landscape

White wooden Somesville Bridge reflected in the still pond on a calm morning in Mount Desert Island, Maine.
The iconic white Somesville Bridge, one of Maine’s most photographed landmarks, perfectly mirrored in the pond’s calm water on a quiet morning in Acadia National Park.
National and State Park Drives / Northeast Region Travel Guides / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

A Quick Trip to Acadia National Park

A quick trip to Acadia turned into one of my favorite memories in coastal Maine — from watching the first light in America on Cadillac Mountain to biking the Carriage Roads past Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond. Along the way, I stopped at the picture-perfect Somesville Bridge and discovered how Acadia’s beauty shifts with every turn. Whether you’re chasing sunrise photos or just soaking in the scenery, Acadia reminds you to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of nature.

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February 11, 2026
A lobster boat returns to Winter Harbor, Maine, after a day hauling traps along the Schoodic Peninsula.
A lobster boat makes its way back to Winter Harbor as the afternoon light fades, marking the end of another day on the Maine coast.
National and State Park Drives / Northeast Region Travel Guides / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Discovering Maine’s Wild Side: A Day Exploring the Schoodic Peninsula

On the quiet side of Acadia National Park, the Schoodic Peninsula is where Maine shows its wild heart — lighthouses lost in fog, lobstermen hauling traps, and rocky coastlines untouched by crowds. I drove the loop road, chased the fog, and found the kind of beauty that doesn’t need directions.

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January 20, 2026
Wide mountain view from an overlook near Kancamagus Pass showing rolling green ridges of the White Mountains under summer haze.
Looking out from near Kancamagus Pass, the ridgelines of the White Mountains stretch endlessly across the horizon — one of the highway’s most breathtaking views.
Back Roads and Byway / Northeast Region Travel Guides / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Driving the Kancamagus Highway: Summer Miles Through the White Mountains

There’s a reason the Kancamagus Highway is called one of New England’s most scenic drives. Stretching 34.5 miles from Lincoln to Conway, it winds through New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest — a road where waterfalls, covered bridges, and sweeping overlooks appear around every bend. On my summer trip, I traded fall’s fiery foliage for quiet green forests, cool mountain air, and the steady rush of the Swift River. From the curves of Hancock Overlook to the calm pools at Sabbaday Falls and the timeless red timbers of the Albany Covered Bridge, every stop offered another glimpse of the wild, natural beauty that defines the Kancamagus.

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January 13, 2026
John Moulton Barn on Mormon Row with snow on the Teton Mountains and a colorful sky in Grand Teton National Park.Back roads travel and photography blog
The iconic John Moulton Barn stands before the snow-touched Teton Range under a stunning Wyoming sky in Grand Teton National Park.
National and State Park Drives / Northwest Region / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Mormon Row, Grand Teton National Park: History, Homesteads & Reflections | Back Roads Lens

There’s something timeless about Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park — weathered barns standing beneath the towering Tetons, whispering stories of faith, endurance, and community. In this post, I explore the history of this once-thriving Mormon settlement, the families who built it, and what it feels like to stand among its quiet remains today.

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December 30, 2025
Teton Mountains perfectly reflected in the calm water of a lake in Grand Teton National Park
The majestic Teton Mountains mirrored in calm waters—a breathtaking scene that captures the peaceful spirit of Grand Teton National Park at Oxbow Bend.
National and State Park Drives / Northwest Region / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Grand Teton National Park Travel Guide: Where the Mountains Meet the Sky

Grand Teton National Park is where rugged peaks, calm lakes, and wide-open skies come together in one unforgettable place. In this guide, I share the park’s best scenic drives, wildlife photography spots, historic sites like Mormon Row, and our bucket-list day biking the paved trails beneath the Tetons. Whether you’re driving, hiking, or pedaling, this park will steal your heart — and probably your camera battery.

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December 22, 2025
Panoramic view of the Nā Pali Cliffs rising above the Pacific Ocean on Kauai.
A panoramic view of Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast — towering emerald cliffs meeting the deep blue Pacific.
Kauai Travel Guide / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Na Pali Cliffs — Kauai’s Wild and Timeless Coast

The Nā Pali Cliffs on Kauai are a breathtaking reminder of Hawaii’s wild heart — steep emerald ridges carved by time and ocean. In this post, I share their incredible history, how they were formed, and the best ways to see them — from hiking the Kalalau Trail to sailing beneath waterfalls that tumble straight into the sea.

