Albion Falls is located just outside of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and is one of the most scenic hikes in Eastern Canada just outside of a large city. It is frequently visited from people all over Canada because of its beauty. It is a very short hike from the parking area at only about 0.5 miles (600 meters). The falls have both an upper and lower viewing point for more access for hikers to enjoy the beauty of the falls. Since the hike is so short, the difficulty is not high and it is a great place to take the whole family to if you find yourself in Hamilton wanting to enjoy the beautiful surroundings on the Niagara Escarpment.

The best time to hike this trail is from April to September, even though the trail is accessible all year. It is also a great place to go see in the mid-fall months because the colors of the maple leaves around the falls add to its serene beauty. Many people also like to make the short hike in the winter to see the falls frozen over during the frigid Canadian winters. If you decide to do this, take caution because trail conditions can get very icy in the winter months. 

Albion Falls is one of the highlights in the Hamilton area and if you find yourself wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, escape to this amazing place.

Spooky Gulch, located near Escalante, Utah,  is a short slot canyon hike near the Grand Staircase National Monument. There are parts of the slot canyon that are so narrow, you may wonder if you can make it through. You most likely can but that tight fit may be a little "spooky". If you are claustrophobic or unable to make it through tight spaces, hikers have the option of hiking above the slot canyon. Most of the hike is spent going in and out of the slot canyon from stagnant water to a sandy trail and back again. Most of the water can be avoided but be prepared to get wet just in case the water may be higher or for any slips into the water.

Most hikers combine Spooky Gulch with nearby Peek-a-boo Gulch to spend more time in the area and enjoy the slot canyons. As with any slot canyon, please be advised of the weather in the area at all times to avoid flash floods. Since Spooky Gulch is located in a remote area, be prepared with lots of water, a first aid kit, and any extra clothes or shoes in case hikers get wet. The best time of year to hike Spooky Gulch is from May to September because it is usually much dryer during these months.

Come enjoy the beauty of these slot canyons with no crowds like others you will see in the State of Utah! If you find yourself near Bryce Canyon, Spooky Gulch and Escalante are a short drive away for family friendly adventures!  

The Red Reef trail is located near the small town of Leeds, Utah and in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. It is a 2 mile trail that takes hikers near the beautiful red slick rock cliffs of Southern Utah, into a slot canyon, and to ancient Anasazi hieroglyphs in a small cave that is above the trailhead. The trail itself is not difficult with very few climbs along the trail, however, be sure to hike the slot canyon portion when during good weather to avoid any flash floods.

During the spring there is a waterfall in the slot canyon when the runoff from the snow but during the hottest months of the year it is completely dry. If you are not prepared to get wet, don't worry about having to hike through water as most of the trail is completely dry. As hikers enter the slot canyon there is a short rope to hold on to as hikers make their way around the waterfall. There is not much shade along the trail so be sure to bring lots of water as you hike. 

There is a small entrance fee of $5 that is paid either at the entrance or in envelopes that are dropped off after you leave the reserve. The Red Reef trail is very family friendly and has many campgrounds nearby if hikers want to stay an extra day to explore this beautiful area. 

Overall, the Red Reef trail is a hike that is definitely off the beaten path in the St. George area that explores the beautiful desert landscape of Southern Utah. It is somewhat unknown, but is relatively heavily trafficked throughout the year, although significantly less than Zion National Park and other well known spots in the area. Red Reef is a great place for hikers to be able to experience the serene beauty of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. The Red Reef trail is the perfect introduction to Southern Utah! 

The Emery Creek Trail, located near Chatsworth, Georgia, showcases the beauty of Northern Georgia with two beautiful waterfalls along the way as you cross through both Emery Creek and Holly Creek, where there is a small swimming hole just a half mile from the trail. Hikers are required to cross both creeks multiple times as they hike along the trail. Prepare accordingly with water shoes and quick drying clothes. The trail itself is about 5.9 miles long and is an out and back style trail. The best times to hike the Emery Creek trail are from March to September.

The two waterfalls mentioned above are the Upper and Lower Emery Creek Falls. Both waterfalls are worth the near 6 mile hike and are unique in their own way. The lower falls are small but feature beautiful trees surrounding the falls that enhance its beauty. The main falls are the upper falls which is much larger and features a cascading waterfall that resembles the Fountain of Youth.

