We’ve been blessed to hike trails all over the world, but for Thanksgiving 2022 we chose 10 that we’re particularly grateful for:
#10: WOODLAND TRAIL | CANTON, SD
The Woodland Trail in Newton Hills State Park near Canton, SD offers around 7 miles of hiking trails through hilly deciduous forest, including a lookout tower with a great view of the surrounding area. It’s especially pretty in the fall. Read more...
#9: MOUNT ROYAL | MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA
In Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Mount Royale’s network of trails circle the mountain that overlooks Montreal, trekking through a canopy of trees to a stunning view of the city below. Read more...
#8: VANCOUVER SEA WALL TRAIL | VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Vancouver Sea Wall Trail is a beautiful running, walking and bicycling trail that takes you from downtown Vancouver past the boats moored in the harbour. You run past beautiful forested areas and sandy beaches, all the while soaked in wonderful views of the bay. I ran just past the lighthouse before I turned around and headed back to my hotel, but on bicycle you can go for miles. This is truly one of the most marvelous trails I’ve ever had the pleasure of running. Read more...
#7: DEERFIELD TRAIL #40 | SILVER CITY, SD
Near Silver City in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Deerfield Trail #40 stretches from Deerfield Lake to the Centennial Trail near Pactola Lake along a gurgling creek and the historic remains of several cabins - one built by a prospector in the 1870s and another by a settler in the 1930s. You see what’s left of an old log flume, awe-inspiring slate cliffs, and dozens of bridges. You can also take a fantastic loop around Deerfield Lake. Read more...
#6: STRAWBERRY LAKE TRAIL | KALISPELL, MT
Near Kalispell, Montana, the trail to Strawberry Lake is steep and tough with a reward of a beautiful mountain lake at the turnaround and a couple of small waterfalls along the way. Read more...
#5: DIAMOND TRAIL | CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK, IRELAND
Diamond Trail at Connemara National Park of Ireland features panoramic views of the Irish countryside and an interesting perspective on peat with a hike up a mountain and through a bog. Read more...
#4: BLACK ELK PEAK #9 NORTH | CUSTER, SD
Black Elk Peak #9 North takes you through several biomes, with landscapes ranging from dry and rocky to lush and wooded. It’s almost like you are hiking in a different state from one mile to the next. This trail offers stunning vistas of the Central Hills. Read more...
#3: GRIZZLY #7 | KEYSTONE, SD
Grizzly #7 near Keystone, SD is probably the longest and hardest hike to Black Elk Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota, but what a magnificent journey to the top. Read more...
#2: SKELLIG MICHAEL | IRELAND
Skellig Michael off the west coast of Ireland, from a port near Doolin, is featured in two Star Wars movies but what makes this hike stunning is what you find at the top of the 600 steps: an ancient monastery. Plus, the puffins are amazing! Read more...
#1: JEWEL BASIN | KALISPELL, MT
Jewel Basin near Kalispell in western Montana is aptly named, rewarding your climbs up steep - and sometimes icy - mountain trails with beautiful glistening lakes and breathtaking views. Read more...