The unexpected natural wonders near America's busiest airports
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC - Flight delays at America’s major airports, once a source of anxiety, now represent opportunities for unexpected adventures. Some travelers secretly hope for a delay that provides a chance to step beyond the terminal and discover the natural wonders, such as a hiking trek through bamboo forests near Atlanta or a journey through a wildlife refuge in Denver.
“In difficult moments, nature is scientifically proven to bring us peace,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Research shows that access to trees and green space lowers our brain’s levels of cortisol, which is our primary stress hormone, and improves cognitive function.”
When flight cancellations and hours-long delays threaten to derail a trip, these nine hiking trails, all within 15 miles of major U.S. airport hubs, offer a refreshing alternative to overcrowded food courts and uncomfortable gate seating.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Atlanta
Beyond the bamboo forest at East Palisades, Atlanta offers Cochran Mill Park just 20 minutes from the airport, with nearly 15 miles of hiking trails leading to the serene Henry Mill Falls. The park’s diverse terrain accommodates hikers of all skill levels, with the Yellow Trail offering the most direct route to the waterfall.
“Travelers are often shocked to learn they can be standing under a waterfall within a half-hour of leaving our terminals,” said Adam Berrios, executive director of Visit Sandy Springs. “And no one expects to find themselves in the midst of an exotic bamboo forest just 12 miles north of Atlanta. That’s what makes the East Palisades Trail in Sandy Springs so special.”
How to get there: Take the MARTA Red Line from the airport to Sandy Springs Station for nearby trailheads or rideshare for $25-30.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago
The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway system offers more than 50 miles of trails, with a section conveniently located near O’Hare in Rosemont. From the cluster of airport hotels, you can access the trail behind the Hyatt Regency, stepping directly from the lobby to the forest path. The Schiller Woods section offers 2 to 3 miles of well-maintained trails, providing a perfect blend of accessibility and immersion.
How to get there: Many airport hotels provide direct access, or take the Blue Line one stop to Rosemont and walk 10 minutes to reach the starting point of the Des Plaines River Trail.
Travelers can hike the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail at Kenneth Hahn Recreational Area if they have an extended layover at LAX.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is situated less than 10 miles from LAX and features five miles of trails with panoramic views that extend from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean. For those with more time, the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu rewards hikers with a route so gentle you could walk it in flip-flops, shaded by sycamores and oaks. The trail leads to the foundations of a house designed by Paul R. Williams, the same architect who designed LAX’s Theme Building.
How to get there: A rideshare provides the fastest access from the airport, and can cost from $30 to $50.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York
Pugsley Creek Park & Castle Hill Park offer trails where hikers can trace a maritime forest while enjoying views of the Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges. The trail’s unique selling point is the scenic overlooks where you can watch planes land at LaGuardia while surrounded by coastal vegetation. The 1.2-mile Pugsley Creek Wappinger Trail honors the Native American tribe (Wappinger) who originally inhabited this region. The trail winds through diverse hardwood forests.
How to get there: The Q44-SBS bus from LaGuardia takes approximately 30 minutes.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle
The Des Moines Creek Trail provides a 2.2-mile paved path starting just south of Sea-Tac Airport and continuing to Des Moines Beach Park on Puget Sound. The trail follows a salmon-bearing stream through a ravine forest, offering glimpses of air traffic taking off overhead.
For a quicker escape, North SeaTac Park offers over 200 acres of green space with 2.5 miles of trails, just two miles from the terminals, featuring paths that wind through a dense Pacific Northwest forest.
How to get there: Air travelers can take a five-minute rideshare for $10-15, or the Link Light Rail one stop to Tukwila International Boulevard Station.
If you have extra time in Denver, you may want to consider a hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where it’s not uncommon to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, prairie dogs, and wild bison.
Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge sits just 12 miles from Denver’s terminals and offers more than 10 miles of trails through a restored prairie ecosystem. Once a chemical weapons manufacturing facility, this 15,000-acre refuge now protects bison herds, bald eagles, and prairie dogs.
“One of the best ways to experience the Refuge is with a vehicle along the 11-mile Wildlife Drive,” said Sarah Metzer, Visitor Services manager. “The accompanying podcast offers insight into the Refuge’s history as well as the nature and native wildlife that visitors may see.”
How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-30.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco
San Bruno Mountain State & County Park offers 2,416 acres of rugged landscape just 10 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. The 3.1-mile Summit Loop Trail rewards hikers with 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Bay, and the airport below. The 0.4-mile accessible Bog Trail loop explores San Bruno Mountain’s wetland “Saddle Area,” where travelers can choose between a leisurely path or a more rugged route through dense vegetation alive with California quail and songbirds.
How to get there: Take the BART to the San Bruno station, then catch the Route 130 bus for a 10-minute ride to the park.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix
The South Mountain Park and Preserve, just 10 miles from Sky Harbor, encompasses more than 16,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
The Desert Classic Trail is an easy 2.4-mile loop, and is dotted with iconic saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and dramatic rock formations. The Mormon Trail ascends 1.3 miles to Hidden Valley, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
How to get there: A 15-minute rideshare from Sky Harbor costs approximately $18-25, or take the Valley Metro Rail to Central/Washington and transfer to bus route 40.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles, Va.
Great Falls Park, just 15 miles from Dulles, Va., offers dramatic scenery where the Potomac River plunges 76 feet over ancient rock formations. The River Trail is an easy 1.3-mile walk to multiple overlooks of the thundering falls, while the challenging Billy Goat Trail Section A offers 1.7 miles of rock scrambling along the river’s edge. The park connects to the historic C&O Canal Towpath, adding layers of American history to your nature escape.
How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-35.
