New Jersey: Palisades Interstate Park

The Palisades is a complex that comprises twenty-four parks and eight historic sites. Over 100,000 acres extent on the Hudson River shoreline and offer a wide range of hiking opportunities for all levels. If you're a beginner or are hiking with children, take the Women's Federation Monument trail, which crosses a set of barrier stone walls, cuts through the forest, and ends in the watchtower that gives the trail its name. More advanced hikers can take the Pergola, a steeper trail with excellent views of the river and the Half-Moon Falls. Cross a number of old wooden bridges and end at the stone ruins of a garden designed by Mary Lawrence-Tonetti over a century ago.

New York – Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is a 5000-acres recreational area that sits on the west side of the Hudson River in Rockland County. Opened since the beginning of this century, Bear Mountain welcomes more visitors annually than Yellowstone National Park. Besides hiking, boating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are very popular activities. The park offers a trailside museum, a hotel, and a restaurant. 

Ohio: Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Woods

The 14 miles of hiking trails cross a variety of well-preserved wildflower fields and numerous water bodies, from ponds to waterfalls. Famous for its Prairie grasslands, the center also boasts old wooden bridges and charming shelter houses along the trails.  One of the top ten nature centers in the US, it offers educational programs and day hikes for people of all ages.

Oregon: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Mountain biking, boating, birding, rock climbing, wildlife-watching, camping… Once you reach the Columbia River Gorge, hiking is only the beginning. See the Multnomah Falls, the second largest in the country (and one of the most imposing) and then go on to see the breathtaking 77 additional waterfalls that dominate the area. Hike among lush fir forests and canyons cut by crystalline rivers and over the basalt cliffs volcanic rock. Ready for more action? The Gorge has been dubbed "the boardsailing capital of the world." Experience its 30-knot winds to learn why.