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December 8, 2025
Water flowing over rocks at Eternal Flame Falls surrounded by shaded forest in Orchard Park, NY
The shaded ravine and gentle cascade make this one of Western New York’s most unique natural spots.
Northeast Region Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Eternal Flame Falls: A Hidden Wonder in Orchard Park, New York

Hidden deep in Chestnut Ridge Park near Buffalo, Eternal Flame Falls is a small waterfall with a rare twist — a natural flame flickering behind the water. This short hike through shaded forest leads to one of the most unusual natural sights in New York. I share trail tips, photography advice, and what it felt like to see this rare mix of fire and water for the first time.

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November 17, 2025
Sunrise over Waimea Bay in Oahu, Hawaii with orange and pink skies, a distant lighthouse, and fishermen on the beach.
Sunrise at Waimea Bay, Oahu — fishermen start their day beneath a glowing sky, with the lighthouse watching from afar. An example of early morning blue hour.
Oahu Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Exploring Oahu: From Lighthouse Views to Local Eats – Oahu Travel Guide

Oahu may be Hawaii’s most popular island, but step beyond Waikiki and you’ll find rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and local food that’s as authentic as it gets. From sunrise at Waimea Bay to a $5 burger at Keneke’s Grill, this quick tour captures the real spirit of Oahu — wild, warm, and wonderfully local.

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November 10, 2025
travel photography composition tips
Leading Lines draw your eye to the background.
Epic Road Trips / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Our First 30-Day USA Road Trip: Exploring America’s Back Roads Through My Lens

Thirty days, thousands of miles, and endless memories. Our first 30-day USA road trip took us from Ohio’s waterfalls to Montana’s alpine peaks and home again—exploring small towns, scenic byways, and moments that reminded me why I fell in love with travel photography in the first place.

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October 12, 2025
Trillium Lake with Mount Hood reflected under a moody, cloudy sky, creating a serene atmosphere.
Mount Hood reflected in Trillium Lake under a dramatic, overcast sky, perfect for moody landscape photography.
Northwest Region / Travel Destinations

Northwest Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Photography Tips

From volcanic peaks to open plains, the Northwest is a region of contrasts and beauty. In this guide, I share my favorite destinations—Mount Hood, Trillium Lake, Yellowstone, Glacier, and beyond—along with road trip itineraries, photography tips, and stories from the backroads that make this region unforgettable.

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October 10, 2025
Reflection of the Teton Mountains in the still water at Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton National Park
The Teton Mountains mirrored in the calm waters of Schwabacher Landing—a peaceful, iconic scene that captures the essence of Grand Teton National Park.
Epic Road Trips / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Storytelling & Creativity / Travel and Photography Tips / Travel Destinations / Travel Planning and Practical Tips

30-Day USA Road Trip Guide: How We Explore America’s Back Roads

A 30-day USA road trip is the sweet spot — long enough to slow down and explore, short enough to stay fresh. In this guide, I share how we plan, pack, and photograph month-long journeys across America’s back roads, with tips, highlights, and stories from our travels.

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October 3, 2025
Dark storm clouds rolling over the Smoky Mountains.
A storm front moves across the Smoky Mountains, creating a dramatic and moody scene.
Appalachian Region Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Smoky Mountains National Park: History, Hikes, and Hidden Views

The Great Smoky Mountains are a place where history and natural beauty blend seamlessly. Once home to settlers and farming families, today the park preserves cabins, barns, and churches that stand as windows into the past. From sunrise at Clingmans Dome to a quiet walk through the Primitive Baptist Church in Cades Cove, the Smokies invite travelers to hike, explore, and reflect. Join me on Back Roads Lens as I share the best views, hikes, and historic sites in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

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September 30, 2025
Forest Ranger standing beside a massive petrified log for scale in Petrified Forest National Park
A Forest Ranger stands beside a massive petrified log, giving perspective to its enormous size in Petrified National Park.
National and State Park Drives / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Southwest Region Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Step back in time at Petrified Forest National Park, where Arizona’s Painted Desert glows with color, Route 66 history lingers in the desert, and ancient trees have turned to shimmering stone. From the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock to the massive fossilized logs scattered across the landscape, this park is a journey through millions of years of natural and human history.

