Most of our planet is underwater, sounds like more adventures to be had…

A small statue of Buddha sits at the southern end of Davis Reef. Schools of fish here can be so dense so as to block your view. Underwater photographers love this site, and call it the most picturesque reef in the Keys.

Victory Reef is a favorite of both beginner and advanced divers. It has everything a sports diver would want, including walls, vast numbers of corals, caves, sand channels with ledges and all kinds of sharks, fish, eels and turtles.

The Eagle wreck was intentionally sunk in 1985 to make an artificial reef. The 187-foot cargo ship was broken in two as a result of Hurricane Georges. The coral growth that has emerged since the ship’s sinking is fabulously multi-colored. You can reach the ship at about 70 feet and the bottom sections at around 110 feet. It is possible to go inside this wreck. Of course, this wreck is for the more advanced diver.

Sunk in 1987, the Duane wreck is an old Coast Guard Cutter that still stands upright in about 120 of water. The top of the crows nest is at about 60 feet and the lower portions of the ship at around 110 feet. This wreck is not for sports divers, but is great for the intermediate through advanced wreck diver.

The San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve is located south of Indian Key. It was part of a Spanish fleet that sailed from Cuba in 1733 and was driven into the reef by a hurricane. This park was dedicated in 1989 and still holds bricks and pieces of the San Pedro

When playing on the surface always remember it’s what you don’t see that makes things interesting too.

Prince William Sound, protected from the stormy Gulf of Alaska weather, has some of the best Alaska sea kayaking and the greatest diversity of wildlife habitat along the entire northern Pacific Coast. Check out one of our online videos to learn more about Prince William Sound’s diverse wildlife populations.

Enjoy the splendor of the Alaskan wilderness. Prince William Sound has 7,000 sq. miles of ocean, river deltas, tidal flats and glaciers. The forests and mountains provide first rate sea kayaking, camping and hiking opportunities. Prince William Sound is larger than Connecticut!

The 2.5-mile (4.0 km) natural, white sand beach was rated the #1 beach in 1992 in the United States by “Dr. Beach” Stephen Leatherman (the first Florida beach to be so honored), making it popular for swimming. A nature trail near the park’s oceanside beach skirts a tidal lagoon before passing through a coastal hardwood hammock. Bicycling and inline skating can be done on the park’s 3.5-mile (5.6 km) paved road, and there are several fishing and picnicking spots in the area.

Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented at the park, and boat trips for snorkeling on the reef are available. The park has a marina with boat slips available for overnight rental. Campsites (primitive and full hook-up) and vacation cabins are available, although reservations for the winter months can be very difficult to get.

The park is also a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

We bring you the best adventure hikes on the planet.

The Southwest trails are near Grand Lake, and can be accessed via highway 34.

Bakerville Loveland Trail

Big Meadows

Blue Lake

Bowen Lake

A long, gradual climb through thick forest to the lake.

Bowen Pass

Bowen Pass is part of the Arapahoe National Forest, and is a steep, short hike from Bowen Lake.

Butler Gulch

Snowshoe, telemark and cross-country ski.

Cascade Falls

Coney Creek Road – Winter

Unplowed 4×4 road open to snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiles.

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

On November 10,1978, the President signed the “National Parks and Recreation Act” amending the “National Trails Act of 1968.” The amended legislation addressed the proposed Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). Congress directed the Forest Service to prepare and submit a comprehensive plan for the management and use of the… [more]

Coyote Valley

Kawuneeche, the Arapaho word for coyote, was the name given to this gentle valley of the Upper Colorado River. he trail follows the bank of the Colorado River with views of the Never Summer Mountains. Look for moose (especially during the early morning and early evening hours), songbirds and wildflowers…. [more]

Flattop Mountain (from Green Mountain)

Granite Falls

Haynach Lakes

Long, beautiful hike on a trail mostly used by backpackers.

Lake Nanita

Lake Nokoni

Lake Verna

Lone Pine Lake

Long Meadows

North Inlet Falls

Onahu Creek Loop

A quiet loop highlighted by Big Meadows.

Shadow Mountain Lookout

This trail ends at the Shadow Mountain Fire Lookout, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Tonahutu Creek Trail

Valley Trail

Easy loop through the Kawuneechee Valley.

A nice day out paddling at Steven J Foster Swamp. Lots of gators!

Named after songwriter Stephen Foster, this remote park is a primary entrance to the famed Okefenokee Swamp and is one of the most intriguing areas in Georgia. Moss-laced cypress trees reflect off the black swamp waters, providing breathtaking scenery.

