7 Picturesque Hikes In Ohio

With a northern border established by Lake Erie, a southern boundary of forests, and the Appalachian Plateau filling much of its middle, Ohio is full of natural beauty. In addition to a Great Lakes coastline, rivers, and forests, hiking trails in Ohio include cool caves, spectacular waterfalls, deeply carved gorges, and grasslands dotted with wildflowers.

Throughout Ohio, you’ll see buckeye trees. These tall, deciduous trees produce small brown nuts that resemble the eye of a deer. When they fall from Ohio buckeye trees in September and October, scoop one up — it is said that carrying one in your pocket is good luck. But while Ohio buckeyes look like the chestnuts that are roasted over an open fire during the holidays, they are highly toxic, so don’t eat them!

Whether you’re hiking along the Oho & Erie Canal that connects Lake Erie to the Ohio River or encircling the state on the Buckeye Trail, these are the most scenic hikes in Ohio.

Beautiful Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga National Park Ohio — Shriram Patki / Shutterstock.com

1. Buckeye Trail

Encircling Ohio

This is my pick for the best hike in Ohio. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. The Buckeye Trail is a 1,444-mile hiking trail that loosely outlines the border of the state. It’s broken into 26 sections, each named for a community (like Akron and Delphos) or a feature (like Caesar Creek and Old Man’s Cave). Follow the blue blazes, rectangular marks roughly 2 inches wide by 6 inches high, painted on trees and poles that mark the trail. Make note of double blue blazes as you hike: When one of the azure stripes is offset from the other, it alerts hikers of a fork in the footpath that leads to a connecting trail.

One of the most popular hikes along the Buckeye Trail, good for hikers of all skill levels, is the 2.7-mile out-and-back Queer Creek Trail along the southern edge of Hocking Hills State Park near South Bloomingville. For a longer, more challenging hike, follow the Buckeye Trail from Jaite to Boston in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, about 20 miles south of Cleveland. This 10.2-mile out-and-back trail features a nearly 1,500-foot elevation gain and crosses the river just north of West Boston Mills Road.

Pro Tip: Keep maps, mileage, and other important information about the trail at your fingertips by downloading the Buckeye Trail Guthook App.

An old mule tow path crossing a small cement bridge on the Miami-Wabash-Erie canal. This bridge was near the entrance of the lock by Independence Dam, Defiance, Ohio. — Lawrence Lee Derge / Shutterstock.com

2. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

New Philadelphia To Cleveland

If the Erie Canal always conjures up memories of a similarly named song from elementary school music class or scouting campfires, you’re not alone. Every time I think about the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, I hear a room full of slightly off-key third graders singing, “I’ve got an old mule and her name is Sal / Fifteen years on the Erie Canal.” The song, penned by Thomas S. Allen, is a nod to the mules that pulled boats filled with passengers and wares up and down the Erie Canal, which connected New York City with Midwestern cities from its opening in 1825 until just before World War I.

Today, this 87-mile multiuse trail provides hikers, bikers, runners, horseback riders, and wildlife lovers a relatively flat path of crushed limestone to get outside and explore along the historic transportation route. Whether you’d like to explore the Cleveland Metroparks, Tuscarawas area near Bolivar, or somewhere in between, you’re sure to find the perfect hike along the towpath. The Towpath Trail is ADA accessible.

3. Brecksville Reservation

Brecksville

Less than 30 minutes south of downtown Cleveland, the Brecksville Reservation is the largest of the region’s metroparks. In addition to an archery target range and two golf courses, the reservation also features an extensive system of hiking trails, including a section of the Buckeye Trail.

One popular hike begins and ends at the Chippewa Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook. This 2.6-mile loop heads east from the lookout along the All Purpose Trail before returning along the Hemlock Loop Trail that parallels Chippewa Creek. For a more challenging hike, explore the 4.2-mile Deer Lick Cave Trail that loops past a rock overhang embedded with salt that attracts white-tailed deer. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a buck or doe lapping at the minerals trapped in the slabs of rock.

The Buckeye Trail loop that encircles Ohio was completed near Deer Lick Cave in 1980.

Pro Tip: To add a unique challenge to your outdoor adventure at Brecksville Reservation, try the physical fitness trail with 18 exercise stations.

A trail through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. — Zack Frank / Shutterstock

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Between Cleveland And Akron

In Cuyahoga Valley National Park, lush forests, deep gorges, and crashing waterfalls flank the Cuyahoga River as it twists and turns its way to Lake Erie. But this river and the 33,000-acre park weren’t always the idyllic refuge for native plants and wildlife that visitors experience today. In the century leading up to the establishment of this national park, the filthy Cuyahoga River, a toxic, bubbling, polluted stew of industrial waste, caught on fire 13 times. But the final blaze in 1969 sparked an environmental revolution that fueled the restoration of the river connected to the Great Lakes, one of the world’s most important sources of fresh water.

Including sections of the Buckeye Trail and Towpath Trail, more than 125 miles of hiking paths beckon to visitors of all skill levels to explore the woodlands, wetlands, and historic structures throughout the park. At 2.2 miles long and with an elevation gain of just 80 feet, the Ledges Trail is a popular loop within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Another popular hike is the Brandywine Gorge Trail Loop. This 1.7-mile loop is rated as moderate and includes a boardwalk to stunning views of the waterfalls.

A trail through John Bryan State Park in Ohio. — Doug Lemke / Shutterstock

5. John Bryan State Park

Yellow Springs

About 30 minutes east of Dayton, John Bryan State Park is a 752-acre, pet-friendly park with camping, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, and (of course) hiking.

For trails rated as easy hikes, follow the John L. Rich Trail and North Rim Trail Loop. These relatively flat hikes take trekkers along the Little Miami River through the Clifton Gorge. For a 4.4-mile moderately challenging experience, hike the Pittsburg-Cincinnati Stage Coach and South Gorge Loop. This path also follows the river and includes waterfalls.

Rock House, a cave in Hocking Hills State Park. — Doug Lemke / Shutterstock

6. Hocking Hills State Park

Logan

Covering 2,000 acres about an hour southeast of Columbus, Hocking Hills State Park is surrounded by the Hocking State Forest. Visitors will be smitten by its massive sandstone outcroppings, gorgeous waterfalls, and serene Rose Lake.

A cave known as Rock House is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Hocking Hills State Park. You can access this tunnel-like, 200-foot-long corridor carved out of black hand sandstone on the 0.9-mile Rock House Trail. When you enter Rock House, look for hominy holes near the back wall. Native Americans built fires in these small recesses to cook food.

