Latest news with #outdooradventures
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hike The Blue Ridge Mountains And Sip On Some Of The Best Wine In The South In This Virginia County
While Charlottesville, Virginia, has long been on the radar of travelers from across the Southeast and, perhaps, the entire country, its neighbor to the southwest is still yet-to-be-discovered by those outside the region. Nelson County is where Charlottesville gets its outdoorsy reputation and its incredible Blue Ridge Mountain views. Nestled in the mountains, Nelson County doesn't encompass any major cities or even larger towns. Instead, it's known for its hiking, craft beer, vineyards, and, of course, the amazing vistas that earned its reputation for being the "sunrise side of the Blue Ridge." Want to plan a trip to this idyllic Virginia county where you can get away from the hustle and bustle? Here's everything you need to know about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink in Nelson County. If you're already planning on visiting the vineyards, why not stay at one? Particularly if it means staying with mountain views and luxuriously decorated historic accomodations. The Farmhouse at Veritas is located on the property of Veritas Vineyards and Winery, but not only is it known for its wine, but also its gourmet dining program. There's a delicious multi-course breakfast each morning and the option to book their four-course, prix-fixe dinner Tuesday through Saturday. 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA 22920 The six rooms at Orchard House Bed and Breakfast are both comfortable and luxuriously decorated, balancing farmhouse charm with an upscale boutique stay. The inn offers incredible views and, if you visit in the heat of summer, there's a saltwater pool ready for you to cool off. 9749 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 22949 For a pet-friendly stay and laid-back weekend escape, Rockwell Ridge Inn will put you right where you need to be to access hiking, breweries, and all the beauty of Nelson County. The inn has accommodations for both smaller groups and larger gatherings, all of which have the same modern rustic meets minimalist style. 1562 Afton Mountain Rd, Afton, VA 22920 Explore the outdoors with a side of spookiness. The Blue Ridge Tunnel is nearly a mile long, and, while it was built as a railroad tunnel sometime around 1850, it's now a destination for hikers and bikers. This long, dark tunnel requires a flashlight to navigate. 483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy, Waynesboro VA 22980 If you plan your trip ahead of time, try to coordinate it with a Starry Nights evening at Veritas Vineyards & Winery. This beloved summer tradition includes music in the vineyard, under the spectacular night sky. Depending on your ticket, you can bring a picnic or indulge in a seated three-course meal. 151 Veritas Lane, Afton, Virginia 22920 Crabtree Falls gets its name from not one, but five, cascading waterfalls that are found along this mountain trail. This stunning three-mile hike includes multiple overlooks where you can take in the natural beauty of Nelson County. 11581 Crabtree Falls Highway, Montebello, VA 24464 While Wintergreen Resort is a four-season resort—you can go golfing or hiking in the warmer months—it's truly known for its skiing and snowboarding. This is where you can get your snowy fix, even in the South. 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Nellysford, VA 22958 If your idea of a good country getaway requires a stop by an antique mall, then add the Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore to your list. This large space includes thousands of books, along with antiques ranging from dishware to furniture. 8230 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 22949 Lots of breweries serve food but few have built a following like Blue Mountain Brewery. This farm brewery grows their own hops, brews some of the state's favorite craft beer, and they have an extensive menu that includes everything you could want while enjoying a cold one. From pretzels to fried pickle dip to pizzas with local meat (including an extensive selection of gluten-free!), you could spend an entire afternoon hanging out here. 9519 Critzer Shop Rd, Afton, VA 22920 Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards calls itself a culinary vineyard, and that might be the only way to truly describe the level of both food and wine they're serving. Sit on their back veranda looking out over the mountains and enjoy fresh flavors like tomatillo and cucumber gazpacho or burrata and grilled asparagus salad. 