Maine Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/maine/ Live Bravely Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:39:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Maine Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/maine/ 32 32 The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S. /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/small-adventure-towns/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 08:00:15 +0000 /?p=2700021 The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S.

These tiny hamlets, with less than 6,000 locals, provide the perfect blend of quaint vibes and outdoor fun

The post The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S.

Bigger is not always better. While we spend plenty of time oohing and ahhing over larger mountain towns like Boulder or Chattanooga, there are dozens of smaller hamlets with fewer than 6,000 full-time residents that offer the right combo of amenities and quick access to some of the best spots for outdoor recreation in the country. Here are my favorite small adventure towns across the United States, from minuscule hiking and climbing outposts to bustling ski towns.

Bethel, Maine

Autumn leaves decorate the valley below the Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel, Maine
Autumn leaves decorate the valley below the Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel, Maine. (Photo: Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld/Getty)

Population: 2,730

Why I Love It

Bethel is the kind of town that makes you consider relocating. Tucked into Western Maine鈥檚 Lakes and Mountains region, the village itself is super walkable with an eclectic array of restaurants, while being surrounded by public land, from the peaks that make up the expansive White Mountain National Forest to the less-intimidating Community Forest trails accessed directly from town.

The slow-moving Androscoggin River passes through the village (prime tubing in the summer) and an ever-growing is attracting more and more mountain bikers.

Oh, and Bethel is flanked by two ski resorts. is the larger of the two, with more than 2,000 feet of vertical and 750 acres of terrain (not to mention a couple of heated lifts), while is the mom-and-pop ski hill we all wish we had in our backyard, with $39 lift tickets every day, a friendly uphill policy, and a solid mix of terrain to keep it interesting.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Most people come to Bethel to ski Sunday River. If you鈥檙e looking for a challenge, head to Oz, a zone loaded with steep double black runs, or take Lollapalooza to Blind Ambition, an expansive gladed run on the edge of Jordan Bowl. Bring your mountain bike during the summer. Mt. Abram has lift-served terrain, but you can hit a number of trails directly from the edge of town. is a fun, flowy three-mile loop in the center of the Bethel Village Trails on the south side of the village.

Where to Eat

has a genius cocktail menu, as well as a seafood chowder that hits just right on a cold winter night. If you鈥檙e looking for something more casual, has burgers and a rotating New England IPA on tap.

Where to Stay

The will put you on the southern edge of the village, within walking distance of restaurants, and direct access to some of the town鈥檚 most loved mountain bike trails (from $126 per night).

Stowe, Vermont

Vermont's Stowe offers some of the most intense skiing in the east and a European-style village to stay in after.
Vermont’s Stowe offers some of the most intense skiing in the east and a European-style village to stay in after. (Photo: Greg Petrics/Stowe)

Population: 5,230 or 745

Why I Love It

Quite simply, Stowe is the East Coast鈥檚 best ski town, especially this winter as Stowe Mountain Resort has enjoyed 329 inches of snow (and counting) at the time I鈥檓 writing this article, and then you have the New England charm of the village itself, with its steeples, covered bridges, and brick federal architectural style. And all of this sits in the shadow of the massive Mount Mansfield State Forest and Smugglers鈥 Notch State Park.

Not cool enough yet? How about an aggressive and progressive local population that鈥檚 worked to preserve more than for public use while building out a growing system of singletrack and nordic trails that can be accessed straight from town. Is Stowe still a sleepy hamlet tucked into the hills? Yes and no. The village still feels small, but it can be expensive, and it can get crowded, but that鈥檚 the proverbial price you pay for being the best ski town on the East Coast.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

In the winter, you鈥檙e obviously skiing Stowe, which is one of the East鈥檚 best resorts, with more than 2,000 vertical feet of drop, and 653 skiable acres split between two mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.When the snow melts, combine a slice of the and the for an eight-mile loop that climbs the 4,393-foot Mount Mansfield via a 2,000-foot climb that includes some ladders and scrambling before reaching the treeless summit, where you can see the surrounding Green Mountains and the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Mountain bikers should pedal the Stowe Recreation Trail, a six-mile paved path along the What River, to access , Stowe鈥檚 signature trail network with 12 miles of purpose-built singletrack. Make sure you hit the mile-long Florence, considered by many the best flow trail in the northeast. And listen, everyone should make a point to visit Stowe during fall, when the weather is crisp and the hardwoods are popping off in a barrage of reds, yellows, and golds.

Where to Eat

is incredibly hip, incredibly good, and incredibly crowded, but get on the waitlist and when it鈥檚 your chance, order the Vermont cheddar fritters and their smash burger and listen to the DJ spinning from a wall of vinyl. And if you鈥檙e in Vermont, you have to stop by the and pick up a four pack of the beer that put the brewery on the map, Heady Topper.

Where to Stay

Stowe has resorts attached to the ski hill and quaint bed and breakfasts, but check out the new cabins and lodge rooms at a few miles outside of town, with direct access to Stowe鈥檚 Recreation Path. The lodge has its own bar, pool, and hot tub and a grassy lawn overlooking the West Branch of the Little River (from $151 per night).

Silverton, Colorado

Snow in Downtown Silverton, Colorado on of the best small adventure towns
A dusting of snow in downtown Silverton, Colorado, where you can peruse the shops and restaurants to re-fuel after a day of heli-skiing in the San Juan Mountains. (Photo: David Toussaint/Getty)

Population: 713

Why I Love It

Sitting at 9,300 feet in elevation, Silverton is a former gold and silver mining town that has found new life as a basecamp for outdoor adventure, thanks to the surrounding San Juan Mountains鈥攁 hotbed of skiing in the winter and alpine adventure in the summer. If you鈥檙e standing in downtown Silverton, you鈥檙e within and 15 miles of seven of Colorado鈥檚 14,000-foot summits.

The entire town is a National Historic Landmark with buildings erected in the late 1800s that still retain their Wild West vibe. Greene Street, the main road through the heart of town, is the only paved street in the municipality. I鈥檝e visited Silverton during the winter, on my way to ski the backcountry terrain in the San Juan mountains, but I鈥檓 dying to get back in the summer and early fall to check out the growing network of mountain bike trails and see the aspens surrounding town turn gold.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Experience the best of the San Juans in summer by hiking the , located in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. The eight-mile out and back passes through meadows packed with wildflowers before delivering you to a trio of high-alpine lakes that are known to house rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. The hike tops out at 12,000 feet in elevation, but you can climb higher by picking up the Continental Divide Trail above the lakes.

The local bike club, the Silverton Singletrack Society, is in the process of building out 30 miles of singletrack in a system called that you can pedal to from town. The first six-mile loop has just opened, offering a steep climb before releasing you to a 1,000-foot, flowy descent.

If you have the skillset, I highly recommend skiing , which is like no other ski 鈥渞esort鈥 in the country. A single chairlift rises from a warming hut, from the top you can skin out to a cornucopia of backcountry lines, all of which demand expert-level skiing. If that鈥檚 not enough terrain, Silverton Mountain also offers heli-bumps from the top of the chairlift.

Where to Eat

has great IPAs as well as a full menu, from cauliflower tacos to pizzas loaded with sausage and bacon.

Where to Stay

The has 15 modern rooms in a multi-story building that once housed a gas station, ballroom, and lodge hall. The hotel sits in the heart of downtown and every booking comes with a $10 drink credit in the lobby bar (private rooms from $176 per night; bunks in the 10-bed bunk room from $75 per night).

Highlands, North Carolina

Springtime at Dry Falls on the Cullasaja River on scenic drive between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina.
Springtime at Dry Falls on the Cullasaja River on the scenic drive between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina. (Photo: Dee/Getty)

Population: 1,110听

Why I Love It

Highlands, which is one of the highest incorporated towns east of the Mississippi (elevation: 4,118 feet), has been a mountain escape since the late 1800s, originally attracting wealthy travelers who flocked to the village for its clean air and pristine surroundings.

People today show up for the same reasons, and Highlands has grown into a cultural hub of the mountains, with a surprisingly robust art and culinary scene given its small footprint. Main Street is bustling with shops, galleries and restaurants, while the surrounding Nantahala National Forest offers fast access to hiking trails, mountain lakes, and waterfalls.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Hiking Whiteside Mountain, a 4,903-foot peak named after the sheer, granite face that rises to its summit, is the must-do adventure close to town. The two-mile forms a loop that delivers you to the edge of this 700-foot cliff, one of the tallest in the eastern U.S.

You can actually drive your car behind Bridal Veil Falls, just outside of town, but for a more adventurous waterfall, head to Bust Your Butt Falls, a swimming hole just off Highway 64 on the Cullasaja River with a jumping rock and natural water slide at the base of the falls.

Where to Eat

You can鈥檛 turn around without stumbling into another fancy (and pricey) restaurant in Highlands, but I like for its to-go sandwiches and snacks that hit the spot on big hikes.

Where to Stay

Highlands has no shortage of high-end hotels and resorts, but I like the new , a 14-room motel that was recently renovated into a boutique stay where each room has its own typewriter and turntable with record collection (from $189 per night).

Kanab, Utah

man hiking along navajo trail in bryce canyon national park
Bryce Canyon National Park, near Kanab, Utah, famously has the most hoodoos in the world, with 12 amphitheaters featuring these bizarre rock formations (Photo: Ed Freeman/Getty)

Population: 5,200听

Why I Love It

You can鈥檛 beat Kanab鈥檚 location. Tucked into the desert of southern Utah, just north of the Arizona border, Kanab sits within striking distance of some of the Southwest鈥檚 most iconic landscapes. Bryce Canyon National Park is an hour north, Zion National Park is 45 minutes west. If you鈥檙e looking to take a dip, Lake Powell is an hour east, and drive two hours south and you鈥檒l hit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The town itself is steeped in Hollywood history, as more than 200 Westerns were filmed in the canyons around town. Kanab itself has a bit of a Moab vibe (think adobe buildings and streets sprawling through the desert floor) but it鈥檚 far sleepier than its gateway cousin, and in my opinion, has a much better culinary scene.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

So many parks, so little time. For something unique, head to where you can sand-board the 75-foot tall dunes, made of grains of quartz coated with iron oxide, giving them a pink hew. You can rent sand boards or sleds from the at the park ($25 per board).

Hike Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch, considered the longest slot canyon in America. The is the fastest way into the gorge, a 3.4-mile round trip that delivers you to the canyon. From there, you can explore up or down the canyon to your heart鈥檚 content. The gulch is in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You鈥檒l need a for the day hike.

Buckskin Gulch is more than 12 miles long, and 200 feet deep at its low point. The walls are never wider than 20 feet during its entire length.

Where to Eat

Kanab is a legitimate foodie destination with a handful of restaurants that punch above the weight of a town this size. If you鈥檙e looking for a memorable dinner, head to , where the menu revolves around a series of small plates, from foraged local mushrooms to chili-rubbed beef sourced just across the border in Arizona.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels around town, but spend the night at , a glamping resort with geodesic domes that have king beds, their own kitchenette, and massive windows overlooking the red rock cliffs (from $170 per night).

Patagonia, Arizona

Motorcycles frame the historic downtown core of Patagonia, Arizona
Motorcycles frame the historic downtown core of Patagonia, Arizona. Pop into Patagonia Lumber Company for a cup of Joe in the morning before you start your day’s adventure.听(Photo: Matt Gush/Getty)

Population: 789

Why I Love It

Start in Tucson, then head an hour south (almost to the Mexican border) and you鈥檒l find tiny Patagonia, a former mining town that鈥檚 just starting to transition into a bonafide adventure town. This one-street village is surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks, and sits within striking distance of two state parks鈥擯atagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek. But the real draw here is the myriad of gravel roads that extend from main street into the surrounding hills, traversing an endless sea of desert grassland.

You鈥檒l hear both Spanish and English spoken throughout town, which also sports the tell-tale signs of a modern mountain outpost (like at the coffee bar with weekend food trucks), but is still hanging onto its blue-collar roots (and rooms are still relatively cheap).

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

The 800-mile long Arizona National Scenic Trail, which runs the length of the state, can be found just outside of town. Head south for a meandering hike through rolling grasslands, or north and you鈥檒l tackle the Santa Rita Mountains, where steep climbs and granite peaks await.

But you鈥檙e probably here for the gravel riding, too. The options are endless, and the terrain is rolling instead of grueling, so plan for big-mile days. Start with the 30-mile Alto Ghost Town ride, which climbs through a series of canyons on its way to the ruins of a former mining camp. The undulating grasslands turn gold in the fall but form mesmerizing, shimmering waves regardless of when you ride through them. has rentals (from $125 per day).

Where to Eat

The has build-your-own pizzas, margaritas, and classy oil portraits of The King, while brews coffee in the morning, beer in the afternoon, and hosts rotating food trucks on weekends.

Where to Stay

Grab a spot in the nine-room hotel, which sits on main street within walking distance of everything, and has dedicated bike storage (from $125 per night).

Mazama, Washington

A kayaker plays in a hole on the Methow River, near Mazama, Washington and North Cascade National Park
A kayaker plays in a hole on the Methow River, near Mazama, Washington and North Cascade National Park. (Photo: Michael Hanson/Getty)

Population 200听

Why I Love It

There鈥檚 small, and then there鈥檚 Mazama, a hamlet in central Washington鈥檚 Methow Valley that has less than 200 year-round residents and a 鈥渄owntown鈥 that鈥檚 nothing more than a handful of businesses situated around a junction where two roads meet. But Mazama has everything you need鈥攆ood, beer, supplies, and a place to sleep.

More importantly, the town is surrounded by the , the largest network of nordic ski trails in the country (120 miles), all of which were created and maintained by a non-profit, also called . During the summer, there鈥檚 whitewater rafting on the Methow River, and trad and sport climbing on the Goat Wall, a 1,500-foot tall cliff overlooking the valley. Need more? Mazama is a gateway to North Cascades National Park, which has more glaciers than any park in the lower 48, and also happens to be one of the least visited parks in the country, with under 17,000 visitors last year.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

State Road 20, a.k.a. North Cascades Highway, closes from Mazama into the park during the winter, but come summer, the two-lane offers a beautiful 90-minute drive west over Washington Pass. The of the park offers the easiest access to Mazama. There, you鈥檒l find three reservoirs of differing shades of milky blue. Grab a canoe ($75 a day) from and explore the lake, which is surrounded by steep, green mountains. Or hike the 3.5-mile to a prominent point overlooking Diablo Lake.

If you make the trek during winter, cross country skiing is the ticket. There are 120 miles of nordic trails throughout the valley, all of which are groomed nightly. Crazy right? Mazama has its own trailhead, where you can kick and glide along the 11-mile , which has minimal gain but big-valley views.

Where to Eat

There aren鈥檛 a lot of options, but the has to-go sandwiches and snacks and is the best example of what a modern general store can be. The has a taproom and patio with views of Goat Peak, not to mention craft beer, rice bowls, and even sushi.

Where to Stay

The has lodge rooms within walking distance of the Public House (from $182 per night).

Fayetteville, West Virginia

A climber works on solving the cruxy roof of Great White Shark (5.12c) at Bubba City in the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia
A climber works on solving the cruxy roof of Great White Shark (5.12c) at Bubba City in the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia. (Photo: Harrison Shull/Getty)

Population 2,900听

Why I Love It

In the 1800s, the New River Gorge area attracted lumberjacks and coal miners, as the river canyon was rich in both resources. Now, it attracts hikers, boaters, and climbers, and the New River Gorge has become one of America鈥檚 newest national parks.

The small town of Fayetteville has stood witness to it all, evolving into a world-class gateway community with a historic downtown square, and just enough in the way of restaurants and shops to keep visitors and locals satiated. Fayetteville still retains that sleepy, small town vibe, but just beyond the city鈥檚 borders lies some of the best outdoor recreation in the East, starting with the whitewater rafting and world-class climbing inside the New River Gorge. There鈥檚 also mellow paddling on Summersville Lake, mountain biking on the Arrowhead Trails, a hand-carved system built by Boy Scouts, and more whitewater action on the nearby Gauley River.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Most people show up to raft the , which runs for 53 miles through the heart of the 1,000-foot deep canyon. The river is typically broken down into two day-long runs. The Upper New is more family friendly, with 13 miles of class I-III rapids, while the Lower New has big hits that reach class IV plus.

The whitewater is exciting, but the climbing is actually better, with more than 1,500 established routes along the sandstone walls that loom over the river below. And that doesn鈥檛 even include the growing number of bouldering problems found in the gorge. The climbing isn鈥檛 easy (grades top out at ) but will put you on the right route if you鈥檙e looking for a guide (starting at $130 per person).

Where to Eat

Fayetteville鈥檚 downtown square sports a handful of restaurants. Operating out of a former church just off the square, has been the town鈥檚 go-to for breakfast and lunch for decades. If you ride a couple of hot laps on the flowy , make sure to stop by the for a cold beer and a brat (or taco) served al-fresco in their beer garden.

Where to Stay

The New River Gorge supports several adventure outposts, where you can find cheap campsites or luxury cabins. I like , which has options spread across a 350-acre campus with its own restaurants, a pool, and a stunning view of the gorge itself (covered platform tent sites start at $49 per night).