Famous enough that a section of the Buckeye Trail bears its name, Old Man’s Cave is another popular spot within the park. It’s named for Richard Rowe, the hermit who lived in the cave in the late 1700s and is buried beneath the ledge of the main recess. To reach Old Man’s Cave, follow the Buckeye Trail south, beginning just west of the Devil’s Bathtub, and wind along Old Man’s Creek past the naturalist cabin.

As you explore this beautiful green space, watch for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and barred owls.

The Roebling Bridge along the Ohio River Recreation Trail. — Sage Scott

7. Ohio River Recreation Trail

Portsmouth, Ohio, To West Point, Kentucky

Until slavery was abolished in the United States, the Ohio River was an important boundary separating the slave state of Kentucky from the free state of Ohio. Years before amendments to the Constitution freed enslaved people across the country, the Buckeye State enacted a law that automatically freed any slave brought into the state. Today, the Ohio River Recreation Trail is a land and water path that jumps across the river, spreading east and west from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati.

When all of the sections are connected, the trail will span more than 270 miles from Portsmouth, Ohio, to West Point, Kentucky. In the meantime, many portions of the trail beg to be explored.

My favorite stretch of the Ohio River Recreation Trail is from Cincinnati’s Eden Park neighborhood to Smale Riverfront Park. Following the Ohio River, you’ll wander through the Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, a narrow green space designed to look like a woven friendship bracelet and named for the city’s first black mayor. As you continue hiking southwest along the river, you’ll snake along the Serpentine Wall before reaching the Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. As you approach Smale Riverfront Park, try to find your way to the center of the labyrinth or rest in a porch swing and watch the boats on the river.

Add to your urban hike by walking across the Ohio River to Covington, Kentucky, via the beautiful John A. Roebling Bridge. Named for the civil engineer who designed it, the brick-and-cable suspension bridge might remind you of Roebling’s most famous work, the Brooklyn Bridge.

This article is presented by KEEN Footwear. For my hikes, I wore the KEEN SOLR Sandal in Light Gray/Ocean Wave. The acronym stands for Sea Ocean Lake River, and the SOLR was the perfect hiking shoe to splash around in when visiting waterfalls and trekking along creeks and rivers. Shop KEEN’s SOLR and other hiking shoes here.

8 Best Hikes In Delaware

Nestled between Maryland and New Jersey, Delaware covers much of the eastern portion of the narrow Delmarva Peninsula it shares with Maryland and Virginia. And as you might have guessed, the 180-mile-long, 71-mile-wide strip of land is named for the states that occupy it: Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

About twice the size of Rhode Island, the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States is the second smallest in the Union. With its eastern border defined by the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the state has a variety of wetlands to explore, including tidal creeks, swamps, and marshes. And because of the relatively flat terrain, nearly all of the scenic hikes in Delaware are rated easy to moderately challenging and are good for all skill levels.

Here are eight of the best.

The Ashland Nature Center in Hckessin, Delaware. — Google Maps

1. Ashland Nature Center

Hockessin

Just across the border from Pennsylvania, in northern Delaware, the Ashland Nature Center offers 4 miles of hiking trails through 130 acres of woodland, meadows, and marsh.

One of the most popular hikes at Ashland is the Succession Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that begins just south of the visitor center, following the Wildflower Brook before winding to Birch Run and ending along Red Clay Creek. Visitors can also explore pet-friendly interpretive trails and watch for wildlife like hawks, butterflies, hummingbirds, and a variety of other native creatures.

Pro Tip: Spanning Red Clay Creek just east of the Ashland Visitor Center is the oldest bridge in Delaware and one of just three covered bridges left in the state. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lattice truss Ashland Covered Bridge dates to the mid-1800s.

2. Brandywine Creek State Park

Wilmington

Established on land that was originally a dairy farm owned by the du Pont family, Brandywine Creek State Park covers hundreds of acres just north of Wilmington. Hikers can explore three distinct nature preserves, including a hardwood forest, woodlands filled with old oak trees and tulip poplars, and a freshwater marsh.

Two of the most popular hiking trails are the Rocky Run and Brandywine Loops. Both hikes include paths along Brandywine Creek.

Pro Tip: One of the most beautiful times to visit Brandywine Creek State Park is in the late spring and early summer, when the tulip poplars are covered with sunny yellow and orange blooms that resemble the famous Dutch flowers.

Views along the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. — Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock

3. Northern Delaware Greenway Trail

Wilmington

If you want to explore northern Delaware beyond Brandywine Creek State Park, the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail to its south connects Alapocas Run State Park with hiking trails in Bellevue State Park. Trekkers who enjoy seeing more than old-growth trees, seasonal wildflowers, and flowing creeks will appreciate this trail.

The trail winds past two historic estates. To the east of Alapocas Run State Park, Rockwood was built on 72 acres in the mid-1800s as the retirement home of merchant banker Joseph Shipley. The Delaware native spent much of his career in Liverpool, England, and his love for English architecture is apparent in this 170-year-old home.

Continuing east along the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, you’ll also walk past Bellevue Hall. As you take in its sunny lemon-colored walls and look up at its smooth white columns, you may get a touch of deja vu. That’s because the home once owned by the du Pont family was renovated around 1930 to resemble Montpelier, the plantation home of President James Madison.

4. White Clay Creek State Park

Newark

As if they hadn’t already made plenty of benevolent contributions to Delaware parklands through Brandywine Creek State Park and sections of the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, the du Pont family generously donated some of the 3,600 acres that make up White Clay Creek State Park along the state’s northwestern border with Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Running through White Clay Creek State Park are sections of the Mason-Dixon Line, a straight edge used to define portions of the borders of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia before the Civil War.

More than 37 miles of trails wind their way through the park past fields and through forests, along creeks and around ponds. In the northern portion of the park, the 3.3-mile Whitely Farms Loop is one of the most popular hikes. This trail passes from cornfields into rolling hills that meander through woodlands. About the same distance, at 3.6 miles long, the Twin Valley Trail is another popular option. This path rambles through hilly forest terrain and over a few bridges on its way to the Arc Corner Monument. Straddle the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania as you read the inscription on the stone marker that is considered one of the cornerstones of the Mason-Dixon Line.

5. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Smyrna

Established in 1937 to protect migrating and wintering birds along the Atlantic Flyway, the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge covers nearly 16,000 acres along the Delaware Bay, about 20 minutes northeast of Dover. With distances ranging from less than a mile to more than 10 miles, the hiking trails at Bombay Hook are relatively flat and good for hikers of all skill levels.