5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959 No trip to Virginia is complete without pulled pork barbecue, and The Blue Ridge Pig is one of the best places to get it. They're smoking meats up on top of a mountain, and, on a nice day, there's no better place to sit outside and indulge in a classic barbecue plate. 2198 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958 The restaurant at The Farmhouse at Veritas is open to diners and guests alike, and the four-course meal is one of the most elegant in Nelson County. Taking cues from local flavors and in-season produce, you can expect to find inventive dishes like smashed cucumbers, fromage frais, fried garlic, salmon roe, tarragon, and passion fruit vinaigrette or prime filet mignon, asparagus, red potato hash, and black pepper bordelaise. 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA 22920 With a range from turtle brownies to lavender blueberry cheesecake, Sweet Bliss Bakery is a beloved spot for all things sweet in Nelson County. You can grab desserts-to-go or start off with a sandwich then save your sweets for last. 2789 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958 There are enough craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries throughout Nelson County to fill up not only an entire weekend, but perhaps an entire week. You can bop around either the Nelson 151 or Nelson 29 craft beverage trails, both named for their main thoroughfares. Make sure to hit Three Notch'd Brewing Company, Hazy Mountain Brewery, Blue Toad Hard Cider, Virginia Distillery Company, and Silverback Distillery. and A portion of the Monticello Wine Trail runs through Nelson County and, while Veritas Vineyards & Winery and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards have already been mentioned, there are nearly a dozen vineyards worth visiting (maybe make this a long weekend...). Afton Mountain Vineyards, Cardinal Point Winery, Flying Fox Vineyards, and Lovingston Winery are just a few of the locations that blend classic Virginia varietals with the absolutely jawdropping backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read the original article on Southern Living
Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Telegraph
The world's greatest national parks
National parks come in all shapes, sizes, topographies and ecosystems. But they're uniformly great. Why? Because they preserve the planet's best wild bits, encompassing Mother Nature at her most show-off: spewing geysers, massive mountains, rocks in improbable shapes, wildlife in uncountable numbers. National parks are the sorts of places that can turn kids from screen-addicts to outdoor explorers; that can turn all of us into advocates for the planet. National parks are good for us too. It's well documented that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, not to mention the health benefits of the hiking, biking, paddling, swimming, running, rafting and more we might engage in while we're there. The activity options are as diverse as the parks themselves. No matter if you prefer icy expanses, deserts, jungles, islands, highlands, human culture or utter emptiness, somewhere there's a park for you. While we've extensively covered the UK's top spots, and zoomed in on Europe, here are some more of the best that the world has to offer. Skip to: Water worlds Animal encounters Family travel Wild adventures Superb landscapes Water worlds Best for cruising Fiordland, New Zealand Rudyard Kipling visited majestic Milford Sound in the 1890s, deeming it 'the eighth wonder of the world'. But attention-grabbing Milford – doable on a day-trip from Te Anau – is only one of 14 ice-carved inlets within Fiordland. This vast South Island park is also home to hundreds of lakes, endless rainforest and three official Great Walks: the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn tracks. However, as most of Fiordland's sounds are only accessible from the sea, the best way to fully explore is by boat. Do it: Heritage Expeditions (+64 3 365 3500) offers a 10-day Ultimate Fiordland cruise