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        <title>Explore - Travel Made Easy, Vacations, Planning Advice</title>
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        <description>The one-stop destination for vacation guides, travel tips, and planning advice - all from local experts and tourism specialists.</description>
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                                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[California's Top 5 Relaxing Hot Springs With Scenic Hiking Trails]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2143760/california-top-relaxing-hot-springs-scenic-hiking-trails/</link>
                    <pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Shelby Wilkerson)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2143760/california-top-relaxing-hot-springs-scenic-hiking-trails/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[California has some of the most rewarding natural pools in the country, tucked away in rugged landscapes that double as incredible hiking destinations.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[California has some of the most rewarding natural pools in the country, tucked away in rugged landscapes that double as incredible hiking destinations.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/california-top-relaxing-hot-springs-scenic-hiking-trails/intro-1775850424.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/california-top-relaxing-hot-springs-scenic-hiking-trails/l-intro-1775850424.jpg"/>
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                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[The Best App For Thru-Hiking In 2026, According To Experts And Seasoned Hikers]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2137946/farout-best-app-thru-hiking-2026-according-experts-seasoned-hikers/</link>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Carolyn Hall)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2137946/farout-best-app-thru-hiking-2026-according-experts-seasoned-hikers/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[A reliable navigation app is one of the best pieces of equipment to have in your hiking kit, and this product was named the best app for thru-hiking in 2026.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[A reliable navigation app is one of the best pieces of equipment to have in your hiking kit, and this product was named the best app for thru-hiking in 2026.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/the-best-app-for-thru-hiking-in-2026-according-to-experts-and-seasoned-hikers/intro-1775070154.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/the-best-app-for-thru-hiking-in-2026-according-to-experts-and-seasoned-hikers/l-intro-1775070154.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Yeti Offers A Brand New Hiking Backpack – But Is It Worth The Price Tag?]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2136205/yeti-skala-60-new-hiking-backpack-is-it-worth-price-tag/</link>
                    <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Tanya Sharma)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2136205/yeti-skala-60-new-hiking-backpack-is-it-worth-price-tag/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[This outdoor company known for its durable coolers is entering the hiking backpack market. We consider whether its new product is worth the price.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[This outdoor company known for its durable coolers is entering the hiking backpack market. We consider whether its new product is worth the price.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/yeti-skala-60-new-hiking-backpack-is-it-worth-price-tag/intro-1775233831.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/yeti-skala-60-new-hiking-backpack-is-it-worth-price-tag/l-intro-1775233831.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[5 Delightful Great Lakes Towns To Visit At Least Once]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2127398/five-delightful-great-lakes-towns-visit-at-least-once/</link>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Felix Gott)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beach Vacations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Adventures]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2127398/five-delightful-great-lakes-towns-visit-at-least-once/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[The Great Lakes offer an abundance of places to explore and things to do, but if you can only visit once, consider focusing on these delightful towns.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Great Lakes offer an abundance of places to explore and things to do, but if you can only visit once, consider focusing on these delightful towns.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/5-delightful-great-lakes-towns-to-visit-at-least-once/intro-1773945821.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/5-delightful-great-lakes-towns-to-visit-at-least-once/l-intro-1773945821.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[This Montana City Offers Plenty Of Lush Mountains, Historic Sights, & Scenic Hiking Trails]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2099555/anaconda-montana-city-lush-mountains-historic-sights-scenic-hiking-trails/</link>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Olaoluwa Akinbayo)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Camping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Adventures]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2099555/anaconda-montana-city-lush-mountains-historic-sights-scenic-hiking-trails/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Montana has a deserved reputation for beautiful outdoor spaces, and this city in the northern U.S. state more than holds its own in that department.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Montana has a deserved reputation for beautiful outdoor spaces, and this city in the northern U.S. state more than holds its own in that department.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-montana-city-offers-plenty-of-lush-mountains-historic-sights-scenic-hiking-trails/intro-1762282237.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-montana-city-offers-plenty-of-lush-mountains-historic-sights-scenic-hiking-trails/l-intro-1762282237.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[The 5 Best US National Parks For Beginner Hikers, According To Research]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2126142/5-best-us-national-parks-beginner-hikers/</link>