McCall, Idaho

The sparkling lights of the small adventure town of McCall, Idaho, reflect across the calm waters of Payette Lake at sunset
The sparkling lights of the small adventure town of McCall, Idaho, reflect across the calm waters of Payette Lake at sunset. (Photo: Anna Gorin/Getty)

Population: 4,066听

Why I Love It

The obvious draw to McCall is the skiing. The small town sits in the Cuddy and Salmon River Mountains of Idaho, collecting 300 inches of snow a year, with quick access to three ski resorts, Tamarack Resort, Brundage Mountain, and the aptly named Little Ski Hill, which has night skiing and just a T-bar for a lift.

But then you also have Payette Lake, a 5,000-acre beauty surrounded by green peaks and full of trout that have been beckoning anglers since the 1800s. Not to mention, whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork and Main Fork of the Salmon, and a growing portfolio of mountain bike trails, as well as ample hiking trails in Payette National Forest and Ponderosa State Park. Begin stacking all of these attributes up and it becomes obvious that the draw to McCall is鈥everything.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Many will argue that has the best powder in Idaho, so skiers should head there during a winter visit. The mountain has almost 2,000 acres of front-side terrain to explore, but it鈥檚 the 18,000 acres of backcountry that you can access via the resort鈥檚 that are the real gem here (starting at $575).

Bring your bike in the summer as McCall is rapidly becoming a , earning a Silver Ride Center designation from IMBA, with a diverse suite of trails that鈥檚 rapidly approaching 500 miles large. Head straight for , a golf course resort that鈥檚 gone all-in on mountain biking with 17 miles of fast, flowy descents, some of which are packed with wooden features, all accessed via easy-to-climb fire roads or shuttle ($30 per rider).

Where to Eat

McCall is a bustling adventure town with plenty of options for a good meal, but has award-winning lagers to go along with their fried wild salmon and chips.

Where to Stay

takes modern Scandinavian-inspired design and puts it into a 1970s-era motel built with local timber. And the rooms walk out onto an expansive lawn with games and fire pits (from $131 per night).

Bigfork, Montana

Two paddleboarders peruse Woods Bay, in Bigfork, Montana, on a sunny, summer day
Two paddleboarders peruse Woods Bay, in Bigfork, Montana, on a sunny, summer day. (Photo: constantgardener/Getty)

Population: 5,249听

Why I Love It

At first glance, Bigfork is a lake town, sitting on the edge of the massive Flathead Lake, which has 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. And it has plenty of kayaking and fishing for those that are water inclined. But it鈥檚 also a hiking town, with quick access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Flathead National Forest, and numerous state parks.

Want a little adrenaline? Bigfork is also the basecamp for whitewater adventures on the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. Oh, and Bigfork is just an hour from the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park. So is Bigfork a lake town? Yes, but it鈥檚 also so much more.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Head to the of Flathead National Forest, a 15,000-acre tract within the Bob Marshall Wilderness featuring more than 20 alpine lakes. Hike a 6.6-mile loop combining the (#717) and the Picnic Lakes Trail to the rocky summit of the 7,000-foot Mount Aeneas, where you鈥檒l find views of the Jewel Basin lakes below, and the ridges of Glacier National Park on the horizon. You鈥檒l occasionally find mountain goats on the summit too. Bring a flyrod and try to land one of the cutthroat or rainbow trout that thrive in the Picnic Lakes on the back end of the loop.

Flathead Lake has six state parks that protect its shoreline and the islands in the middle of the water. Paddle two miles across the lake from the boat launch in Dayton, Montana, to , a 2,165-acre state park in the middle of the lake that鈥檚 only accessible by boat. Instead of cars, you鈥檒l see feral horses and bighorn sheep. has kayak and paddleboard rentals (starting at $40).

Where to Eat

has views of the lake, 16 beers on tap, and a large pub-food menu that includes a burger topped with jalape帽o poppers. So, yeah. Yum.

Where to Stay

is an all-inclusive dude ranch on 2,000 acres running along the shores of Flathead Lake. You鈥檒l get access to the property鈥檚 15-mile private mountain bike trail system, canoes, hikes, and horseback rides to backcountry breakfast (starting at $5,103 a week). If you鈥檙e looking for less of a financial commitment, has cabins and Airstreams, all of which come with private access to the lake (from $210 per night).

The author wearing a blue flannel and a ball cap, with the green Appalachians in the background
The author, Graham Averill, at home in his corner of southern Appalachia (Photo: Courtesy of Graham Averill)

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He鈥檚 been lucky enough to live in a few of America鈥檚 most fun (and expensive) adventure towns, and recently wrote about the country鈥檚 best mountain towns. He also recently wrote about the best national parks for spring break trips.听

The post The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
9 Quiet Destinations That Cut Out All the Noise /adventure-travel/national-parks/quiet-destinations-2025/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:30:58 +0000 /?p=2697327 9 Quiet Destinations That Cut Out All the Noise

Modern life is filled with noise. These peaceful parks are very, very quiet.

The post 9 Quiet Destinations That Cut Out All the Noise appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
9 Quiet Destinations That Cut Out All the Noise

The modern world is not quiet. Or maybe I should say:听people are not quiet. I live in a small mountain town, which you might expect to be an entirely peaceful habitat. But from my yard, throughout the day, I can hear cars on the interstate, kids playing, delivery trucks backing up鈥攊t鈥檚 a constant barrage of background noise that has become so much a part of our lives. I鈥檓 actually uneasy when I experience truly quiet situations.

Recently, I was camping alone in Utah, at the base of a canyon near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is several miles from the nearest road. The silence was all-encompassing. Occasionally, I could hear the wind move through a sandstone channel behind my campsite, but otherwise, there was no noise. The sound of silence was so far from my status quo that it was disconcerting. No bugs. No fire crackling. Just鈥e.

But we need that quiet in our lives. Studies show that experiencing even brief periods of silence can help lower , improve , and even stimulate . As the world becomes noisier, more people are in search of silence, with 鈥渜uiet-cations鈥 becoming one of the hottest trends in .

The good news? There are still places where you can go to find total quiet, or at least places where the only sounds you hear are from nature: birds, crickets, wind rustling trees.

is a non-profit that researches and certifies locations all over the world based on the decibel levels of background noise (background noise in certified quiet locations doesn鈥檛 exceed 45 decibels).I selected some enticing destinations deemed Quiet by the organization and scoured our public lands, looking for broad swaths of wilderness that are located so far from noisy roads and towns that they鈥檙e bound to be silent.

Here are 9 hush-hush destinations for your next quiet adventure.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

Yellow spring wildflowers on the Mesa de Anguilla trail. (Photo: Dean Fikar/Getty)

There鈥檚 West Texas, and then there鈥檚 Far West Texas, a remote corner of the state near the Mexican border. Once you hit Far West, keep going, and you鈥檒l find Big Bend Ranch State Park, a massive (311,000 acres) swath of mountains, canyons, and desert along the Rio Grande. Together with its neighbor, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch makes up the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. The lack of ambient light pollution that delivers dark skies also means there鈥檚 a lack of ambient noise, contributing to quiet days. I spent several days exploring Big Bend Ranch on a mountain bike a few years ago and saw more road runners than people.

There are more than inside the park, some of which meander past old movie sets, Native American homesites, and the occasional oasis, not to mention more canyons and cacti听than I could count. Your best bet is to saddle up on a mountain bike ( has rentals from $50 a day) and pedal the 60-mile that combines singletrack, dirt roads, and dry creek beds to deliver you deep into the heart of the park. There are multiple bail-out options along the way if you don鈥檛 want to tackle the full route.

What to Listen For: The sound of a small waterfall (the Epic route passes by an oasis) and the neigh of feral donkeys that live within the park.

2. Olympic National Park, Washington

The Hall of Mosses in the Hoh River rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington. (Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty)

The last time I was in Olympic National Park, I was riding a bike, so I mostly heard the sound of my own heavy breathing as I tried to keep up with my group. But this is the park that inspired acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton to create Quiet Parks International in an attempt to preserve peaceful places. It鈥檚 a big park with a diverse landscape that ranges from craggy coastline to glaciated peaks, so there鈥檚 plenty of space to spread out and find your own slice of peace and quiet.

I鈥檝e spent near-silent afternoons paddling Lake Crescent with no soundtrack but my paddle strokes, and lonely stretches of beach offer opportunities to give yourself over to the sound of crashing waves. But it鈥檚 the Hoh Rain Forest, a 24-square-mile temperate rain forest on the west side of the park, that鈥檚 the most intriguing from a sonic experience. Giant old growth conifers rise towards the heavens while thick ferns and mosses blanket the forest floor, all combining to dampen sound.

The , an .8-mile loop near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, is the easiest way to experience the landscape, the trail’s namesake moss climbing the trunks of the trees throughout the area. If you want to explore further, hike a piece of the 17-mile Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows, which offers a view of Mount Olympus. Most day hikers turn around at Five Mile Island, making it a that will definitely get you away from the crowds.


What to Listen For: The babbling Hoh River will, unsurprisingly, accompany you on the Hoh River Trail. Also, keep an ear out for bugles from the herd of elk that live in the rainforest. And then there鈥檚 the rain; Hoh gets 12 feet of it per year.

3. Mount Tabor Park, Portland

You don鈥檛 have to leave the city for peace and quiet. , a 175-acre park on the eastern edge of Portland, was named the country鈥檚 first by Quiet Parks International in 2023. Mount Tabor is a popular park, and during the certification process, acoustic engineers recorded background noise between 38 and 43 decibels, which is just below the threshold for what Quiet Parks International considers quiet. But Mount Tabor鈥檚 accessibility to such a large and diverse population gave it the edge for the final designation.

Mount Tabor itself is a dormant cinder cone volcano, the shape of which helps isolate background noise. So, if one section of the park is noisy, you can trek to the other side for a more subdued experience. The park鈥檚 53 tree species, including a dense Douglas fir forest, help absorb some of the ambient noise as well. Mount Tabor has six miles of official trail and nearly the same length of social trail. Hiking the mile-long Red Trail and looking for a quiet path into the woods is your best bet for silence.

What to Listen For: Children playing. It鈥檚 an urban park with playgrounds, and the sounds of children playing are among the best human-made sounds on earth.

4. Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska

quiet destinations
The view from the Fort Falls Overlook, located within the USFWS Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. (Photo: NPS)

The Niobrara River begins in Wyoming and runs more than 500 miles before joining the Missouri River, but a particularly gorgeous 76-mile stretch has been designated a National Scenic River thanks to its outstanding beauty. Here, the Niobrara passes through the Sandhills of Nebraska鈥攔olling mounds of sand dunes stabilized by permanent grass and grazed upon by elk鈥攚hile also carving a path through the occasional sandstone cliff. The river is fed by hundreds of natural springs, some of which tumble into the Niobrara as waterfalls. You鈥檒l find the 63-foot Smith Falls, the tallest plunge in the state, along this designated National Scenic River.

The Niobrara National Scenic River has also earned the distinction of being the first certified from the Quiet Parks organization. The best way to explore the river and experience the soundscape is from the hull of a canoe.听Most of the land surrounding the river is private ranch land, but the nine-mile stretch through the听 just east of Valentine offers a scenic and mellow run with the chance to hop out of the boat and hike the refuge.听 has canoe rentals (from $69).

What to Listen For: Waterfalls, the sound of your paddle in the water, and waterfowl overhead.

5. Dixie National Forest, Utah

quiet destinations
Red Canyon Hoodoos In Dixie National Forest. (Photo: MyLoupe/Getty)

The is huge, occupying almost two million acres of aspen-topped mountains and red sandstone canyons in Southern Utah. Maybe more important from a sonic perspective, those two million acres are buffered by Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, so the forest sits in the heart of a massive complex of public lands that has very few auditory distractions. I spent a week backpacking through Dixie and Grand Staircase and didn鈥檛 come across a single person outside of my small group. The only thing I heard was the wind whistling through the aspens and the occasional elk bugle.

Elevations in the forest range from 11,322 feet at the summit of Boulder Mountain to just under 3,000 feet, and the ecosystem shifts with the altitude. Up high, you鈥檒l find dense groves of aspens and evergreens and boulder-choked creeks. Down low is slick rock desert with narrow canyons and steep cliffs.

The Escalante Ranger District of Dixie has a robust trail system offering relatively easy access to solitude from the small town of Boulder. Pick up the Slickrock Trail northeast of town for a pleasant walk through a high-elevation spruce forest. If you really want to get away from it all (and you have solid route-finding skills), look south to one of the many canyons that drop from the ridge, traveling through a remote corner of the forest before entering Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

What to Listen For: The wind rustling through the aspen leaves at higher elevations is a delightful sound.

6. Green Bank and Spruce Knob, West Virginia

At least part of the joy of finding quiet places is embracing the notion of getting offline. No cell phones, no social media, no buzzing alerts on your phone鈥攖hat听disconnection is what makes the small town of Green Bank, West Virginia, so damn appealing. It sits in the heart of a 13,000-square-mile National Radio Quiet Zone, which is a federal designation that bans all wireless tech. No radio, no cell service, no wi-fi. The rule is in place to remove any potential interference with the seven telescopes pointed skyward.

The Observatory is cool, but the Quiet Zone also encompasses some intriguing portions of the Monongahela National Forest, including 4,863-foot Spruce Knob, the tallest mountain in West Virginia. Hike the easy .5-mile Whispering Spruce Trail for a loop around the summit and views of Seneca Rocks, a fin-like sandstone outcropping that鈥檚 popular with climbers. If that nature trail isn鈥檛 quiet enough for you, hike deeper into the Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek Backcountry, where 60 miles of trail explores meadows, streams, and hardwood forests. Pick up the 5.2-mile at the summit and drop 1,000 feet of elevation off the ridge into fields of wild blueberries and huckleberries until you reach Seneca Creek.

What to Listen For: The wind whipping through the forest at the summit, so strong and constant that the peak鈥檚 red spruces have become deformed and only have branches and nettles on one side.

7. Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho

Pistol Creek Rapid on the middle fork of the Salmon River in Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. (Photo: Todd Jackson/Getty)

滨诲补丑辞鈥檚 Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is the largest federally designated wilderness area in the lower 48 at a robust 2.37 million acres. That means if you鈥檙e standing in the heart of Frank Church, there isn鈥檛 a road or mechanical device within two million acres. Promising from an auditory perspective.

Most people experience Frank Church from the hull of a raft careening down the Salmon River, which is a bucket list adventure to be sure, but it鈥檚 not exactly the peaceful scenario we鈥檙e looking for here. I say lace up your boots and explore one of the primitive trails that traverse the Frank.

The hiking is tough (rangers recommend you carry a handsaw in case you need to clear any downed trees), but the offers an approachable entry into the wilderness. Pick up the trailhead at the Langer Monument on Beaver Creek Road and hike 2.1 miles to the aforementioned backcountry lake. The climbing begins immediately, gaining almost 1,000 feet in the first mile, but it levels out in a valley recovering from a previous wildfire. The lake itself is a 12-acre pond at the base of the craggy Roughneck Peak that is known to have feisty rainbow and cutthroat trout if you are so inclined.

What to Listen For: The sound of your fly smacking the water as you hunt patiently for one of the wild trout within the lake.

8. 100-Mile Wilderness, Maine

quiet destinations
100-Mile Wilderness, Maine. (Photo: Douglass Rissing, Getty)

The 2,000-mile long Appalachian Trail, running from North Georgia to North Maine, is arguably the most famous footpath in the world. Some 2,000 people try to hike the entire thing every year, but most of them give up before they hit Maine. That means they never get to experience the 100-Mile Wilderness, the most remote stretch of the entire A.T., with no paved roads or towns along its corridor. The terrain is a mix of backcountry lakes, craggy peaks, and dense hardwood forests, with steep climbs and a tread that is notoriously rocky and rooty.听 So why bother, you ask? For the chance to take cold dips in backcountry lakes, spy 360-degree vistas from peaks, and experience real solitude, which can be tough to find on the eastern seaboard.

You could hike the entire thing if you鈥檙e looking for an epic adventure ( can help with logistics like shuttles and food drops), but if you don鈥檛 have the requisite week to 10 days this sort of effort requires, I recommend heading to the portion of the 100 Mile Wilderness. This is a 1,600-acre tract owned and preserved by Maine Audubon that offers day hikers a manageable intro to the wilderness via a handful of short trails. Hike the 1-mile , which follows the shore of a pond before climbing to the rocky, dual-peak summits of Borestone Mountain. From there, you鈥檒l get a 360-degree view of the wilderness that, on a clear day, extends all the way to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the A.T.

What to Listen For: It鈥檚 an Audubon preserve, so listen for the 10 warbler species that call the sanctuary home. Peregrine falcons are also known to soar near the craggy peaks, and moose are commonly found near the lakes.

9. Deer Haven, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

If you want to get away from the noise of modern life, heading to South Dakota is a good start; the entire state has less than a million residents, many of whom are huddled in Sioux Falls. Exploring Badlands National Park will get you even further from any ambient noise, as the park鈥檚 steep canyons, tall buttes, and thick red clay have appeared inhospitable to humans since the Lakota gave the area the 鈥渂adlands鈥 moniker. But tough terrain often equals quiet, as few visitors venture into the park鈥檚 backcountry.