For the quickest glimpse of the waterfowl and shorebirds that make their homes here, take the Boardwalk Trail over the salt marsh. For a bird’s-eye view of the park, hike to one of the three 30-foot-high steel observation towers.

When you visit Bombay Hook, keep an eye out for a variety of ducks, geese, plovers, and other birds.

6. Amish Country Bike Route

Dover

Don’t let the word “bike” in its name keep you from exploring the countryside by hiking all or some of this 14.8-mile loop around the First State’s capital city. Start at the First State Heritage Park just north of the state capitol building and follow this map backward to visit The Green. Oh, the stories that could be told if the gentle breeze blowing across this grassy spot in the heart of Dover could talk! For it was here that the people of Dover first heard America’s Declaration of Independence, and it was here, a little more than a decade later, that the First State ratified the Constitution.

But it was also here that Samuel Burris, a free black conductor on the Underground Railroad, was found guilty of helping a woman escape the bonds of slavery and sentenced down the river. And it was on The Green that the First State was given the opportunity to be the last state to ratify the 19th Amendment. Unfortunately, Delaware legislators declined to vote, denying roughly half the American population the right to vote until Tennessee saved the day.

As you continue to follow the Amish Country Bike Route clockwise, you’ll leave historic downtown Dover behind and enter Delaware’s scenic countryside, dotted with family farms. Watch for grazing cows, rows of neatly planted corn, and orchards of apple trees.

Pro Tip: If you decide to take a break from hiking and explore this bike trail on two wheels instead of on two feet, be sure to get a refresher on these essential biking rules of the road.

A trail in Delaware's Cape Henlopen State Park. — Bruce Goerlitz Photo / Shutterstock

7. Cape Henlopen State Park

Lewes

Beginning east of the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal and stretching to the end of the hook-shaped piece of land that protrudes into the Delaware Bay, you’d expect the scenic hiking trails at Cape Henlopen State Park to deliver beautiful views of the water. And they do. But there’s also more.

Starting in the southeastern corner of the park, wander past the bay, canal, and lake along Gordons Pond Trail while watching for gulls, herons, and other marine birds. To make this hike a loop, head south from Herring Point by walking along the beach to your starting point. Or, connect with Walking Dunes Trail at the northern end of Gordons Pond Trail near Herring Point to trek the 2.6-mile loop surrounded by wildflowers through the sandy floor pine forest.

Pro Tip: Lifeguards watch over a designated swimming beach near the Lewes entrance to the park from late May through early September.

A boardwalk trail through Trap Pond State Park in Delaware. — Zack Frank / Shutterstock

8. Trap Pond State Park

Laurel

This is my pick for the best hike in Delaware. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. In the southwest corner of Delaware, the bald cypress trees emerging from the still waters of Trap Pond make Trap Pond State Park one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the state. If you have about 2 hours to spare, you can hike the tranquil Trap Pond Loop. At 5 miles long, this flat, shaded footpath encircles Trap Pond, allowing trekkers to see it from every angle.

From fierce bald eagles to red-headed woodpeckers, watch for a variety of birds when you explore Trap Pond State Park.

For more to see and do in Delaware, see this page.

9 Gorgeous Hikes In New York

Few states have as wide a range of scenery and breadth of hiking options as New York. Whether you want an urban oasis, a challenging climb, lakeside scenery, or valley views, you can find them all in this beautiful state. New York offers the opportunity to explore some of the largest and most diverse parks in the country as well as intimate hidden jewels locals keep to themselves. To help spark your imagination, we offer our best suggestions for gorgeous hikes in New York.

Views from the Cascade Mountain Trail in New York. — ian Tessier / Shutterstock

1. Cascade Mountain Trail, High Peaks Wilderness

Lake Placid

The Adirondack High Peaks are famous for good reason. There are 46 of them creating a popular area for skiers and snowshoers in winter and hikers primarily from spring through fall. Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain are two of the more moderate peaks, making them readily accessible to hikers of various abilities. Taking the 5.5-mile Cascade Mountain Trail allows you to enjoy both of these peaks, panoramic views, a flowing river, some easy rock scrambles, and even a waterfall. The trail can get quite popular during the summer months, so for a little less company and a little more view, go during spring or fall when the weather is great and the whole trek is gorgeous. For even more glorious visions, get up before the sun and watch the world wake up before your very eyes.

2. Devil’s Hole Trail

Niagara Falls

Devil’s Hole State Park is one of those local favorites where people who want to impress their friends take them to see gorgeous views along the Niagara River that are hidden gems they would likely not otherwise discover. The Devil’s Hole Trail runs along the river with amazing views of steep Niagara Gorge, bubbling white water rapids, and the Devil’s Hole itself, an impressively large whirlpool that can become mesmerizing to watch. It’s a moderately challenging hike that offers great natural beauty all around without the crowds of Niagara’s more famous falls. Wear good boots as it can get slick in places. As you get going, you will climb down a stone staircase to the trail, but most of the rest of the way you’ll be on a wooded path that makes for a devilishly fun day.

A waterfall in Robert H. Treman State Park. — haveseen / Shutterstock

3. Rim Trail And Gorge Trail Loop, Robert H. Treman State Park

Ithaca

If you love waterfalls, the Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop in Robert H. Treman State Park will make you exceptionally happy. The trail passes by a dozen different waterfalls, including the incredible 115-foot Lucifer Falls and the 70-foot Lower Falls. The jagged glacial stone adds dimension and interest to the other impressive natural features in this gorgeous wooded ravine. Several scenic overlooks provide views of Enfield Creek below, plus multi-tiered waterfalls, hardwood trees, wildflowers, and lush green landscape all around. If you want to enjoy your time even more, there are camping and RV sites as well as cabins available to extend your visit overnight.

The Constitution Marsh Trail in Storm King State Park. — Mad Hare Imagery / Shutterstock

4. The Constitution Marsh Trail, Storm King State Park

Garrison

This is our pick for the best hike in New York. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. We confess to being unabashed bird-watchers, so when we discover a hike that leads to many of our feathered friends, we get very excited. The Constitution Marsh Trail is a dream come true for folks like us. Even if you’re not much into the birdies, you will still find this trail through the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary a gorgeous hike offering incredible views of the Hudson River and Indian Brook Falls. Hawks, cedar waxwings, loons, ospreys, and great egrets are frequent visitors to the area, so bring your binoculars and sense of wonder. If you happen to come during the winter, you’ll be in a prime location for spotting eagles. It’s only about a one-mile loop, but there are a few spots that are rocky and steep.