                    <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Grae Gleason)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2126142/5-best-us-national-parks-beginner-hikers/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Not every national park in the United States is suitable for beginner hikers, but these five breathtaking parks are the perfect places to start.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Not every national park in the United States is suitable for beginner hikers, but these five breathtaking parks are the perfect places to start.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/the-5-best-us-national-parks-for-beginner-hikers-according-to-research/intro-1773804201.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/the-5-best-us-national-parks-for-beginner-hikers-according-to-research/l-intro-1773804201.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Texas' Newest State Park Is Coming Soon With Miles Of Trails For Outdoor Fun]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2120523/palo-pinto-mountains-state-park-texas-newest-coming-soon-miles-trails-outdoor-fun/</link>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Shelby Wilkerson)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2120523/palo-pinto-mountains-state-park-texas-newest-coming-soon-miles-trails-outdoor-fun/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[With a 90-acre lake and 16 miles of trails to explore, North Texas' newest state park in 25 years is perfect for outdoor fun and recreation.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[With a 90-acre lake and 16 miles of trails to explore, North Texas' newest state park in 25 years is perfect for outdoor fun and recreation.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/texas-newest-state-park-is-coming-soon-with-miles-of-trails-for-outdoor-fun/intro-1773182226.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/texas-newest-state-park-is-coming-soon-with-miles-of-trails-for-outdoor-fun/l-intro-1773182226.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[This Unique, Underrated Washington State Park Is A Living History Book Of Ice Age Wonders]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2098782/sun-lakes-dry-falls-state-park-washington-unique-underrated-ice-age-history/</link>
                    <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Rebecca Frankel)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Camping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Adventures]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2098782/sun-lakes-dry-falls-state-park-washington-unique-underrated-ice-age-history/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[If you&#39;re looking for some outdoor fun in Washington away from the typical spots, you won&#39;t want to miss this beautiful state park formed in the Ice Age.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[If you&#39;re looking for some outdoor fun in Washington away from the typical spots, you won&#39;t want to miss this beautiful state park formed in the Ice Age.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-unique-underrated-washington-state-park-is-a-living-history-book-of-ice-age-wonders/intro-1762364921.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-unique-underrated-washington-state-park-is-a-living-history-book-of-ice-age-wonders/l-intro-1762364921.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Utah's Boulder Mountain Is Home To A Stunning Lake With A Scenic Hiking Loop]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2116277/blind-lake-utah-boulder-mountain-scenic-hiking-loop/</link>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Nally Preseault)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2116277/blind-lake-utah-boulder-mountain-scenic-hiking-loop/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Utah&#39;s most visited parks draw millions, but the state&#39;s quieter corners hide stunning lakes and trails where you might have the trail to yourself. ]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Utah&#39;s most visited parks draw millions, but the state&#39;s quieter corners hide stunning lakes and trails where you might have the trail to yourself. <p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/utahs-boulder-mountain-is-home-to-a-stunning-lake-with-a-scenic-hiking-loop/intro-1772644698.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/utahs-boulder-mountain-is-home-to-a-stunning-lake-with-a-scenic-hiking-loop/l-intro-1772644698.jpg"/>
                        <enclosure url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/utahs-boulder-mountain-is-home-to-a-stunning-lake-with-a-scenic-hiking-loop/l-intro-1772644698.jpg" type="image/jpg" length="598481"/>
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                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[The Longest Trail In The Caribbean Offers A Challenging Hike With Unbeatable Views]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2113577/waitukubuli-national-trail-longest-caribbean-challenging-hike/</link>
                    <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 01:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Olaoluwa Akinbayo)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[Caribbean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2113577/waitukubuli-national-trail-longest-caribbean-challenging-hike/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[This 115-mile trail in the Caribbean offers hikers jaw-dropping scenery, stretching between the northernmost and southernmost points of Dominica.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[This 115-mile trail in the Caribbean offers hikers jaw-dropping scenery, stretching between the northernmost and southernmost points of Dominica.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/the-longest-trail-in-the-caribbean-offers-a-challenging-hike-with-unbeatable-views/intro-1762550761.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/the-longest-trail-in-the-caribbean-offers-a-challenging-hike-with-unbeatable-views/l-intro-1762550761.jpg"/>
                        <enclosure url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/the-longest-trail-in-the-caribbean-offers-a-challenging-hike-with-unbeatable-views/l-intro-1762550761.jpg" type="image/jpg" length="545001"/>