Start at the Conata Picnic Area and pick up the , an unmaintained game trail that leads for 2.5 miles through grasslands and between buttes to a cluster of juniper trees. Bring a tent and find a primitive site either in the prairie at the base of the buttes or tucked into the junipers.


What to Listen For: Keep an ear out for the hooves of the 1,000-strong bison herd that roams this section of Badlands.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national-parks columnist. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he is fortunate enough to live within a few hours of three free national parks. He recently wrote about the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, his favorite mountain town, and the national park he chose as the most adventurous.

author photo graham averill
Graham Averill, author (Photo: Liz Averill)

The post 9 Quiet Destinations That Cut Out All the Noise appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/treehouse-vacation-rentals/ Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:00:30 +0000 /?p=2695171 9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays

From a lookout tower with a wood-fired sauna to a sleek cabin with volcano views, these imaginative, forested forts go way beyond your best childhood dreams

The post 9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays

I always wanted a treehouse growing up. Who didn鈥檛? There鈥檚 something magical about the idea of a tiny cabin, vaulted above the ground and surrounded by strong trees, where you could peek out the window and find yourself at eye level with birds and branches. I envisioned sleepovers in the backyard with friends and secret meetings where my siblings and I could look out over the neighborhood or watch squirrels scramble up close by.

While I never got that treehouse as a kid, I can rent one for the night now if I want. From a lookout tower with a wood-fired sauna in Idaho to a sleek cabin with volcano views in Washington to an architect-designed treehouse on a pond in New York, these nine grown-up-worthy treehouse vacation rentals鈥攚hich are all built to avoid harming the woods around them鈥攚ill help fulfill your wildest childhood dreams.

Destinations Newsletter

Want more of 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Travel stories?

Score Views of Mount Adams From This Modern Treehouse in the Columbia River Gorge

Location: White Salmon, Washington

The Klickitat Treehouse in White Salmon Washington
The Klickitat Treehouse, near White Salmon, Washington, provides stunning views of Mount Adams and ample access to the Columbia River Gorge’s epic trails and restaurant scene. (Photo: Courtesy of The Klickitat Treehouse)

馃挵 Price: From $280 per night

You鈥檒l come for the view of 12,281-foot Mount Adams at sunset through the 18-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling windows in this modern, sleekly designed treehouse vacation rental, which sits in between three hearty Douglas firs near the town of White Salmon, Washington, across the Columbia River from Hood River, Oregon. This 500-square-foot pet-friendly cabin comes with minimalist Scandinavian furnishings and maximalist amenities, like an outdoor shower, on-the-ground fire pit, and coffee-making equipment of the highest Pacific Northwest-approved quality. Cell service and TVs don鈥檛 exist here. The place sleeps up to six in a private bedroom and an open sleeping loft equipped with two queen beds.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: From here, you鈥檙e just 15 minutes from the in Hood River, a prime spot for mountain biking, and even closer to the windsurfing and kiteboarding that the Columbia River Gorge is famous for. Otherwise, hike to a waterfall like or and end the day with nachos and live music at , a local鈥檚 favorite pub in White Salmon.

Spare No Comforts in This Studio Treehouse in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Location: Travelers Rest, South Carolina

The Forestry House near Travelers Rest, South Carolina treehouse vacation rental
South Carolina’s Forestry House is a luxury modern tree fort where you’ll feel utterly immersed in the canopy around you. (Photo: Courtesy of The Forestry House)

馃挵 Price: From 379 per night

The small town of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, 25 minutes outside of Greenville, is as charming as it sounds. And this thoughtfully designed treehouse on a quiet 16-acre property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the sweetest place to call home while you鈥檙e there. The studio-sized treehouse sleeps two in ultra-comfortable accommodations, complete with an outdoor shower on the back deck and yoga mats for morning stretching. At night, you鈥檒l hear the resident owl, named Betty, hooting a welcome. This treehouse has a two-night minimum, is available for long-term stays, and intentionally doesn鈥檛 come with WiFi, though it does have cell service.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: You鈥檙e just 10 minutes from downtown Travelers Rest, where you can ride bikes along the , a 28-mile multi-use pathway. The hiking trails in are 20 minutes away, and there鈥檚 wine tasting and an outdoor sculpture park at , five minutes down the road.

Sleep 40 Feet Off the Ground in a Far-Out Lookout Tower in the Forested Midwest

Location: Bradleyville, Missouri

The Glade Top Fire Tower near Bradleyville, Missouri, a beautiful treehouse vacation rental for adventure travelers
Missouri’s Glade Top Fire Tower is a one-of-a-kind structure built to resemble an old lookout, putting a fresh twist on the traditional treehouse vacation rental experience. (Photo: Courtesy of The Glade Top Fire Tower)

馃挵 Price: From $295 per night

You鈥檒l drive two miles down a gravel road to reach this remote two-story lookout tower, which is located about 20 minutes outside the tiny outpost of Bradleyville, Missouri. (The nearest grocery store is 30 minutes away, so pack supplies.) This one-bedroom treehouse-style tower was built to resemble the historic fire lookout towers once used to spot fires in rural areas. Two such remaining towers still exist around the , 15 minutes away, which has 32 miles of hiking trails. This is the kind of Airbnb that comes with a welcome basket and a hand-written note from your hosts, making you feel right at home when you arrive. Put your belongings into a winch-operated luggage elevator while you climb the 40 stairs to the top level. Too windy? There鈥檚 a cellar storm shelter you can hide out in until the bad weather passes. Nice amenities include upgrades like plush bathrobes, a telescope for night stargazing, and a rock-lined hot tub. Plan to unplug: There鈥檚 no TV or WiFi.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: About an hour from the tower, you can dine on farm-to-table ingredients or take a workshop on soap making or floral bouquets at in Ozark.

Take a Detour on Your Highway 1 Road Trip to Stay at This Magical Treehouse Along the Pacific Coast

Location: Watsonville, California

Pacific View Treehouse in Watsonville, California
Pacific View Treehouse, a hidden gem nestled within California’s coastal redwoods, showcases equal parts rustic charm and modern comfort. (Photo: Courtesy of Pacific View Treehouse)

馃挵 Price: From $696 per night

You鈥檒l park your car and meander on foot down a wooded pathway before arriving at this picturesque one-bedroom treehouse vacation rental, suspended in a grove of redwoods outside the town of Watsonville, California, known for its plethora of artichoke farms. The bathhouse at this treehouse has its own separate building, accessible via vaulted plank from the main cabin. The house comes stocked with board games and has sliver views of the Pacific Ocean from the wraparound deck. The popular beaches of Santa Cruz and Monterey aren鈥檛 far, or stay close and take a stroll on the sand dunes at .

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: Farm stands are abundant in the area. Buy an olallieberry pie or pick your own apples or strawberries at or stop into the shop for fresh artichokes or artichoke dips and sauces, depending on the season. Hike the five miles of woodland trails or spot sea otters by kayak on the wetland waterways of the . rents kayaks and leads guided tours.

Explore Glacier National Park from this A-Frame Treehouse Nearby

Location: Columbia Falls, Montana

Raven's Nest Treehouse at MT Treehouse Retreat near Columbia Falls, Montana
Raven’s Nest Treehouse at the Montana Treehouse Retreat is nestled on five wooded acres, within minutes to Glacier National Park, and Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. (Photo: Courtesy of Montana Treehouse Retreat)

馃挵 Price: From $341 per night

You might never want to leave the comfortable confines of this two-bedroom A-frame cabin that鈥檚 suspended in the trees 10 minutes outside Columbia Falls, Montana. That is, until you realize you鈥檙e just 30 minutes from the west entrance to Glacier National Park. This well-appointed treehouse is situated on a 5-acre forested property that鈥檚 also home to a second neighboring treehouse, but both are positioned to preserve a sense of privacy. In the winter, you鈥檙e just 15 minutes from skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort. In the summer, head to Whitefish Lake and the charming lakeside town of Whitefish or go for a scenic drive or hike in Glacier National Park.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: During peak season from June through September, you鈥檒l need a to drive Glacier National Park鈥檚 famous Going to the Sun Road, but it鈥檚 worth it for the views along this scenic mountain roadway. In the warmer months, park at the Logan Pass trailhead to hike a section of the 11-mile , which goes point to point along the Continental Divide past the , a historic, romantic backcountry lodge within the national park.

Disconnect at this Architect-Designed Treehouse in the Catskills

Location: Woodstock, New York

Willow Treehouse vacation rental on a pond in the Catskills in New York
Willow Treehouse is settled among the trees overlooking a small, swimmable pond. Think: Cozy, romantic, and just minutes from Woodstock, New York. (Photo: Courtesy of Willow Treehouse)

馃挵 Price: From $500 per night

This 500-square-foot tiny house is situated on a private wooded property 15 minutes from the town of Woodstock, New York. Designed by architect Antony Gibbons as a whimsical family escape for these Airbnb hosts, this unique, stilted, stand-alone cabin has massive windows that look out into the Catskill Mountains and to the on-site pond. The quarters are quaint: A lofted, open-air bedroom sleeps two. Pick up bagels and coffee at the in Woodstock to have on hand. In the winter, there鈥檚 downhill skiing and an uphill policy at , a 30-minute drive away.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: From spring to fall, tackle the 6-mile hike to the , which starts just up the road, or take the short but scenic walk to. There are plenty of lakes and swimming holes to jump into in the area, but why bother going anywhere else when you have a swimming pond in the backyard of your treehouse vacation rental? A wood-fired cedar hot tub awaits you on the edge of the pond. There鈥檚 no cell service or WiFi.

Enjoy a Wood-Fired Sauna at This Lookout Tower in Remote Backcountry

Location: Fernwood, Idaho

Crystal Peak Lookout in Fernwood, Idaho鈥攁 treehouse vacation rental
Idaho’s Crystal Peak Lookout has a wood-fired sauna just below it, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a hard hike or snowshoeing adventure. (Photo: Courtesy of Crystal Peak Lookout)

馃挵 Price: From $271 per night

This structure wasn鈥檛 built to look like an old fire lookout tower鈥攊t actually is an old lookout tower. Originally built in 1959 atop a peak in eastern Washington, it was relocated to western Idaho in 1983 and completely remodeled as a year-round no-frills guest house in 2018. It鈥檚 surrounded by 13 acres of forest land on Crystal Peak outside the tiny hamlet of Fernwood, Idaho. In the summer, you can drive to within 50 feet of the lookout, but you鈥檒l need an all-wheel-drive car (the road in is pretty rugged); in the winter, you鈥檒l need to ski tour, snowmobile, or catch a lift from the caretaker鈥檚 off-road vehicle for an additional fee. There鈥檚 no bathroom in the lookout; you鈥檒l need to climb down the ladder to the ground level to use the outhouse.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: You鈥檒l likely spend your days wandering around the hut鈥攜ou can forage for huckleberries or morel mushrooms鈥攖hen light up the wood-fired sauna, located on its own deck.

Bring Your Family to This Cozy Treehouse in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains

Location: Dahlonega, Georgia

Nature鈥檚 Nook, a treehouse vacation rental near Dahlonega, Georgia
Set in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, Nature’s Nook offers near-front-door access to vineyards nearby鈥攁nd abundant hiking trails. (Photo: Courtesy of Nature鈥檚 Nook)

馃挵 Price: From $294 per night

You wouldn鈥檛 guess you鈥檙e just an hour north of Atlanta when you settle into this peaceful abode built around a massive oak tree. For families or groups, four people can sleep in bunks and a queen bed stacked in various nooks and this treehouse vacation rental comes with kids鈥 books and toys if you鈥檙e bringing little ones. There鈥檚 a short nature trail out the door. Three other vacation rental cabins sit on the same 7-acre property, but they鈥檙e well spaced apart from each other.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: Downtown Dahlonega, a few minutes away, is listed on the National Historic Register as the site of one of America鈥檚 first gold rush towns. You can learn more about the area鈥檚 history at the Visit the 729-foot high waterfall in or hike the 8-mile that connects to the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail near its southern terminus at Springer Mountain.

Ski Sunday River from This Chalet in the Trees

Location: Woodstock, Maine

Sunday River Treehouse, Woodstock, Maine
This stunning treehouse, aptly dubbed The Ski Haus Treehouse, is just minutes to Sunday River Ski Resort where you can ski or lift-assist mountain bike, depending on the season. (Photo: Courtesy of The Ski Haus Treehouse)

馃挵 Price: From $470 per night

You鈥檒l sleep 20 feet off the ground in a 300-square-foot tiny house designed and built by The Treehouse Guys, made famous on a DIY Network show. This cabin, in Woodstock, which can sleep up to four in two small, lofted spaces, is surrounded by maple and hemlock trees and just 10 minutes from the town of Bethel, Maine. It comes stocked with a record player, a ukulele, and a hot tub. The hosts call this pad The Ski Haus for a reason: Skiing at is less than 15 minutes away and skiing and summertime lift-accessed mountain biking at is just five minutes away. Or don鈥檛 leave the grounds: You can reach seven miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails from this treehouse vacation rental within the surrounding 634-acre Bucks Ledge Community Forest.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: There鈥檚 ice skating midwinter on North Pond, a short walk from the treehouse, or in the summer, the place comes with access to paddleboards and kayaks.

Megan Michelson author
The author, Megan Michelson, at the base of the Teton Range on one of many trips she’s taken to Jackson, Wyoming (Photo: Megan Michelson Collection)

Megan Michelson is an award-winning journalist who covers travel and the outdoors for a wide range of publications, including 国产吃瓜黑料, from her home base in Tahoe City, California. She’s always dreamed of staying in a treehouse鈥攅ven from childhood鈥攁nd can’t wait to hit up these spots on her 2025 vacation list. She’s recently written about the coolest off-grid Airbnb in Colorado, how this woman pulled off buying a one Euro home in Italy, and these 10 vacations that might even help you live longer.听

The post 9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Mount Katahdin is a Logistical Nightmare. Is it Time to Move the AT鈥檚 Northern Terminus? /outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/mt-katahdin-terminus-appalachian-trail/ Sat, 21 Sep 2024 08:00:17 +0000 /?p=2682669 Mount Katahdin is a Logistical Nightmare. Is it Time to Move the AT鈥檚 Northern Terminus?

For years, tensions have run high between AT thru-hikers and rangers in Baxter State Park. One hiker wonders, could moving the terminus solve the problem?

The post Mount Katahdin is a Logistical Nightmare. Is it Time to Move the AT鈥檚 Northern Terminus? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Mount Katahdin is a Logistical Nightmare. Is it Time to Move the AT鈥檚 Northern Terminus?

Baxter State Park is a busy place as the fall hiking season draws to a close. The energy in the park is invariably buzzing: families are getting in their last trips before school, leaf-peepers are making the pilgrimage to see the changing foliage, and Appalachian Trail thru-hikers are making their way to the summit of Katahdin. For years, restrictions around the AT鈥檚 northern terminus have caused the park to gain notoriety among thru-hikers. For some long-distance hikers bringing their journeys to a close, navigating the park鈥檚 crowds and camping reservation system can feel uninviting at best, and like a downright stressful end to the trip of a lifetime at worst.

In 2015, tensions between thru-hikers and park administration came to a head when ultrarunner on the AT and celebrated with his team with a bottle of champagne on the summit of Katahdin. Officials him for consumption of alcohol inside the park, hiking with a group larger than 12, and littering (spraying champagne in the air). The incident kicked off a debate about the commercialization of the outdoors and the park鈥檚 relationship with AT hikers.

A few weeks later, I made my way to the northern terminus feeling anxious about . Word on the trail was that the rangers were mad at the example Jurek had set for other long-distance hikers, and that they were strictly enforcing rules to fight back. At that time, Katahdin already had the reputation of being a logistical challenge for long-distance backpackers: standard campsites fill up months in advance, and the park has just one 12-person walkup shelter reserved for thru-hikers. As rangers were up in arms about the regulations, thru-hikers like myself felt entitled after traveling 2,200 miles to make it to Katahdin, and might鈥檝e even considered breaking the park鈥檚 rules if the camping reservation process proved difficult to follow.

The scene I found upon my arrival was nothing like my nightmares. The Birches shelter, where thru-hikers can camp, was far from full. And it was actually really easy to follow the rules: My trail partner and I picked up permits for Katahdin before waking at 3 a.m. for a sunrise summit. At the time, my anxieties about finishing my hike at the northern terminus left me wondering how we got here鈥攁nd even whether there might be a place better-suited to handling the AT鈥檚 growing crowds. Katahdin could live without thru-hikers, but could thru-hikers live without Katahdin?

While Baxter State Park itself is home to hundreds of miles of trails, it鈥檚 best known for Mt. Katahdin, which sees the majority of traffic within the region. The park faces a unique challenge in that it鈥檚 not only the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, but it鈥檚 also held in a trust with very specific guidelines surrounding its management. The park鈥檚 former owner, Percival P. Baxter, released it for public use in 1931 under an endowment that required limiting vehicle size and the number of campsites within the park. As a result, officials are not allowed to develop new campsites even as the park becomes more popular.

