10 of the Best Fall Hikes in Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes

Everyone knows about packing out your trash, or what to do when nature calls in the wilderness. These are number one and number two (literally) in the leave-no-trace playbook for those of us who care about preserving outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy. Well, okay, apparently not everyone knows. We see trash (and pick it up) all the time, just like you do. We’re as baffled as you are when we see some yahoo flick a cigarette butt out the window of their car. Do some people simply not care? Further education is clearly needed. For those of us in the know, though, minimizing our own impact goes beyond these two obvious line items. If you’re already doing the easy stuff, here are a few often-overlooked ways to tread lightly in the great outdoors. 1. Travel on durable surfaces. Hiking the Ice Lakes Trail in Colorado's San Juan National Forest. Paxson Woelber This one should be easy: walk on the trail. Don’t cut switchbacks, which creates both erosion problems and ugly “social” trails. If you have to go off-trail, tread carefully; avoid fragile alpine flora or cryptobiotic desert soil. Of course, we all see evidence that many outdoor users aren’t doing this. We see all those social trails near lakes and campsites, and trampled vegetation near crags and scenic overlooks. For all trail traffic, including mountain bikers: think about durable surfaces, and whether your boots or bike tires are leaving a discernible mark on the terrain. If you’re leaving ruts because of wet or freeze-thaw conditions, ride somewhere else; no matter how many slow-motion edits online seem to imply otherwise, it’s not okay to skid your tires and sling “brown pow” or pioneer off-trail alternate lines. This goes for photographers, too, despite the temptation to stomp off-trail to that perfect vantage point. Sure, the adage may say: “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.” The photos are fine… but why leave footprints where you don’t have to? 2. Park your car on durable surfaces, too. Parking at a snowy campground in Glacier National Park. D.Taylor in Idaho What do you do when you arrive at a trailhead, and the parking lot is full? Do you just pull off the road wherever it’s convenient? In some environments this may be acceptable, but in many it’s not. If simply walking on cryptobiotic soil or alpine meadows has a negative impact on those surfaces, imagine what parking your 4Runner on them does. Additionally, if that parking lot is in a neighborhood, imagine how thrilled the neighbors will be if you’re parking on their lawn. I’ve seen more than a few parking lots in National Parks absolutely overrun with cars parked all over sensitive terrain and their inhabitants absolutely trampling that terrain on the way in and out of those cars. We don’t think the answer is more parking and bigger parking lots, especially when the mission of the National Park Service is to protect and preserve these beautiful places; we think preservation includes an awareness of where you pilot your vehicle in the first place. 3. Respect permit limits, closures, and quotas. View of Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park. Mitchel Speaking of full parking lots, some areas have chosen to counteract overuse by instituting lotteries, permit systems, and daily quotas. Sometimes that parking lot is full because, frankly, that’s how many visitors per day are a sustainable number without degrading the resource. Sometimes, areas are temporarily (or permanently) closed so they have a chance to recover. Some places, as we’ve noted in the past, are being loved to death. We know it sucks when you arrive at the start of your day’s objective and it’s closed, or when you don’t win the lottery for that bucket-list trip, but the outdoors isn’t yours alone. We’re in this together, and we need to work together to protect the wild places we love. There are plenty of incredible places out there; be flexible with your plan, have a backup, and don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the only places worth visiting are on “10 best” lists and inside National Parks. 