A hiking trip can come in many forms. From an active mountain trek to a downtown walkabout, taking a hike on your next vacation not only doubles as your daily exercise, but it’s an affordable activity you can enjoy while social distancing and enjoying the weather. This spring, if you’re traveling across the country or staying close to home, chances are there’s a hiking trail waiting for you.
A Hiking Trip in the Alleghenies
Destination: Bedford, PA
Hike: Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Distance: Various
Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate
With 2,200 acres surrounding Omni Bedford Springs Resort, you can discover natural beauty and historical spots on a hike. You may not have considered a luxury resort for your hiking trip, but with seven trails ranging in difficulty and distance, there’s plenty of hiking to enjoy. In fact, you can even explore the mountains on foot, bike or all-terrain vehicle. The resort offers four guided hikes: the historic hike, the meditative hike, the scenic hike and the adventurers hike. Plus, the resort offers gourmet meals to-go for an idyllic picnic in the woods. Make sure you seek out the seven unique natural springs which serve as the basis for the world-class resort spa. Then, recover from your outdoor adventure with a wide arrange of natural treatments or the Bedford Bath Ritual.
Boston’s Uncommon Garden
Destination: Boston, MA
Hike: Rose Kennedy Greenway
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Travelers to Boston flock to Boston Commons or The Freedom Trail, but have you visited the Rose Kennedy Greenway? You may not have thought of Boston for your next hiking trip, but the city’s notorious traffic makes discovering the city by foot ideal. The urban park was constructed when the John F. Fitzgerald Expressway was moved underground, and curves like a ribbon between Chinatown and the Italian North End. Along your 1.5 mile trek, you’ll pass public art, gardens and kids entertainment. The Greenway Carousel features hand-carved decoration of native New England creatures like “lobstah”. Or, if you’re exploring between business meetings you’ll be happy to know the 17-acre park even offers Wi-Fi. And, if you start to get hungry on the walk, take a break and grab a bite at the many food trucks and beer and wine gardens along the way.
Wander Among The Waterfalls
Destination: Hot Springs, VA
Hike: Cascades Gorge Hike, The Omni Homestead Resort
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
One of the most popular activities at The Omni Homestead Resort not only benefits your body, but your spirit too. The Cascades Gorge Hike wanders through the mountains and waterfalls, which are ideal environments for negative icons. Studies around these airborne molecules and their effects on our energy show that spending time in nature may reduce symptoms of depression. Furthermore, they may also boost the immune system, reduce stress and increase cognitive performance. The resort’s naturalist, Brian LaFountain, guides guests along the 3.5-mile trail to inform hikers about the region’s natural landscape. Get a sneak peek at the hike from Brian on the resort’s Beyond the Tower podcast.
Discover Downtown Indy
Destinations: Indianapolis, IN
Hike: Indianapolis Culture Trail
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Whether you’re exploring downtown or getting from point A to point B, the Indianapolis Culture Trail connects the city’s top attractions and makes it easy to get to and from Omni Severin Hotel. For the best of both worlds, blend the best aspects of a hiking trip with an urban escape in Indianapolis. The 8-mile biking and pedestrian urban hike links directly to the Indy Greenways along the White River. Additionally, the path is dotted with fifty Pacers Bikeshare stations for visitors to check out and return bicycles as needed. The trail weaves past public art installations, some of Indy’s best restaurants and cultural points of interest, so let curiosity be your guide. From the museums along the Canal Walk to the off-beat Fountain Square neighborhood, you can get there safely on this well-paved walk.
A Hiking Haven in the City of Angels
Destination: Los Angeles, CA
Hike: Griffith Park
Distance: 53 miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy – Difficult
In the middle of the country’s second-largest city rests a rocky oasis away from the hustle and bustle. As one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., Griffith Park represents the center of recreation for Los Angeles. In addition to many other attractions and things to do, the park contains 53-miles of hiking trails. In fact, the park is five-times larger than New York City’s Central Park. The elevation tops out at 1,625 feet on Cahuenga Peak where you can take in unobstructed views of the city. With hiking trails across all skill levels, you’ll have plenty of options for your hiking trip. If you don’t know where to start, pick one of three unique trails that culminate with views of the famous Hollywood sign.
Climb Camelback Mountain
Distance: Scottsdale, AZ
Hike: Camelback Mountain
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Difficult
It’s hard to miss Camelback Mountain during your stay at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. So, instead of just admiring the view from the comfort of the Kasbah pool, put on your hiking boots and explore the mountain up close. Camelback Mountain has two hiking trails, the Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla Trail. Guides are available seasonally via the resort’s activity desk to help you complete the challenging trails. Before you start your hike, prepare yourself with these helpful tips for climbing the mountain.
Hiking trails may look different from one destination to the next, but they have one thing in common. There’s always something to discover when you take a hike. See what’s out there to explore the next time you’re visiting the mountains or the big city! Start planning your hiking trip today.