5 Outdoor Destinations to Explore in 2024
If you are a nature enthusiast and love spending time outdoors, it’s the perfect time to plan what exciting outdoor adventures you’ll hit next year. Whether you are a hiker, a beach lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or a history buff, incredible places are waiting for you to explore. Here are five outdoor destinations that you should consider visiting in 2024.
Dauset Trails
Dauset Trails, recommended by Pam Pinkston of Southern Queer Folk Hikes, is a nature center and wildlife sanctuary located in Macon, Georgia. It offers a wide range of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are 20 miles of scenic trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The trails cover diverse natural terrain from bottomland to steep slopes.
Have an equine buddy? Dauset Trails offers 5.75 miles of trails specifically designated for horse riding.
On the Tree ID Trail, visitors can learn to identify 31 native trees and understand the benefits of each tree for wildlife and people.
The Nature Center at Dauset Trails includes the Visitors Center, a picnic area with a playground, the Animal Trail featuring mammals and birds of prey, areas to view reptiles and farm animals, and a woodland garden trail.
Listen to what Pam Pinkston saw on the Trails!
(Full interview with Pam here)
Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, learn about wildlife, or simply enjoy a peaceful day in nature, Dauset Trails has something for everyone.
White Mountains
The White Mountains in New Hampshire boast an extensive network of over 1,200 miles of non-motorized hiking trails in the White Mountains, including about 160 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Tam Willey of Toadstool Walks enjoyed exploring this area this past year.
Whichever section of the Mountains you choose, you’ll experience the region’s diverse natural beauty, including mountain summits, waterfalls, forests, and river valleys.
Cyclists (like my husband) love riding the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, better known as “The Kanc.” It stretches for about 34 miles, offering views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge.
Here’s a gratuitous shot of me at a scenic overlook of the White Mountains.
Come December, the mountains transform into a winter wonderland with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Resorts like Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain, and Bretton Woods offer a variety of trails and breathtaking winter scenery, making the White Mountains a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, the White Mountains have something to offer for everyone. The stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational activities make it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sandstone Peak
Sandstone Peak, suggested by Jonathon Flores of Outdoor Adventures+, is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. At an elevation of 3,111 feet, the Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views. Provided it’s a clear day, hikers can see the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and much of the Greater Los Angeles area.
Many hikers take the 6-mile Mishe Mokwa Trail to the Peak. It’s a loop trail that offers scenic beauty, interesting rock formations, and diverse vegetation. Here are highlights from Outdoor Adventure+’s jaunt on the Trail this year.
Jonathon shared with me the meaning behind the name Mishe Mokwa. Love this sweet tale of maternal love!
(Full interview with Jonathon here)
If you have energy to spare, spend more time hiking around the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the world’s largest urban national park.
Hudson Valley
Alexa Rosales of Body Liberation Outdoor Club is a big advocate for exploring the Hudson Valley in New York State.
If you’re up for a challenging hike, try the 3.7-mile Breakneck Ridge Trail, famous for its steep rock scrambles and spectacular views of the Hudson River.
The 4.6-mile Overlook Mountain Trail leads to the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House, a historic hotel, before reaching the summit with a fire tower. The views from the top include the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley.
The Hudson Valley chapter of Body Liberation Outdoor Club recently hiked Overlook. Looks like they had fun!
For a variety of hikes, check out Sam’s Point Preserve, part of the larger Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Some of its trails include a path to Verkeerderkill Falls. The area is also known for its unique dwarf pine forest and the Ice Caves.
Fish Dunn Falls
Want an international excursion? Fish Dunn Falls, a favorite of Deborah McGlown from Ch8sing Waterfalls, is nestled in the lush rainforest of Portland Parish, Jamaica.
Fish Dunn Falls One and Fish Dunn Falls Two are in a relatively secluded location in Jamaica, making them a less crowded alternative to some of the island’s more popular tourist waterfalls.
The beauty of Fish Dunn Falls is truly remarkable, with its crystal-clear water cascading down the rocks into the pools below.
Here’s a peek at Ch8sing Waterfalls’ trek to Fish Dunn Falls earlier this year.
Fish Dunn Falls offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Whether hiking to the falls, cooling off in the pools, or simply taking in the serene surroundings, the falls will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Which Outdoor Destination is on Your Bucket List?
Ready to step out in 2024? You have a world of outdoor destinations to explore! From the diverse trails and wildlife at Dauset Trails in Georgia, the scenic hikes and winter sports in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, to the panoramic views from Sandstone Peak in California, there is something for every type of outdoor lover.
The historic and challenging trails in New York’s Hudson Valley and the serene beauty of Fish Dunn Falls in Jamaica offer unique experiences to immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Each of these destinations promises an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors. Let us know if you try one of these outdoor adventures — and many thanks to our DEIB Outdoors podcast guests for their incredible recommendations!
