The unexpected natural wonders near America's busiest airports
'In difficult moments, nature is scientifically proven to bring us peace,' said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. 'Research shows that access to trees and green space lowers our brain's levels of cortisol, which is our primary stress hormone, and improves cognitive function.'
When flight cancellations and hours-long delays threaten to derail a trip, these nine hiking trails, all within 15 miles of major U.S. airport hubs, offer a refreshing alternative to overcrowded food courts and uncomfortable gate seating.
(Here's what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.S.) Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Atlanta
Beyond the bamboo forest at East Palisades, Atlanta offers Cochran Mill Park just 20 minutes from the airport, with nearly 15 miles of hiking trails leading to the serene Henry Mill Falls. The park's diverse terrain accommodates hikers of all skill levels, with the Yellow Trail offering the most direct route to the waterfall.
'Travelers are often shocked to learn they can be standing under a waterfall within a half-hour of leaving our terminals,' said Adam Berrios, executive director of Visit Sandy Springs. 'And no one expects to find themselves in the midst of an exotic bamboo forest just 12 miles north of Atlanta. That's what makes the East Palisades Trail in Sandy Springs so special.'
How to get there: Take the MARTA Red Line from the airport to Sandy Springs Station for nearby trailheads or rideshare for $25-30. O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago
The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway system offers more than 50 miles of trails, with a section conveniently located near O'Hare in Rosemont. From the cluster of airport hotels, you can access the trail behind the Hyatt Regency, stepping directly from the lobby to the forest path. The Schiller Woods section offers 2 to 3 miles of well-maintained trails, providing a perfect blend of accessibility and immersion.
How to get there: Many airport hotels provide direct access, or take the Blue Line one stop to Rosemont and walk 10 minutes to reach the starting point of the Des Plaines River Trail.
(Everything you should know about Chicago) Travelers can hike the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail at Kenneth Hahn Recreational Area if they have an extended layover at LAX. Photograph by Chris LaBasco/Shutterstock Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is situated less than 10 miles from LAX and features five miles of trails with panoramic views that extend from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean. For those with more time, the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu rewards hikers with a route so gentle you could walk it in flip-flops, shaded by sycamores and oaks. The trail leads to the foundations of a house designed by Paul R. Williams, the same architect who designed LAX's Theme Building.
How to get there: A rideshare provides the fastest access from the airport.
(Everything you should know about Los Angeles) LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York
Pugsley Creek Park & Castle Hill Park offer trails where hikers can trace a maritime forest while enjoying views of the Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges. The trail's unique selling point is the scenic overlooks where you can watch planes land at LaGuardia while surrounded by coastal vegetation. The 1.2-mile Pugsley Creek Wappinger Trail honors the Native American tribe (Wappinger) who originally inhabited this region. The trail winds through diverse hardwood forests.
How to get there: The Q44-SBS bus from LaGuardia takes approximately 30 minutes.
(Your travel guide to New York City) Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle
The Des Moines Creek Trail provides a 2.2-mile paved path starting just south of Sea-Tac Airport and continuing to Des Moines Beach Park on Puget Sound. The trail follows a salmon-bearing stream through a ravine forest, offering glimpses of air traffic taking off overhead.
For a quicker escape, North SeaTac Park offers over 200 acres of green space with 2.5 miles of trails, just two miles from the terminals, featuring paths that wind through a dense Pacific Northwest forest.
How to get there: Air travelers can take a five-minute rideshare for $10-15, or the Link Light Rail one stop to Tukwila International Boulevard Station.
(Everything you should know about Seattle) If you have extra time in Denver, you may want to consider a hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where it's not uncommon to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, prairie dogs, and wild bison. Photograph by Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge sits just 12 miles from Denver's terminals and offers more than 10 miles of trails through a restored prairie ecosystem. Once a chemical weapons manufacturing facility, this 15,000-acre refuge now protects bison herds, bald eagles, and prairie dogs.