There are benches to do a bird sit or just enjoy the scenery. The visitor center also has a 500-gallon aquarium where you can see fish, crabs, and other wildlife common in the Hudson River.

Views from the Overlook Mountain fire tower. — Google Maps

5. Overlook Mountain, Overlook Mountain Wild Forest

Woodstock

No doubt if you remember the movie Dirty Dancing, the Catskills will give you some mental imagery. In fact, when you’ve gone about two miles along the Overlook Mountain Trail, you’ll see the remnants of Overlook Mountain House, a resort destination that may trigger a musical interlude in your head. As you keep hiking, you’ll discover a 60-foot fire tower that is recognized by the National Historic Lookout Register. One of five such fire towers remaining in the Catskill region, those who climb it will get an amazing view that reaches into six states. Go a little further, and you’ll get what this glorious hike is really about: a spectacular vista of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains that may be more breathtaking than any dance moves you can take.

The Verkeerderkill Falls Trail in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. — Google Maps

6. Ice Caves And Verkeerderkill Falls Trail, Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Ellenville

Looking for adventure? Then you will love the Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail, which will make you feel like you’re Indiana Jones searching for a lost treasure. The treasure here is the trail itself, with all of its unique and amazing features you will enjoy along the way. The first part of your adventure will be to squeeze through narrow passageways of natural ice caves formed by a glacier thousands of years ago. The largest known open-fault ice caves in the United States, the ice caves here can have ice and snow present even in the summer.

Then you’ll want to take in the spectacular view from Sam’s Point, where a sign states that it is one of Earth’s last great places. While you might flinch at such a statement, you’ll get over it when you see the Verkeerderkill Falls. These spectacular waterworks cascade 187 feet off the famous Shawangunk cliffs. Take a deep breath, and you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement. Unique geological features, incomparable views, and stunning cliffs make this one of the most memorable and gorgeous hikes in New York.

A trail through High Rock Park in New York. — Google Maps

7. High Rock Park

Staten Island

For a beautiful oasis amid the world of urban activity, High Rock Park is the place to go. There are five ponds, deep woods, and six different trails ready to take you to a place of tranquility. Recognized as a Natural Environmental Education Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior, High Rock Park offers a peaceful place for reflection and refreshment in the presence of nature. Red maples, highbush blueberries, skunk cabbage, and other vegetation surround you as you wander. You can also climb a 260-foot hill, Moses’ Mountain, to get a gorgeous panoramic view. Birds and wildlife make their homes here, so don’t be surprised to see hawks, owls, wood ducks, blue herons, muskrats, frogs, turtles, and other animals during your visit. Give yourself a breath of fresh air and enjoy the tonic of this gorgeous place.

The summit of Whiteface Mountain in New York. — Whiteface.com

8. Stairway To Heaven (Stairway Ridge) Trail, Whiteface Mountain

Wilmington

Leave it to New York to offer an amazing trail with a fantastic name that doesn’t disappoint. The Stairway to Heaven Trail (what locals call the Stairway Ridge Trail) is full of fun and activity for those looking for something different and a good workout. Sections of the trail vary in difficulty from easy to challenging, and the stretch that leads you up to the top of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth tallest peak in the state, is especially demanding. And while you normally want to just get to the top of a stairway, this time you’ll want to stop and enjoy the gorgeous views that show you just how high you really are. The stairs can be a bit rocky and worn in places, so definitely don’t let their picturesque nature trick you out of wearing serious boots. There is also the option to take an elevator if you’re not quite up to the climb. Whichever way you choose to get there, relish the view at the top that is one of the most gorgeous in the state.

9. Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain State Park, which spans over 5,000 acres, offers many opportunities to enjoy the gorgeous scenery in all directions. Over 50 different hiking trails of varying difficulty invite you to explore 235 miles of terrain. Whatever kind of hike you’re looking for, you should be able to find it in a park that offers some of the best hiking in New York. There are several popular loops that incorporate various trails. The Appalachian Trail even has a presence here. Some of the most popular trails are the Bear Mountain Loop, the Major Welch Trail, the Dunderberg Spiral Railway, and the Bald Mountain Loop. If you walk past the carousel in the main Bear Mountain parking lot, you can start your hike with gorgeous views of Hessian Lake. Pick your own path for the scenery you enjoy and check out ledge overlooks, pine forests, huge boulders, and expansive valley views for an amazing day in nature.

Pro Tips

New York is a population-dense state, so if you go to explore the parks during the height of the summer season or other popular times, you are likely to encounter lots of other people doing the same thing. To get more time to yourself on the trails, head out earlier in the mornings and try to visit in spring or fall when there are fewer people heading for the hills.

This article is presented by KEEN Footwear. For our hikes, we wore KEEN’s Women’s Terradora II Waterproof Boot and Women’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid. They were light and great for all kinds of terrain. They supported our feet well on rocky hikes and were totally waterproof. Shop KEEN’s Terradora, Targhee, and other hiking shoes here.

9 Best Hikes In Eastern Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is such a gorgeous state, and if you happen to be heading to Philadelphia or some of the other Eastern Pennsylvania counties, you’ll find an abundance of places to enjoy a great hike outdoors. To help you make the most of your visit, here are a few of our suggestions for the best hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Boulder Field in Pennsylvania's Hickory Run State Park. — Delmas Lehman / Shutterstock

1. Hickory Run State Park

White Haven

Massive Hickory Run State Park covers almost 16,000 acres and spreads across the Pocono Mountains. There are more than 40 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, trout-filled streams, the National Natural Landmark of Boulder Field, and many other attractions. Waterfalls, great birding, unique rock formations, and even a bit of geocaching provide ample reasons to enjoy a hike here.

While there are lots of options, a few trails stand out to us. Hickory Run Trail is easy hiking that passes by the village of Hickory Run, which dates back to the early 1800s. You can see wildflowers and butterflies, too. The Boulder Field Trail is about seven miles long and includes the National Natural Landmark of Boulder Field, a beautiful waterfall, and forests. Shades of Death Trail is just over two miles long and offers a unique rhododendron forest, rock formations, and a lovely stream. The many other trails in Hickory Run State Park offer something that every hiker can enjoy.

