School
Duquesne University, Humboldt University Berlin, Central European University
Expertise
National parks, Foreign travel, Hiking trails
- Stephen has covered breaking travel news and major travel trends for top travel publications.
- An avid traveler, he has stepped foot on four different continents and more than two dozen countries.
- When not writing, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and nature photography.
Experience
Stephen Hanson is an author, travel writer, and amateur photographer. A native of Pittsburgh, he has also lived in Berlin, Vienna, and Washington, D.C., where he currently resides. Steve has published both fiction and non-fiction in international publications. In addition to his published works, he has also studied cognitive science at the graduate level and worked in the educational field.
Education
Stephen has a bachelor's degree with a dual focus on English and philosophy, and is currently completing a graduate degree in the field of cognitive science.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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New Mexico
By Stephen Hanson
If you're looking for the most breathtaking views in the Southwest, look no further than this overlooked part of New Mexico that is famous for its volcanoes.
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The Beehive State is the place to go for outdoor adventures in the United States, and the art of Utah's Great Gallery is the highlight of one such spot.
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Tennessee
By Stephen Hanson
For a slice of Volunteer State magic just a short drive from Nashville, head to this fabulous Tennessee state park and take a dip in its fabulous swimming hole.
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Wyoming
By Stephen Hanson
There are many challenges in Yellowstone National Park, but this family-friendly waterfall trail is a nice break while still offering brilliant views.
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South Dakota
By Stephen Hanson
When planning your cross-country road trip, stop in this gorgeous, underrated national park with plenty of free campsites and stunning natural attractions.
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Washington
By Stephen Hanson
This beautiful expansive park in Washington State is home to what once was a giant waterfall that measured four times the size of Niagara Falls!
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New York
By Stephen Hanson
The Adirondacks feature some truly beautiful sights, but this popular (and beginner-friendly) hiking trail offers some of the best views you can find.
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Venture underground and explore what lies beneath Texas in this day-use-only, unique state park that's a convenient and easy drive from Austin.
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Indiana
By Stephen Hanson
Though landlocked, Indiana is home to this shimmering lake chain that offers outdoor adventures like fishing, swimming, paddling, and hiking.
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Pennsylvania
By Stephen Hanson
Get in touch with nature then retreat to a charming downtown in this Pennsylvania outdoor paradise that borders a true Dark Sky Park for skygazing.
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Explore the oldest state park in Idaho, rich with beautiful lakefront beaches, iconic bridges, and even the chance to see the northern lights.
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Colorado
By Stephen Hanson
If you're looking for some great fishing opportunities that will allow you to see the American West, try this river canyon adventure.
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Pennsylvania
By Stephen Hanson
This charming town in Pennsylvania has it all: boutique shopping, unique history, and access to nearby parks for outdoor adventures that you won't want to miss.
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North Carolina
By Stephen Hanson
Discover one of America's biggest early mysteries at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and stop and smell the roses at its stunning Elizabethan Gardens.
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Colorado
By Stephen Hanson
Explore the picturesque high elevation of Colorado with a hike along this rugged mountain trail, which leads to an alpine lake and plenty of stunning scenery.
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Take advantage of the budget-friendly entrance fee for this trailhead, which offers exquisite and memorable views of Bryce Canyon and its stunning scenery.
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Arizona
By Stephen Hanson
While the Grand Canyon is Flagstaff's easy-access claim to fame, this even quicker jaunt from the Arizona city offers other-worldly volcanic vistas.
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New York
By Stephen Hanson
This moderately challenging hike offers some of the most dazzling lake views in the Adirondack mountains, with a scenic and unobstructed summit.
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Beaches
By Stephen Hanson
With amazing gems on every corner, this gorgeous state park is a true Oregon recreational destination perfect for a day of enjoying the best of nature.
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Maryland
By Stephen Hanson
It's not just about the coastal views at Maryland's only oceanfront park as the beachy landscape also houses majestic wild horses and seaside trails.
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Montana
By Stephen Hanson
Explore this expanse of brilliant and photographic scenery amidst Montana's beautiful and memorable ecosystem, complete with plenty of trails for adventurers.
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You might not expect to find this untouched gem with distinctive geographical features in Nevada, but that's what makes it even more alluring. Check it out!
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New York
By Stephen Hanson
It's a tough climb up, but the sweeping views of Lake Champlain from this Adirondack mountain are among the best you'll find in New York and Vermont.
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Arizona
By Stephen Hanson
There is no shortage of spectacular natural features dotted around the Grand Canyon State, and you can add this scenic trail to that lengthy list.
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South Carolina
By Stephen Hanson
South Carolina may not be known for its mountain views, but its serene and secluded state parks are full of surprises, like wildflower-filled meadows.
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You'll find more than flat plains at this state park in Kansas that boasts canyons, bluffs, and even unique rock formations that resemble giant mushrooms.
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California
By Stephen Hanson
If you're looking for a hidden gem to add to your California road trip, this scenic roadway offers stunning canyon views and giant sequoias.
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