from £3,825pp full board; excludes flights. Best for off-beat beaches Ko Tarutao, Thailand Many of Thailand's beaches have been loved to near-death. But paradise can still be found within this marine national park. Though only 90 minutes by speedboat from the popular Malaysian isle of Langkawi, the 51 isles of Tarutao (which means, appropriately, 'primitive') are little-developed and pristine. The main islands are Tarutao and Ko Adang; paradisiacal Ko Lipe is a good base for dive trips. Other activities include jungle hikes, meeting the local Urak Lawoi and snorkelling on Thailand's finest reefs. Do it: Bamboo Travel (020 7720 9285) offers a 16-day Island Hopping Kuala Lumpur to Krabi trip, including Ko Lipe, from £3,570pp including B&B accommodation and flights. Best for quirky inhabitants Galápagos, Ecuador There's nowhere like this Pacific-stranded archipelago, both in terms of unique (and fearless) wildlife and scientific import – Darwin developed his evolutionary theory here. Landscapes are volcanic and dramatic, waters clear, the inhabitants quirky: sea-swimming iguanas, northerly penguins, giant tortoises, beak-jousting albatross. Land-based trips are possible, but cruising offers greater variety. Highlights include visiting Santa Cruz's Charles Darwin Research Station, snorkelling with sea lions and turtles, and watching blue-footed boobies perform their comedy courtship dance. Do it: Select Latin America (0207 407 1478) offers a 17-day Full Galapagos trip, visiting all the islands, from £8,763pp full board; includes 14-night cruise; excludes international flights. Best for cascading falls Plitvice, Croatia Water, water everywhere – that's Plitvice. More than 90 waterfalls tinkle between the 16 interconnected lakes and karst canyons of this beautiful blue-green park in Croatia's central Dinaric Alps. Explore via the network of trails, which range from 3km to 18km – medium-length Walk B leads through the limestone canyon of the Lower Lakes and includes an electric-boat ride across Lake Kozjak (where rowing boats can also be hired) plus either a scenic train ride back, or a walk along the canyon rim. Do it: Regent (0117 453 3001) offers a seven-day Zagreb and Plitvice trip from £1,235pp including B&B accommodation and flights. Animal encounters Best for big creatures Komodo, Indonesia The rugged, volcanic isles of Komodo, Rinca and Padar sit at the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, at the juncture of tectonic plates and the meeting of ecosystems. The wildlife here is extraordinary – and huge. This is the only place on the planet to see Komodo dragons – armoured lizards that grow up to three metres long – and there are big critters offshore too, with dazzling coral reefs attracting turtles, whales, manta rays and whale sharks. As to be expected, the snorkelling is superb. Do it: Seatrek offers a nine-day Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons cruise from £4,039pp full board; excludes flights. Best for tigers Corbett, India This gorgeous park, scenically tucked into Uttarakhand's Himalayan foothills, has the highest concentration of tigers in India and was named for hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett (whose house – now a museum – can be visited in Kaladhungi). This is where Project Tiger was launched; an initiative that helps protect the big cats countrywide. Game drives explore Corbett's hills, sal forests, marshes, grasses and bamboo groves; other species that might be spotted include elephant, leopard, sloth bear and almost 600 species of birds. Do it: Wild Frontiers (020 3918 4034) offers a Wild India & Nepal trip from £8,350pp, combining Corbett with Bardia and Chitwan, including full-board accommodation and flights. Best for gorillas Bwindi Impenetrable, Uganda Few places offer the chance to meet mountain gorillas. And Bwindi, home to half of the world's population of the endangered apes, is a considerably less expensive option – trekking permits (allowing one hour with the gorillas) cost US$800 (£591) in Uganda versus US$1,500 (£1,108) in Rwanda. Bwindi also offers Gorilla Habituation Experiences (US$1,500), which include four hours with a group still being habituated. The park's lush, Afromontane forest is home to plenty more, too: look for blue monkeys and 345 species of birds. Do it: Rainbow Tours (0203 773 7945) offers a 