1

Chain Lakes Loop Trailhead

Image: Pavł Polø

If you’re looking for stunning views and vibrant fall colors, Chain Lakes is the place to go. Located in Washington’s Mount Baker National Forest, this 6.5-mile trail takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete.

The Chain Lakes Loop is one of the most scenic hikes in the country, offering a glimpse of Northern Washington’s breathtaking landscapes . A paradise for outdoor explorers and landscape photographers, it features turquoise glacial lakes, rugged mountain chains, alpine meadows, snow-capped volcanic peaks, and towering conifers—it truly has it all!

2

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain

Image: Aleksey Kuprikov

Mirror Lake, located in Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest, is a scenic trail popular for picnicking and swimming. But for even better views, hike another mile—you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking sights of Mount Hood, a stunning perspective of the lake below, Mount Jefferson to the south, and, on a clear day, even Mount Rainier .

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain features three distinct peaks, which inspired its name—referencing the old phrase "any Tom, Dick, or Harry," used to describe three generic people. This 7.8-mile trail takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete.

3

Miners Ridge and James Irvine Trail Loop

Image: wallace Henry

This 13-mile trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California, is long but has relatively little elevation gain. Though it takes 6 to 9 hours to complete, the breathtaking views are totally worth it.

The Miners Ridge and James Irvine Trail Loop is one of the best places to experience the majesty of the redwoods . Staring up at these massive, ancient old-growth trees is truly awe-inspiring. But while the trees are the main attraction, they’re not the only highlight. This loop also takes you across a scenic stretch of beach—offering the perfect opportunity to cool off in the ocean midway through your hike.

4

Clouds Rest From Tenaya Lake

Image: Jess Polley

When people think of Yosemite, Half Dome usually steals the spotlight. But what if we told you there’s a less crowded hike with unique landscapes and unforgettable views?

At nearly 13 miles, the Clouds Rest Trail from Tenaya Lake is a challenging yet rewarding day hike. The trail itself is beautiful, featuring rolling terrain with several ups and downs. Reaching the summit of Clouds Rest will reward you with breathtaking 360-degree views of the national park . From the top, you can spot Tenaya Lake, the Cathedral Spires, Mount Dana, and, of course, Half Dome.

5

Angels Landing

Image: Carl Nenzen Loven

Contemplating the world from atop a jaw-dropping mountain view is a humbling experience everyone should go through at least once. At Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah, that sense of majesty is within reach.

Though stunning, this 4.8-mile hike is not to be taken lightly. It has some dangerous cliffs that make it a bit challenging. If you have vertigo, perhaps this trail is not for you. However, if you are in good shape and have an adventurous soul, the stunning scenery at the summit is something not to be missed.

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Alkali Flat Trail

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For a truly unique experience, travel to White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. The breathtaking blue skies and otherworldly white dunes of the Alkali Flat Trail will transport you to a desert worthy of the best adventure films.

On regular terrain, this 5-mile hike would be considered easy. However, the desert environment and lack of shade make it far more demanding than you might expect. To stay safe, avoid hiking in the summer and be mindful of the heat.

7

Mount Bierstadt

Image: caleb weiner

Did you know Colorado is home to more than 50 fourteeners? Mountains above 14,000 feet in height are the ultimate challenge for any self-respecting hiker. Mount Bierstadt, one of the more accessible 14ers, offers a rewarding climb just a short drive from Denver.

This 7.4-mile trail provides stunning views of Mount Evans, Torreys Peak, and Grays Peak. However, no mountain should be tackled without proper preparation and planning. That said, summiting Bierstadt is an excellent test of your abilities—especially if you're gearing up for a more challenging climb.

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Cascade Canyon Trail

Image: ELTON MENEFEE

The Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, is a must-explore for any hiker. Just a mile from Jenny Lake, the trail features two stunning landmarks: Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

Many visitors turn back at this point, missing out on eight more miles of breathtaking canyon scenery. If you're up for a longer trek, continue onward to experience the true grandeur of the Tetons up close. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife—you might even spot moose or bears!

9

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Image: Mick Kirchman

Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in America. With its turquoise lakes and jagged, arrowhead-like peaks , it stands apart from any other park in the U.S. Among its many trails, the Grinnell Glacier hike is one of the most popular in the Montana park.

