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

Consumer Reports' Favorite Travel Backpack Is A Durable And Roomy Gem

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

If you're in need of a new backpack for your travel adventures, Consumer Reports has crunched the numbers on which one you should invest in.

Between Austin And San Antonio Is A Texas State Park With Golf, Fishing, And Hiking

staff@islands.com (Kareem Gantt) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:45:00 +0000

The enormous state of Texas is home to all kinds of state parks, including this historical spot that has fishing, hiking trails, and even a golf course.

California's Once-Thriving Military Base Is Now A Peaceful Escape Brimming With Trails And Stunning Scenery

staff@islands.com (Rebecca High) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

This under-the-radar Central Coast getaway features wide-open spaces, multi-use trails, and rich ecosystems, ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.

Michigan's Oldest State Park Is An Island Paradise To Golf, Eat, And Bike With Lake Leisure

staff@islands.com (Makayla Maxwell) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:25:00 +0000

This island may be well known, but what isn't as well known is that its home to what was once the nation's second national park after Yellowstone.

Pennsylvania's Under-The-Radar State Park Is A Remote Gem With Stunning Views, Camping, And Picnicking

staff@islands.com (Neha Maheshwari) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:45:00 +0000

Pennsylvania isn't lacking for stunning views, but this undervisited park has some you simply have to see. Make sure to make a day (and night) of it.

Just Outside Mackinaw City Is Michigan's Underrated Peninsula State Park With Pet-Friendly Beaches And Swimming

staff@islands.com (Mitchell Peterson) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Enjoy Michigan's outstanding natural beauty with your furry friend at an underrated state park with pristine beaches and plenty of camping opportunities.

Nestled Between Boston And Providence Is Massachusetts' State Forest For Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, And Hiking

staff@islands.com (Jessica Stewart) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Close to Boston or Providence and looking for a great hiking, biking, or horseback riding spot? We know just the state forest for you in Massachusetts.

Between Peoria And Chicago Is Illinois' Lovely Lakeside State Park For Fishing, Boating, And Trails

staff@islands.com (Rebecca High) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:45:00 +0000

Step outside the bigger cities in Illinois to discover a peaceful outdoor escape, with easy trails to hike and paddleboats to cruise around the water.

California's 'Jewel Of The High Country' Is An Alpine Lake Tucked In Yosemite's Sierra Nevada Mountains

staff@islands.com (Joseph Richard Francis) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +0000

This Yosemite lake, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is known as California's "Jewel of the High Country" thanks to the scenery, hiking, and more.

Less Than Two Hours From Colorado Springs Is A Rural, Scenic City With A State Park, Antique Shops, And Museums

staff@islands.com (Megi Canco) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:45:00 +0000

Colorado is full of outdoor activities, scenic roadways, and lesser-known destinations. Some small towns have plenty to offer outside of Denver, though.

Not Everglades National Park, Nor Big Cypress National Preserve — this Is Florida's First Aquatic Preserve

staff@islands.com (Rachel-Jean Firchau) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Dating back to the 1960s, this state park filled with hiking trails, diverse bird species, and other wildlife was Florida's first aquatic preserve.

Hidden On North Carolina's Border Is A Scenic Mountain Lake With Trophy-Sized Catches And Forested Peace

staff@islands.com (Chris Tharp) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0000

A scenic mountain lake is a fisherman's paradise, with trophy-sized catches in a secluded area on North Carolina's border with Tennessee.

Between Spokane And Coeur d'Alene Is Washington's Tucked-Away Park For Hiking And Fishing

staff@islands.com (Chris Tharp) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:45:00 +0000

This reserve in Eastern Washington, between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, is a tucked-away park in forest full of great hiking and fishing opportunities.

Chicago's 'Magic Hedge' Is Found At A Lake Michigan Bird Sanctuary With Beach Trails And Rare Sightings

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Along Lake Michigan in Chicago, this quiet natural area draws the most avid birdwatchers with rare species, migration activity, and beachside paths.

Vermont's Oldest Still-Operating Hotel Is A Restored 18th Century Resort With A Golf Course And Spa

staff@islands.com (Kira Reinke) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Vermont is ripe with history, and you can add the state's oldest hotel into that history. Featuring restaurants and a golf course, it's a spa getaway.

Wisconsin's 'Everglades Of The North' Is A Gem For Birdwatching, Fishing, And Hiking

staff@islands.com (Maja Proescholdt) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Lovers of hiking, fishing, and bird watching rejoice - this state and nationally-run marshland in Wisconsin offers nearly 300 different bird species to spot.

Just Off California's Coast Is The Only National Park Where You'll Find Miniature Island Foxes

staff@islands.com (Sarah Salisbury) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Hike rugged coastal trails and spot rare miniature island foxes on the islands that make up this national park off the coast of Southern California.

This Abandoned And Restored Tower In The Blue Ridge Mountains Offers Ethereal Views Over North Carolina

staff@islands.com (Olivia Typaldos) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:25:00 +0000

Experience panoramic views of one of the country's most picturesque mountain ranges via a quick 20-minute hike less than an hour from Asheville.

Virginia's Underrated State Park Is A Lovely Escape With Trails, Camping, And Scenic Views

staff@islands.com (Elliot Schorr) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:25:00 +0000

This Virginia state park - just an hour's drive from D.C. - offers backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and stargazing among epic pastoral vistas.

What To Do If A Deer Approaches While You're Hiking

staff@islands.com (Kirtana Menon) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Deer are generally timid animals but encounters with them can occasionally turn aggressive. Here's what to do if a deer approaches you while you're hiking.