13-night Uganda trip from £7,260pp including accommodation, most meals, gorilla permits and flights. Best for safaris Kruger, South Africa Covering South Africa's northeast corner, Kruger is the country's oldest national park. It's home to the Big Five and packed with game. Best, it caters to all budgets: save by self-driving and staying at rest-camps, or splurge on luxe lodges within private park concessions (Singita has two of the finest properties). It's also abutted by the Greater Kruger, where night drives and bush walks are permitted, and where you can meet the Black Mambas, the first all-female anti-poaching unit. Do it: Intrepid (0808 274 5111) offers an eight-day Kruger to Vic Falls small-group trip from £1,364pp including accommodation, most meals and Black Mambas experience, excluding flights. Family travel Best for school summer holidays Wilpattu (and Minneriya), Sri Lanka Welcoming and diverse, Sri Lanka is great for adventurous families. For that reason, two top parks deserve a mention, and both are conveniently best-visited during school summer holidays, when the monsoon is hitting elsewhere. Wilpattu, in the north-east, is the country's largest park, and jeep drives amid its scrub forest and villu (shallow lakes) might reveal water buffalo, sambar, leopard and sloth bear. Meanwhile, the grasslands of Minneriya, in the island's centre, host the greatest-known gathering of Asian elephants. Do it: Stubborn Mule (01728 752751) offers a 15-day Sri Lanka Summer Tour from £13,940 per family of four including B&B accommodation and flights. Best for Alternative Alps Pyrenees, France The Pyrenees aren't like other French mountains. This is la frontière sauvage ('the wild frontier'), a jagged bastion of peaks, cirques and tarns on the Spanish border – less chocolate box and less crowded than the Alps. The national park covers a chunk of the range, south of Lourdes, that is home to the waterfall-splattered amphitheatre of the Cirque du Gavarnie, glittering Gaube Lake, 2,877m Pic du Midi (cable car accessible) and traditionally Pyrenean access valleys such as Cauterets and Azun. The hiking is fabulous, and there are plenty of other family activities, too. Do it: Macs Adventure (0141 530 5452) offers an eight-day Walking in the Pyrenees trip from £965pp including B&B accommodation; excludes flights. Wild adventures Best for hiking Torres del Paine, Chile Patagonia isn't short on breathtaking wilderness, but Torres del Paine scoops top prize. This Unesco Biosphere is speared by granite peaks and blanketed in emerald forests, turquoise lagoons, glistening glaciers and wildlife-rich pampas where endangered huemul deer and puma might be spotted. Numerous activities are possible: mountain-biking, 4WD-ing, kayaking among icebergs on Lago Grey. The hiking is sublime, from shorter treks to lookouts (such as Mirador Cuernos) to the full O Circuit, which loops the Paine massif – one of the world's best treks. Do it: KE Adventure (017687 73966) offers a 12-day Classic Paine Circuit small-group trek from £7,395pp including accommodation, meals and flights. Best for rainforest Manu, Peru Ranging from high Andes to lowland Amazonian rainforest, Manu contains a marvellous mix of South American ecosystems. It's remote and relatively hard to reach, which means it's pristine and full of creatures: jaguar, ocelot, giant river otter, spectacled bear, 1,000-plus species of birds. You might see hummingbirds in the cloudforest, macaws flocking at clay-licks and Andean cock-of-the-rocks performing mating displays. The best way to explore is via the 'Manu Road', hopping between lodges in different altitudinal zones to see the full spectrum of life. Do it: Naturetrek (01962 733051) offers an 18-day Manu small-group trip from £7,995pp including full-board accommodation and flights. Best for bragging rights Corcovado, Costa Rica Nosing into the Pacific Ocean, the Osa Peninsula takes up around 0.001 per cent of the planet's surface but packs in 2.5 per cent of its biodiversity. And this is where you'll find Corcovado. It's harder to access than the country's other national parks; visitor numbers are capped and guides are mandatory. But the reward is a crowd-free Eden. Hikes might reveal monkeys, anteaters, sloths and scarlet macaws. A night at La Sirena Ranger Station (the only accommodation within the park) is the ultimate