Visitors can look for alligators, turtles, raccoon, black bear, deer, birds and numerous other creatures while on the park’s elevated boardwalk trail or on a guided pontoon boat trip. More adventurous visitors may wish to rent motorized boats, canoes or kayaks for further exploration of the swamp, including a trip to historic Billy’s Island.  During low water levels, boating may not be available.

Perhaps the most famous inhabitant of the Okefenokee Swamp is the American Alligator.  Officials estimate that 12,000 of the country’s largest reptile live within the 402,000-acre refuge.  To safely view these creatures, visitors should admire them from a distance and keep hands and feet inside boats.  Pets are not allowed in boats, even privately owned vessels.  Children should not play near the water’s edge.  Feeding any wildlife is prohibited.  Following these guidelines will help visitors have a safe and entertaining experience in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.

At the park’s Suwannee River Visitor Center in Fargo, visitors learn not only about the Okefenokee Swamp’s ecosystem, but also how buildings can be made from recycled car parts and plastics. Located off Hwy. 441 at the Suwannee River bridge, the center mixes environmental education with engineering showmanship. Inside, visitors learn that tannic acid produced by decaying vegetation is what gives the river its tea color, and that unlike other reptiles, mother alligators actively care for their babies. A third of the building materials was made from recycled content, including a retaining wall made from old dashboards and electrical cables.

Because Stephen C. Foster State Park is located within a National Wildlife Refuge, gate lock at closing and a $5 refuge fee is charged.

Park Hours:
7AM–10PM (gate locks at closing; no late entry)
Office Hours:
Fall/Winter 8AM-5PM; Spring/Summer 7AM-6 PM
Suwannee River Center Hours
8AM-5PM; Wednesday-Sunday (Access may be restricted after heavy rain. Call ahead to confirm operating hours.)
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/StephenCFoster

FACILITIES:

• 80 Acres
• 64 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25-$28) – cable TV hookups, some areas closed for the season
• 9 Cottages ($125) — #5 is dog friendly ($40 per dog, max 2)
• 3 Picnic Shelters ($40-$50)
• Pioneer Campground ($45)
• Interpretive Center/Museum
• 1.5-Mile Trembling Earth Nature Trail
• 1.5-Mile Pine Upland Nature Trail
• 25 Miles of Day-Use Waterways
• Playground
• Suwannee River Visitor Center

ACTIVITIES:

• GeoCaching
• Canoe, Kayak and Fishing Boat Rental (depending on water levels)
• Guided Pontoon Boat Tours ($8-$12, depending on water levels)
• Boating – ramp, 10 horsepower limit
• Fishing
• Birding

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Boating activities may be restricted during low water levels.
• The park is located 18 miles from Fargo and 50 miles from a major grocery store. Visitors should bring all supplies with them and have plenty of gasoline in their vehicle. The park office sells drinks, snacks, ice, books, gifts and t-shirts.
• Cell phone service may be unreliable.
• Late arrivals are not allowed due to NWR regulations. Gates lock at 10 p.m.

Grand County provides some of the best mountain biking opportunities in Colorado. Winter Park, Colorado alone boasts over 600 miles of marked, mapped and user-friendly trails, contributing to its apropos nickname “Mountain Bike Capital, USA.” From high mountain peaks to beautiful river valleys, single tracks to back country roads, there are opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

For complete information on mountain biking and trails in each of the four main areas of Grand County, Colorado as well as the many local vendors providing bike sales, rentals and repair, please contact each chamber directly:

Kremmling Chamber of Commerce
877-573-4301

Granby Chamber of Commerce
970-887-2311 or 800-325-1661

Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce
970-627-3402

Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce
970-726-4118 or 800-903-7275

Hot Sulphur Springs Chamber

Click here for a free map for all skill levels.

Although public lands are yours to discover, it is also your responsibility to know the rules and regulations of the area you’ll be visiting, as well as the risks and liabilities that may be incurred.

Wilderness Areas are reserved for the most primitive forms of travel: by foot, which includes hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and by horseback. Mountain biking is not allowed in these areas.
• The Fraser Experimental Forest was established in 1937 for the primary purpose of forest research. Recreational use of the Fraser Experimental Forest is a privilege and must not interfere with current and potential research. Please stay on designated roads and trails and camp only in designated sites when visiting this area.

• Several access trails to public lands travel through private property. Please use only acknowledged routes and do not explore areas off these designated trails or you may jeopardize future access through private property.

• As the usage of the Fraser Valley trail system continues to increase, so does the wear and tear on our trails. The Adopt-a-Trail Program, comprised of volunteers and administered by Headwaters Trails Alliance, plays a key role in keeping our trails open and safe for all users.