Be cautious about hiking the trail in the early spring months because the water levels may be higher than at any other time of the year. With the water levels being higher, hikers face more danger when they cross the river. In the first crossing, the rocks at the bottom of the creek are sharp and slippery which could cause a slip and fall injury, especially if the water is moving quickly. Use caution during the first crossing, but the other creek crossings along the hike are much easier to handle. 

The Emery Creek trail is a great spot to keep your family entertained all summer long! With spots to swim, hike, and see two beautiful waterfalls, Emery Creek has the complete package for any summer adventure. 

Cascade Falls, located outside of Cedar City, Utah, is a beautiful waterfall that is just a 1.2 mile hike round trip, ending at Cascade Falls. It is somewhat of a hidden local hotspot that not many outside of the area know much about it. The hike itself is very family friendly in that small children can likely make the hike, keeping both parents and children happy. There are several landmarks to take note of as you hike the Cascade Falls trail. One landmark is the stairs that were meticulously plotted along the trail which add both an element of comfort and beauty to the hike as they match the sandstone landscape. Another landmark to look out for is the upper Cascade Falls viewpoint where hikers are allowed to get an up close view of these beautiful falls.

The water from the waterfall derives from the Navajo Lake that then funnels into a series of sinkholes in the area. This water is special because before it reaches the falls, it travels through many underground water tubes. The falls can be seen multiple times throughout the hike. When you approach it in the end, you won't be able to swim or go in, but you can definitely take advantage of the views!

Although the hike is short, it is fairly steep in parts, so be prepared with water and some snacks as you hike in the area. Located in the red cliffs just outside of Cedar City, visitors have a great view of the Cedar Valley and Zion National Park. The best times to hike the Cascade Falls trail is from June to September to avoid runoff from snow melts and icy trail conditions. If desired, hikers have the option of hiking up to Navajo Lake which feeds the beautiful Cascade Falls. 

There are benches along the hike to ease the hikers on their journey as well as encourage the hiker to enjoy the magnificent views through the canyon. The trail is very well maintained, and remains about the same in elevation until you get to the final few yards, then the elevation kicks in a little bit.There is hardly any shade on the hike, so be sure to bring sunscreen, water, and a hat to protect your skin from sunburn. To beat the sun, you could complete this hike in the morning or the evening. This hike is superbly short, making it great for families and busy people who still want to get their fill of nature while accomplishing other task for the day.

This hike is proof that Cedar City and Cedar Breaks National Forest are no mere stopping point on the way to St. George. Cascade Falls will take your breath away making you wanting to come back for more! 

The Salt Lake Valley Scenic overlook starts on the Desolation trail in Millcreek Canyon near Salt Lake City, Utah and offers hikers a wide variety of destinations to stop at along the trail, ultimately leading to Lake Desolation. The Salt Lake Valley Scenic Overlook is the first stop along the trail and the most visited of the stops along the Desolation Trail. The Salt Lake Valley Scenic overlook shows hikers the beauty of the Salt Lake Valley from high above the skyscrapers in Downtown Salt Lake City.

The hike to the Salt Lake Valley Scenic Overlook is about 2 miles one way, the trail is mostly uphill and switchbacks dominate the upper part of the trail. From the Salt Lake Valley Scenic overlook, hikers are able to continue on to Lake Desolation although it is another 15 miles to the lake. 

The Salt Lake Valley Scenic overlook portion of the trail is intermediate in difficulty and the scenic overlook itself is not for the faint of heart, with many sharp, jagged rocks and sheer cliffs surrounding the overlook. Whether you are afraid of heights or not, the view is breathtaking and is absolutely worth the challenging hike. 

There are also many picnic and recreation areas at the Desolation trailhead, so if hikers want to make a day of spending time in Millcreek Canyon, there are plenty of options of things to do like swimming in the nearby pool just up the canyon from the trailhead, enjoying Millcreek or using fire pits near the trailhead to spend quality family time, are just a few of the options hikers have. 

There is also a $5 fee to access the canyon that will be charged at the booth as you leave the canyon. The fee covers all in the vehicle and is good for all day access. 

Overall, whether you are a Salt Lake City local or a visitor who loves a good hike, the Desolation trail and Salt Lake Valley Scenic Overlook is a great option to be at one with nature without having to go too far out of the city. 

A great hike that is moderate in difficulty, but also provides a sense of adventure to hikers who love climbing rocks and seeing majestic waterfalls.