immersion. Do it: Pura Aventura (01273 676712) offers a 13-night Costa Rica Hidden Highlights self-drive from £3,160pp including B&B accommodation; excludes flights. Best for walking safaris South Luangwa, Zambia Zambia offers a lower-key safari experience than many better-known spots, and is richer for it. Especially South Luangwa, a sweeping expanse of riverside plains in the country's east. It was here that conservationist Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris (you can still stay at Carr's camps, such as Mchenja). Bush walks are the most thrilling way to encounter South Luangwa's residents – which includes wild dogs and one of the world's highest densities of leopards – in the company of some of Africa's best guides. Do it: Yellow Zebra (020 3993 3564) offers a nine-day Founders of Zambia's Walking Safaris trip from £8,273pp including full-board accommodation; excludes flights. Superb landscapes Best for dark skies Jasper, Canada In 2024, wildfires burned 96,000 acres of Canada's biggest national park. But don't let that put you off: already, nature is rebounding, and the community spirit is inspirational. Plus, some of the Rockies' most dramatic mountain views are here, as well as glorious glacial lakes (like Maligne), crashing waterfalls and one of the world's finest drives: the Icefields Parkway, linking Jasper to Banff via a magnificence of peaks. Jasper is also the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve – its glittering skies are celebrated at a festival every October. Do it: Trailfinders (0207 084 6500) offers a 14-day Rocky Mountain Wanderer self-drive from £3,699pp including room-only accommodation and flights. Best for a road trip Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, Utah, USA Yes, this is a bit cheat-y, but it's hard to separate the 'Mighty 5' that, together, make southern Utah a national park paradise. The best thing is to road-trip between them. Wander through Canyonlands – its beautiful buttes have featured in many a movie; hike trails to some of Arches' 2,000 namesake red-rock curves; explore the lesser-known geological wrinkles and ancient petroglyphs of Capitol Reef; star-gaze amid the curious hoodoos in Bryce; and squeeze into Zion's slender slot canyons. Do it: Bon Voyage (02380 248248) offers an 11-night Spectacular Utah Deluxe self-drive from £3,495pp including room-only accommodation and flights. Best for dreamy desert Namib-Naukluft, Namibia There are big national parks, then there's the enormous Namib-Naukluft, encompassing one of the oldest deserts on earth as well as the rocky, ravine-sliced Naukluft Mountains (great for hikes and horse-rides). Most iconic are the curvaceous apricot dunes of the Sesriem area, the striking-white salt-and-clays pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Self-drive is also possible with good roads. Seeing the rippling sands from the sky – via small plane or hot-air balloon – is unforgettable. Do it: Expert Africa (0203 405 6666) offers a 14-day Caracal Self-drive, with four nights in the park, from £2,490pp including accommodation and most meals, excluding flights. Best for originality Yellowstone, USA Designated in 1872, Yellowstone was the world's first national park, and has lost none of its lustre. It has 10,000 hydrothermal features, including around half the world's active geysers, plus other geological wonders like the 3,115m Mt Washburn and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Top wildlife areas include the Lamar Valley (the 'Serengeti of North America', where grey wolves have been reintroduced) and Hayden Valley, home to huge bison herds. Sample the 90-plus hiking trails, go horse-riding or lake canoeing, and enjoy hot-spring soaks. Do it: Journeyscape (0203 733 4413) offers an eight-day Yellowstone Wildlife Adventure from £10,500pp including B&B accommodation; excludes flights. Best for ancient culture Kakadu, Australia Sprawling across the top of the Northern Territory, Kakadu is vast – almost half the size of Switzerland. It's also ancient, both in terms of its striking rock formations (some of the oldest on Earth) and its human history – Indigenous people have lived here for 65,000 years. Guided walks to rock art galleries such as Ubirr and Burrungkuy are highlights, as are billabong cruises (look for crocs and jabiru storks) and hikes to waterfalls such as