The Covered Bridge Trail in Trexler Nature Preserve. — Google Maps

2. Trexler Nature Preserve

Schnecksville

Trexler Nature Preserve offers lots of hiking opportunities for hikers of all abilities. There are more than 20 miles of trails in the 1,000-acre area, most of which are easy to moderate. Originally designed as a nature preserve for threatened American bison and elk, there are still some of them in the park. Trails range in length and difficulty to suit many levels and interests.

The Covered Bridge Trail is just over a mile long and is ADA accessible. The 1.5-mile Elk Viewing Trail is great for those who want to pass by the elk herd that remains in the preserve. For something a bit more advanced, the Trexler Border Trail goes around the preserve so you can see the beautiful landscape with its rolling hills along with wildlife like deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of songbirds. Bring your binoculars and visit the solar roof at the Environmental Center for great birdwatching or head next door to the Lehigh Valley Zoo for more time with animals.

3. Hawk Mountain

Kempton

If you’re an avid bird lover like us, you’ll want to visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. The 2,600-acre sanctuary was created in the 1930s to protect birds of prey such as hawks, vultures, peregrine falcons, eagles, and osprey. There are more than seven miles of hiking to enjoy beautiful surroundings, varied terrain, and outlooks from which you can take in some amazing views. Fall is the season of peak raptor migration, so if you head to one of the outlooks then, you’re likely to see some as they fly past the mountain. The south lookout is wheelchair accessible. The Lookout Trail is popular and will give you moderately challenging varied terrain and a rocky outlook with a great chance of seeing some birds. Admission is $10 for adults with discounted prices for seniors and children.

Ganoga Falls in Pennsylvania's Ricketts Glen State Park. — Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

4. Ricketts Glen State Park

Benton

This is our pick for the best hike in Eastern Pennsylvania. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. Ricketts Glen State Park spans 13,050 acres and offers hikes that waterfall lovers dream about. In addition to an incredible 22 named waterfalls, the park also has a lake, old-growth forests, and lots of wildlife. While there are a total of 26 miles of trails, the two Falls Trail options are at the top of most hikers’ lists. The long loop is just over seven miles and takes you through woods, water crossings, and rocky bits. Importantly, it gives you views of the 21 falls, including the Ganoga Falls, which is nearly 100 feet high.

The short loop covers a little over three miles and includes 18 waterfalls, including the Ganoga Falls. Both of these trails are considered challenging, so be sure that’s what you’re looking for in hiking. You can take your time and enjoy with camping offered in the area. Sturdy hiking boots are a must. There are a great many other easy and moderate trails that offer views of cherry tree groves, old-growth forests, picturesque streams, colorful birds, and more.

Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania. — Delmas Lehman / Shutterstock

5. Valley Forge National Historical Park

King Of Prussia

Valley Forge National Historical Park will thrill hikers and history lovers alike. The 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington, the park has more than 30 miles of trails for exploring the historic and natural sites in the park. Ranging from easy paved paths to challenging unpaved woodland trails, there are hiking options for all levels. In addition to gorgeous views of the countryside, hikers have the opportunity to see structures, monuments, memorials, statues, and other important reminders of the American Revolutionary War. There are more than 220 bird species found within the park, including waterfowl, as well as deer and other creatures of the wetlands. One popular trail is the River Trail, an easy trail that follows the Schuylkill River providing wonderful views, passing Sullivan’s Bridge, part of the encampment where George Washington’s army sheltered during the winter.

Views from Camelback Mountain in Big Ponoco State Park. — Google Maps

6. Big Pocono State Park

Tannersville

Big Pocono State Park covers over 1,300 acres and is perched atop Camelback Mountain. It’s no surprise then that the panoramic views are always something spectacular. There are 8.5 miles of trails offering vistas that can include much of eastern Pennsylvania as well as parts of New York and New Jersey. It’s to be expected that most of the trails are rugged and steep. The North and South Trails offer stunning views as well as a challenging 600-foot change in elevation.

The Upper Loop of South Trail offers an easier hike along the mountain’s south face. Indian Trail is popular for its spectacular view at the end. Beautiful forests, well-marked trails, glimpses of wildlife, and spectacular panoramic views make Big Pocono State Park one of the best places to hike in eastern Pennsylvania.

A trail in Pennsylvania's French Creek State Park. — Google Maps

7. French Creek State Park

Elverson

The 7,916 acres of French Creek State Park provide many great options on over 35 miles of well-marked trails. There are lots of opportunities to hike through the woods, amble by lakes, take on some challenging rocky spots, and enjoy space to breathe and reflect in nature’s beauty. Kalmia Trail provides a short one-mile hike through mature laurel forests. Turtle Trail offers a mix of easy hiking with more challenging sections. Chief’s Grove Trail is quiet and lovely, with meadows, woods, and even some crop fields. Nature lovers will be able to see ducks, woodpeckers, warblers, and other birds, and maybe a red fox, raccoon, or even a beaver. When you want to be surrounded by nature and have some time to enjoy it in peace, French Creek State Park offers a great place to enjoy it all.

8. Ridley Creek State Park

Media

The 2,600 acres of Ridley Creek State Park offers 13 miles of trails with a variety of terrain including forests and meadows. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. Ridley Creek runs through the rolling hills in this urban oasis just 16 miles from Philadelphia’s Center City. On the various trails, you can see a working farm that is 300 years old, a 19th-century cemetery, horse stables, gardens, and a historic 18th-century mill. You’ll also find woodlands filled with plants and wildlife to enjoy. Try hiking the Yellow Trail on the southeast side. You’ll encounter historic ruins, pass through some evergreen groves, climb hills with unique boulder formations on top, and feel like you’re a long, long way from the city.

Bear Creek Preserve in Pennsylvania. — Google Maps

9. Bear Creek Preserve

Bear Creek Village

Another great spot for bird and wildlife lovers is the 3,565-acre Bear Creek Preserve. Filled with lookout points perfect for birdwatching, the preserve also has three streams running through its vast forests. The terrain is diverse and includes woodlands, waterfalls and waterways, scenic overlooks, and panoramic valley views. Birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons can also be seen here. Wildlife includes black bears, coyotes, bobcats, gray fox, and other small mammals. Nature lovers can choose from 31 miles of trails including one, two, and six-mile loops with picturesque paths through dense woodlands, alongside streams, and near a waterfall or two.

Trails are well-marked and easy to follow. The easy Yellow Trail is about a mile long and offers a lovely mountain overlook. The longer trails are a little more challenging but also offer more chances for spotting wildlife. Trails bump into each other and intersect, so you can build a custom hike that suits your interests and abilities. Take some time to enjoy the scenery in this large and lovely display of natural beauty.