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September 30, 2025
Mirror Lake in Lake Placid at sunrise with colorful reflections on the water Best travel cameras 2025 . Northeast road trip
Mirror Lake in Lake Placid at sunrise.
Back Roads and Byway / Northeast Region Travel Guides / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

A Weekend in Lake Placid: Flowers, Reflections, and a Little Nostalgia

Lake Placid, NY is a destination where Olympic history meets Adirondack charm, and nowhere is that magic more alive than at Mirror Lake Inn. From flower-filled window boxes to glassy morning reflections on Mirror Lake, every moment feels like stepping into a postcard. On our latest weekend getaway, we biked the converted rail trail to Saranac Lake, revisited a little Olympic nostalgia, and put my new Fuji X-T5 camera to the test. Whether you’re here for outdoor adventure, lakeside relaxation, or photography inspiration, Lake Placid delivers it all in one unforgettable escape.

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September 19, 2025
Trillium Lake with Mount Hood reflected under a moody, cloudy sky, creating a serene atmosphere.
Mount Hood reflected in Trillium Lake under a dramatic, overcast sky, perfect for moody landscape photography.
Back Roads and Byway / Epic Road Trips / Northwest Region / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Trillium Lake Oregon: A Hidden Gem at the Base of Mount Hood

Sometimes the best travel discoveries are the ones you don’t plan. I stumbled upon Trillium Lake, a hidden gem at the base of Mount Hood, while exploring back roads in Oregon. With its calm waters perfectly reflecting the snow-capped mountain, the lake is a photographer’s dream and a peaceful escape from crowded trails. Read on for tips on how to get there, the lake’s fascinating history, and why this serene spot should be on your Oregon travel list.

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September 14, 2025
Montezuma Castle, a five-story cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people in central Arizona, rising above Beaver Creek.
Montezuma Castle stands 90 feet above Beaver Creek, showcasing the ingenuity of the Sinagua people who built this cliff dwelling nearly 1,000 years ago.
Southwest Region Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Exploring Montezuma Castle: Arizona’s Cliffside Treasure

Montezuma Castle in Arizona is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Built by the Sinagua people between 1100 and 1425 AD, this five-story “castle” rises 90 feet above Beaver Creek. Whether you’re exploring on an Arizona road trip or chasing back roads near Camp Verde, Montezuma Castle offers history, easy trails, and unforgettable views.

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September 4, 2025
Natural rock bridge in Hocking Hills, Ohio, glowing in the warm light of sunset.
The rock bridge in Hocking Hills, Ohio, glows with golden light as the sun sets, showcasing the beauty of this natural wonder.
Midwest Region Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Exploring Hocking Hills, Ohio | Back Roads Lens Travel Blog

Looking for a getaway that blends natural beauty, hiking adventures, and a touch of history? Hocking Hills in Ohio checks all the boxes. Inspired by the story of Grandma Gatewood—the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail—I set out to explore the very trails she once walked. From breathtaking waterfalls to quiet forest paths, and a relaxing stay at the Hocking Hills Lodge, this trip was the perfect blend of inspiration and escape.

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August 28, 2025
Winding road through the dramatic landscape of Badlands National Park, glowing under a colorful sunset sky.
A winding road cuts through the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, glowing in the warm light of sunset.
Back Roads and Byway / Midwest Region Travel Guides / National and State Park Drives / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Small Towns and HIdden America / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Vibrant Colors and Unique Formations of Badlands National Park

Discover the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, where vibrant rock layers and dramatic formations create a photographer’s dream. In this guide, we share top photo spots, what to pack, and where to stay—including our surprisingly great experience at America’s Best Value Inn in Wall, SD. Perfect for road trippers, hikers, and anyone craving South Dakota’s untamed landscapes.