Leah Beck, the Maine Regional Manager for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), told me that in 2015, officials realized they needed to come up with a plan to balance thru-hikers鈥 and visitors鈥 needs with park regulations. While 2015 was the most notable example of the strain between hikers and rangers in the park鈥檚 history, every year, a few hikers set a poor example in Baxter State Park by doing things like 鈥渟tealth camping鈥 in undesignated areas and otherwise ignoring the rules.

One of the ways that officials have monitored unruly hikers is by crowdsourcing information both in Maine and south of the region. Baxter State Park, Search and Rescue members, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy regularly work together to create awareness about big groups of hikers or known rebels who are headed to Katahdin. Since a monthly meeting was established to address these issues, 鈥渨e hear very few reports of any summit behavior issues,鈥 said Beck.

In addition to regularly discussing community and hiker concerns in the region, an ATC ranger is stationed at Abol Bridge鈥攖he gateway into 鈥攖o assist hikers looking to find camping. It鈥檚 often easier than many thru-hikers imagine, since the thru-hiker shelter seldom fills up. When it does, rangers help hikers find other legal camping options in or near the park

鈥淚t鈥檚 actually less common than people think for the Birches to be full and for them not to have additional sites at Katahdin Stream or another campground,鈥 said Beck.

Baxter State Park Ranger Bruce White told me that nearly 3,000 thru-hikers came through the park in 2022 compared to about 2,000 in 2015. Yet the park鈥檚 rules and regulations remain largely the same.

鈥淎s far as restrictions, there really aren鈥檛 a whole lot other than we do require them to be in designated campsites,鈥 he said. 鈥溾.But I think there鈥檚 a little animosity. People feel that they won鈥檛 get a site in Baxter Park. And in August that is a possibility.鈥

Occasionally, the park receives really big groups of thru-hikers, which causes another technical strain on the trail since group sizes are limited to 12 people within the park. Adhering to this regulation forces officials and hikers to collaborate to ensure that the park remains within its legal trust limits.

White added that since 2015, the nearby town of Monson has also made it much easier for hikers to shuttle to and from the park, with several privately-owned businesses like offering rides to reduce the stress of finding a camp spot in park bounds. Still, since Baxter State Park cannot legally change campsites and permits issued to accommodate growing traffic, if hiker numbers keep growing, there will come a point when it will have to turn people away with more regularity.

Interestingly, Katahdin wasn鈥檛 always the end point of the AT. When the idea of the Appalachian Trail was born, according to Beck, the original maps Benton MacKaye drew designated Mt. Washington as the northern terminus, with potential extensions or 鈥渂ranch trails.鈥 One of those branches became the 330-mile route between Mt. Washington and Katahdin that hikers tackle today. It wasn鈥檛 until four years after that early map that Katahdin was labeled as the northern terminus, and the designation became official in 1928. As of 2024, Mt. Washington is the only northern terminus aside from Katahdin to ever formally be considered.

A benefit of considering an alternate terminus is that there may be fewer camping and summiting restrictions in place, which could alleviate some of the stress of finishing the trail. The ATC suggests that moving the northern terminus to a location with fewer legal limitations could resolve some of the camping and usage issues of Baxter State Park, but wouldn鈥檛 solve problems related to hiker behavior.

鈥淢oving the terminus to an area with different management mandates will likely have no impact on the behavior of the very small percentage of AT hikers causing the problem,鈥 said Beck. 鈥淭here could be fewer restrictions for them to bump up against, depending on where the terminus moves, but the problem behavior will still exist.鈥

Despite recognizing some of the benefits of an alternative northern terminus, neither the ATC nor Baxter State Park currently has plans in place to advocate for such a monumental change. Doing so would involve obtaining trail rights in areas where they don鈥檛 already exist, and working with private landowners to acquire access in non-public areas.

Thru-hikers鈥 anxieties remain high during peak season and in October, when the park seasonally closes Mt. Katahdin to hiker traffic. Even in optimal conditions, climbing Katahdin involves light bouldering, lugging yourself up iron rungs, and tackling extremely steep terrain. When winter comes, those conditions are generally considered to be unsafe for hikers by Baxter State Park.

Even if authorities decide that a change as drastic as moving the terminus is eventually necessary, that point would be years away at least. The number of hikers on the AT has held steady or even dropped since Covid, suggesting that nothing needs to change yet. But growing interest in one of America鈥檚 most beautiful and difficult trails could flip the narrative.

The post Mount Katahdin is a Logistical Nightmare. Is it Time to Move the AT鈥檚 Northern Terminus? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The Best New Hotels with Easy Access to U.S. National Parks /adventure-travel/national-parks/hotels-near-national-parks/ Thu, 08 Aug 2024 09:00:52 +0000 /?p=2676827 The Best New Hotels with Easy Access to U.S. National Parks

These cool new lodging options are within striking distance of some of the country鈥檚 most popular national parks

The post The Best New Hotels with Easy Access to U.S. National Parks appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The Best New Hotels with Easy Access to U.S. National Parks

We get it鈥攏ot everyone wants to pitch a tent and forego showers when visiting our public lands. And honestly, because of a recent boom in new national-park lodging, you don鈥檛 have to. In 2020, I moved into my minivan and traveled to nearly every park in the U.S., penning dispatches about them for 国产吃瓜黑料. When I wasn鈥檛 catnapping in the back of my vehicle, I occasionally splurged on fun motels and lodges in gateway towns.

Whether you鈥檙e headed to the rust red maw of the Grand Canyon or the wooded summits of Great Smoky Mountains, loads of new hotels and glamping retreats are popping up to meet the demands of park visitors, whose numbers have exploded since the pandemic. From retro-futuristic roadside motels to Dolly Parton-themed resorts and remodeled national-park lodges, there鈥檚 a little something for everyone on this list.

1. Ofland Escalante

Closest national park: Bryce Canyon, Utah

Best for: Chic glamping, tiny homes, post-hike hot tubs

Ofland Cabins
Modernist cabins and inviting fire pits at Ofland Escalante, near Bryce Canyon (Photo: Kim and Nash Finley)

With its modernist cabins, spa-inspired bathhouses, and food truck that serves up Americana fare (like meatloaf patty melts and cornbread French toast), this newer outpost on Southern Utah鈥檚 stunning Highway 12 just rebranded and added deluxe cabins in 2024 and is a true outdoor-lover鈥檚 paradise. Situated a mere ten minutes from Hole in the Rock Road, the washboard byway leading to many of Grand Staircase Escalante鈥檚 top slot canyons, is the ultimate, pet-friendly base camp for exploring the Beehive State鈥檚 red-rock country.

Ofland cabins, near Bryce National park
Ofland is set in prime Utah adventure terrain. (Photo: Kim and Nash Finley)

An hour鈥檚 drive delivers you to the colorful hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, while a 90-minute car ride gets you up to my personal Utah fave, Capitol Reef. In the evening, enjoy a steamy outdoor shower, followed by a drive-in movie with free popcorn at Ofland鈥檚 own big-screen theater, or plop into the property鈥檚 pool and hot tub before enjoying the snap, crackle, and pop of your personal fire pit. If it鈥檚 not too hot, spend an afternoon clambering around in Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons.

(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

2. Populus Hotel

Closest national park: Rocky Mountain, Colorado

Best for: Eco-friendly amenities, luxe dining, nearby art museums

Populus
The new Populus in downtown Denver is the nation鈥檚 first carbon-positive hotel鈥攁nd in reach of mountain adventure as well as city museums and parks. (Photo: Courtesy Studio Gang)

Set in downtown Denver, a stone鈥檚 throw from the State Capitol, the Denver Art Museum, and Civic Center Park, is making history in 2024 as the nation鈥檚 first carbon-positive hotel. It has been designed from the ground up to utilize solar and wind power, highlight locally sourced ingredients from Colorado in each of its dining concepts, and closely monitor all emissions so that remaining carbon is balanced out by supporting projects that capture carbon elsewhere. The hotel has already planted over 70,000 trees (and counting).

Populus Hotel Denver
The rooftop restaurant Stellar Jay at Populus, in Denver (Photo: Courtesy Nephew)

A stay at Populus is ideal for the Denver-bound traveler who wants to experience the best of two worlds: city-focused creature comforts with the option to hike amidst the Rocky Mountain National Park tundra or scramble up . With the Wild Basin entrance roughly 66 miles away, it鈥檚 an easy day trip to the park. Rooms here are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and themed after the state鈥檚 famous aspen trees, with ultra-soft earth-toned bedding, natural forest sounds in the elevators, and eyelet-shaped windows overlooking the Denver skyline.

Chow down on post-hike grub with dreamy sunset views at the on-site rooftop restaurant Stellar Jay or enjoy fresh, seasonal Colorado fare at the downstairs restaurant Pasque, both helmed by executive chef Ian Wortham.

3. The Pathmaker Hotel

Closest national park: Acadia, Maine

Best for: Exploring downtown Bar Harbor, ocean strolls, simple elegance

Pathmaker hotel
Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, on Frenchman Bay, is a gateway town for Acadia National Park in Maine. (Photo: Peter Unger/Getty)

With a primo location in downtown Bar Harbor, two blocks from the Bar Island Trail, whale-watching tours and the delicious, creamy rolls at Stewman’s Lobster Pound, opens in late 2024. Featuring suites, double queen, and classic king-sized rooms decorated in elegant neutral tones, this hotel also offers kitchenettes with mini-fridges and microwaves. What鈥檚 even better is that breakfast is included, making it easy to start your morning hike up neighboring or a stroll around Sieur de Monts鈥 historic gardens with a full belly.

Cadillac Mountain Loop via Cadillac North Ridge Trail
(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

It鈥檚 also worth noting that Acadia is home to 45 miles of crushed-stone carriage roads, which are all bike- and dog-friendly. Rent a bicycle at Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop, a five-minute walk from the hotel鈥檚 front door, and spend a day zipping around the park without your car before relaxing with a pot of tea and freshly made popovers at Jordan Pond House鈥搃t was one of my favorite things I did on my giant parks road trip.

The Pathmaker Hotel, Bar harbor
The Pathmaker Hotel has a great location in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine听(Photo: Katsiaryna Valchkevich )

4. The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa

Closest national park: Grand Teton, Wyoming

Best for: Spa getaways, Jackson ski and hiking trips, luxury mountain vibes

Rusty Parrott Lodge, Jackson, Wyoming
The beloved Rusty Parrot has just reopened after sustaining damage in a fire in 2019. (Photo: Courtesy Rusty Parrot)

Just remodeled and reopened in early July, following a devastating 2019 fire, this Jackson Hole favorite is back and better than ever. rooms and suites boast a bit of a chic hunting-lodge feel, complete with stone fireplaces, tufted headboards, and the occasional pop of cowboy-themed art.

deck seating by a mountainside in Jackson, Wyoming
A patio with a view at the Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa (Photo: Courtesy Rusty Parrot)

Fly fish in the Snake River, feel the leg burn on a hike up , or pop on over to the nearby National Elk Refuge for a . When you鈥檙e done exploring the toothy Teton Range, fill up on Idaho Trout Saltimbocca at the lodge鈥檚 Wild Sage Restaurant, or indulge in a CBD-infused herbal sugar scrub at its Body Sage Spa. Either way, you鈥檒l leave feeling full and rejuvenated.

5. Wildhaven Yosemite

Closest national park: Yosemite, California

Best for: Affordable glamping, Yosemite Valley exploration, communal hangs

Wildhaven Yosemite
A tent and sweet occupant at the glamping resort of Wildhaven Yosemite, outside of Yosemite National Park (Photo: Courtesy Wildhaven Yosemite)

is making waves this year as the newest glamping resort outside the Free Solo-famous Yosemite National Park. Situated 34 miles from the Arch Rock Entrance Station on 36 rugged acres of rolling Sierra Nevada foothills, the property offers 30 safari tents and 12 tiny cabins, well-appointed with amenities like fire pits and private decks.

A communal BBQ area boasts grills and shaded picnic tables, while glamping sites share communal bathrooms and showers. After a day of hiking and snapping photos of from Cook鈥檚 Meadow, recharge your electronics with electricity access in every tent.

Patio and firepit at glamping resort near Yosemite
Patio, fire pit, and the golden hills of California at Wildhaven, which presents itself as affordable glamping (Photo: Courtesy Wildhaven Yosemite)

Complimentary coffee and tea help start your day off, and every stay at Wildhaven includes access to on-site classes and events, like Yogasemite yoga classes and Sierra Cider tastings, for when you鈥檙e not huffing and puffing up Upper Yosemite Falls for those epic views. Looking for even more regional glamping news? A top national-park lodging purveyor, , has announced that it鈥檚 also opening a brand-new Yosemite location near Big Oak Flat in 2025.

6. Field Station Joshua Tree

Closest national park: Joshua Tree, California

Best for: Mountain bikers, large groups, pool hangouts

Field Station Joshua Tree
Field Station Joshua Tree is a launchpad for exploration near Joshua Tree National Park. (Photo: Nick Simonite)

are designed with the intrepid outdoorsperson in mind. Bike racks for your hardtail are in every room, hooks for hanging packs are in ample supply, and an on-site gear shop makes it easy to grab any of the Ten Essentials you might have forgotten before speeding off and into the park, which is just 13 miles (a 20- to 25-minute drive) away by car. If you鈥檙e a diehard coffee drinker, you鈥檒l be thrilled that the lodge has a small espresso bar, Little Station Coffee & Kitchen, which serves everything from cold brew to toasted bagels to start your morning out right.

Choose between standard king-bed rooms and double-queen bunk rooms (which sleep up to 10) and have plenty of space for your whole crew to spread out and save cash, then head on over to the North Entrance (it鈥檚 the closest one) of Joshua Tree and enjoy epic trails like the or bouldering along the formation-filled .

Field Station Joshua Tree
Field Station Joshua Tree offers poolside lounging in the desert. (Photo: Nick Simonite)

When you鈥檙e not adventuring in the park, don鈥檛 miss the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum in town, which exhibits loads of large-scale found-object art, like TVs and rubber tires.

7. Dollywood鈥檚 HeartSong Lodge & Resort

Closest national park: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

Best for: Families, pool time, East Coast hikers

Sunset at Dolly Parton HeartSong lodge
Summer sunset at Dollywood鈥檚 HeartSong Lodge & Resort, near Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Photo: Courtesy HeartSong Lodge & Resort)

Opened in November 2023, seems tailor-made for families traveling with young kids. Even the hotel鈥檚 standard-issue rooms offer fun extras, like murphy beds, sleeper sofas, clothing-storage space, and mini fridges. Lovely mid-century modern furnishings combine with a massive stone fireplace in the four-story, atrium-style lobby, where guests can chill out when they鈥檙e not splashing about in the large pool complex or dining at one of the lodge鈥檚 four restaurant options.

Though the resort is clearly geared towards travelers heading into the Dollywood theme park (there鈥檚 complimentary trolley service from the hotel), it鈥檚 also a brief 15-mile (20-minute) drive to Great Smoky Mountains鈥 Sugarlands Visitor Center. From there, visitors can easily drive to the exceedingly popular , or gaze out at verdant, forested hills at Newfound Gap, which marks the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Best of all, adjoining rooms and roomy family suites with cozy bunk beds make it easy for you and your loved ones to spend loads of time together, whether that鈥檚 in the lodge or trekking to the park鈥檚 many rushing waterfalls.

lobby and image of Dolly Parton at HeartSong Lodge
Hey, we love her too. Interior and a familiar image at the HeartSong Lodge. (Photo: Courtesy HeartSong Lodge & Resort)

8. Flamingo Lodge

Closest national park: Everglades, Florida

Best for: Birders, paddlers, Tropical Florida ambiance

Flamingo Lodge in Florida has been rebuilt
Flamingo Lodge, near Everglades National Park in Florida, has reopened after shutting down due to hurricane damage in 2005. (Photo: Flamingo Everglades 国产吃瓜黑料s Photography)

Initially opened in the 1960s as part of the National Park Service鈥檚 retro-futuristic Mission 66 Project, Flamingo Lodge was forced to shut its doors in 2005, after suffering extensive damage from Hurricane Wilma, when storm surges swelled up to nine feet. Thankfully, , which is named after the distinctive pink birds that once migrated to the area in droves, before plume-hunters nearly poached them out of existence, has been fully rebuilt and reopened in October 2023.

It鈥檚 the only non-camping, non-houseboat option for accommodations inside the parklodging available inside Everglades National Park, and given the park鈥檚 enormous acreage (at 1.5 million acres, it is roughly twice the size of Yosemite), creates a welcome bastion for beachgoers exploring the state鈥檚 coastal prairie and boaters enjoying the sunshine and warm, tropical air of the Florida Bay.

room at Flamingo Lodge
Interior shot of the Flamingo Lodge, the only non-camping option available in Everglades National Park (Photo: Flamingo Everglades 国产吃瓜黑料s)

Inside the lodge鈥檚 four eco-friendly container buildings are 24 spacious guest rooms, ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, in clean neutral hues with the occasional pop of tropical jewel tones. Also onsite are a restaurant serving organic, locally sourced cuisine (think breakfast burritos and pineapple pulled-pork sandwiches) and a marina, where visitors can rent anything from bicycles to double kayaks and pontoon boats. Spend a day cycling the and keep your eyes peeled for huge herons.