This 10.5-mile trek offers stunning views, with the massive Mount Gould dominating the horizon. A word of advice: add this hike to your bucket list ASAP. Grinnell Glacier is rapidly shrinking and may disappear within the next few decades.

10

Ricketts Glen Falls Loop

Image: Venti Views

Hiking isn’t just about summiting mountains—waterfalls can offer spectacular views too! This 6.8-mile loop in Pennsylvania features more than 20 waterfalls, making it one of the best waterfall hikes in the eastern United States . While some trails lead to taller, more dramatic falls, few offer the sheer number and variety found here.

Each waterfall is unique and beautiful in its own way, ranging from 15 to 50 feet in height, with the tallest reaching nearly 100 feet. But that’s not all—along this trail, you’ll also encounter fascinating rock formations and ancient old-growth forests.

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Giant Mountain

Image: Ty Finck

Although New England peaks are only a third the height of the Rockies, East Coast hikes can be even more challenging due to their rugged trails, steep descents, and tricky terrain. Tackling Giant Mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness is no small feat.

This New York trail takes 4 to 6 hours to complete, but the effort is well worth it. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a picturesque forest , making it a must-visit for those confident in their ability to take on a strenuous climb.

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Precipice Trail

Image: Raphael Assouline

With its rocky cliffs and oceanside forests , Maine’s Acadia National Park offers a hiking experience unlike any other in the eastern United States. While all of its rugged peaks provide stunning views, no trail in Acadia is as memorable—or as challenging—as the Precipice Trail.

Despite the trail’s short length (just 2.6 miles), this is a challenging hike not recommended if you have a fear of heights. Once you reach the summit of Champlain Mountain, after nearly a thousand feet of climbing, you will be rewarded with sprawling views looking out over the park, Frenchman Bay, and the Mount Desert Narrows stretching out to the Atlantic.

1

Clock change

Image: Jonathan Borba

US currency is full of symbolism, and the $100 bill is no exception. Since 1928, we have seen Independence Hall depicted on the back of this bill. But in 2013, it was redesigned, and one change stands out: the clock tower, which previously showed 4:10, now reads 10:30. Did you notice?

2

Jackie Kennedy’s choice

Image: Florida Memory

Jackie Kennedy played a key role in designing the coin that would feature the portrait of her ex-husband. When the U.S. Mint planned the Kennedy half dollar in 1964, she was consulted and provided input on various aspects of the coin, including its imagery and symbolism.

3

Not paper

Image: Giorgio Trovato

Although it is called paper money, our bills do not contain any paper at all. In fact, they are made of a blend of 75% cotton, 25% linen, and fine silk fibers embedded. This mixture is not random; it was specially chosen so that your bills can withstand everything: folds, wrinkles, stains, and even an accidental shower in the washing machine.

4

The unfinished pyramid

Image: Marek Studzinski

The one-dollar bill also has its secrets and details. On its back, you’ll find an unfinished pyramid, part of the Great Seal of the United States designed in the 1780s. Why unfinished? The pyramid has 13 steps, representing the original 13 colonies, and its incomplete form symbolizes the nation’s ongoing growth and expansion.

5

50% larger

Image: Bozhin Karaivanov

Before 1929, US banknotes were significantly larger, measuring approximately 7.375 x 3.125 inches. Today, collectors refer to these as "large-size" notes, sometimes even nicknamed "Horseblankets." In contrast, modern bills measure just 6.14 x 2.61 inches. The government decided to reduce the bill's size to cut production and design costs.

6

Andrew Jackson’s preference

Image: Giorgio Trovato

Andrew Jackson has been the face of the $20 bill since 1928, when he replaced Grover Cleveland. Ironically, Jackson was opposed to paper money. He didn't trust that form of payment, believing it could be easily manipulated. According to historians, the 7th U.S. President favored "hard money": gold and silver coins.

7

Alexander Hamilton’s portrait

Image: engin akyurt

Most portraits on US bills face left, with one exception: Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill, the only one facing right (toward the viewer’s left). You might wonder why, but there’s no official explanation; it seems to have been simply a design choice.

8

"In God We Trust"

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In 1956, Congress passed a law declaring "In God We Trust" the national motto, making it mandatory on all U.S. coins and banknotes. But this wasn’t its first appearance: the phrase first appeared in 1864 on the two-cent coin. Beyond faith, it also carried political weight, suggesting that God favored the Union during the Civil War.