Pro Tip

There are a surprising number of opportunities to get out in nature and see not only beautiful landscapes but some amazing birds and wildlife as well. If you’re an animal lover or avid bird watcher, check out the seasonal schedules to see when Pennsylvania animals and birds are most likely to be active for your best chance for sightings. And, of course, be sure to keep your binoculars with you.

11 Must-See London Landmarks Along The River Thames

The River Thames runs through the heart of London, England. Famous landmarks on both sides of the river can be viewed via sightseeing bus or on foot, but seeing them from the river itself provides a unique perspective. As England’s longest river and an important trade route, the River Thames has shaped the city’s history. Viewing London from the Thames gives you a deeper appreciation of the river’s importance to this great city.

Several tour companies offer River Thames sightseeing cruises with commentary, often with refreshment services on board. Thames River Sightseeing offers two different cruise tours. One route runs from Westminster to Greenwich. A shorter hop-on, hop-off route covers five piers from Westminster to Saint Katharine’s Pier. Viscount Cruises offers daytime sightseeing cruises and a Sunday evening cruise. One of the ticket options on City Cruises is a 24-hour pass that allows you to get on and off at any of four piers. The more adventurous may be interested in a speedboat tour. Both Thamesjet and Thames RIB Experience offer tours on rigid inflatable boats (RIB).

Thames Clippers is a water bus service with 23 pier stops on its routes and departures every 20 minutes. They offer a River Roamer fare that allows you to hop on and off boats on any of the piers all day long. You won’t get the commentary offered on the other cruise tours, but you will have a great deal more flexibility. This was the way I saw London from the Thames.

As you sail down the river, watch for some of these London landmarks.

1. London Eye

The London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. Launched in 2000, this giant Ferris wheel offers 360-degree views of the city. It has changed the London skyline and is now an icon of the city. As you travel through London, you’ll notice that the top of the wheel is often visible behind other buildings. Sometimes you’ll catch glimpses of larger portions of the wheel. The wheel is situated along the South Bank of the Thames across from the Houses of Parliament, and you’ll get an unobstructed view of the entire wheel from the river.

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2. London Skyline

The skyline of London along the River Thames. — S-F / Shutterstock

The river also offers an unique view of the London skyline. The London Eye is not the only structure that has changed the London landscape over the past 20 years. Today, modern skyscrapers stand among centuries-old buildings. The Shard, a 95-story building that looks like a glass pyramid, sits at the edge of the South Bank. You’ll see new structures — like the Gherkin, and the commercial skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street that has become known as the Walkie Talkie because of its shape — towering behind old buildings. You’ll see the dome of Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. From the river, the city is spread out before you on both sides.

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3. London’s Bridges

A number of bridges, many of which are themselves London landmarks, cross the River Thames, linking the South and North Banks. You’ll likely travel over the bridges several times as you explore London. During a river trip, you’ll sail under the arches of Westminster Bridge and Southwark Bridge, the beams of the modern London Bridge, and the dampers of the pedestrian Millennium Bridge. As you approach the majestic Tower Bridge, you’ll spot people on the glass-floored high-level walkways running between the two towers.

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4. Houses Of Parliament

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on the River Thames. — Mistervlad / Shutterstock

The sand-colored limestone Palace of Westminster, built between 1840 and 1870 on the North Bank of the River Thames, is the home of the United Kingdom’s Houses of Parliament. The image of this iconic symbol of Great Britain is found on many souvenirs. The Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower housing the famous Big Ben clock, stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament.

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5. Cleopatra’s Needle

An original Egyptian obelisk sits on the Thames Embankment; it commemorates the British victory over Napoleon. It was made in 1460 B.C. for the Pharaoh Thutmose III. It became known as Cleopatra’s Needle when it came to London via the city of Cleopatra in 1878. Two large bronze Sphinxes lie on either side of the obelisk.

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6. Globe Theatre

The Globe Theater along the banks of the River Thames. — Neil Lang / Shutterstock

The Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original open-air playhouse where Shakespeare worked and where many of his plays were staged. The circular white-and-black timber-frame building with its thatched roof, located on the South Bank in London’s Bankside district, is easily visible from the river.

Pro Tip: If you wish to explore more of Bankside on a self-guided walking tour, get off at London Bridge or Bankside Pier.

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7. HMS Belfast

The HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy warship that fired some of the first shots of World War II’s D-Day landings. It served in the Arctic convoys and in the Korean War and is now permanently moored as a museum ship in the River Thames.

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8. Tower Of London

The Tower of London along the banks of the River Thames. — Christopher Poe / Shutterstock

In the 1070s, William the Conqueror built a massive stone fortress with a stone tower at its center on the banks of the River Thames. The Tower of London remains an impressive landmark today. Between 1275 and 1279, King Edward I added a new water gate to provide access from the river. The Tower has served as a royal palace, a storehouse for weapons, and a home for the Royal Mint. It was also used as a prison for enemies of the state, although it was not specifically built for that purpose. The new water gate became known as Traitor’s Gate. As you glide past Traitor’s Gate, you can imagine what it might have felt like for prisoners to approach the fortress via boat.

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9. Docklands And Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is an urban hub of apartments, businesses, shops, and eateries. As you approach the modern skyscrapers, you’ll pass old buildings and former warehouses that speak to the area’s history as a busy shipping center. The West India Docks were built in the early 1800s, and other docks followed. For many years, the Docklands area was a major commerce center, full of ships coming and going. Over time, the ships became too big to travel up the Thames. The port industry began to decline in the 1960s, and all the docks were closed by 1980. Redevelopment began in the 1980s.

Pro Tip: If you venture off the boat in this area, two pubs are worth visiting. The Grapes is a 16th-century waterside pub on Narrow Street in Limehouse. It was once frequented by Charles Dickens. Actor Sir Ian McKellen is one of the current owners of the pub. The Prospect of Whitby is located on the banks of the Thames at Wapping between Canary Wharf and Saint Katharine’s Pier. It is one of London’s oldest pubs and is thought to be the oldest riverside pub on the Thames.

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10. Historic Greenwich

The Old Royal Naval College in historic Greenwich. — Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

Maritime Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The impressive neoclassical Old Royal Naval College makes a striking impression as you approach the pier. It is easy to see why it has been used many times as a film location. Alongside the historical buildings, you’ll see more recently constructed landmarks such as The O2 arena with its massive dome and the Emirates Air Line cable car overhead.