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                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[California's Sprawling National Forest Between San Diego & Joshua Tree Is Full Of Trails]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2111408/cleveland-national-forest-california-between-san-diego-joshua-tree-trails/</link>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Nally Preseault)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2111408/cleveland-national-forest-california-between-san-diego-joshua-tree-trails/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[California is full of opportunities for outdoor adventure, and this national forest offers a near-endless number of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[California is full of opportunities for outdoor adventure, and this national forest offers a near-endless number of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/californias-sprawling-national-forest-between-san-diego-joshua-tree-is-full-of-trails/intro-1771957310.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/californias-sprawling-national-forest-between-san-diego-joshua-tree-is-full-of-trails/l-intro-1771957310.jpg"/>
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                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[A Vibrant Mountain Town Outside Of Banff Offers Downtown Fun And Stunning Hiking Trails]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2107795/canmore-canada-mountain-town-outside-banff-downtown-hiking-trails/</link>
                    <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Olaoluwa Akinbayo)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2107795/canmore-canada-mountain-town-outside-banff-downtown-hiking-trails/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Visiting the most popular destinations in the Canadian Rockies can get a little crowded, especially in the summer. This lower-key town has more chill vibes.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Visiting the most popular destinations in the Canadian Rockies can get a little crowded, especially in the summer. This lower-key town has more chill vibes.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/a-vibrant-mountain-town-outside-of-banff-offers-downtown-fun-and-stunning-hiking-trails/intro-1762376251.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/a-vibrant-mountain-town-outside-of-banff-offers-downtown-fun-and-stunning-hiking-trails/l-intro-1762376251.jpg"/>
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                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Hike Along Scenic Waterfalls In This Beautiful Pennsylvania State Park]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2103199/lehigh-gorge-state-park-pennsylvania-beautiful-hike-along-scenic-waterfalls/</link>
                    <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Nally Preseault)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Camping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Adventures]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2103199/lehigh-gorge-state-park-pennsylvania-beautiful-hike-along-scenic-waterfalls/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[This state park in Pennsylvania is a hiker&#39;s paradise, featuring scenic waterfall trails, bike runs, train rides, and other fun activities to enjoy.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[This state park in Pennsylvania is a hiker&#39;s paradise, featuring scenic waterfall trails, bike runs, train rides, and other fun activities to enjoy.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/lehigh-gorge-state-park-pennsylvania-beautiful-hike-along-scenic-waterfalls/intro-1772141155.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/lehigh-gorge-state-park-pennsylvania-beautiful-hike-along-scenic-waterfalls/l-intro-1772141155.jpg"/>
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                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[This Picturesque Washington Lake Offers Challenging Hiking Trails With Scenic Views]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2110626/lake-ingalls-washington-challenging-hiking-trails-scenic-views/</link>
                    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Nally Preseault)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2110626/lake-ingalls-washington-challenging-hiking-trails-scenic-views/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Washington&#39;s Lake Ingalls is a hiker&#39;s paradise, as well as a place to take in some of the most beautiful views. However, getting there won&#39;t be easy.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Washington&#39;s Lake Ingalls is a hiker&#39;s paradise, as well as a place to take in some of the most beautiful views. However, getting there won&#39;t be easy.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-picturesque-washington-lake-offers-challenging-hiking-trails-with-scenic-views/intro-1762610235.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-picturesque-washington-lake-offers-challenging-hiking-trails-with-scenic-views/l-intro-1762610235.jpg"/>
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                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[This Unsung Illinois State Park Is Arguably Prettier Than Starved Rock Without The Crowds]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2106181/matthiessen-state-park-illinois-arguably-better-starved-rock-without-crowds/</link>
                    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Emily Adam)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weekend Getaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2106181/matthiessen-state-park-illinois-arguably-better-starved-rock-without-crowds/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Starved Rock is a popular nature getaway in Illinois, but there&#39;s another state park nearby that&#39;s arguably prettier without suffering from overcrowding.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Starved Rock is a popular nature getaway in Illinois, but there&#39;s another state park nearby that&#39;s arguably prettier without suffering from overcrowding.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-unsung-illinois-state-park-is-arguably-prettier-than-starved-rock-without-the-crowds/intro-1762384064.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-unsung-illinois-state-park-is-arguably-prettier-than-starved-rock-without-the-crowds/l-intro-1762384064.jpg"/>