(Photo: Courtesy Trailforks)

9. Americana Motor Hotel

Closest national park: Grand Canyon, Arizona

Best for: Travelers with dogs, EV road trips, hipster pool scene

Americana Motor Hotel
The Americana Motor Hotel in Flagstaff, near the Grand Canyon, is both vintage and space age. And who else has a “barkyard”? (Photo: Practice Hospitality)

There鈥檚 so much to love about the Jetsons鈥-style that it鈥檚 hard to fit it all into a single paragraph, but we鈥檒l do our darndest. Set in the northern Arizona city of Flagstaff, one hour from the Grand Canyon and 90 minutes from Petrified Forest, this vintage-style motor lodge should check every box on your Route 66 daydream list. First of all, there are EV chargers aplenty, free morning coffee, and communal fire pits with outdoor hang space.

But this site truly goes above and beyond the standard-issue motel amenities by offering loaner telescopes for optimized night-sky viewing, year-round heated pool, and a fenced-in 鈥渂arkyard鈥 with a dedicated dog-wash station to rinse off your muddy trail pooch. They鈥檝e even got free hotel bicycles for those wishing to take a spin around Flagstaff.

Americana swimming pool
Guests can swim year round at the Americana’s heated pool. (Photo: Practice Hospitality)

The interiors of the rooms are just as fabulous as the resort鈥檚 exterior, with space-age d茅cor (think astronaut sculptures and galaxy wall art), walk-in showers, and disco balls. Hungry? After a trek down to or a stroll along the Grand Canyon鈥檚 South Rim, fill up at the Americana鈥檚 Pacific Mexican seafood truck, Baja Mar, which dishes out badass shrimp ceviche and battered fish tacos to hungry hikers.

(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

Emily Pennington is a freelance journalist specializing in outdoor adventure and national parks. She鈥檚 traveled to public lands on all seven continents and visited all 63 U.S. national parks. Her book, , was released in 2023. This year, she鈥檚 getting more acquainted with her new backyard, Rocky Mountain National Park.

Emily Pennington at Lake Ann, North Cascades
The author at Lake Ann, North Cascades, Washington (Photo: Emily Pennington Collection)

The post The Best New Hotels with Easy Access to U.S. National Parks appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Put These Beautiful National Monuments on Your Must-See List /adventure-travel/national-parks/best-national-monuments/ Mon, 13 May 2024 11:00:20 +0000 /?p=2667351 Put These Beautiful National Monuments on Your Must-See List

We love national parks, but they can get packed, especially in summer. These national monuments have the same spectacular landscapes, hikes, and adventures, just without the hordes.

The post Put These Beautiful National Monuments on Your Must-See List appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Put These Beautiful National Monuments on Your Must-See List

What is a national monument, anyway? That鈥檚 what I kept asking myself as I rode a mountain bike down a rocky trail on sedimentary layers in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. I was rapidly approaching a lower point on the northern rim of the canyon, which is more than a mile deep at some sections. I stopped 2,000 feet above the bottom of the gorge and watched the Colorado River curve through steep cliffs.

The scenery is stunning, the landscape huge鈥o how is it different than a national park? Turns out, not all that much, at least from a visitor鈥檚 standpoint. Most national monuments protect vast landscapes of environmental, cultural, or scenic importance. Ditto national parks.

The real difference is how they鈥檙e created: national parks are voted into place by Congress, national monuments are designated by presidents via the Antiquities Act. With monuments there鈥檚 less red tape, but sometimes more drama (see Bears Ears, below). Also, while many national monuments are managed by the park service, some are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and others are run by the Bureau of Land Management.

There are 133 national monuments scattered across the U.S., usually no less magnificent than their more famous national-park cousins. Sometimes they have fewer amenities (many lack visitor centers, some have no paved roads), and most of them have fewer crowds. Traveling more than 100 miles around last May, I never saw anyone outside of my own group. That would not have been the case in Grand Canyon National Park. Meanwhile the adventure was just as epic.

I鈥檝e gathered 11 of the greatest national monuments in the country, from green mountains on the East Coast to canyons full of cliff dwellings in the Southwest, to fields of wildflowers on the West Coast. Most of these monuments aren鈥檛 famous, but all deserve to be on your bucket list.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument includes 30 miles of the International Appalachian Trail. (Photo: Courtesy NPS)

Katahdin Woods and Waters encompasses 87,563 acres of remote mountains, rivers, and backcountry ponds in northern Maine, sustaining healthy populations of moose and black bears. The monument sits to the east of Baxter State Park, where the Appalachian Trail finishes on top of 5,269-foot Mount Katahdin.

While this neighbor park hosts the last, most difficult gasp of the 鈥淎.T.,鈥 Katahdin Woods and Waters has 30 miles of the (a northerly variant that begins here and extends through New Brunswick, Quebec, and a ferry route to Newfoundland), along with a tumultuous portion of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, which flows for 25 miles south through the monument, dropping more than 200 feet in its first 10 miles in a series of waterfalls. Cross-country skiing is popular during the winter; hiking rules in the summer.

(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

国产吃瓜黑料: If you want a quick taste of the monument, the 17-mile Katahdin Loop Road offers short hikes and grand scenic overlooks. But to truly experience Katahdin Woods and Waters, tackle the 10-mile round-trip hike to the summit of via a portion of the Appalachian Trail. You鈥檒l have to ford the thigh-deep Wassataquoik Stream and climb almost 1,600 feet, but 360-degree views and a historic fire tower reward you at the 1,942-foot summit. The monument is primitive, without a lot of developed facilities (nor any flush toilets). There are , but you need reservations.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Burr Trail, Grand Staircase-Escalante
Burr Trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Photo: Jim Thomsen)

Sandwiched between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon, gets its name from the series of plateaus that descend between those two massive and scenic ditches. Not to be outdone by its more famous neighbors, which cover 36,000 and 1.2 million acres respectively, Grand Staircase is nearly 1.9 million acres of colorful sandstone canyons, cliffs, and arches.

(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

国产吃瓜黑料: Connecting in the Dry Fork area of Grand Staircase-Escalante makes for the perfect entry into this unique terrain. It鈥檚 a three-mile loop, but plan on a whole afternoon exploring the narrow red- and purple-walled gulches. Some of the passages in Spooky get tight, and there is mandatory scrambling, but no technical climbing is required. If you want to explore more technical canyons, has been guiding canyoneering trips in the monument for more than two decades, and offers a rotating roster of full-day adventures packed with rappels (from $225 per person).

Bears Ears National Monument, Utah

Bears Ears National Monument
The bear’s-ears-shaped buttes that give Bear Ears National Monument its name (Photo: Courtesy )

Named after twin buttes rising from the desert floor of Southeastern Utah, has seen more than its share of debate since it was established by President Obama in 2016. The 1.36-million-acre monument is a place of scenic glory and cultural significance: massive red rock cliffs and canyons abound, and a bevy of Native American historical artifacts, from cliff dwellings to pictographs, have been found here.

Today, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, and Zuni Tribe all participate in stewardship of Bears Ears as a sacred place. In 2022, the Biden administration signed an agreement that gives those five tribes input into management of the area, and the five Tribes of the Bears Ears Commission (the Commission) and federal agencies released a this year. As for recreation, the Indian Creek Unit, in the northern section of Bears Ears, is a mecca for climbers, who come for the seemingly endless number of cracks in the red rock cliffs. Hikers and bikers follow trails and view artifacts across the region.

biking at Bears Ears
The author and friends on a ride in Bears Ears National Monument. (Photo: Graham Averill)

国产吃瓜黑料: Bears Ears holds world-class climbing. Sadly, I鈥檝e never climbed in the area (it鈥檚 on my list), but I鈥檝e bike-packed through the monument and was awestruck by the sheer volume of towering rock. There are thousands of climbing routes, though not many for beginners. Supercrack Buttress has a high percentage of classic climbs, including the historic Supercrack of the Desert, a sustained and strenuous 5.10+. Consider a full-day guided climbing adventure in Indian Creek with the Moab-based (from $220 per person).

Comb Ridge, Bears Ears National Monument
Comb Ridge, in the southeastern part of Bears Ears National Monument. This aerial image shows the variety as well as beauty of the historically and culturally significant area. (Photo: Courtesy )

To see some of the cultural artifacts within Bears Ears, hike an easy through Mule Canyon where the payoff is access to a series of cliff dwellings tucked into a sandstone overhang. The most notable home has been dubbed 鈥渉ouse on fire,鈥 because of the fire-red-toned rock that forms its ceiling. The hike itself is relatively flat as it traverses the dry gorge, with some optional scrambling up sandstone slopes at the end.

There are three designated campgrounds in Indian Creek, all first-come, first-served ($15 a night). has 10 sites tucked into mushroom-shaped outcroppings. Always bring plenty of water; there鈥檚 no potable water at any of the established campgrounds.

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Devils Tower as seen across a field of sagebrush
The monolith of Devils Tower rises from the prairie, seen across the sagebrush from Joyner Ridge Trail. (Photo: Courtesy Avery Locklear/NPS)

Created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, was the first national monument in the country, and it鈥檚 still one of the most distinctive. The center of the monument is Devils Tower, a solitary butte rising almost 900 feet from the prairie. The monument is not large, at just 1,346 acres, and there are only five hiking trails within the designated area, and all can be combined for a full day of hiking. Tackling only the will give you a good sense of the landscape, as it delivers views of the massive tower and the more serene Belle Fourche River Valley.

国产吃瓜黑料: Climbers have been drawn to Devils Tower for many decades. Parallel cracks divide the formation into large hexagonal columns, and create a variety of crack and corner climbs for experienced traditional climbers. Routes range from 5.7 to 5.13. Durrance, a 500-foot, six-pitch 5.7, is widely considered the easiest way to the summit. Register your climb at the trailhead to Tower Trail, the approach to the monolith, and heed the June voluntary climbing closure, which was implemented out of respect for Native American tribes associated with the tower, which perform ceremonies at the tower during the month. has 46 first-come, first-served sites under cottonwood trees ($20 per night).

Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

Mouth of Sand Canyon The mouth of Sand Canyon on the Yampa River
The mouth of Sand Canyon on the Yampa River, Dinosaur National Monument (Photo: Courtesy NPS)

preserves 210,000 acres of western Colorado and eastern Utah, where the mighty Green and Yampa rivers converge, creating 2,500-foot-deep canyons. Within the monument are whitewater rapids, red rock canyons, dinosaur fossils encased in rock, and 1,000-year-old petroglyphs and pictographs left by the Fremont people. You can get a sense of the monument by car; Harpers Corner Road is a 32-mile one-way scenic road with views of the Green and Yampa rivers.

If you have a 4WD, peel off the paved road and head to the Echo Park area, the monument鈥檚 signature landscape where the Yampa flows into the Green and the conjoined river wraps around the massive Steamboat Rock. There鈥檚 a picnic table if you just want to take in the view, or you can camp (see below).

rafts approach Tiger Wall on the Yampa River
Rafters approach Tiger Wall on the Yampa River, Dinosaur National Monument (Photo: Courtesy NPS)

国产吃瓜黑料: Raft the Green River through the heart of the monument. The classic run starts at the Gates of Lodore in Colorado and ends at the Split Mountain Campground in Utah. It鈥檚 a class III trip, appropriate for families. runs four-day trips with catered meals (from $1,499 per adult). There are six established campgrounds, all of which are located on either the Green or Yampa rivers, within the monument. has a small campground with 22 sites, first-come, first-served ($10 per site).

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arizona

Grand Canyon-Parashant
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument sits on the northern edge of the Grand Canyon, in Arizona, and is as spectacular as the national park with fewer crowds. (Photo: Graham Averill)

While Grand Canyon National Park encompasses arguably the most dramatic swath of 鈥渢he great ditch,鈥 the lays claim to more than 1 million acres in northern Arizona, including the less crowded and still awe-inspiring northern stretch of the Grand Canyon. The terrain is a mix of Mojave desert, ponderosa pine forest, broad plateaus, and deep canyons.

Just traveling through the monument is an adventure, as there are no paved roads, only 4WD routes and hiking trails. Don鈥檛 come looking for a visitor center or developed campgrounds. You鈥檙e on your own. I spent a few days driving ATVs, biking, trail running, and camping in and around this monument and was amazed at the views and solitude.

The roads in this monument are rough. This is legitimate 4×4 terrain, so always bring spare tires, and if you鈥檙e not comfortable with that sort of travel, this may not be the monument for you. There are others!

国产吃瓜黑料: If you have a high-clearance 4WD, Grand Canyon-Parashant offers nearly limitless options. Try the 80-mile trek to , which passes through ponderosa pine forest and fields of grazing cattle on its way to a three-sided perch on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, with views of Sanup Plateau, Burnt Canyon, and Surprise Canyon. The dirt road turns to clay as it approaches the Grand Canyon, which can be impassable after a heavy rain. There are a number of primitive campsites along the rim of the canyon; only pitch a tent in sites with existing fire rings.

There aren鈥檛 a lot of designated hiking trails within the monument, but check out the six-mile out-and-back up , which leads to a doozy of a view of the Grand Canyon. The trail follows an old roadbed up the side of the 7,072-foot peak crossing over chunky, volcano rock towards the summit. On a clear day you can see Mt. Charleston, outside of Las Vegas, on the horizon, as well as the western end of the Grand Canyon.

Colorado National Monument, Colorado

woman climbing desert tower, Colorado National Monument
Lindsay Herlinger climbs the historic and plenty exciting Otto’s Route (5.8) to the top of Independence Monument, Colorado National Monument. (Photo: Johann Aberger)

High on the Colorado Plateau, near Grand Junction, the 20,533-acre could be considered a mini Grand Canyon, as the red rock canyons the monument encompasses are full of towers and rock formations, like the puffy-looking Coke Ovens pinnacles. You can glimpse much of the monument from the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, which runs along the edge of the canyon with near-constant high views.

Independence Monument, Colorado National Monument
The desert spire of Independence Monument, Colorado National Monument, in Western Colorado near Grand Junction听(Photo: Graham Averill)

国产吃瓜黑料: Climbing Independence Monument, a sandstone spire that rises 450 feet from the heart of the canyon, might be the signature adventure in the monument. A number of different routes ascend the tower, most of them four to five pitches, followed by a double rappel to descend. The 5.8 Otto鈥檚 Route is the classic line. leads day trips up Independence (from $375 for the first climber). has 80 sites, with half first-come, first-served, while the other half can be reserved in advance ($22 a night).

A number of short hikes begin at Rim Rock Drive. is my favorite, as the 1.5-mile out and back leads through some impressive sandstone outcroppings, including the Devils Kitchen, a large natural opening surrounded by towering upright boulders.

Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness, Alaska

Misty Fjords National Monument
Mountains and waterfalls in Misty Fjords National Monument, 22 miles from the port city of Ketchikan, Alaska. (Photo: Peter Plottel/Getty)

is quintessential Alaska: 2.2 million acres of rainforest, coastal cliffs, and narrow fjords where glacier-carved rock walls rise 3,000 feet from the sea. In this monument, part of the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska, waterfalls drop directly into the bay, while backcountry lakes and streams are surrounded by thick vegetation. Most people experience Misty Fjords via a scenic flight or boat cruise from nearby Ketchikan, but kayakers have free rein.

people in kayaks at Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska
Kayaking in the green-blue waters of Misty Fjords National Monument, amid sea cliffs and rock walls soaring 3,000 feet above (Photo: Barry Winiker/Getty)

国产吃瓜黑料: Kayaking is the best way to explore this monument, with its complex shores and many secluded coves. The Behm Canal, a natural channel of calm water carved by glaciers, slices through the heart of Misty Fjords like a highway for boaters. On the east end of the canal, Walker Cove and Punchbowl Cove, where 3,000-foot granite walls rise from the edges of the water, are popular boater destinations with day hikes leading from rocky beaches.

Punchbowl Lake Trail is a two-mile out and back that climbs through the rainforest to a small lake with its own granite walls forming a ring around it. runs a six-day guided kayaking trip into Misty Fjords that will have you paddling up to 12 miles a day, hiking to interior lakes, and camping on remote beaches ($1,800 per person).

Thirteen public-use scattered across the monument can be reserved in advance (from $45 a night), as can four first-come, first-served shelters. Punchbowl Lake Shelter, in Punchbowl Cove, might be the best of the lot, as itsits on the edge of a small lake, with access to a canoe.

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

People hiking at Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, USA
Hikers move among meadows and wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument, California. (Photo: Josh Miller Photography/Aurora Photos/Getty)

No cliffs, no caves, no canyons鈥 is just a massive expanse of rolling grassland, 15 miles wide and 50 miles long, butting up against the 3,000- to 4,000-foot Temblor Mountains in Southern California. This stretch might sound ho-hum until you realize that the vast prairie is absolutely popping with colorful wildflowers in the spring.

The Nature Conservancy, which worked to protect the Carrizo Plain, acquiring the land and partnering with the BLM and California Department of Fish and Game to manage it, compares the landscape to that of the Serengeti because it鈥檚 home to California鈥檚 highest concentration of threatened and endangered species, including the pronghorn antelope and San Joaquin kit fox. The centerpiece of the monument is Soda Lake, a normally dry alkali lake bed that occasionally fills with water after heavy rains and听 shimmers white with deposits of sulfates and carbonates after that water has evaporated. It looks like a circle of baking soda surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers.

