nature

State parks encourage people to get out in nature every January 1 as part of their First Day Hikes programs.

When winter bears down, it can be hard to think of anything outside of how much you hate (or love!) the snow and ice. Here are a few of the words and phenomena that could define this season.

These cold seasons pushed cities and civilizations alike to the brink.

These unusual formations are worth a second look.

Check out some of the most stunning places in the country without breaking the bank.

As bizarre as they seem, these natural phenomena across the world are explained by science.

There’s a reason why leaves smell a certain way once they’ve fallen off trees.

It may be tempting to channel your inner Disney princess and befriend (or at least, attempt to befriend) every animal you come across. But wildlife is always better left alone.

A snowshoer explores Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge in winter.

Cold-weather hikes are less about conquering miles and more about savoring moments—so lace up, layer on, and let these 10 trails show you what happens when the off-season becomes the best season.

Hikers watch Kīlauea erupt from the safety of the trail.

if you want explosive drama with your hiking adventures, there’s nothing like walking on a volcano. Here are 10 trails that will take you there.

So many of them are in danger of going extinct.

These flowers made famous by the internet may become extinct if we don‘t act now.

These trails will really get your heart pumping.

It kinda looks like a blue jay, but it‘s a hybrid.

This isn‘t your average backyard bird.

For hikers who crave a little frisson of fear with their outdoor experience, these allegedly haunted trails and footpaths offer more than just crisp air and casual ascents.

How outdoorsy is your home state? A recent study analyzed a full year of search trends to find out.

There‘s a lot of noise that goes on around coral reefs.

Scientists are finding new ways to listen to fish thanks to technological advancements.

What dog wouldn't love a crisp, autumn hike?

It’s important to be as prepared as possible before you and your pup hit the trail.

Cheating accusations are afoot at the WSSC.

Modified stones were discovered during a recent tournament, rocking the sport to its core.

This classic fall-time activity poses more risks than you may think, but there are things you can do to mitigate them.

These hiking trails put on a spectacular show around this time of year.

MBARI's advanced underwater robot reveals a new species of deep-sea snailfish

Get to know the bumpy snailfish, a deep-sea creature that won‘t give you nightmares.

Wondering when the autumn leaves will put on their yearly show? This interactive foliage map helps you follow peak colors from September through November.

A new study explains why letting bison roam large areas can be a good thing for soil.

Don’t be surprised to see wild wallabies hopping around the UK.

This Simple New Year’s Day Habit Could Be the Easiest Resolution You Keep

11 Wonderful Winter Weather Terms

5 of the Most Brutal Winters in History

6 of the Strangest Snow and Ice Formations in Nature

10 Underrated National Parks Perfect for Budget Travelers

8 Places on Earth Where Nature Breaks the Rules

The Science Behind Why Fallen Leaves Smell the Way They Do

22 Animals You Seriously Don’t Want to Mess With

10 Top Trails for Winter Hiking Adventures

10 Fascinating Volcano Trails

Monkey Face ‘Dracula’ Orchids Are Under Threat

Mapped: Spooky Hiking Trails Across the U.S.

For the First Time, Wild Blue Jay and Green Jay Produce Colorful Hybrid Offspring in Texas

10 of America’s Most Haunting Hikes

The States Most Obsessed With Outdoor Fun, Based on Google Searches

Fish Can Be Surprisingly Noisy, Eavesdropping Scientists Say

Want to Safely Hike With Your Dog? Consider These 6 Tips From an Expert Dog Trainer

How a Cheating Scandal Shook the World Stone Skimming Championships

Is Jumping in Leaf Piles Safe?

12 of the Best Fall Foliage Hikes in the U.S.—From Alaska to Tennessee

‘Smiling’ Bumpy Snailfish Proves That Not All Deep-Sea Creatures Are Scary

Interactive Foliage Map Shows When Fall Colors Will Peak in 2025

How the Return of Bison to Yellowstone Has Revitalized the Park’s Grasslands

6 Fascinating Marsupial Facts You Probably Didn’t Know