4. Avoid creating new campsites. Campsite on rocky cliff. ih Well, aren’t we a buzzkill! While social media can seem like a competition to see who can pitch their tent in the most ridiculous place (we love @youdidnotsleepthere), existing campsites are usually there for a reason. Limiting the number of sites at a given location helps limit human impact to those designated places. If there are two camp spots at your favorite backcountry overlook, and you create a third, you’ve increased the visible impact by fifty percent! You might be disappointed that the designated sites at that pristine alpine lake are two hundred feet from the water instead of two feet, but there’s a reason for it. You don’t have the right to overrule the land manager by making a new one! It’s easy to convince yourself “if I just put my tent here for this one night, I’m not really creating a campsite,” but you’ll leave signs of your visit; the visitor after you is likely to repeat your indiscretion, and the visitor after that, and what’s done cannot be undone. 5. Don’t build fire rings, and consider skipping the campfire entirely. Utah camping without a fire. Zach Dischner Look, we know that your Instagram shots are soooo much cooler with the glow of a campfire, and we all know a boutique, hand-painted hatchet is the ultimate accessory for the modern lumbersexual. We’ve also seen campsites surrounded by stumps where small trees used to be, the surviving tree stripped of every branch within arm’s reach. It should go without saying that you should definitely skip the campfire if your region is experiencing a drought, you should respect any and all burn bans in place and, if you absolutely must have a fire, you must also make certain it’s completely out before moving camp. It almost sounds silly to type out, but every year major wildfires are started by careless campfire management. Roasting marshmallows over a canister stove may not be as sexy, but it’s also less likely to incinerate your favorite wilderness. We recently published an article about campfire safety, but there are also some excellent articles about whether campfires are necessary at all (we recommend this one and this one). Think about it. Do you really need to have one? 6. Wash your gear, wash your kayak, and don’t transport firewood. Packraft on the Anaktuvuk River, Alaska. Paxson Woelber It’s important to understand that our impact on outdoor environments goes beyond what we can see, and beyond what is immediately apparent. A variety of pests and invasives—the hemlock woolly adelgid, the emerald ash borer, zebra mussels, water hyacinth—can be transported from watershed to watershed, and from forest to forest, sometimes with heartbreaking results. We’re slowly watching our Eastern Hemlock trees die off, one by one, as the Adelgid spreads throughout the Appalachians. These ghost trees are solemn reminders that, sometimes, we leave behind more than footprints if we’re not careful. You’ve probably seen signs at campsite kiosks and ranger stations instructing visitors to avoid transporting firewood and so forth. Not only should we be following these rules, we should make sure our fellow outdoor enthusiasts are aware of them, too. 7. No dams… and, seriously, stop stacking rocks! Rock piles creekside along Middle Fork Trail, Washington. +Russ Rock-stacking has become a major trend, and it absolutely has to stop. Cairns to mark a trail are fine, and are sometimes necessary, but we’re not talking about cairns. We’re talking about the bizarre proliferation of stacked rocks in certain parts of the world. No, you’re not enhancing the beauty of the natural environment. No, the wilderness doesn’t need improvement, especially if you consider ubiquitous signs of human meddling to be an improvement. It’s more of an eyesore. As for dams, we see lots of river rocks being moved to create swimming holes, capture hot springs, and the like. This has a real impact on certain types of aquatic creatures, specifically the extremely interesting (and highly endangered) hellbender. Seriously, just leave the rocks where they are, and enjoy nature as it is. Scree slopes and rocky creek beds are not your personal Lego set. Last Word We’re not going to tell you exactly how to enjoy the outdoors; maybe you like to listen to Swedish death metal on your trail run; maybe you like to yell “wooo” at the end of a long downhill on your mountain bike, and more power to you on both counts. Outside activity does, however, require an awareness of the world around you, and of the impact your visit has on it. We think that awareness should go beyond just burying toilet paper and carrying out your Snickers wrappers, and we hope you agree. *We highly recommend some level of Leave No Trace training, not only for those new to the outdoors but for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more about Leave No Trace here. * Written by Jeff Bartlett for RootsRated in partnership with BCBS of Tennessee.