Pro Tip: The highlights of Maritime Greenwich — the Old Royal Naval College, the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House, the National Maritime Museum, and the Cutty Sark historic sailing ship — are within walking distance of the pier. If you wish to stop for refreshments, head to the Trafalgar Tavern, a Victorian riverside pub, or the Cutty Sark pub, a Georgian riverside pub with cozy decor and views of the river.

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11. Thames Barrier

The Thames Barrier is one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world. It has 10 steel gates that can be raised into position across the River Thames to protect central London from flooding caused by tidal surges. When raised, the main gates stand five stories tall. The Thames Barrier became operational in 1982 and has been closed 186 times between its opening and October of 2019.

Note that not all river tours go as far east as the Thames Barrier. For many, the easternmost point is Greenwich. Those tours that do include it may do so seasonally. If touring by river bus, you’ll need to pick a boat going to Woolwich in order to pass the barrier gates.

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For more to see and do in London, visit this page.

Spicy Cajun Road Trip: New Orleans To Avery Island

When you visit southern Louisiana, you might feel like you’ve entered another country. The area features a spicy melange of cultures. Like gumbo simmering all day long, don’t hurry. Savor Louisiana and feed your soul.

New Orleans: The Cultural Heart Of Louisiana

For an overview of New Orleans, take the Creole Queen Historic Cruise. Especially in the summer, choose the morning cruise. For an extra charge, enjoy the traditional New Orleans buffet. The tour includes an hour at Chalmette Battlefield (pronounced shall-MET), where General Andrew Jackson led a diverse group to victory over the British on January 8, 1815.

Pro Tip: Receive five hours of discounted parking at the World Trade Center Garage with Creole Queen tickets. Present your parking tickets at the Creole Queen ticket booth for the discount.

Meet Fish And Bugs At The Audubon Nature Institute

After your cruise, head north to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. The aquarium is a comprehensive tour of warm-water aquatic life.

When you walk into the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, huge insect models dangle from the ceiling and crawl on the walls. Check out Boudreaux’s Bait Shop, an interactive exhibit on the bugs of Louisiana’s wetlands. Also check out the Love Bugs Insects of New Orleans exhibit. If you want to pump up the experience, try the cuisine at Bug Appetit.

Pro Tip: One of the three NOLA 300 (New Orleans Tricentennial) sculptures stands a short distance north of the aquarium entrance in Woldenberg Park’s Audubon Plaza.

Decorations inside Mardi Gras World — Robert Crow / Shutterstock

Go Backstage At A Mardi Gras Parade

At Mardi Gras World, every day is Mardi Gras. The company builds and decorates over 500 floats each year. Watch artists create float decorations and see past creations. Tours begin every half hour and last for about an hour. Buy tickets in advance.

Pro Tip: Mardi Gras World will even pick you up. Look for their shuttle or call them to schedule your transportation.

Roam The French Quarter

The French Quarter is paradise for your senses, and it’s free. You’ll bask in live music and wonderful aromas from the restaurants. Your eyes will feast on the architecture. And when you stop to eat, your taste buds will thank you.

Relive Pharmacy’s History At The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Louis J. Dufilho Jr. of New Orleans was America’s first licensed pharmacist. Before 1804, pharmacists only had a six-month apprenticeship. Today, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is in Dufilho’s former home and apothecary. Especially in the summer, rest in the museum’s shaded loggia. Purchase tickets in advance.

Bring Home Souvenirs From The French Market

The open-air French Market is free to visit, but you’ll need supreme self-control to escape without a dent in your wallet. Ah, well, self-control is overrated here.

At the Farmers Market Pavilion, eat at full-service eateries or bring home fresh food. The aromas of home-grown spices are irresistible. You’ll always hear and see musicians performing. We love browsing — and buying — here. The vibe is very relaxed and friendly.

Pro Tip: Find information about parking and directions in advance.

Colorful flags flying in the nave of St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans — Dr. Victor Wong / Shutterstock

Seek A Potential Saint In Jackson Square

Jackson Square is famous for Jackson’s statue and the St. Louis Cathedral. Behind the cathedral is a marker that honors Henriette Delille, a free woman of color who “served the slaves.” The Catholic church is investigating her case for canonization (sainthood).

Find Live Music At The French Quarter Visitor Center

Ask the visitor center staff about live concert locations (and read up on where to hear great jazz music in New Orleans). The park also sponsors its own concerts, history walks, and art exhibitions.

Where To Eat In New Orleans

These are some of our favorite food places:

If you haven’t eaten pralines, you haven’t been to New Orleans. Try Southern Candymakers’ award-winning confections.
The etouffee (AY-too-fay) and the Louisiana Crawfish Bread melts in your mouth while you’re sitting on the Chartres House balcony. Finish with their bread pudding. Yum, yum!
Try the glorious turtle soup at Pier 424 Seafood Market. You’ll also enjoy the fried alligator and the frog legs. Drink the Hurricane or the Bourbon Street Punch.
Oysters and po’boys are king at Acme Oyster House. Try the Fried Peace Maker Po-Boy. Finish your meal with Max’s Bananas Foster Cheesecake.

Pro Tip: Your server may ask if you want your po’boy dressed. “Dressed” means topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and pickles.

Where To Stay In New Orleans

The Hotel Roosevelt is one of the city’s most famous hotels. Find Crescent City Books across the street for used books and antique prints. After visiting the bookstore, head to the hotel’s Sazerac Bar, where New Orleans’ signature Sazerac drink was invented.

Things To Know About New Orleans

Interstate 10 has no exit sign that reads French Quarter. If you are driving, take Exit 235A, labeled Orleans Ave. and Vieux Carre (pronounced VOO kar-AY).
Ride the streetcars.
Allow at least three days to explore New Orleans before continuing on with your road trip.

Houma: Your Cajun Country Adventure Is Calling

After New Orleans, punch your ticket for Cajun Country. Head about an hour southwest to Houma (HOME-uh). After visiting Houma and its surroundings, head another 1.5 hours to New Iberia and its surrounding communities. Plan to spend at least two days in each community.

Dance To A Cajun Beat In Houma

Immerse yourself in Cajun culture in Houma. Local musicians play at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum (BYE-you TARE-uh-bone) on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Learn how to dance to a Cajun beat at the Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center on Tuesdays and the first and third Wednesdays of the month. If you want to have dinner and put your dance lessons to work, Houma Travel has a list of live Cajun music options.

