Most Hiking Trails?

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Mon, 11 May 2026 23:00:00 +0000

National parks are the perfect destinations for outdoors lovers who want to get some exercise and fresh air, but which one has the most hiking trail options?

Between Joshua Tree And The Mojave Desert Is A Scenic California Nature Preserve With Mountain Views And Camping

staff@islands.com (Kelley Dukat) — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:00:00 +0000

If you're looking for a less crowded spot in California's Mojave Desert, you can head to this designated wilderness area and really get away from it all.

Vintage '80s Camping Gear That Needs To Make A Comeback

staff@islands.com (Kenan Dudley) — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Don't waste your time shopping for new gear, because we've compiled a list of incredible vintage products that you'll want to add to your collection.

Michigan's Once-Thriving Military Fort On Lake Superior Was Abandoned And Transformed Into A Scenic State Park

staff@islands.com (Mitchell Peterson) — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:00:00 +0000

At this Michigan historic state park, explore a 19th-century military fort and a historic lighthouse, plus camp, kayak and hike the surrounding wilderness.

Colorado's Serene Alpine Lake Is A Camping Escape With Forest Trails And Fishing

staff@islands.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:45:00 +0000

Discover a serene alpine lake in southern Colorado's San Isabel National Forest, perfect for camping, fishing, hiking, and year-round outdoor adventure.

Between Columbus And Cincinnati Is An Underrated Ohio Lakeside State Park With Camping, Swimming, And Hiking

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:25:00 +0000

The small lake at the center of this park provides recreation and scenery, while its shores are filled with trails, campsites, cabins, and things to do.

Minnesota's Tallest Waterfall Resides In A Scenic State Park On Lake Superior's Shores

staff@islands.com (Stephen Hanson) — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:45:00 +0000

Along Minnesota's Lake Superior North Shore, this state park features roaring waterfalls, rocky river overlooks, accessible hiking trails, and sweeping views.

Florida's Gorgeous Park In Tampa Has Boardwalk Trails, Kayaking, And Wildlife Encounters

staff@islands.com (Audrey Simons) — Sun, 10 May 2026 15:25:00 +0000

The park and nature center provide a quiet respite while surrounded by Old Florida, with mangroves lining the water, birds all around, and manatees swimming by.

Colorado's Once-Thriving Mining Town Is Now An Abandoned Mountain Gem Surrounded By Forest Beauty

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sat, 09 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

If you're looking for primitive camping, serene beauty, and a bit of history all rolled in one, you won't want to miss this abandoned Colorado mining town.

Between Pittsburgh And Harrisburg Is Pennsylvania's Lakeside State Park With Trails, Fishing, And Mountain Views

staff@islands.com (Stephen Hanson) — Sun, 10 May 2026 22:45:00 +0000

This delightful state park in the Keystone State is the perfect place to enjoy a spot of hiking, fishing, or simply admire the charms of Pennsylvania.

Missouri's Riverside State Park An Hour Outside St. Louis Has Hiking Trails And Camping On The Edge Of The Ozarks

staff@islands.com (Neha Maheshwari) — Sun, 10 May 2026 20:25:00 +0000

Tucked near Missouri's capital city, this lush state park features rolling hills, a section of the Big River, and the state's largest collection of petroglyphs.

Colorado's Affordable City To Retire Under 2 Hours From Denver Has Downtown Shops And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Nola Sarkisian-Miller) — Sun, 10 May 2026 12:45:00 +0000

This Colorado city is a retiree haven, with a low cost of living, senior-friendly activities and nature spots, and a downtown lined with unique shops.

Between Wisconsin Dells And Dubuque Is A State Park With Lake Beaches, Trails, And A Waterfall

staff@islands.com (Neha Maheshwari) — Sat, 09 May 2026 22:45:00 +0000

If you are looking for a lake vacation, there is a great state park between Wisconsin Dells and Dubuque. It has beaches, hiking trails, and a waterfall.

Iowa's Second-Largest Lake Is A State Park Beauty With Hiking Trails And Charming Beaches

staff@islands.com (Madeleine Bee) — Sat, 09 May 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Iowa may not be near a coast, but it has plenty of lakes. The second-largest of these is in a state park with plenty of outdoor fun available.

Between Tampa And Fort Myers Is Florida's Underrated State Park For Hiking And Wildlife Watching

staff@islands.com (Kareem Gantt) — Sat, 09 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If you want to check out some truly unique wildlife, you can head to this Florda state park and see gopher tortoises, Florida rosemary, and more.

New York's Once-Thriving Quarry Is Now A Scenic Nature Preserve With Mountain Views And Hiking Trails

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Sat, 09 May 2026 03:45:00 +0000

The Catskill Mountains are one of New York's most delightful destinations, but all that beautiful nature hides a surprising industrial history.

Between Tampa And Gainesville Is Florida's Lakeside Wildlife Refuge With Trails And Fishing

staff@islands.com (C. M. Ramsburg) — Fri, 08 May 2026 23:45:00 +0000

This wildlife refuge in Florida gives visitors the chance to spot a variety of animal species while traversing forest trails, boating, fishing, and hunting.

Nestled On The California-Oregon Border, The Cascades' 'Everglades Of The West' Is A Birdwatching Haven

staff@islands.com (Stephen Hanson) — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:45:00 +0000

On the California-Oregon border, this large wetland region offers birdwatching along the Pacific Flyway, marsh and forest habitats, and bald eagle sightings.

Canada's Underrated Provincial Park In Alberta Has Uncrowded Lakes, Mountain Views, And Abundant Wildlife

staff@islands.com (Maja Proescholdt) — Fri, 08 May 2026 02:15:00 +0000

Skip the crowds in Jasper and Banff National Park in favor of Alberta's hidden-gem preserves, like this protected park that showcases stunning scenery.