Your calendar isn't lying: Spring really is just around the corner. The time has already changed, bringing with it another hour of sunshine—and plenty of opportunities and excuses to get outside. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife all await on the myriad trails that beckon this time of year. Some of the area's higher-elevation hikes may still be buried under residual snow, but plenty of trails in low-lying areas remain open and accessible. So whether you're looking for a thigh-burning climb, an urban trek, or an up-close glimpse at the green spaces around Portland, here's where to go—and what to know—for the best spring hikes in Portland. Where to Find Wildflowers and Gorge-ous Views Dog Mountain is among the most popular hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, due in large part to its stunning wildflower displays. Bill Automata Dog Mountain is home to some of the most impressive wildflower displays in the Columbia River Gorge every April, May, and June. At their peak, the blooms absolutely explode off the mountainside, bathing Dog Mountain in fields of yellow balsamroot and purple lupine. (The wildflowers typically hit their peak on Dog Mountain in May and June, but given Portland's warm winter, flashes of color might appear sooner.) Despite two options for reaching the top—one of which is semi-helpfully marked "less difficult"—there's no easy way to bypass the difficulty of climbing 3,000 feet in roughly three miles. The work is worth it, though; in addition to fields of beautiful wildflowers, hikers will enjoy incredible views of the surrounding Columbia River Gorge. Insider tip: For all its intensity, Dog Mountain is among the most popular hikes in the region. Head out early (or on a sunny weekday) to avoid parking headaches and the biggest crowds. Walking Behind Waterfalls There are many wonderful waterfalls along the "Trail of Ten Falls". Amit Patel Spend a few minutes on the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, and you might wonder if you've stumbled into J.R.R. Tolkein's Middle Earth. Thick, lush forests surround hikers throughout the 8.7-mile loop. Spectacular canyon views await behind seemingly every turn. Bucolic creeks bubble throughout. You'll be surprised when Frodo and Sam don't wander by at some point. And that's to say nothing of the waterfalls. (And, yes, there are really 10 of them along the way.) Hikers are treated to close-up views of these impressive waterfalls—more than five of which are at least 100 feet tall—and can walk behind four. Head's up: Silver Falls State Park is the most popular state park in Oregon. Make the trip on a weekday or show up early on a weekend to avoid parking headaches the biggest crowds. Warming Up With a Waterfall Dry Creek Falls rewards hikers with an unusual waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. Bill Automata It's almost unfair to mention any waterfall hike immediately after shouting out the Trail of Ten Falls, but the short jaunt to Dry Creek Falls is well worth any hiker's time. If the thought of climbing 3,000 feet at Dog Mountain or making the 80-minute drive to Silver Falls State Park aren't doable, get your legs into gear with the quick, 4.4-mile out-and-back to an impressive, if oft-overlooked, waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. A fair grade makes the 2.2-mile hike to the falls feel a lot shorter than it really is, and the thick forest lining the trail adds to the enchantment. At the end of the hike, the single-stream cascade at the heart of Dry Creek Falls flows down 75 feet in front of an unusual display of moss-covered columnar basalt. There are plenty of better-known waterfall hikes elsewhere in Oregon, but most demand more from hikers, and few offer the same, beautiful payoff. Wetlands and Wildlife in the City The Oaks Bottom WIldlife Refuge is a popular hiking and trail running destination not far from Ross Island. wittco.gmbh Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge isn't the most well-known or back-breaking hike on this list, but the 2.3-mile trail introduces hikers and trail runners to a piece of Portland they might not otherwise enjoy. Today, the lush wetland is a popular destination for an early-morning or after-work adventure, but it was very nearly razed to make way for an industrial park before the City of Portland acquired the refuge in 1969. Restoration and protection efforts paid off. Today, roughly 40 years after that decision to preserve the wetlands, Oaks Bottom is awash in wildlife. Beavers, nutria, salamanders, frogs, mallards, blue herons, and other migrating birds either stop at the refuge or call it home. And, as if to underscore the urban-rural tightrope the refuge walks, hikers will catch glimpses of the downtown skyline—just a 15-minute drive away—at various points along the hike. An Urban Experience Approaching the station. Chris Phan The 4T Trail unveils the best of Portland over nine fascinating miles, and it doesn't demand much of hikers just getting their legs back after spending the winter indoors. Along the way, the trail showcases the innovative mass transit for which Portland is known, takes hikers through lush forests just minutes from downtown, and delivers one impressive view after another. The 4T Trail, accessible year-round, gets its name from the four "T's" at the heart of the unusual excursion: Hikers start on a trail that spans Washington Park, Council Crest, and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Washington Park hosts innumerable Portland attractions, not the least of which is a dense forest that makes it easy to forget you're in the midst of a busy urban core. Council Crest, meanwhile, is the highest point in Portland and delivers knockout views of both Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens on a clear day. From there, hikers take the tram—specifically, the Portland Aerial Tram—from OHSU, down to the rapidly-growing South Waterfront Neighborhood. The tram's platform promises views of the downtown skyline, the Willamette River snaking through Portland, and Mount Hood rising behind South Waterfront condos. Hikers then hop aboard the trolley—rather, the Portland Streetcar—at the base of the tram. The streetcar heads into downtown Portland. The loop is complete once hikers depart for the train and take the blue or red MAX light rail line back to Washington Park. Fun fact: The Washington Park MAX stop is the deepest transit station in North America. Written by Matt Wastradowski for RootsRated.