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The change that never happened

Image: Ryan Quintal

In 2015, the Treasury announced plans to redesign the $10 bill, stating that Hamilton's portrait would be replaced by that of an influential woman from US history. However, the change never happened. Why? Those years saw a surge in Hamilton's popularity thanks to the hit musical of the same name, leading the Treasury to backtrack on the replacement plan.

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Criteria

Image: Live Richer

As is well known, not just any portrait can appear on US currency. But beyond historical significance, the figures on our bills and coins must meet other criteria you might not know: They must also be deceased and well recognized by citizens, ensuring that the people represented are familiar and meaningful to the public.

1

Check the reviews

Image: Sergey Zolkin

When considering a purchase, browse the internet for reviews from other buyers. Simply type the item’s name followed by the word "reviews" in a search engine , and you’ll likely be flooded with websites that compile consumer opinions on the stuff they buy.

While fake reviews exist, they’re usually easy to spot. Focus on the negative reviews, as you probably already know the positive aspects of the product you’re researching.

2

Compare prices

Image: Aaron Lefler

Comparing prices has never been easier since the advent of the World Wide Web. (In fact, most of the items on this list have become significantly simpler thanks to the Internet!) Best of all, anyone can do it in multiple ways.

Many specialized websites compare prices for specific items , such as smartphones, but you can also check different retailers yourself to find the best deal. Always compare prices, even if an item is "on sale"—you might still find it cheaper elsewhere.

3

Check the details

Image: Nick Morrison

This one’s a no-brainer: always read the full description of products sold online carefully . Make sure the size, materials, and user guide align with the purpose you’re buying it for.

It’s not uncommon for people to purchase an item without checking the fine print, only to realize later that the product doesn’t fit the purpose it was intended for.

4

Beware of scams

Image: Zanyar Ibrahim

A downside of the online world is the proliferation of scams everywhere. Be extremely cautious when sharing personal or financial information online, especially if the website isn’t well-known or reputable. Scam websites and phishing emails often contain odd phrasing, spelling mistakes, or poor translations.

5

New is not necessarily better

Image: Suansita K

While some things are best bought new, many products can be purchased used, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality—sometimes, it’s even the better option. Consider buying a used item from a local seller, a friend, or even a friend of a friend .

Manufacturers also sell refurbished products directly to consumers. These items have been repaired by the manufacturer and, in most cases, come with a product warranty. Be sure to ask all necessary questions and only buy if you’re certain everything is in order—the product should be complete and in perfect working condition.

6

Don’t give in to pressure

Image: Ivan Aleksic

Don’t let high-pressure sales tactics bully you into buying something you’re not completely sure about buying. It’s okay to say no and walk away . If it’s over the phone, you can interrupt at any time, say you’re not interested, and hang up.

Take your time making a decision, especially if it involves a significant amount of money. Think it through, research, consider alternatives, and check your budget before making a purchase.

7

If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Another low-hanging fruit in the consumer tips section is this one. Offers that promise unusually high returns always come with a catch. If the price seems too good to be true or too low , there’s likely an issue somewhere .

A demand for an immediate decision is a red flag. Don’t risk your hard-earned money on shady deals—you’ll regret it in the end.

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Don’t buy things you don’t need. Even if they are on sale

Image: Jess Bailey

9

Just because something is on sale or has a great price doesn’t mean you need it . It’s easy to be tempted into buying things we don’t actually use just because they’re discounted. In reality, bargain-bin finds often end up forgotten, collecting dust in our cabinets. That money would be better spent on something you truly need.

10

Pay by card

Image: Blake Wisz

It’s always best to use a debit or credit card when shopping online. This allows you to request a chargeback if your order doesn’t arrive or is incorrect. Before entering your payment details , check that the website is secure . Look for a small padlock symbol near the address bar and ensure the URL starts with "https" (the "s" stands for secure) rather than just "http" or "www."

Take a screenshot of your completed order or save a copy of the order confirmation in case something goes wrong. Monitor your bank statements regularly, and if you notice anything unusual—such as duplicate charges—contact your bank immediately.

11

Keep receipts

Image: Carli Jeen

Last but not least, always take a photo of your purchase receipts and save them on your phone in case you need proof of purchase later. Most of the time, you won’t need them—but every once in a while, they can be a lifesaver. It costs nothing and could potentially save you a lot of money.