Where To Eat In Houma

Buy fresh seafood and produce at the South Louisiana Seed Market on Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. For lunch, try Bayou Blue Po-Boys. Eat the boudin (BO-dan) po’boy. For supper, try my favorite, Boudreau and Thibodeau’s (BOOD-row and TIB-uh-doe) Seafood Restaurant. Start with the alligator bites. Then try the Little Bit of Cajun Sampler.

Where To Stay In Houma

Find your home away from home at Crochet House Bed and Breakfast. We promise that you’ll feel at home in Houma.

An aerial shot of Grand Isle — Daniel Carlson / Shutterstock

Relax On Grand Isle’s White Sand Beaches

A trip from Houma to Grand Isle takes about 1.5 hours. A toll bridge (PDF) on Louisiana 1 connects Grand Isle with the mainland. Unless you have a GeauxPass, use the right lane to pay. South of the bridge, turn left for the town of Grand Isle.

Enjoy Beaches And Birds At Grand Isle State Park

Grand Isle State Park is at the end of the road. You’ll enjoy seven miles of beaches and walking the Grand Isle Birding Trail (PDF). Read the park’s beach safety tips.

Grand Isle is a fishing hotspot with 280 species available during Louisiana’s various fishing seasons. The town offers three public fishing piers.

Chauvin And Cocodrie: A Perfect Day Trip From Houma

Head 45 minutes south of Houma on Highway 56 to Chauvin (SHOW-van) and Cocodrie (COH-coh-dree). In Chauvin, Kenny Hill began building Chauvin Sculpture Garden in 1990. Over the next decade, he constructed more than 100 sculptures to tell what he calls his story of salvation.

Grab a Coke and a snack at Cecil Lapeyrouse (LAP-ee-roose) Grocery in Cocodrie. The store celebrated its centennial in 2014. Relax on the porch or in their quirky garden.

Where To Eat In Cocodrie

At The Lighthouse, try the Wine Island Shrimp and the onion rings, made daily according to a special recipe. Drink their Bushwhacker, a frozen ice cream drink.

Further South: The LUMCON Walking Tour

Your next stop is Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), 14 miles south on Highway 56. LUMCON’s greatest gem is its walking tour. Climb the observation tower. Listen for the birds and the wind ruffling through the grasses. The trail is easy to walk.

Pro Tip: Your phone or GPS may list the Cocodrie attractions as being in Chauvin. Just in case, the marina offers these directions. Highway 56 is narrow. Because of this, you may wish to be back in Houma before dark.

Morgan City: Learn About The Oil Industry

Driving to New Iberia from Houma takes about 1.5 hours. Stop at Morgan City’s International Petroleum Museum. Learn about offshore oil drilling on Mr. Charlie, the museum’s vintage oil rig. The museum is the only place where ordinary people are able to explore an offshore drilling rig.

Pro Tip: The oil rig is not handicap accessible.

Eat Cajun Home Cooking In Morgan City

At Rita Mae’s Kitchen, try the legendary crab burgers. And ask about the day’s special.

Learn About Seasonings And Rice Production In New Iberia

Conrad Rice Mill is the oldest operating American rice mill. On their tour, sample some of their products, including gluten-free bread crumbs. The bread crumb process includes toasting, which smells delightful.

At the Bayou Teche (TESH) Museum, learn about salt and travel down a mine shaft. While you learned to dance in Houma, learn about the music at the museum. Rural jazz, swamp pop, zydeco, Cajun, and Creole music all emerged from the Bayou Teche region.

A sugar-planter family owned Shadows on the Teche mansion for four generations. Enjoy their magnificent gardens. Learn about the family and the enslaved people who served them.

Pro Tip: Purchase the New Iberia Historic District Pass for discounted admission to the rice mill, the museum, and the mansion.

Where To Eat In New Iberia

At Bon Creole, the building is plain, but the food is incredible. Everything is cooked from scratch. You can even get bowfin caviar. Yum! Try their daily plate lunches.

Enjoy authentic cuisine at Olympus Greek & Lebanese Restaurant. Try the Olympus Family Plate for Two.

Where To Stay In New Iberia

Get pampered at the Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Or, for a more rustic feel, reserve your room at Bayou Chateau and Chateau Royale.

Entrance to Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia, Louisiana — ccpixx photography / Shutterstock

Gardens And Birds On Jefferson Island

Jefferson Island, 20 minutes west of New Iberia, is one of five salt domes that rise above the Louisiana delta. Rip van Winkle Gardens spans 15 acres of semi-tropical plants laid out under 350-year-old live oak trees. Rip’s Rookery welcomes over 260 bird species.

Where To Eat On Jefferson Island

At Cafe Jefferson, try the shrimp remoulade (REM-oh-laud) salad and the Seafood Heaven entree. Finish with the creme brulee cheesecake.

The inside of the Tabasco Museum on Avery Island, Louisiana — Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock

Avery Island: Home Of World-Famous Hot Sauce

The most famous salt dome in the delta is Avery Island, 20 minutes southwest of New Iberia. On Avery Island, join a Tabasco factory tour and visit the museum. Tabasco’s aroma saturates the air.

Pro Tip: Tabasco is made from hot red peppers. Some of the peppers’ capsaicin gets into the air. Bring some tissues to gently wipe your eyes, then discard the used tissue immediately.

While on the island, visit the 170-acre Jungle Gardens. Beautiful plants and flowers attract wildlife. The grounds hold a magnificent sculpture of Buddha in a beautiful shrine. The sculpture is said to be 900 years old. The garden contains over 60 bamboo varieties.

View flocks of egrets and other migratory birds at Bird City, a section of Jungle Gardens. At the turn of the last century, egrets were nearly extinct. E.A. McIlhenny, Tabasco’s third owner, built nesting areas and almost single-handedly revived Louisiana’s egret population.

Where To Eat On Avery Island

Eat Southern food infused with a Tabasco twist at Restaurant 1868!. Build your own Tabasco Bloody Mary and bring home a souvenir glass.

Things To Know About Traveling In Louisiana

Wear flat, comfortable shoes.
Especially when on or near water, wear a hat, dark sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
Always carry an umbrella.
If you intend to fish, please remember that adults 17 and older need a Louisiana fishing license.
If you are allergic to seafood, ask your server about your food’s ingredients before ordering.
Every season is a good time to visit Louisiana, but summers are hot. If you come during the summer, be sure to remain hydrated.
New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations are world-famous, but Houma’s is one of Louisiana’s largest. New Iberia’s Mardi Gras is family oriented.

Looking for even more Louisiana travel options? Enjoy more of the best day trips from New Orleans.