(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

国产吃瓜黑料: Soda Lake sits near the north entrance of the monument, and you can see it via the 2.1-mile Overlook Hill Trail. But for a real sense of the scope of these plains, bring your gravel bike and pedal a big loop through the rolling hills past the remnants of former ranches, and look for elk and antelope on the prairie. Show up in spring and you may be greeted by colorful fields of poppies, goldfields, and white and yellow tidy tips that stretch toward the horizon. Traffic is minimal, and you can put together a variety of different rides. A great one is a 60-mile all-day adventure on mixed surfaces, combining Elkhorn Road, Panorama Road, Soda Lake Road, and Simmler Road, covering the heart of the monument and with views of Soda Lake.

Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

Tyuonyi Village, once home to Ancestral Pueblo people, at Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico.
The excavated remains of Tyuonyi Village, once home to Ancestral Pueblo people, at the bottom of Frijoles Canyon in Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico. (Photo: Courtesy Sally King/NPS)

Protecting the traditional lands of roughly 23 tribal nations, is worth visiting from a cultural perspective alone. But the landscape is also remarkable, as the 33,677-acre monument is packed with mesas, canyons and a federally designated wilderness with 70 miles of backcountry hiking. Ancient culture and dramatic terrain mesh in the monument鈥檚 cliff dwellings, homes that the Ancestral Pueblo people built directly into the sides of rock walls.

The 1.4-mile round-trip paved Pueblo Loop Trail is an ideal option for families. The first section is flat and wheelchair and stroller accessible. (Photo: Courtesy Sally King/NPS)

国产吃瓜黑料: Take your time and explore the archeological sites in Bandelier. The 1.4-mile winds through a series of small alcoves carved in the soft rock walls that you can access via ladders, and into the ruins of large stone houses. From the Pueblo Loop, tack on a one-mile out-and-back side trip to the Alcove House, a massive carved niche that was once home to 25 people. You can reach it by climbing a series of steps and ladders.

(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

has 57 campsites, 16 of which are first-come, first-served, while the rest can be reserved up to six months in advance ($20 per site).

San Juan Islands National Monument, Washington

San Juan Islands National Monument
The San Juan Islands National Monument way north in the Puget Sound, Washington, encompass a medley of green-forested coves, sheer bluffs, rocky beaches, and lighthouses. (Photo: Campbell Habel)

Not to be confused with the San Juan Islands National Historic Park, the protects 1,000 acres of the Puget Sound islands, covering a contrasting mix of green-forested coves, sheer bluffs, rocky beaches, and lighthouses, all managed by the BLM and scattered throughout the larger 450-island San Juan archipelago adjacent to the Canadian border.

国产吃瓜黑料: The monument is scattered throughout the Puget Sound, so you need a boat to do it justice. It鈥檚 tough to decide where to focus your energy in the San Juans, but Patos Island should be on your itinerary. This 200-acre spit of land is managed by the BLM in conjunction with Washington State Parks, and has beaches, hiking trails, a historic lighthouse, and established (from $12 a night). It鈥檚 also the northernmost point in the Lower 48.

If you want to explore more of the monument, offers a variety of kayak tours throughout the San Juan Islands. Check out their five-day expedition that features amping on small islands and peeping at orcas from the belly of a boat (from $1,199 per person).

How to Be a Conscientious Traveler

Newspaper Rock is among the cultural treasures within Bears Ears in Utah. (Photo: Jim Thomsen)

National monuments often lack the same infrastructure as national parks, which means they may not have the staff on-site to help with questions, clean up campsites, or offer guidance. It鈥檚 super important to practice principles in these monuments, and be aware of the cultural importance of the landscape. Many of these properties encompass the historical territory of Native Peoples and contain artifacts that are important to their heritage. Be kind and respectful, leave what you find, and whenever you have the opportunity, use local guides and purchase items from local shops.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. In his opinion, national monuments represent the best of America鈥檚 public lands: with all the beauty of national parks, but none of the crowds.

 

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
The author in Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (Photo: Graham Averill)

For more by Graham Averill, see:

The 5 Best National Park Road Trips in the U.S.

The 9 Best Gateway Towns to U.S. National Parks

And the 11 Least Visited National Parks Are鈥

The 10 Best Backpacking Trails in Our National Parks

The post Put These Beautiful National Monuments on Your Must-See List appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
11 Remote Destinations That Are Definitely Worth the Effort to Visit /adventure-travel/destinations/most-remote-places-on-earth/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:00:53 +0000 /?p=2659982 11 Remote Destinations That Are Definitely Worth the Effort to Visit

Tropical atolls, distant hikes and hot springs, and wild jungles and mountaintops lure adventurous travelers to these beautiful far flung spots

The post 11 Remote Destinations That Are Definitely Worth the Effort to Visit appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
11 Remote Destinations That Are Definitely Worth the Effort to Visit

The hike was hot and brutal. My wife and I started on the edge of Sabana de la Mar, a village in the Dominican Republic, after breakfast and drove our rental car until the road ended. Then we navigated patchwork farms until dipping into the jungle and heading toward the coast. Liz and I were young and unprepared, so we ran out of food and water almost immediately, eating mangoes from trees and trying to crack coconuts in our thirst.

Our goal was an isolated beach with a two-stool, open-air bar that you could only reach by boat or hike. We were tired of crowded resorts and wanted something serene. We didn’t find a boat so we hiked. And hiked. And hiked. The bar was closed when we got there, but we had the beach to ourselves: a quarter-moon sliver of sand flanked by tall palms, the Samana Bay stretched out before us.

Lord Howe Island, Australia
Where might this be? Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, over 300 miles east of New South Wales, way down under in Australia. (Photo: Courtesy Capella Lodge)

Sometimes I want to stand on a beach or outcropping or mountaintop and know that the nearest McDonald鈥檚 is days away. But just because a destination is far-flung doesn鈥檛 mean you actually want to go there.

For example, the farthest-away spot in the United States is Saint Matthew Island, which is technically part of Alaska, but located in the Bering Sea more than 180 miles from the nearest human settlement, halfway to Siberia. You have to take a 24-hour ship ride to reach the island, which is battered by storms and shrouded in fog. Oh, and it鈥檚 cold. I鈥檓 sure Saint Matthew has its charms, but I can think of more pleasant remote places to vacation.

Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, Saskatchewan, Canada
A long walk in Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, in far north Saskatchewan, Canada (Photo: Courtesy Tourism Saskatchewan/Thomas Garchinski)

So, I started looking into destinations across the globe that occupy that sweet spot of 鈥渞emote鈥 and 鈥渁ttractive.鈥 There鈥檚 a variety of landscapes on this list, from dunes to hot springs, so it鈥檚 not just tropical atolls,听although they鈥檙e in here, too.

Here are 11 far-flung places worth the endeavor to see them. These spots are just the beginning. It鈥檚 a great big world out there. While this is bucket-list stuff, damn, it鈥檚 fun to dream.

1. Remote Tropical Island

Lord Howe Island, Australia

Lord Howe Island, Australia
Lord Howe Island only allows 400 visitors at a time. Aside from some rental properties and small inns, there is one luxury hotel, called the Capella Lodge (above). Nearby activities include a hike up the island’s tallest peak, snorkeling, diving, and empty-beach walking or lounging. (Photo: Courtesy Capella Lodge)

Traveling to a remote island doesn鈥檛 always mean you have to enter survival mode. is a volcanic remnant in the Tasman Sea, roughly 320 miles east of New South Wales, Australia. It鈥檚 remote, sure, but it also has some pretty plush digs, and a small population (roughly 350 people) living on the northern tip of the island opens apartments and small lodges to travelers.

The south end of the island is comprised of primeval forest, isolated beaches, volcanic crags, and towering peaks. The island is only seven miles long and 1.25 miles wide, but roughly 70 percent of that mass is protected as a Permanent Park Preserve. Moreover, locals limit the number of tourists, not allowing more than 400 on the island on any given day.

While you鈥檙e on-island, spend your time snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Ned鈥檚 Beach, where sand leads to a coral reef teeming with mullet and kingfish. Arrange with your lodge host for a guide to take you on the three-mile trek to the top of Mount Gower. It鈥檚 an all-day adventure that has you scrambling up volcanic rock and hiking through the lush interior forest. The summit rises 2,870 feet above sea level, punctuating the south end of the island.

Or, book a to Ball鈥檚 Pyramid, the largest sea stack in the world, rising 1,807 feet from the ocean roughly 14 miles south of Lord Howe. There, you鈥檒l see turtles, wahoo, and the rare Ballina Angelfish. Trips and rates are determined once you鈥檙e on island, but you can book single-dive excursions to other sites for $160 per person.

reef exploration, Lord Howe Island
Reef exploration, Lord Howe Island, off the coast of Australia (Photo: Courtesy Capella Lodge)

How to Get There: A limited number of commercial flights reach Lord Howe from Sydney. It鈥檚 a two-hour flight. Accommodations are scarce on the island (there are only 400 beds in total), so book your lodging at the same time as your flight. has relatively affordable rates (from $300 a night). If you鈥檙e looking to splurge, stay at the , which has nine suites with views of both the Pacific Ocean and Mount Gower (starting at $1,900).

2. Remote Hike

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland

hikers cross log bridge, Hornstrandir Reserve, Iceland
Hikers explore the uninhabited Hornstrandir Reserve, Iceland. (Photo: Courtesy Borea 国产吃瓜黑料s)

The is one of the most isolated areas in Iceland, enveloping a 220-square-mile chunk of the Westfjords, a peninsula on the northern tip of the country where towering cliffs meet deep fjords. Uninhabited since the 1950s, the reserve is blossoming from an environmental perspective; since the last residents left, and with a hunting ban now in place, local species like the Arctic Fox thrive, while seals flock to the rocks against the water.

Kayaking in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Kayaking in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the Westfjords, Iceland (Photo: Courtesy Borea 国产吃瓜黑料s)

The beaches are a mix of sand and smooth stones, while ferns and wildflowers dominate the slopes up to the cliffs, with icefields above and waterfalls that drop straight into the sea. Hornbjarg, a massive buttress that rises 534 meters from the Arctic Ocean, looking like a cresting wave, is the biggest draw for hikers. The starts on the gray-sand beach on Hornvik Bay where most people are dropped off (see below) and climbs 3,500 feet up the side of the cliffs.

Hornbjarg Loop map
(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

How to Get There: It鈥檚 a four-hour drive from Reykjavik to Isafjordur, the capital of the Westfjords, from which you charter a boat across the Bay of Hornvik, or arrange for a guide service to take you across. Arriving at the reserve, you鈥檙e on foot, as there are no roads or infrastructure. offers daily boat rides across the bay, guided hiking trips, and multi-day camping excursions into Hornstrandir (from $375 per person).

3. Remote Ruins

Rio Bec, Mexico

Rio Bec, a Maya city deep in the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. that gets a fraction of visitors. The ruins are so remote, and the jungle so dense, that an entire section of the structures was lost for more than 60 years after the original site discovery in 1912. Put in the extra effort (see below) to come here and you鈥檒l likely have the site to yourself as you climb the steps of stone pyramids stretching 50 feet high built around 700 A.D. Some of the buildings have crumbled, while others still boast the skyward-reaching twin towers indicative of the Rio Bec architectural style,
A Maya city in Rio Bec deep in the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve gets few visitors. Some of the buildings have crumbled, but you can still see the twin towers indicative of the decorative Rio Bec architectural style. (Photo: Humberto Dzib Tun)

The , in the state of Campeche at the base of the Yucatan, Mexico, is known for its Maya archaeological sites. Here, the great ancient city of Calakmul has more than 6,000 documented structures, some towering over the surrounding jungle. You can take organized tours of these and other ruins along with thousands of other tourists every year.

Rio Bec, however, is a lesser-known Maya city tucked more deeply into the jungle of the same reserve that gets a fraction of the visitors. The ruins are so remote, and the jungle so dense, that an entire section of the structures was lost for more than 60 years after the original site discovery in 1912. Put in the extra effort (see below) to come here and you鈥檒l likely have the site to yourself as you climb the steps of stone pyramids stretching 50 feet high, built around 700 A.D.

Some of the buildings have crumbled, while others still boast the skyward-reaching twin towers indicative of the Rio Bec architectural style, unusual in that it serves no practical purpose other than to make a building look more grand. Faux steps going nowhere are even carved into the tower walls. The jungle surrounding the stone structures is full of howler monkeys, jaguars, and wild pigs, and reaching the site is half the adventure.

How to Get There: Fly into the city of Campeche (there鈥檚 an international airport) and drive 300 kilometers to Xpujil, the largest town near the Biosphere Reserve. That鈥檚 the easy part. No roads lead to Rio Bec, and most tour operators eschew expeditions to the site, as it requires an approach of 15 kilometers (about ten miles) on narrow, difficult trails. Your best option is meeting up with the local guide , who takes small groups into the jungle on ATVs and motorcycles ($450 for two people, in cash).

4. Remote Hot Springs

Uunartoq Hot Springs, Greenland

Uunartoq Hot Springs, Greenland
The Uunartoq Hot Springs, on an uninhabited island in the middle of a fjord in southern Greenland, are well worth the trip.听(Photo: Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen / Visit Greenland)

The Inuit word 鈥淯unartoq鈥 translates to 鈥渢he hot place,鈥 appropriate for this natural spring on an uninhabited island in the middle of a fjord in southern Greenland. While the island has never been permanently settled, legend says that Vikings visited this steaming pool more than 1,000 years ago.

Aside from the addition of a small wooden structure built as a changing room, the springs are the same primitive, rock-dammed pool they have been for centuries. Unlike most hot springs in Greenland (most of which are actually too hot to soak in), the water of Uunartoq is heated not by volcanic activity but by friction, as layers of the earth鈥檚 crust rub against each other, warming the water and sending it up to the surface.

The springs are usually between 98 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or about the temperature of a welcoming hot tub. Soak in the pool and savor the views of the iceberg-choked bay and the rocky peaks that define southern Greenland. There is no lodging on the island, but you鈥檙e welcome to camp. Keep an eye out for the resplendent northern lights.

Uunartoq Fjord, Greenland
An aerial view of the iceberg-dotted Uunartoq Fjord, Greenland (Photo: Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen / Visit Greenland)

How to Get There: Fly into the international airport at Narsarsuaq, then catch either a flight or boat to the town of Qaqortoq, the gateway to Uunartoq. A number of operators in town offer boats and tours to the springs. It鈥檚 a 1.5-hour ride across the Qaqortoq Fjord, which is full of icebergs and where you may see the occasional humpback whale. offers a half-day trip from June to September ($375 per person). The company also guides trips to the nearby Greenland Ice Cap and multi-day hikes through South Greenland that have you spending nights on local sheep farms (starting at $140 per person).

5. Remote Lookout Tower

Three Fingers Lookout, Washington

Three Fingers Lookout, North Cascades, Washington
The sunrise from the Three Fingers Lookout, North Cascades, Washington, is beautiful and surreal.听(Photo: Cavan Images/Getty)

Lookout towers are by definition remote, but Three Fingers takes the concept up a notch, sitting on the summit of in the heart of Boulder River Wilderness. It requires technical climbing to approach, so you need the equipment and know-how. Built in 1933 using dynamite to blast off a section of the rocky peak, the structure is so significant that it鈥檚 on the National Register of Historic Places.

The journey to the tower is awesome but to be taken seriously. Hike for six miles through a dense forest and amid subalpine meadows to Tin Pan Gap, where the technical climbing begins. You鈥檒l need ice axes, crampons, rope, harnesses, and route-finding capabilities to negotiate snowfields and a glacier, scramble up rocky pitches, and finally climb a series of vertical ladders to the lookout on the south peak of Three Fingers Mountain.

The lookout tower sits at 6,854 feet and sleeps three or four people鈥攆irst come, first served. The views extend deep into Boulder River wilderness, and you鈥檒l be able to spot the 6,865-foot Whitehorse Mountain to the north and 5,437-foot Liberty Mountain to the south. Goat Flat, five miles from the trailhead, is a ridge-top meadow that makes an excellent campsite if you can鈥檛 score a night in the lookout.

(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

How to Get There: Granite Falls, Washington, is the closest town. The shortest route to the tower is from the trailhead for Trail 641, the , at the end of Tupso Pass Road (FS41). It鈥檚 a 15-mile out-and-back trek into Boulder River Wilderness, with almost 4,200 feet of elevation gain. If you want a longer trip, check the Washington Trail Association website for the status of Tupso Pass Road, which was washed out at the time of publication and would add eight miles of gravel road walking. You can also take this .

6. Remote Whitewater

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

Middle Fork of the Salmon River Canyon Idaho
The Middle Fork Canyon seen from a hike out of Camas Creek Camp. Many people paddle the Middle Fork, yet because it cuts through roadless country and access is managed for wilderness quality, it feels as remote as it is beautiful. (Photo: Todd Jackson/Getty)

You want the middle of nowhere? The , in Idaho, is that and then some. The wilderness comprises 2.3 million acres, making it one of the largest roadless areas in the lower 48 (only Death Valley Wilderness is bigger). With two major whitewater rivers鈥攖he Salmon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon鈥攆lowing through the Frank Church, the best way to explore this vastness is by raft.