the 200m-high Jim Jim and gorge-spilled Maguk. Do it: World Expeditions (0800 0744 135) offers a six-day Kakadu Explorer small-group trip from £1,895pp including camping and meals, excluding flights. Best for sheer size Northeast Greenland, Greenland Northeast Greenland is hard to comprehend. The world's biggest national park (it's almost the size of Spain and France combined), there are no settlements or infrastructure, and most of it is permanently covered by ice. But what a wilderness – unspoilt, pristine. Expedition cruises tend to nibble at its southern edges, drifting through Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings on craggy Ella Island and flower-rich Botanikerbugt bay. Sightings might include icebergs, muskoxen and, season dependent, midnight sun or northern lights.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
5 charming villages in the Lake District visitors must visit
As the summer holidays are just round the corner, families flock to the Lake District to enjoy scenic views, beautiful lakes and idyllic towns and villages. Whether you're seeking serene lakeside views, rich cultural heritage, or outdoor adventures, charming villages can be the perfect tranquil escape, even better with a pub. We have collated five villages Lake District visitors must visit. Allan Bank in Grasmere Famous for being the home of poet William Wordsworth, Grasmere is a must-visit for literary enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Stroll around the serene Grasmere Lake or visit Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's former residence, now a museum. For those literary lovers, they can visit Sam Read bookshop, which has been standing since 1895. For the foodies in the group, there is scope to try the legendary Grasmere Gingerbread, a unique treat beloved by visitors. Coniston has a wide range of activities Nestled beside Coniston Water, this relaxing village is a haven for outdoor activities and history. Coniston is closely linked to the writer and artist John Ruskin, whose former home, Brantwood, is now a museum. Visitors also can enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the lake, explore nearby Tarn Hows, or hike up the Old Man of Coniston for stunning panoramic views of the area. You could also visit Bluebird K7, in the Ruskin museum, Donald Campbell's jet-powered hydroplane. Campbell broke seven world water speed records, four of them on Coniston Water. Hawkshead is steeped in history, especially literary Set in the Vale of Esthwaite in the heart of the Lake District, Hawkshead is a truly historic and wonderfully picturesque village just waiting to be explored. Hawkshead is an ideal gateway to the breathtaking scenery of the Lakes, providing a peaceful base for those looking to connect with nature. The surrounding countryside promises many walks for all skill levels, from gentle strolls to Wainwrights and hill climbing. A Peter Rabbit fan? Hawkshead has you covered, the Beatrix Potter Gallery offers a glimpse into the beloved author's illustrations, while the Old Grammar School, attended by William Wordsworth, adds historical charm. Caldbeck is a hidden gem within the Lakes The traditional fell village of Caldbeck is situated under the Northern Fells of the Lake District. The village is characterised by its quaint stone cottages, charming lanes, and the gentle flow of the River Caldbeck, which meanders through the landscape, creating a picturesque setting that feels like stepping back in time. The Muddy Duck Café Bar is a must visit after a stroll through the village. Another notable attraction includes the Priests Mill, which is an old watermill built by a rector of Caldbeck on the riverbank just below the Church where John Peel and the Beauty of Buttermere lie buried. Threlkeld has a Quarry and Mining Museum celebrating the village's heritage (Image: Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum) The village of Threlkeld is situated at the foot of the mighty Blencathra looking towards St John's in the Vale. Threlkeld is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District and the Eden Valley. It is a thriving village with a church, school, two pubs, a golf course and a cricket club. Situated on the famous Coast to Coast (C2C) cycling route from Workington to Sunderland, the village can act as a perfect pit stop for cyclists.