'One of the best ways to experience the Refuge is with a vehicle along the 11-mile Wildlife Drive,' said Sarah Metzer, Visitor Services manager. 'The accompanying podcast offers insight into the Refuge's history as well as the nature and native wildlife that visitors may see.'
How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-30.
(What you should know about Denver) San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco
San Bruno Mountain State & County Park offers 2,416 acres of rugged landscape just 10 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. The 3.1-mile Summit Loop Trail rewards hikers with 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Bay, and the airport below. The 0.4-mile accessible Bog Trail loop explores San Bruno Mountain's wetland 'Saddle Area,' where travelers can choose between a leisurely path or a more rugged route through dense vegetation alive with California quail and songbirds.
How to get there: Take the BART to the San Bruno station, then catch the Route 130 bus for a 10-minute ride to the park.
(Everything you should know about San Francisco) Adventurous hikers can go hiking along the Great Falls Trail for scenic views of the Potomac River in Virginia. Photograph by Zack Frank/Shutterstock Air travelers can destress from a flight delay or cancellation by taking a relaxing hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Denver. Photograph by Jim West / Alamy Stock Photo Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix
The South Mountain Park and Preserve, just 10 miles from Sky Harbor, encompasses more than 16,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
The Desert Classic Trail is an easy 2.4-mile loop, and is dotted with iconic saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and dramatic rock formations. The Mormon Trail ascends 1.3 miles to Hidden Valley, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
How to get there: A 15-minute rideshare from Sky Harbor costs approximately $18-25, or take the Valley Metro Rail to Central/Washington and transfer to bus route 40.
(Essential guide to visiting Phoenix) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles, Va.
Great Falls Park, just 15 miles from Dulles, Va., offers dramatic scenery where the Potomac River plunges 76 feet over ancient rock formations. The River Trail is an easy 1.3-mile walk to multiple overlooks of the thundering falls, while the challenging Billy Goat Trail Section A offers 1.7 miles of rock scrambling along the river's edge. The park connects to the historic C&O Canal Towpath, adding layers of American history to your nature escape.
How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-35.
(Dreading a long layover? Here's how to turn it into a second vacation.) Heide Brandes is an award-winning travel journalist and co-host of the travel podcast 'Untethered & Wanderwise' who specializes in adventure travel and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Follow her on Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
The unexpected natural wonders near America's busiest airports
Flight delays at America's major airports, once a source of anxiety, now represent opportunities for unexpected adventures. Some travelers secretly hope for a delay that provides a chance to step beyond the terminal and discover the natural wonders, such as a hiking trek through bamboo forests near Atlanta or a journey through a wildlife refuge in Denver. 'In difficult moments, nature is scientifically proven to bring us peace,' said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. 'Research shows that access to trees and green space lowers our brain's levels of cortisol, which is our primary stress hormone, and improves cognitive function.' When flight cancellations and hours-long delays threaten to derail a trip, these nine hiking trails, all within 15 miles of major U.S. airport hubs, offer a refreshing alternative to overcrowded food courts and uncomfortable gate seating. (Here's what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.S.) Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Atlanta Beyond the bamboo forest at East Palisades, Atlanta offers Cochran Mill Park just 20 minutes from the airport, with nearly 15 miles of hiking trails leading to the serene Henry Mill Falls. The park's diverse terrain accommodates hikers of all skill levels, with the Yellow Trail offering the most direct route to the waterfall. 'Travelers are often shocked to learn they can be standing under a waterfall within a half-hour of leaving our terminals,' said Adam Berrios, executive director of Visit Sandy Springs. 