Hiking With a View – Lakeside Trails and Nature Activities for Outdoor Fun

There are countless hiking trails with gorgeous views across the country. From serene mountain ponds to rocky cliffs, these scenic hikes will take your breath away.

Some people love to wake up early and tackle a hard-core climb, but others prefer a more relaxed adventure. If you fall into the latter category, these lakeside trails will be right up your alley.

1. Ice House Ruins Loop at the White Memorial Foundation

If you like to hike with a little history, check out the Ice House Ruins Loop at the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield.  The 4000-acre preserve also has 35 miles of hiking trails, a boardwalk trail that circles a wetland habitat, and plenty of other outdoor Mammoth Lake activities. This paved one-mile path takes you past the ruins of an old ice house and overlooks Bantam Lake, making it the perfect destination for a quick afternoon walk.

There’s no better time to enjoy fall foliage than during the peak of color in the Connecticut countryside. The area’s mountainous landscape is framed and accentuated by a variety of walking/hiking trails, which are particularly popular at this time of year. Here are a few of the most scenic routes to explore.

If you’re a beginner hiker, look for a moderate hike with a few short, steep sections. The 5.7-mile Blue Trail at the Jones Mountain Preserve is a great choice for all fitness levels. This trail features mossy rocks, babbling brooks, and old stone ruins—it’s easy to see why this area was once considered a magical place. This enchanting hike is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along for the fun.

2. Arden Point and Glenclyffe

This popular hiking trail in New York is a fantastic choice for families who are looking to take in the views and have fun outdoors. While it can get busy during peak season, it’s worth the trip to see this scenic area. It is also a good option for hikers with kids who are ready to take on a moderately challenging path.

This hiking trail in Garrison is located along the Hudson River and is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. It is a scenic route that features several panoramic views and follows the path used by Benedict Arnold to escape after his traitorous plot during the Revolutionary War was discovered. The trail also passes by a historic mansion and connects with Marcia’s Mile, a tribute to the Philipstown conservationist, teacher, artist, and philanthropist.

It is best to take a map on this hike, as there are many trails in the area that can be confusing. There are some hills that can be steep and rocky, so it is important to wear proper footwear. A long-sleeved shirt and pants are also recommended to protect yourself from bugs and sunburn.

Squirrels are often seen on this trail, burying acorns to prepare for winter. This helps ensure that the trees will be able to grow and provide food for other wildlife. It is also a great way to help with nature conservation. You can use the acorns that you find to create a fall mobile, which is a fun craft for kids to do. You can even do this activity with your kids when they are home from school, so they learn about the importance of helping with nature conservation.

3. Blodgett Canyon Overlook

Whether you want to see the Bitterroots’ most dramatic cliffs or just enjoy a scenic drive, Blodgett Canyon Overlook is a must-see attraction. Giant cliff walls and buttresses rise 2,000 feet of empty vertical space from the canyon floor, forming an incredible sight in all directions. From the overlook, views span across the valley to the Sapphire Mountains and east to the Bitterroot Divide with the dramatic Sky Pilot Peak prominent in its pyramidal glory.

In the fall, this is one of the best hikes in the Bitterroots to watch the skies turn crimson as evening approaches over the peaks and spires. The trail is well maintained and has a moderate elevation gain. It is a little rutted but you don’t need a 4×4 or high clearance car to access the trailhead and parking area.

To reach the trailhead from Missoula, head west on Main Street and take a right (north) on Bowman Road and shortly thereafter a left (west) onto Ricketts Road. In about a half mile, turn left onto Blodgett Camp Road and follow it to the trailhead in about 3 miles. This road can be snowy and muddy in the winter and spring so snow tires or chains are recommended.

4. Holland Lake

Holland Lake is a gorgeous lake situated in a picturesque setting in Flathead National Forest. The lake features a stunning waterfall, pristine lake shoreline, and hiking trails that will leave you with a sense of awe.

The hike around the lake is short and fairly easy. However, the hike up the ridge to the Lower Holland Falls is much more challenging and requires some incline. The ridge top offers beautiful views of both Carmine Peak and Waldbillig Mountain as well as the magnificent Holland Lake below. This is also where the water from Holland Lake flows down a steep series of waterfalls and cliff faces that are breathtaking to see.

This is a popular hiking trail and the ridgetop will get crowded in the summer with people enjoying the views and exploring the area. The trail will climb gently through a mix of thinning alpine trees and some talus (fallen rocks). You will find a lot of small rocks to walk on and around so be sure to wear proper footwear.

5. The Greenbelt Nature Center Loop

The Greenbelt offers 2,800 acres of nature’s rugged beauty, a network of parks and trails, and a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle. Its “Forever Wild sites” include mature forests, wetlands, meadows, wildlife and more than 35 miles of well marked hiking trails.

For a great way to experience the Greenbelt, hikers can do the Greenbelt Nature Center Loop. This trail traverses a diverse landscape with pristine forests, tidal and fresh water wetlands, and twisting back roads with beautiful views around every turn. The trail system includes a two-mile perimeter multipurpose path and six interior woodland trails, all of which are open to bicyclists as well as walkers.

These trails range from easy to moderate, with a combination of wooded areas and bluffs along the coastline that feature stunning views of Long Island Sound. The Greenbelt is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, which can be spotted on certain trails during migration season.

While hiking the Greenbelt, visitors can also check out the onsite Greenbelt Nature Center. This facility is a central hub of the Greenbelt with exhibits that provide information on local history, geology, flora and fauna. The Center also hosts a number of environmental education programs for school, scout and other groups.