CNET
18 hours ago
- CNET
AllTrails' New Peak Tier Makes It Your Personalized Outdoor Planner
Whether you're heading out for a quick afternoon loop, training for a summit push, or just trying to find a family-friendly trail that won't leave anyone in tears, AllTrailsis likely already on your radar. It's the world's most widely used trail app, connecting more than 80 million outdoor lovers to a massive library of over 450,000 curated trails across the globe. Features like GPS navigation, user-generated reviews, and the ability to filter trails by length, difficulty, activity type, or even dog-friendliness, have made it a go-to resource for planning and tracking outdoor adventures. The free version of AllTrails offers solid tools for trail discovery and navigation, while AllTrails Plus adds advanced navigation tools that work even when you're far away from a cell tower. And with a sweeping redesign that launched in Summer 2025, AllTrails is introducing a new Peak tier that will be essential for outdoor lovers looking for more personalized and up-to-date trail data. Right now, when you sign up for AllTrails Plus or Peak, you'll get a week-long free trial to take AllTrails along on your next hike and decide for yourself. From free tools to all-out trail companion AllTrails has long been a favorite tool for anyone who wants to get outside with more confidence and less guesswork. At its core the app is simple: you can search for trails, read user reviews and navigate routes with GPS. It's personalized and packed with details you didn't know you needed, from trail length and elevation to dog-friendliness and scenic highlights. AllTrails The free AllTrails Base membership grants users access to trail discovery, navigation, and activity sharing, which is great for anyone dipping their toes into hiking, running, or biking. If you regularly head into areas with poor cell service or want an added layer of safety, AllTrails Plus is well worth the upgrade. For $35.99 per year (about $3 a month) AllTrails Plus unlocks helpful tools like offline maps, 3D trail previews, real-time navigation with turn alerts and the ability to share your live location with friends or family. There are also curated collections for inspiration, park-specific pages with important info like hours and entry fees, and fun social features like Trail Recap for sharing your completed treks. Whether you're planning a national park trip or just looking for nearby nature escapes, Plus is an affordable way to make your time outdoors safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. AllTrails For those who want an even more personalized and powerful planning experience, the new AllTrails Peak membership is the real game-changer. Launched as part of the app's summer 2025 update, Peak includes everything in the Plus tier and adds four premium features designed to give users greater control and insight before and during a trip. For $79.99 per year (about $7 a month), members can now get access to Custom Routes, a Community Heatmap, Trail Conditions, and the upcoming Outdoor Lens. Whether you're a weekend wanderer, an all-season trail runner, or a global summit chaser, Peak is packed with features that add serious value for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. AllTrails Peak is your comprehensive outdoor companion AllTrails Peak's new tools aim to solve real-world problems that trailgoers often face. The Custom Routes feature is especially useful for those who want to make an outing their own—whether that's extending a hike to hit a scenic overlook or shortening it a touch to suit your crew. You can start from scratch or modify any of AllTrails' existing routes, then save and share your customized version with friends. It's ideal for group hikes, training plans, or building your ultimate bucket-list adventure. AllTrails Trail Conditions gives you a heads-up on everything from weather and terrain to air quality and even mosquito activity. Planning a weekend hike during wildfire season or allergy-prone spring days? Hiking somewhere you might experience drastic changes in temperature as you climb or descend? This kind of info helps you prepare better, dress smarter, and avoid disappointing last-minute changes. Likewise, the Community Heatmap shows the most popular trails in any area, letting you choose between a more social experience or a quieter, less-traveled route—especially handy if you're hiking solo or visiting somewhere new. And while Outdoor Lens is still coming soon, it promises to turn your smartphone into a nature guide, helping you safely identify plants, trees, and more along the way. AllTrails Peak transforms AllTrails into much more than a trail-finding app: it's now a smarter, more personalized outdoor planning tool. Even casual hikers will appreciate the convenience and confidence it brings, while more frequent explorers will likely find it pays for itself in just a few weekends. Start your free trial of AllTrails and get started — or go further — today Whether you're new to hiking or a seasoned trail veteran, AllTrails continues to be one of the most reliable and feature-rich trail apps available. With the addition of the Peak membership, users now have access to even more detailed planning tools and real-time insights that can enhance both safety and enjoyment on the trail. You can try it now with a 7-day free trial of either Plus or Peak, or gift an AllTrails Plus membership to a loved one who loves the great outdoors.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Skjolden Delivers Big Views And Cultural Depth On Norway Cruises