Let鈥檚 focus on the Middle Fork, which slices through the heart of the roadless area for 104 miles, from its source at the confluence of Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks to its convergence with the Salmon. Many consider this to be the best river trip in the country, thanks to the scenery (the waterway rolls through a landscape full of 10,000-foot peaks, vertical cliffs, and thick Douglas fir) and the adrenaline rush (100 rapids, from class III to class IV, in 100 miles).

rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
A peaceful moment rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho (Photo: Merrill Images/Getty)

Thousands of people paddle the Middle Fork every summer. Fortunately, the river is managed for its wilderness quality, with only seven group launches allowed per day during the summer and a 30-person max for commercial trips. During the week-long trip, you鈥檒l camp on the beaches, see Native American artifacts like petroglyphs and pottery left by the Nez Perce and Shoshone-Bannock tribes, and soak in hot springs.

The most out-there you鈥檒l feel is 80 miles into the trip, paddling into Impassable Canyon, a narrow, steep-walled gorge packed with big rapids. Shortly after entering the canyon, eddy out and take a quick side hike to Veil Falls, a waterfall that drops into a cave-like amphitheater.

How to Get There: Most boaters and commercial trips put in at Indian Creek and take out at Cache Bar, after the rivers converge. offers six-day trips on the whole river ($3,599 per person) with catered meals. If you want to lead your own group, apply for a , to be assigned via a random lottery ($6 reservation fee and $4 per person per day recreation fee). Applications for lottery permits to raft between May 28 and September 3 are accepted from December 1 to January 31, with results announced on February 14.

7. Remote Hike

100-Mile Wilderness, Maine

100-Mile Wilderness Appalachian Trail
Hiking the 100-Mile Wilderness on the Appalachian Trail (Photo: Courtesy Laurie Potteiger/Appalachian Trail Conservancy)

The 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail is legendary, but it鈥檚 not exactly remote, considering that it crosses roads and dips into towns along the Appalachian chain up the East Coast. The section, in Maine, is an entirely different story, however, offering a stretch of trail interrupted only by the occasional forest road and fishing camp/hiker lodge.

Hike this piece of the A.T. from highway 15 to Abol Bridge in Baxter State Park if you want a bit of solitude, but be prepared to work for it. The route typically takes 10 days and features more than 20,000 feet of elevation gain up and over the Barren-Chairback and Whitecap Mountain Ranges. You鈥檒l ford rivers and traverse ankle-turning scree. You can filter water along the way, but will need to carry your food, so count on a heavy pack, too.

Onawa Lake and Borestone Mountain, Maine
Sunrise at Onawa Lake and Borestone Mountain, Maine (Photo: Cavan Images/Getty)

Cranberry bogs and isolated ponds punctuate the landscape of dense pine and hardwood forest, and you can see Lake Onawa from the rocky peak of Barren Mountain. As for fauna, you may well spot moose as you hike. You can add another 14 miles to the hike to tack on Katahdin (5,268 feet), Maine鈥檚 highest peak and the official end of the A.T.

Appalachian Trail: 100-Mile Wilderness map
(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

How to Get There: It鈥檚 easy to reach the southern end of the 100-Mile Wilderness; it鈥檚 located off highway 15 in Monson. But traversing the truly remote stretches of the A.T. through this stretch of wilderness is up to your legs and lungs. July is the best month, as the black flies have mostly disappeared and the north-bound thru-hikers haven鈥檛 showed up yet. in Monson offers shuttles and can arrange for food drops to lighten your load. The 100-Mile Wilderness isn鈥檛 completely devoid of civilization; the Appalachian Mountain Club operates a few lodges in the area, but you won鈥檛 see them from the trail.

8. Remote Surf Break

Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park, California

Santa Rosa, Channel Islands
Water Canyon Beach and Torrey Pines, Santa Rosa, Channel Island National Park, California (Photo: Derek Lohuis/NPS)

Channel Islands National Park protects five islands off the coast of Southern California, and all offer the kind of remote setting many of us crave after spending time in a generally populous region. While coming here is an effort, the 53,000-acre Santa Rosa Island promises secluded backcountry beach campsites on soft patches of sand tucked into coves and surrounded by cliffs and sea caves, with wilderness-style surfing where you鈥檒l never have to wait in a lineup for a wave.

The only access is via boat. If you take the ferry operated by Island Packers (see below), you鈥檒l be dropped off at a pier in Becher鈥檚 Bay. Just 1.5 miles from the pier is the 15-site Water Canyon Campground, with drinking water and shelter from the sun. There are even flush toilets. You could feasibly base out of here and day-hike to various beaches on the southern coast of Santa Rosa, where the surfing is the most consistent in summer. Water Canyon also has its own beach that extends from the pier to East Point for several miles during low tide.

But the best surfing is further south, as the coast picks up south-southwestern swells during the summer. There are breaks along the beaches starting at East Point and moving south down the coast. After a drop-off at the pier (see below), follow Coastal Road south from the pier for several miles through grassland and Torrey Pines until it wraps around East Point. This means carrying your surfboard and camping gear. You鈥檒l see small beaches along the rugged coast that are open for camping between August 15 and December 31. Look for the high-tide line to determine which beach is safe for camping (and then pitch your tent way above that mark). Larger beaches are just another mile down the coast.

sea urchins in Channel Islands National Park.
Red and purple urchins are part of the rich and diverse marine systems in Channel Islands National Park. (Photo: Courtesy NPS)

Santa Rosa offers loads of other adventures as well. The water is surprisingly clear compared to what you find off the mainland, so snorkeling is primo, with reefs and kelp forests hiding abalone and lobsters. And there鈥檚 no light pollution, so the night sky is popping.

How to Get There: If you have a friend with a boat, call in a favor, as you could cruise the 40 miles from SoCal to Santa Rosa and surf one of these remote breaks without needing to camp. Otherwise, catch a ferry with (from $45 per person, one way) and get dropped off at Becher鈥檚 Bay and start hiking. Make sure you have a in advance (from $15 per night), because you鈥檒l need that to reserve a spot on the ferry.

9. Remote Safari

Mount Nkungwe, Tanzania

Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania, sits on a peninsula in Lake Tanganyika. The only way to reach the park is by plane or boat. (Photo: Courtesy Nomad Tanzania)

Africa is brimming with remote places, but , in the western edge of Tanzania, has a special mix of isolation, exceptional wildlife, and beauty. There are no roads within the 632-square-mile park, so all travel is on foot, and Mahale occupies a peninsula jutting into the massive Lake Tanganyika, one of the largest lakes in the world, so the only way to reach it is by plane or a day-long boat ride.

The park was established in 1985 to protect the world鈥檚 largest known population of chimpanzees, which today are thriving at 1,000-strong. It鈥檚 also one of the few places in the world where chimps and leopards share the same terrain. The park鈥檚 landscape quickly shifts from white sandy beaches on the shore of Tanganyika to dense forest and steep mountain slopes cloaked in mist.

chimpanzee Mahale Mountain Park Tanzania
Mahale Mountains National Park was established to protect the world鈥檚 largest known population of chimpanzees. It is one of the few places in the world where chimps and leopards share the same landscape. (Photo: Courtesy Nomad Tanzania)

Reaching the park alone is a feat, but if you really want to tick off a far-removed spot, climb Mount Nkungwe (8,077 feet), the tallest mountain inside the park鈥檚 borders. It鈥檚 a grueling 10-day hike, requiring that you go up and over two sub-peaks and gaining more than 6,000 feet in elevation to reach the summit. Most hikers break the trip up into three days, camping along the way. The views from the top are astounding鈥攜ou can see all of the Mahale Mountains and Lake Tanganyika below鈥攂ut the summit isn鈥檛 the real highlight of this journey. In addition to chimpanzees, you鈥檒l have the chance to see elephants, giraffes, and buffalo, not to mention the red colobus monkeys that live in the higher elevations of the park.

the Greystoke Mahale Camp
Nomad’s Greystoke Mahale Camp, on the banks of Tanganyika, is the most popular place to stay and access Mahale Mountains National Park. (Photo: Courtesy Nomad Tanzania)

How to Get There: The fastest way to reach Mahale Mountains National Park is by plane, but most people arrive by boat. It鈥檚 easy to charter a boat from the town of Kigoma, and speedboats make the journey in four hours. , a six-tent luxury property on the white sands of Tanganyika, is the most popular place to stay, especially since a family of chimps lives in the jungle nearby (from $2,250 a night during high season between June and September, all inclusive). Published fees to enter the park are $40 per person, but reports from some previous visitors indicate the price fluctuates. All hikes require accompaniment by a ranger. Reach out to the directly for timing, fees, and other information.

10. Remote Dunes

Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, Saskatchewan, Canada

Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, Saskatchewan, Canada
An aerial view of Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, Saskatchewan, Canada. These are the most northerly sand dunes in the world. (Photo: Ron Garnett/AirScapes.ca)

The Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park covers 62 miles of sand dunes in far north Saskatchewan. These are the most northerly sand dunes on the planet鈥攁 slice of the Sahara in the midst of Canada鈥檚 boreal forest. But unlike the Sahara, Athabasca, which is flanked by a large lake and dissected by three rivers, has plenty of fresh water.

bear tracks Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park
Black bear tracks in the sand, with a human footprint beside them for scale, in Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park (Photo: Courtesy Churchill River Canoe Outfitters )

You can only reach the dunes by float plane or boat, and there are no services within the park. No roads, no cell service, no rangers or structures, so be prepared to take care of yourself in a wilderness setting. Head to the William River Dune field, where the longest, largest dunes are. Land on the shore of Thomson Bay and hike west across the smaller Thomson Bay Dune Field for four miles to the Williams River. If the water鈥檚 low enough, you can wade over to explore the largest dunes in the park. You can within the park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, Saskatchewan
Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park in Saskatchewan contains giant sand dunes but is also situated by a large lake and crossed by three rivers, creating a forest wilderness. (Photo: Courtesy Tom Wolfe / Churchill River Canoe Outfitters)

How to Get There: Stony Rapids, on the eastern edge of Lake Athabasca, is the closest gateway town, though 90 miles east of the dunes. It has a float-plane base, making chartering a plane easy (but not cheap). Fly to Thomson Bay and start hiking west. offers a guided six-day backpacking adventure that includes the flight into the park from Fort McMurray ($3,900 per person).

11. Remote Mountain Peak

Mount Khuiten, Mongolia

top of Mount Khuiten, highest peak in Mongolia
Dauren Sakhuan stands on the summit of Khuiten. From the top of this peak on the western border of Mongolia, you can see into three countries: Russia to the north, China to the south, and Mongolia on the east. (Photo: Courtesy Discover Altai)

A trip up Mount Khuiten (14,350 feet), the tallest peak in Mongolia, presents experiences in both solitude and culture. Khuiten sits in the heart of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, which preserves 6,362 square miles of lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains in western Mongolia. Altai is one of those places where you want to have a good map and a local guide, because if you get lost here, you could end up in either China or Russia (the park shares a border with both countries). This is a dream trip but a demanding one, so be experienced and prepared, and arrive fit and with top-flight warm gear. See below for intel on finding a guide.

The park encompasses groupings of petroglyphs and burial sites that illustrate the development of Mongolian nomadic culture over a 12,000-year time period, earning the area status. You have the chance to see some of these petroglyphs on the multi-day journey to the summit of Khuiten. You鈥檒l also see modern-day nomadic culture, as the road into the park passes communities in traditional yurts.

Mt. Khuiten the highest peak in Mongolia
Mount Khuiten, the highest peak in Mongolia at 14,350 feet, as seen from high camp (Photo: Courtesy Discover Altai)

As for the approach, the 10-mile trek from the edge of the park to basecamp ends at the 8.5-mile-wide Potanin Glacier, with camels to carry your gear. Most people climb the smaller sister mountain, Malchin Peak, to acclimatize to the altitude before navigating the crevasses of Potanin Glacier to High Camp on the edge of Khuiten. The final push to the top of Mount Khuiten is 3,000 feet up steep, snow-covered slopes requiring crampons, ice axes, and ropework. The view from the snow-capped summit encompasses all of the Altai Mountains as you gaze down on three countries: Mongolia, China, and Russia.

How to Get There: Fly into UlaanBaatar, Mongolia, and take a domestic puddle jumper to the village of Olgii, on the edge of the park. From there, it鈥檚 a six-hour drive over rough roads to the ranger station just inside the park. Next you鈥檙e on foot for days, depending on how much you want to acclimate, before your summit bid. The trek requires mountaineering skills and local knowledge, so hire a guide. is a trekking company owned by locals that offers a variety of expeditions on and around Khuiten (from $2,600 per person).

How to Be a Conscientious Visitor

Keep in mind some basic rules when you鈥檙e traveling to these far-flung locales. Follow Leave No Trace principles, taking everything you brought to the destination back home when you leave. Respect local cultures and customs, and learn about whose land you鈥檙e on. Whenever possible, stay in a lodge where the money goes directly to local entrepreneurs, and use local guides and services. Buy something if you can afford it. Always protect the wildlife and natural environment, which means keeping your distance and minimizing your impact.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. If he has to choose between a remote beach and a remote mountaintop, it鈥檚 going to be sand and surf every time.

Graham Averill
The author, Graham Averill, outdoors. (Photo: Liz Averill)

For more by Graham Averill, see:

7 Most Adventurous Ways to See the Total Eclipse听of 2024

The 6 Most Adventurous Train Trips in North America

 

The Best Budget Airlines鈥攁nd 国产吃瓜黑料 Locales They Go To

 

The post 11 Remote Destinations That Are Definitely Worth the Effort to Visit appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
7 Most Adventurous Ways to See the Total Eclipse听of 2024 /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/ways-see-total-solar-eclipse-2024/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:00:59 +0000 /?p=2659034 7 Most Adventurous Ways to See the Total Eclipse听of 2024

On April 8, the nation will experience a dramatic total eclipse. If you want fun ways to see it, check out our recommendations, from skiing to hiking to paddling.

The post 7 Most Adventurous Ways to See the Total Eclipse听of 2024 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
7 Most Adventurous Ways to See the Total Eclipse听of 2024

Monday, April 8, 2024, will be an epic day, when a total eclipse passes over North America. The moon will completely block out the sun, turning day to night across a wide swath of the United States from Texas to Maine. All of us in the nation, wherever we鈥檙e located, will experience at least a partial eclipse. If you鈥檙e in Southern California, the moon will blot out about half of the sun; in Washington State, about 30 percent; and in the mountains of North Carolina, roughly 80 percent.

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: The Path of Totality

If you鈥檙e situated directly beneath the celestial event, in the path of totality鈥攚hich diagonals from Northern Mexico into Texas, up through to Maine, and out over Canada鈥攜ou鈥檒l get the full experience. See the here (use link to download NASA鈥檚 interactive map).

NASA map shows path of totality for solar eclipse April 2024
The 2024 solar eclipse as calculated by NASA using data from its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency鈥檚 SELENE Lunar Orbiter (Photo: Courtesy NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio)

鈥淎 total eclipse is other-worldly,鈥 says Tyler Nordgren, an astronomer and Dark Sky Ambassador for the National Park Service. 鈥淭he sky will get dark, colors in the landscape will change. During totality, you鈥檒l go from daytime to night, the brightest stars turn out, and the sun turns into a black hole in space. The heavens literally align above you.鈥

eclipse of 2017 in the Wind River Range, Wyoming
In 2017, the temps dropped as Sally Moser of Boulder, Colorado, and Polly Hart of Salt Lake City, Utah enjoyed the edge of totality in the Wind River Range, Wyoming. Hart plans to travel to Eagle Pass, Texas, to watch the eclipse this April, and then climb in Hueco Tanks State Park. (Photo: Eric Hobday)

An annular eclipse passed over the western United States last October, and in 2017 some of us got to experience a total eclipse (my kids and I watched from a beach in South Carolina), but this impending eclipse will be even more dramatic, promising twice as large an area of totality as in 2017, because the moon is closer to earth and will cast a larger shadow.

Nordgren鈥檚 advice for choosing a spot to watch? 鈥淕o some place you actually want to visit, because if you get clouded out, you鈥檙e somewhere cool.

total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse is visible on August 21, 2017, above Madras, Oregon. The event traversed the United States from Oregon to South Carolina, with a partial eclipse across North America and in parts of South America, Africa, and Europe. (Photo: Courtesy Aubrey Gemignani/NASA)

鈥淓ven with socked-in skies,鈥 he adds, 鈥測ou鈥檒l notice things getting darker, and then it will be dark as night. You鈥檒l experience a truly bizarre day.鈥

We鈥檝e picked seven badass places with fun things to do to make the most of your viewing opportunity. Just don’t forget your protective eyewear.

How to See the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in 国产吃瓜黑料-Worthy Ways

1. From a Ski Resort: Jay Peak, Vermont

spring day on Jay Peak Resort in northern Vermont
A bluebird spring day at Jay Peak, in the Green Mountains, Vermont, just five miles from the Canadian border. Jay Peak is planning a big eclipse bash. (Photo: Courtesy Jay Peak Resort)

For a party, look no further than Jay Peak and their , which will feature live music from Pink Talking Fish as they perform the Pink Floyd album Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety. You can expect about four minutes of total darkness during the peak of the event. The lifts will be running before the eclipse starts at 2 P.M., but will stop for the duration of the event. Scenic tram rides to the top of the mountain are booked solid, but to avoid crowds anyways, catch one of the last chairs and ski to a quiet spot on the mountain.