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                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Hiking To This Beach In Costa Rica Rewards Visitors With Stunning, Caribbean-Like Waters]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2022295/playa-quesara-costa-rica-hiking-caribbean-like-waters/</link>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Nally Preseault)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[Central and South America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beach Vacations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2022295/playa-quesara-costa-rica-hiking-caribbean-like-waters/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[This stunning beach can only be reached by boat or on foot, but it&#39;s worth the slog for turquoise water, powdered-sugar sand, and the chance to spend the night.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[This stunning beach can only be reached by boat or on foot, but it&#39;s worth the slog for turquoise water, powdered-sugar sand, and the chance to spend the night.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/hiking-to-this-beach-in-costa-rica-rewards-visitors-with-stunning-caribbean-like-waters/intro-1762796730.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/hiking-to-this-beach-in-costa-rica-rewards-visitors-with-stunning-caribbean-like-waters/l-intro-1762796730.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Nestled In West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains Is A Scenic Forest Full Of Hiking Trails]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2103335/coopers-rock-state-forest-west-virginia-appalachian-mountains-hiking-trails/</link>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Rebecca Frankel)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weekend Getaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Camping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2103335/coopers-rock-state-forest-west-virginia-appalachian-mountains-hiking-trails/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[The Appalachian Mountains are famously picturesque and this West Virginia forest is a prime example. Here&#39;s where to go for a relaxing nature getaway.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Appalachian Mountains are famously picturesque and this West Virginia forest is a prime example. Here&#39;s where to go for a relaxing nature getaway.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/nestled-in-west-virginias-appalachian-mountains-is-a-scenic-forest-full-of-hiking-trails/intro-1762472065.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/nestled-in-west-virginias-appalachian-mountains-is-a-scenic-forest-full-of-hiking-trails/l-intro-1762472065.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Colorado's Top-Tier Hiking Trail In The Rocky Mountains Offers A Picturesque Journey]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2098800/mount-bierstadt-hiking-trail-colorado-rocky-mountains-picturesque-journey/</link>
                    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Mike Kaplan)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2098800/mount-bierstadt-hiking-trail-colorado-rocky-mountains-picturesque-journey/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Do you consider yourself a moderate to advanced hiker? If so, you might want to add this top-tier hiking trail in Colorado to your bucket list.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Do you consider yourself a moderate to advanced hiker? If so, you might want to add this top-tier hiking trail in Colorado to your bucket list.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/mount-bierstadt-hiking-trail-colorado-rocky-mountains-picturesque-journey/intro-1771012128.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/mount-bierstadt-hiking-trail-colorado-rocky-mountains-picturesque-journey/l-intro-1771012128.jpg"/>
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                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[This Incredible European National Park Is One Of The Best With Spectacular Seaside Views]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2098761/kerry-seas-national-park-ireland-one-best-europe-spectacular-views/</link>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Rebecca Frankel)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beach Vacations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Adventures]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2098761/kerry-seas-national-park-ireland-one-best-europe-spectacular-views/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Want to spot some coastal Irish wildlife? This marine national park is home to puffins, dolphins, whales, and more, making it a must-see destination.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Want to spot some coastal Irish wildlife? This marine national park is home to puffins, dolphins, whales, and more, making it a must-see destination.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-incredible-european-national-park-is-one-of-the-best-with-spectacular-seaside-views/intro-1762375924.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-incredible-european-national-park-is-one-of-the-best-with-spectacular-seaside-views/l-intro-1762375924.jpg"/>
                        <enclosure url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/this-incredible-european-national-park-is-one-of-the-best-with-spectacular-seaside-views/l-intro-1762375924.jpg" type="image/jpg" length="740181"/>
                                    </item>
                                    <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Montana's Abandoned Ski Resort Is A Mountain Park Perfect For Backcountry Skiing]]></title>
                    <link>https://www.explore.com/2098711/marshall-mountain-montana-abandoned-ski-resort-backcountry-skiing/</link>
                    <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                            <author>staff@explore.com (Shelby Wilkerson)</author>
                                                            		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
                    <guid>https://www.explore.com/2098711/marshall-mountain-montana-abandoned-ski-resort-backcountry-skiing/</guid>
                                            <description><![CDATA[Ski resorts offer lots of winter-based fun for those seeking cold weather adventure, but this abandoned ski resort in Montana provides its own thrills.]]></description>

                                                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Ski resorts offer lots of winter-based fun for those seeking cold weather adventure, but this abandoned ski resort in Montana provides its own thrills.<p><img src="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/montanas-abandoned-ski-resort-is-a-mountain-park-perfect-for-backcountry-skiing/intro-1770729992.jpg" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    <media:thumbnail url="https://www.explore.com/img/gallery/montanas-abandoned-ski-resort-is-a-mountain-park-perfect-for-backcountry-skiing/l-intro-1770729992.jpg"/>
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