Skjolden cruise port delivers incredible beauty but also a surprising amount of cultural depth. getty Cruise passengers heading deep into the Norwegian fjords often expect dramatic landscapes, peaceful villages, and perhaps a waterfall or two. But in the tiny community of Skjolden, located at the innermost tip of the country's longest fjord, the surprises go far beyond the scenery. Don't make the mistake of thinking a Norwegian fjords cruise is all about the ports. The journey itself is just as important to the itinerary. To reach Skjolden, ships sail more than 100 miles inland along the mighty Sognefjord, with the landscape growing more dramatic at every turn. The final stretch into Skjolden follows the Lustrafjord, a narrow arm of the Sognefjord that feels like a hidden passageway, flanked by sheer cliffs and quiet wooden cabins perched above the water. Sensational fjord scenery including cabins and waterfalls on the approach to Skjolden. David Nikel Whether you rise early for the sail-in or enjoy the views on departure, this is one voyage best enjoyed out on deck. Cruise ships dock at a dedicated pier about half a mile from the village center. While vendors offering outdoor adventures including RIB safaris and kayaking are conveniently located at the pier, most visitor facilities are found within Skjolden itself. One of the most popular cruise excursions from Skjolden is a journey up the Sognefjellet national tourist route. This mountain road is the highest of its kind in Northern Europe and a true showcase of Norwegian nature at its most raw and beautiful. Tours from the port climb quickly through forested valleys, then burst above the tree line to reveal a vast high-mountain plateau. Even in early summer, snow and ice are often still on the ground at the highest points. Oscarshaug viewpoint is a popular stop on the Sognefjellet mountain road. David Nikel Panoramic views from stops such as the Oscarshaug viewpoint, located at over 3,500 feet above sea level, offer a taste of Norway's alpine wilderness within easy reach of the fjords. Skjolden's Philosopher Hideaway One of Skjolden's most unexpected attractions lies tucked away on a remote hillside above the lake behind Skjolden. The modest wooden cabin hard to see until it's pointed out is where the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once lived and worked. In the early 20th century, Wittgenstein sought solitude to reflect and write, and he found it in Skjolden. Today, the Wittgenstein cabin is preserved as a cultural site, and while it's only accessible on foot, guided hikes or private visits can be arranged via the Wittgenstein Foundation. For those intrigued by philosophy, solitude, or simply unusual travel stories, it's a truly unique detour. Urnes Stave Church: A World Heritage Site For visitors more interested in history and architecture, Skjolden also offers access to one of Norway's oldest and most iconic wooden churches. The 12th-century Urnes Stave Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched on a hillside overlooking the fjord. Urnes Stave Church, the oldest church of its type in Norway, stands above the Lustrafjord on approach to Skjolden. getty The church is admired for its intricate wood carvings and well-preserved medieval design that blends Norse beliefs with early Christian influences. While it's a scenic 20-mile journey from Skjolden by road or bike, it's also visible from the water as cruise ships enter the Lustrafjord. Village Life In Skjolden Tucked away far from major cities, Skjolden is home to just a few hundred people. As such, it offers a low-key but charming visitor experience. The waterfront is lined with wooden buildings and leads to the compact village center, where a visitor hub offers maps, souvenirs, a cafe, and even an indoor climbing wall. You don't need to book a mountain excursion to enjoy the region's natural beauty. From the village center, a moderately steep hike leads to Sengaberget , a scenic viewpoint overlooking the fjord, lake and valley. It's perfect for travelers seeking a rewarding walk close to port. For a less demanding walk, consider the 1.8-mile stroll to Åsafossen, a powerful waterfall just outside the village. The viewing area also marks the starting point for the longer hike to Wittgenstein's secluded hillside cabin. While larger fjord ports may boast more stores and headline attractions, Skjolden wins hearts with its intimacy and cultural depth. For travelers looking to explore the deeper layers of Norwegian culture, Skjolden is well worth seeking out on cruise itineraries. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Here's How To Move To Norway In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Why Norway Is Now A Year-Round Cruise Travel Destination By David Nikel Forbes Norway Confirms Phased Introduction Of Tourist Tax In 2026 By David Nikel