The Shenandoah Valley is one of the East Coast's best kept secrets, providing outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to hike, paddle, and bike—and it's just a short drive away from Washington, D.C. You can get a bird's eye view of the valley, enjoy a hiking trip, or tap into your inner foodie at a local eatery. It isn't a stretch to say that the Shenandoah Valley puts adventure in the palm of your hand, and these 10 adventures are the perfect way to have a good time outside. 1. Take a Hike in Shenandoah National Park Just last year, the skies were clear enough for a visitor to spot the Washington Monument at night from Shenandoah National Park. That's a rare occurrence, but on average, you can see sites roughly 60 miles away. See what you can spot from one of Shenandoah National Park's epic hikes: Mary's Rock, Stony Man, Hawksbill, Bearfence, and Blackrock—just a few to keep on your list. 2. Backpack a Stretch of the Appalachian Trail Tackle a portion of the Appalachian trail in the Shenandoah Valley. Compass Points Media Shenandoah National Park alone has 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail within its borders, but the trail meanders through much of the Shenandoah Valley. This is one of the most scenic sections of the trail, and you can tackle a portion of it either in the park or outside of it. The area also has six AT Communities: Waynesboro, Berryville, Buena Vista, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, and Luray. These towns across the country are designed as such by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, marking them as good friends and neighbors to the trail. Trail users can expect to find excellent support in these towns, including special events, promotions, transportation options, and amenities for those making the long trek across the country. But even if you're not up for a multi-day (let alone multi-month) trek, day hikes are a great way to experience a taste of what it's like for the thru-hikers making the trip from Georgia to Maine. 3. Take a Mini-Vacation in the Shenandoah Valley. Campgrounds, cabins, and bed and breakfasts dot Shenandoah Valley, creating many opportunities for a weekend getaway. Looking for a more unique setting for your overnight adventure? How about a yurt or a treehouse? You'll find a multitude of overnight spots to serve as your base for exploring the area. 4. Marvel at the Natural Bridge and Luray Caverns The extensive Luray Caverns is one of the area’s natural wonders. sgplewka Nature can do marvelous things. Plan to be awestruck by two examples that have been bringing in tourists for centuries: the Natural Bridge, which was carved out by Cedar Creek and stands more than 200 feet high, and Luray Caverns, deep beneath the earth with room after room filled with towering rock formations and crystal clear pools. 5. Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon. You don't have to head too far west to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. You'll get a new and rare perspective on the Shenandoah Valley—from mountains to farms—as you soar high above the land and take in a 360-degree look at the beauty below. 6. Explore Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway Cruise along Skyline Drive for incredible views. Shahid Durrani Since the first section of Skyline Drive opened in 1934, people have been taking road trips to enjoy views from 75 overlooks along 105 miles. The Blue Ridge Parkway, the longest road planned as a single unit, stretches nearly 500 miles further south and winds through even more mountains. Together, these two roads are an iconic drive—whether you go for a day or for the entire length. 7. Sip Locally at Virginia's Wineries and Breweries There's something to be said for a day at the vineyard. Virginia's ever-growing wine, beer, and cider scene provide numerous options for a day with friends, and a chance to try some of the more interesting and inventive offerings that you might not otherwise find at stores back home. Check out the your options in the valley along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, the Shenandoah Spirits Trail, and the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. 8. Paddle on the Shenandoah River The Shenandoah River is one of the top paddling destinations in the eastern United States. Virginia State Parks The Shenandoah River's South Fork is considered one of the top canoeing rivers in the eastern United States. With smooth stretches and some class II whitewater, there's something for both beginners and more experienced canoeists. Looking for a more relaxed outing? You can rent tubes and enjoy a leisurely float along the river. 9. Ride the Virginia Mountain Biking Trail Running from Strasburg to Damascus, this 480-mile bike trail connects the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountain Ranges. This rugged and adventurous route is a challenge for the experienced mountain biker—whether you tackle it in its entirety or explore sections of the trail over time. 10. Discover the Tuscarora Trail This 252-mile trail is an official bypass route of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches through much of the Shenandoah Valley and is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. With new sections recently re-routed just outside of Winchester and a healthy number of AT-quality shelters and campsites throughout, you've got a golden opportunity to experience ridgeline hiking and gorgeous mountain views without the crowds that can sometimes be found on the AT. Written by Jen Adach for RootsRated Media in partnership with Staunton.