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June 22, 2025
Distant view of Mount Rushmore aligned through Shovel Johnson Tunnel on a scenic drive in Custer State Park
The presidents of Mount Rushmore appear in perfect alignment through Shovel Johnson Tunnel—an unforgettable moment on Iron Mountain Road.
Back Roads and Byway / Midwest Region Travel Guides / National and State Park Drives / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Small Towns and HIdden America / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Wonders of Custer State Park: A Journey Through Nature’s Masterpiece

Tucked into the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park is a place where wildlife, winding scenic drives, and dramatic granite peaks come together in one unforgettable landscape. From spotting massive bison herds along the Wildlife Loop Road to navigating the narrow tunnels of Needles Highway, every turn offers a new adventure. Whether you’re hiking the trails, photographing mountain lakes, or simply taking in the sweeping views, the park feels both wild and welcoming. On Back Roads Lens, I share not only the photographs that capture the park’s beauty, but also the experiences that make Custer State Park a destination worth slowing down for.

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June 16, 2025
Close-up view of the vibrant colors and mineral textures of Grand Prismatic Spring from Fairy Falls Overlook in Yellowstone National Park.
A close-up perspective of Grand Prismatic Spring, revealing its vivid blue center and colorful outer rings from the Fairy Falls Overlook Trail.
National and State Park Drives / Northwest Region / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Exploring Yellowstone National Park: A Guide to Its Thermal Wonders and Must-See Regions

Yellowstone National Park is a place where nature’s power and beauty are on full display—geysers erupting skyward, colorful hot springs steaming in the morning light, and wildlife roaming freely across wide open valleys. From the thundering waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the quiet moments watching bison graze at sunset, every corner of the park feels like stepping into a different world. On Back Roads Lens, I capture these moments through both words and photography, sharing the wonder of America’s first national park and the unforgettable experiences it offers along the way.

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June 13, 2025
View of Mount Rushmore with American flags lining the Grand View Terrace walkway, captured at golden hour in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Mount Rushmore rises beyond the Avenue of Flags, blending American history with artistic grandeur. A golden hour perspective from the Grand View Terrace, where the nation’s past and present converge.
Midwest Region Travel Guides / National and State Park Drives / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Mount Rushmore: A Surprising Encounter with History, Art, and Photography

As a passionate photographer, I was initially skeptical about visiting Mount Rushmore, believing man-made monuments lacked the allure of untouched landscapes. However, standing at the base of this iconic sculpture, I was struck by its grandeur and the story behind its creation. The interplay of light and shadow on the granite faces evoked a profound sense of awe, reminding me that beauty can emerge from unexpected places. Join me as I share my surprising encounter with this monumental tribute to American history, along with photography tips to capture its essence during your visit.

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June 8, 2025
Lonely road at sunset in Kansas. Shows a long desolate road.Back roads travel and photography blog
Lonely Road in Kansas
Back Roads and Byway / Midwest Region Travel Guides / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Exploring Kansas: Discovering the Heartland

Discover the unexpected beauty of Kansas, a state that surprised me with its peaceful charm. From the historic Hollenberg Pony Express Station to the serene Geographic Center of the United States, each stop revealed a unique story. As I drove along the long, deserted roads, I found inspiration in the stillness and simplicity of the heartland. Join me as I explore the understated landscapes and hidden treasures of Kansas, a destination that invites you to slow down, reflect, and connect with the soul of America.

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May 25, 2025
Interior of the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park showing smooth, dark lava walls and a dimly lit tunnel path. travel photography. travel blogs, travel photography, photography travel blog, back roads lens
Exploring the surreal interior of the Thurston Lava Tube — a natural volcanic tunnel formed by ancient lava flows from Kīlauea.
Big Island Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Thurston Lava Tube on the Big Island of Hawaii: A Volcanic Journey Beneath the Earth

If you're planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, the Thurston Lava Tube, or Nāhuku, is a must-visit destination. Nestled within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, this stunning lava cave offers a unique glimpse into the island's volcanic past. As you walk through the cool, dark tunnel formed by ancient lava flows, you'll experience a surreal world filled with polished lava walls and echoing chambers. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or a curious explorer, the Thurston Lava Tube promises an unforgettable adventure beneath the surface of this dynamic landscape. Discover more about this hidden gem!

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May 21, 2025