nature

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.

Manchineel trees with warning signs at Buccoo Beach, Tobago.

The “little apple of death” is the true forbidden fruit.

From Yosemite National Park’s Glacier Point, hikers can witness Half Dome bathed in alpenglow.

There’s something sublime about seeing the sun slip behind the horizon: The colors change, the temp cools, and the world seems to pause in a place of perfection. Here are 10 of the top trails for seeing the show.