Cook County’s Forest Preserves have traditionally provided the only real green space in the immediate Chicago area. For hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners—not to mention picnickers, frisbee-throwers, and sunbathers—the forest preserves offer a wooded escape from the urban landscape of the city. But there was one thing all the diverse preserves had in common—you had to leave at sunset. But that’s no longer the case—at least in five preserves that will permit overnight camping this summer. It’s a big change for the Cook County Forest Preserve, which has spent the last several years creating and implementing a master plan to build new campgrounds and improve existing ones that in the past had only been available to established groups like the Boy Scouts. The forest preserve will be rolling out each of the campgrounds this summer, with three already open and taking reservations. 1. Camp Shabbona Woods Located at 15810 S. Torrence Avenue in South Holland, Camp Shabbona Woods was the first facility to open for campers in May. It’s a new facility created on the site of a former picnic grove that was removed. The campground now offers eight tent cabins and 12 tent sites in addition to a toilet facility on the grounds. The campground is closely connected to the nearby Sand Ridge Nature Center and Green Lake Aquatic Center. 2. Camp Sullivan This Oak Forest facility , located at 14630 Oak Park Ave., has taken a site once used by the scouts and improved it to create a larger campground open to the general public. An existing bunkhouse was removed and replaced with 12 tent cabins and 40 tent sites. Toilet and shower facilities were also added. Located in the 612-acre Tinley Creek Woods, Camp Sullivan offers access to more than 13 miles of trails. The historic red barn is being renovated to include a climbing wall and meeting space for outdoor activities and programs. 3. Camp Reinberg Having opened over the 4 th of July weekend, Camp Reinberg , in Palatine, is another facility that has been improved and updated with more modern amenities. It now includes several two-bedroom cabins (with air conditioning) that can accommodate up to 10 people. They each have a private bathroom and shower. Other cabins that sleep eight are available without the private bathrooms, but campers can share the modern facilities at the campground. There are also spots for small RVs and tent camping, in addition to a large dining hall with two community kitchens for large events. The campsite offers access to the trails at Deer Grove Forest Preserve , which offers some of the area’s only singletrack for trail running and mountain biking. The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center is nearby the new Bullfrog Lake campgrounds. David Wilson 4. Camp Bullfrog Lake Expected to open by late July, Camp Bullfrog Lake is a new campsite located in the Willow Springs Forest Preserve , with access to the Palos Trail System . The facility will include eight tent cabins and 12 tent sites as well as a shower/toilet facility. It’s located near Maple Lake, which offers boat rentals, and the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center. Of course, for mountain bikers, this could mean a new way to take advantage of by far the best trail system for off-road riding. 5. Camp Dan Beard This spot in Northbrook has hosted the Boy Scouts for more than 50 years, but it will be open to the public later this summer. The site will include tent camping as well as renovated cabins. Proximity to the River Nature Trail Center and the Des Plaines River will make this an excellent spot for campers looking to do some paddling on their trip. “We want to offer a camping experience inclusive of all skill sets and comfort levels,” said Arnold Randall, general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. “Our camping program appeals to experienced campers and beginners. Our goal is for camping to be a gateway to forge lifelong connections with nature.” This means that several of the sites will offer gear rental, making it easier for outdoor newbies to get started camping. Fees for each facility will vary, but expect tent camping to cost as little as $20 a night for Cook County residents, while the 36-bed bunkhouse goes for $200 for a Saturday night in season. Nonresidents will pay $10 more per night. All five of the facilities will be open from April through October, with Bullfrog Lake, Reinberg and Sullivan offering camping year-round. All of the facilities will feature 24-hour staffing and regular patrols be the Forest Preserve Police Department. Reservations are available online [here](fpdcc.com/camping) as well as by phone at 855-YES-CAMP. For those who looking for a quick camping getaway, these destinations will be tough to beat. Just one caveat—the three facilities that have already opened have found demand to be very high, with most available spots selling out quickly. So if you want to take advantage of the first summer of Cook County Forest Preserve Camping, make your reservations soon. Written by Jeff Banowetz for RootsRated.