'And no one expects to find themselves in the midst of an exotic bamboo forest just 12 miles north of Atlanta. That's what makes the East Palisades Trail in Sandy Springs so special.' How to get there: Take the MARTA Red Line from the airport to Sandy Springs Station for nearby trailheads or rideshare for $25-30. O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway system offers more than 50 miles of trails, with a section conveniently located near O'Hare in Rosemont. From the cluster of airport hotels, you can access the trail behind the Hyatt Regency, stepping directly from the lobby to the forest path. The Schiller Woods section offers 2 to 3 miles of well-maintained trails, providing a perfect blend of accessibility and immersion. How to get there: Many airport hotels provide direct access, or take the Blue Line one stop to Rosemont and walk 10 minutes to reach the starting point of the Des Plaines River Trail. (Everything you should know about Chicago) Travelers can hike the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail at Kenneth Hahn Recreational Area if they have an extended layover at LAX. Photograph by Chris LaBasco/Shutterstock Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is situated less than 10 miles from LAX and features five miles of trails with panoramic views that extend from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean. For those with more time, the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu rewards hikers with a route so gentle you could walk it in flip-flops, shaded by sycamores and oaks. The trail leads to the foundations of a house designed by Paul R. Williams, the same architect who designed LAX's Theme Building. How to get there: A rideshare provides the fastest access from the airport. (Everything you should know about Los Angeles) LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York Pugsley Creek Park & Castle Hill Park offer trails where hikers can trace a maritime forest while enjoying views of the Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges. The trail's unique selling point is the scenic overlooks where you can watch planes land at LaGuardia while surrounded by coastal vegetation. The 1.2-mile Pugsley Creek Wappinger Trail honors the Native American tribe (Wappinger) who originally inhabited this region. The trail winds through diverse hardwood forests. How to get there: The Q44-SBS bus from LaGuardia takes approximately 30 minutes. (Your travel guide to New York City) Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle The Des Moines Creek Trail provides a 2.2-mile paved path starting just south of Sea-Tac Airport and continuing to Des Moines Beach Park on Puget Sound. The trail follows a salmon-bearing stream through a ravine forest, offering glimpses of air traffic taking off overhead. For a quicker escape, North SeaTac Park offers over 200 acres of green space with 2.5 miles of trails, just two miles from the terminals, featuring paths that wind through a dense Pacific Northwest forest. How to get there: Air travelers can take a five-minute rideshare for $10-15, or the Link Light Rail one stop to Tukwila International Boulevard Station. (Everything you should know about Seattle) If you have extra time in Denver, you may want to consider a hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where it's not uncommon to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, prairie dogs, and wild bison. Photograph by Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge sits just 12 miles from Denver's terminals and offers more than 10 miles of trails through a restored prairie ecosystem. Once a chemical weapons manufacturing facility, this 15,000-acre refuge now protects bison herds, bald eagles, and prairie dogs. 'One of the best ways to experience the Refuge is with a vehicle along the 11-mile Wildlife Drive,' said Sarah Metzer, Visitor Services manager. 'The accompanying podcast offers insight into the Refuge's history as well as the nature and native wildlife that visitors may see.' How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-30. (What you should know about Denver) San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco San Bruno Mountain State & County Park offers 2,416 acres of rugged landscape just 10 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. The 3.1-mile Summit Loop Trail rewards hikers with 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Bay, and the airport below. The 0.4-mile accessible Bog Trail loop explores San Bruno Mountain's wetland 'Saddle Area,' where travelers can choose between a leisurely path or a more rugged route through dense vegetation alive with California quail and songbirds. How to get there: Take the BART to the San Bruno station, then catch the Route 130 bus for a 10-minute ride to the park. (Everything you should know about San Francisco) Adventurous hikers can go hiking along the Great Falls Trail for scenic views of the Potomac River in Virginia. Photograph by Zack Frank/Shutterstock Air travelers can destress from a flight delay or cancellation by taking a relaxing hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Denver. Photograph by Jim West / Alamy Stock Photo Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix The South Mountain Park and Preserve, just 10 miles from Sky Harbor, encompasses more than 16,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The Desert Classic Trail is an easy 2.4-mile loop, and is dotted with iconic saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and dramatic rock formations. The Mormon Trail ascends 1.3 miles to Hidden Valley, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. How to get there: A 15-minute rideshare from Sky Harbor costs approximately $18-25, or take the Valley Metro Rail to Central/Washington and transfer to bus route 40. (Essential guide to visiting Phoenix) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles, Va. Great Falls Park, just 15 miles from Dulles, Va., offers dramatic scenery where the Potomac River plunges 76 feet over ancient rock formations. The River Trail is an easy 1.3-mile walk to multiple overlooks of the thundering falls, while the challenging Billy Goat Trail Section A offers 1.7 miles of rock scrambling along the river's edge. The park connects to the historic C&O Canal Towpath, adding layers of American history to your nature escape. How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-35. (Dreading a long layover? Here's how to turn it into a second vacation.) Heide Brandes is an award-winning travel journalist and co-host of the travel podcast 'Untethered & Wanderwise' who specializes in adventure travel and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Follow her on Instagram.