6 best hikes for screaming into the void

<\/div><\/div>“),,”filter”:{“nextExceptions”:”img, blockquote, div”,”nextContainsExceptions”:”img, blockquote, a.btn, ao-button”},” renderIntial”:true,”wordCount”:350 }”>

Well folks, it’s election season again. Between this, hurricaneswar, another war, climate change and the rising prices of your favorite breakfast cereal, sometimes it feels like we’re all moments away from losing it completely. We’ve all tried doomscrolling. Some of us have even tried our worst coping mechanisms, like drinking too much or crisis bangs haircut. But none of this worked either. So what’s left? How to get rid of existential stress?

Sure, you could walk away from it, or meditate, or lament the evils of this world to a dear therapist. But sometimes there is only one cure for the pent-up panic that lives free inside you. And this means going to the edge of the void and screaming into it.

To help you on your quest, we’ve put together this handy list of our favorite cliffs, canyons, and chasms—all places with plenty of big, cold emptiness to cry ugly into. Choose your favorite and let it all out.

North Rim Trail, Black Canyon of the Gunnison

If we knew that the gates of hell had opened somewhere in the western United States, Black Canyon of the Gunnison this is the first place we will look. Don’t get us wrong: this national park is a magnificent swath of wilderness and a world-class hotspot for climbers, hikers and fly fishers, but it’s also a huge black hole in the ground. The dark granite walls plunge to depths of more than 2,000 feet, and the canyon is only a quarter mile wide at its narrowest point. The place seems ancient and solemn. And because it’s much less visited than the Grand Canyon, it also creates an intimate atmosphere that makes for a pleasant, relaxing mental break. It is the abyss that takes care of your problems. Or at least it will demonstrate good listening. We recommend taking the 4.9-mile round trip hike along North Rim Trail. Start at the North Rim Visitor Center and end at the aptly named “Exclamation Point,” a perfect, vertigo-inducing view.

Hanging Rock Trail, Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock is one of the most popular hikes in North Carolina thanks to its namesake rock that hangs over the edge of a submerged valley, like Pride Rock in The Lion King. We recommend doing the 3.6 mile hike on a foggy day. Some fall mornings, when the fog settles in the hollows between the mountains, the green carpet of the Appalachian forest disappears. All that remains is a shard of stone protruding into the cold white nothingness. Self-absorbed, you will finally feel completely and utterly alone. Dig deep, accept it, and scream yourself hoarse whenever you want.

Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, California

If you need an emotional release ASAP, this short route will take you to the edge of the vast Pacific Ocean in less than a mile. The trail, starting just off Highway 1, follows a series of steep cliffs and headlands that drop into the crashing sea foam far below. Head west from the trailhead, then follow the northern spur to its end. On a windy day, you’ll be able to feel your hair blowing across your face as you stare into the blue distance, adding a nice dramatic effect to any nervous breakdown.

Shovel Point Trail, Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche State Park in Minnesota is home to sheer rhyolite cliffs rising straight from the steely waters of Lake Superior. You could aim for Palisade Head, which is located at the southern end of the park and is home to the highest cliffs, but then you’ll have to shout from a parking lot filled with smiling tourists. Instead, we recommend Shovel Point, a popular 1.3 miles round trip It traces a 200-foot-tall band of rocks high above the water. Go during the off-season, when you’re more likely to encounter moody weather. This is also the best time of year if you are worried about expressing your feelings in public; Young families tend to move out in the fall, giving way to RV-driving retirees who can probably relate.

Horseshoe Mesa Trail, Grand Canyon National Park

When it comes to big holes in the groundthere’s no place that does this better than the Grand Canyon. This is America’s greatest void—our best void—and we would be remiss not to include it on this list. To avoid the crowds, head to the Grandview Trail for a hike. 6.1 km to Horseshoe Mesaa two-sided cape jutting into the Great Ditch. The hike ends at a lookout point at the eastern end of the mountain. Disadvantage: You are unlikely to be completely on your own. On the plus side, its location and exposure make it ideal for a cathartic and heart-wrenching scream. When you’ve had your fill of screaming and gnashing of teeth, nod politely to your fellow hikers and turn around to head back the way you came.

Endless Wall Trail, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The New River Gorge is also a great riff on the abyss theme. Although it is not as deep as the Grand Canyon or the Black Canyon, it still features many dizzyingly steep cliffs that offer views of empty space. We especially like the 4.8-mile round trip ride along Endless path near the wall. Not only is the name quite theatrical and existential, but the hike itself also takes place along a sheer cliff edge. The views of the gorge are some of the most spectacular in the park, and the abundant forest cover provides just a little privacy in case you feel like sobbing a little.