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Major U.S. Airport Cancels Nearly 400 Flights Amid Busy July 4th Travel
Nearly 400 flights were canceled Saturday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world's busiest air travel hubs, after severe thunderstorms and hail pummeled the area overnight. ABC News reported that the powerful storm system triggered ground stops, 90 flight diversions, and even a temporary evacuation of the airport's air traffic control tower. High winds, lightning, and quarter-inch hail moved through Friday evening, bringing operations to a halt and creating ripple effects into the weekend. The majority of the disruptions were tied to Delta Air Lines, which canceled around 380 flights and conducted emergency inspections on nearly 100 aircraft for potential hail damage. Most of the planes were cleared to return to service by Saturday morning, but the airline warned of continuing delays as crews worked to normalize schedules. 'Delta people are working as safely and quickly as possible to recover flights impacted by thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and winds at our Atlanta hub Friday night,' the airline said in a statement. 'We thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding.' The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the air traffic control tower at Hartsfield-Jackson was briefly evacuated Friday night due to intense wind conditions. ATC audio revealed that just three personnel, one controller, a supervisor, and a traffic manager, remained behind to handle limited operations. The storm forced a cascade of diversions across the Southeast, delaying hundreds of passengers and stranding others overnight. Social media was flooded with photos of crowded terminals and travelers waiting on answers as the weather passed. Though the skies began to clear Saturday morning, the damage was already done. Travelers were advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport, as residual delays and rescheduled flights were expected to continue through the day. With peak summer travel in full swing, the sudden disruption served as a reminder of how vulnerable even the most sophisticated airport systems are to severe U.S. Airport Cancels Nearly 400 Flights Amid Busy July 4th Travel first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 28, 2025
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Bay County TDC approves new tourism-driven weather page
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Visit Panama City Beach is putting together a brand new program that will provide personalized weather updates and destination information to tourists visiting the area. Every year, more than 4 million people vacation in Panama City Beach. Many of them want to know what kind of weather they can expect when they get here, especially since the weather changes so quickly. The Bay County Tourism Development Council is launching a new service to provide that information, and much more. Tourism officials are partnering with local meteorologists Chris Smith and Dan Nyman to create a tourism-driven weather and information channel. They've left their jobs at a local TV station to launch 'The TDC, through this channel, is going to be able to kind of control the messaging…nobody is creating 24-hour weather channels to focus on the weather messaging for a vacation destination. But it's the most important part of a vacation…you come to the beach and expect good weather,' founder Chris Smith said This week, TDC board members voted to invest $300,000 a year for the next 5 years to operate the website. They say that while PCB is known for its sunny beach days, it's still important to keep visitors informed about the days when the weather may rain on their parade. 'We have 320 days on average of sunshine, but it's also important to focus on those days that might not be as sunny or that are kind of scattered around and inform the visitors that are coming to our area,' Visit PCB Communications Manager Sydney Clifton said. The website will also include information on beach safety, current beach flag status, and the UV index. It will also feature daily live streams of the sunset for those who may be missing the beach. 'So if you're in Chicago or Nashville or wherever you may be and you're missing Panama City Beach, we're going to be able to send out like a little push notification. Say you are missing an epic sunset tonight. Don't you wish you were here?' Smith said. is scheduled to launch sometime in October. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