Springtime party at Jap Peak Resort, Vermont
A bumpin’ spring party at Jay Peak in northern Vermont. (Photo: Courtesy Jay Peak Resort)

Jay isn鈥檛 the only resort stoked on the eclipse. Saddleback Mountain, in Maine, will roll its end-of-the-season festivities straight into a that day. Whiteface in upstate New York, also Stowe, Sugarbush, and Mad River in Vermont, and Loon and Cannon Mountains in New Hampshire are all planning watch parties, too.

2.听听 From a Canoe: Buffalo National River, Arkansas

Buffalo National River, Arkansas
The majority of the Buffalo National River will be within the path of totality. Roark Bluff, shown here, is one of the most beautiful spots on the river. (Photo: Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism)

The Buffalo National River鈥攖he first ever designated in America鈥攆lows freely across the state of Arkansas for 135 miles, and the majority will be within the path of totality. You can expect roughly 3:30 minutes of total darkness within the park. The Buffalo National River is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, where in the days leading up to the eclipse rangers and astronomy experts will lead various interpretive night-sky programs with the chance to view constellations through telescopes.

two women canoe on Buffalo National River
Two women paddle on the Buffalo National River, Arkansas鈥攁n ideal place to view the April 2024 total solar eclipse. (Photo: Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism)

For the event, we suggest you ditch the crowds by heading into the backcountry via canoe. The Upper Buffalo is the most scenic area of the river, with 200-500-foot bluffs rising directly from the water. The paddle is generally mellow, but some class I rapids keep things interesting. You can choose from a 10-mile day trip from the Ponca put-in to Kyles Landing, or do an overnight or multi-day, pulling off at gravel sandbars to set up . Or go crazy and try to knock out the entire 135 miles in a 10-day trip. Backcountry camping permits are free, and the has rentals (from $75 a day).

3. From Among Ancient Earthworks: Mounds State Park, Indiana

Great Mount, Mounds State Park, Indiana
Feel like you’re steeped in ancient history as you watch the eclipse from beside the Great Mount, in Mounds State Park, Indiana. (Photo: Courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources)

isn鈥檛 the most adventurous state park鈥攊t鈥檚 only 290 acres and most of the trails are crushed gravel and boardwalks鈥攂ut it鈥檚 a cultural hotspot protecting 10 awe-inspiring earthworks along the White River built by the pre-Columbian Adena and Hopewell cultures. Historians believe that the largest of the mounds, the Great Mound, dates back to around 160 B.C. and that the mounds were used for community gatherings, religious ceremonies, and, yes, viewing astronomical alignments.

Loop Trail by the White River, Mounds State Park, Indiana
The inviting loop trail in Mounds State Park meanders to the banks of the White River, shown here with wildflowers. Go fishing!听(Photo: Courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources)

Savor that history by showing up to witness 3:42 seconds of total darkness as the eclipse passes over the park in the afternoon. You can watch from beside the Great Mound or by one of the other earthworks, or hike trail #5, a 2.5-mile loop that weaves around the park, past various mounds and along the banks of the White River. Bring your fishing gear, or grab what you need from nearby , and be prepared to cast, as the trail accesses the river in several points; the White is known for its smallmouth bass fishing.

4. From a National Forest: Garden of the Gods, Illinois

Man at overlook, Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
A hiker looks out upon Camel Rock at the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois. (Photo: Courtesy Robert Robbins/USFS)

The whole 289,000-acre Shawnee National Forest sits within the path of totality, but the most dramatic spot for viewing has to be , a swath of sandstone outcroppings and cliffs that may be 320 million years old, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The .25-mile Observation Trail wanders through the heart of the Garden of the Gods outcroppings and to the top of tall bluffs with long-range views of the Shawnee Hills. These bluffs make a perfect perch for viewing the eclipse, which will hover over the area for 3:27 minutes of total darkness.

Indian Point Trail Loop map
(Photo: Courtesy Gaia GPS)

Pharaoh Campground has 12 first-come, first-served sites ($10 a night), but you better show up a few days early to snag a site before everyone else does. If you want more solitude, wander into Garden of the Gods Wilderness via the , which forms a 1.6-mile lollipop loop through a pine forest with bluff-top overlooks, caves, and rock formations.

5. From a Tube: Garner State Park, Texas

Garner State Park, Texas

Soft light at Garner State Park, Texas. The fortunate state of Texas experienced totality during the last eclipse, and will again in April. (Photo: John Bray/Unsplash)

Not only did a chunk of Texas experience the path of totality during the annular eclipse in October but the state will score it again. Moreover, among all the U.S. states in April鈥檚 eclipse path, this one has the for prime viewing. Weather data from the last 28 years predicts just a 30 percent chance of cloud cover.

eclipse Hueco Tanks, Texas
Watchers stand in awe at the sight of the eclipse last October in Hueco Tanks State Park. (Photo: Courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife)

, in Texas Hill Country, sits in the path of totality and will experience 4:30 minutes of complete darkness. The park itself protects 1,774 acres of hills, forest, and bluffs as well as 2.9 miles of the aptly named Frio River. (Yes, that means 鈥渃old鈥.) You鈥檒l find plenty of trails to hike, but the real gem of this park is tubing the Frio as it winds around the campgrounds and below the tan sandstone cliffs (the rents tubes for $10 each, per day). Tubing the stretch through the park takes a few hours, with a number of small rapids and the occasional swimming hole. Put in by noon (totality will start at 1:30 P.M.) and take your time.

6. From an Olympic Site: Adirondack Park, New York

At six million acres, upstate New York鈥檚 Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected landscape in the lower 48. And most of that park will be within the path of totality. While the region is typically cloudy in April, on Nordgren鈥檚 advice, we鈥檙e sending you here as a beautiful, adventurous place, whatever the weather. You can see the eclipse from a variety of vantage points inside the park, and Lake Placid is hosting a watch party at the Olympic Center. They鈥檙e opening the speed-skating oval with views of the famous Olympic ski jumps and the Adirondacks鈥 High Peaks Wilderness Area. (An earlier version of this article suggested a mountain hike, but area groups are asking visitors to avoid the backcountry out of caution over potential winter conditions in April and given that mud season can lead to ecological damage from hiking. See other options

7. From a Surfboard:听Mazatlan, Mexico

Surfer in Mazatlan
Mazatlan, a beach town north of Puerto Vallarta, is the first location in North America where you can view the total eclipse. And while you’re there, surf鈥攐r swim, or snorkel. (Photo: Elias Burgeuno/Jah Surf School)

The moon will cast a shadow over Mexico and the eastern edge of Canada as well as the U.S. While the chances of clear skies lessen as the eclipse moves north and into Canada, Mexico in early April presents the best chance for clear skies along the entire path of totality, with an 80 percent chance of sun during the day of the eclipse. But keep in mind the U.S. government has issued a for Mazatlan because of the presence of drug cartels in the area. It鈥檚 the same level of advisory (more information here) that the government has issued for Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Baja.

Check out Mazatlan, a colonial-era beach town north of the popular Puerto Vallarta that is actually the first location in North America where you can view the total eclipse. It鈥檚 a legitimate surf destination with beaches facing multiple directions, picking up solid swells year round. Rucos, north of town, offers reliable surf spread across four miles of beach, though you鈥檒l need a 4×4 vehicle to reach it. Or, to keep things simple, walk from Mazatlan鈥檚 Centro Historico, a revamped historic district in the heart of town, to Playa Olas Altas to surf a beginner-friendly beach break. has lessons (from $50 a person) and rentals ($25 per day).

Now that we’ve given you the best places to see the solar eclipse in 2024, plot out your adventure and make the most of this celestial event. The next total eclipse won鈥檛 cross the lower 48 for 20 years.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He can never remember the names of the constellations in the sky, but loves a good eclipse and has fond memories of the 2017 event, which he watched with his family during a beach vacation.听

graham averill
The author, Graham Averill (Photo: Liz Averill)

For more by Graham Averill:

The 6 Most Adventurous Train Trips in North America

The 10 Best Backpacking Trails in Our National Parks

The Worst National Park Reviews of the Year

 

The post 7 Most Adventurous Ways to See the Total Eclipse听of 2024 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Floods in New England Have Shut Down These Ski Resorts /outdoor-adventure/snow-sports/wym-new-england-flooding/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:40:41 +0000 /?p=2656253 Floods in New England Have Shut Down These Ski Resorts

The disaster has washed out bridges and towns across New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Maine. At least five people have died in the storms.

The post Floods in New England Have Shut Down These Ski Resorts appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Floods in New England Have Shut Down These Ski Resorts

Northeast skiers just haven鈥檛 been able to catch a break the last couple of years. During the dry 2022-23 season, meager snowfall delayed openings at ski areas across the region and even forced Vermont鈥檚 Mad River Glen to for a while in the heart of the ski season. This winter got off to a much stronger start, with cold temperatures making it possible for resorts to start snowmaking and lay a base for in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

This week, New England鈥檚 early season bounty is being literally washed away by heavy rainfall and severe flooding. A number of , including Sunday River, Smugglers Notch, and Sugarloaf, had to suspend operations. Jay Peak Resort in Vermont, which is sometimes spared the weather woes that affect the broader region thanks to a , posted on social media on December 18 that lifts were closed, saying even they 鈥渃ould not escape this sloppy sogfest.鈥

 

View this post on Instagram

 


Of course, Monday鈥檚 storm that extended far beyond the ski hills on the east coast. At least by rising water and falling trees when 2-4 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, and many communities will spend the coming months repairing the floodwaters鈥 destruction.

Even after fresh flakes replace the snow swept away in the deluge, some ski areas will continue to feel the impact of Monday鈥檚 storm. It before power is restored everywhere in the region, and it will take time to rebuild the infrastructure damaged by flooding (like this destroyed road to Sugarbush).

The rain has already eased off in most of New England, and slightly colder temperatures are in for later this week. Longer term, there鈥檚 probably more wet weather in store for the northeast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association predicts that this winter will be rainier than usual, with the possibility of more short, intense storms.

The post Floods in New England Have Shut Down These Ski Resorts appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
A Delicious New England Road Trip /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/new-england-road-trip/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:00:58 +0000 /?p=2651367 A Delicious New England Road Trip

Now is the perfect time to set off in search of cranberry bogs, oyster farms, and cheese makers. A longtime New England resident reveals the most delicious places to visit in the run-up to Thanksgiving鈥攁nd fun outdoor adventures along the way

The post A Delicious New England Road Trip appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
A Delicious New England Road Trip

The leaves are past their peak where I live in western New Hampshire, and fall festivals have mostly come and gone, but that doesn鈥檛 mean the autumn road-tripping season is over. That鈥檚 especially true if your goal is finding ingredients鈥攁nd inspiration鈥攆or your Thanksgiving and holiday feasts.

Plenty of New England farms, vineyards, and dairies are still going strong. And heading out on an adventurous pre-holiday sojourn comes with big outdoor benefits: uncrowded trails and beaches, swell perfect for surfing, and scenic roadways waiting to be explored after you score your bounty. Here鈥檚 a state-by-state breakdown of the best places to visit on such a quest.

Where to Find Cheese in Vermont

A herd of dozens of goats making their way across a grassy field in a line to a big red barn
The herd heading back to the barn at Blue Ledge, a 20-year-old sustainable dairy known for its goat cheese. Its farm stand is open daily from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. until December 1. (Photo: Courtesy Hannah Sessions)

The tiny town of Salisbury (population 1,200) straddles a sweet spot between the Green Mountains to the east and the agricultural Champlain Valley to the west. It鈥檚 a picturesque setting for , a cheese-making operation run by Hannah Sessions and Greg Bernhardt, who were just 23 years old when they began transforming an old dairy-cow operation near where Sessions grew up into one suitable for goats. Some 150 goats later, the place is听 known for its terrific fresh ch猫vres (my go-to is the herb-crusted variety) as well as bloomy rind and hard cheeses, some made with milk from the cows next door. Call ahead to book a tour ($20), and plan to load up on the goods at their self-serve farmstand.

Ten minutes south, Moosalamoo National Recreation Area beckons with 70 miles of spectacular multi-use backcountry trails. For a fun, flowy ten-mile mountain-bike ride, park at the Minnie Baker Trailhead and follow the singletrack up to Chandler Ridge before looping back on the ferny flats of Leicester Hollow.

Unwind later over a hard cider at Woodchuck Cidery, a production facility and taproom in Middlebury, 15 miles north. Then head east into Ripton to overnight in one of seven two-bedroom (from $237)鈥攔equest one with a fire pit鈥攐ff a forested dirt road about five miles from听 the poet鈥檚 summer home.

Craft Spirits and Farmed Mushrooms in New Hampshire

To me (and I suspect a lot of other travelers), Tamworth was always that little town you zipped through while driving north to hike in the Mount Washington Valley. Maybe you slowed for the famous vista of bald-topped Mount Chocorua, but you didn鈥檛 linger: the Presidential Range awaited.

A lightly snowcapped Mount Chocarua rises above hills covered with foliage of reds, yellows and greens.
The 3,490-foot peak of Chocorua is a recognizable landmark and surrounded by excellent hiking. (Photo: Getty Images/Denis Tangney Jr.)

It turns out Tamworth is well worth a stop, thanks in part to Steve Grasse, the creative mind behind Hendrick鈥檚 Gin, who鈥檚 made it his mission to help revitalize the historic village where he owns a home. Grasse鈥檚 , set in a barnlike building on the Swift River, crafts wildly innovative spirits with New Hampshire ingredients such as beets and balsam buds, as well as more palate-jolting elements including invasive green crabs and beaver-gland extract. Tastings and cocktail workshops are held in the Grasse-owned Lyceum, a restored 19th-century store on Main Street. The gatherings are good prep for making what could be your new signature Thanksgiving or holiday drink.

Continue the happy mad-scientist vibe up the road at the , where mycologist Eric Milligan cultivates gorgeous blemish-free fungi鈥攎eaty black pearls, luminescent blue oysters, shaggy lion鈥檚 manes, and more鈥攊n high-tech grow rooms. You can buy both fresh and dried mushrooms there, and for the fungi-curious, free tours are offered on Sundays or by appointment.

Some golden enoki mushrooms of various sizes growing in a clump
Some beautiful golden enoki sold at the New Hampshire Mushroom Company听(Photo: Courtesy Meliah Puckett)

Bring your hiking shoes along and get your steps in at the nearby Big Pines Natural Area. The 2.4-mile loop through massive old-growth eastern pines and hemlocks up to the 1,270-foot summit of Great Hill; there you can climb the 35-foot-tall fire tower, a 1934 Civilian Conservations Corps project, with magnificent views for miles.

Unpack your bags that night at (from $205), a traditional bed-and-breakfast in a restored 1851 blacksmith shop, with a working cider press.

The whitewashed Farmstead bed-and-breakfast, with an American flag hanging outside and a front porch visible
The four-bedroom Farmstead is a historic, award-winning property. In the fall, it presses apples from its orchard and sells the cider. (Photo: Courtesy Kimball Packard)

The Best Oysters in Maine

Midcoast Maine is oyster country; most of the state鈥檚 production comes from its cool bays, estuaries, and inlets, where big shell-tumbling tides foster deeply cupped bivalves. Though most farm tours end by mid-October, John Herrigel of the , located in West Point, a fishing village near the tip of the rugged Phippsburg peninsula, is game to run boat trips as long as the weather cooperates. The two-hour experience includes visiting his small offshore farm to learn about the growing process (and slurp a few oysters right out of the water), then motoring back to the dockside Base Camp for private shucking lessons. The outing (from $250) includes a dozen oysters. Alternatively, you can order deliveries from Herrigel and the other Midcoast growers who are part of the co-op he runs; the goods will arrive when you鈥檙e ready to stuff your bird.

Two men behind a display of various types of fresh oysters atop ice
The Maine Oyster Company has an oyster bar in Portland but the real treat is a visit to its Phippsburg farm. (Photo: Getty Images/Portland Press Herald)

Don鈥檛 miss Popham Beach, a beautiful three-mile-long sweep of broad, firm sand at the island-studded mouth of the Kennebec River. Horses are allowed on the beach in the fall; book a two-hour guided ride with (from $175).

Three riders atop their own horse, sauntering along the beach
A horseback ride along Popham Beach is a perfect outing to enjoy the brisk air. (Photo: Courtesy Helen Peppe)

Another coastal option is a visit to Bath and the Maine Maritime Museum, 15 miles north, to admire its working boat-building exhibit and collection of 140 historic small crafts. If you haven鈥檛 had your fill of oysters yet, hit the waterfront , run by sisters, one of whom also operates an oyster farm. Bluet, a dry wild-blueberry sparkler crafted in Maine by a Napa-trained winemaker is a worthy accompaniment to your dinner, not to mention a good gift for a Thanksgiving-day host.

From Bath, turn south on Highway 127 onto Georgetown Island. Book a night at the woodsy ($125), a two-bedroom log cabin not far from Reid State Park, where you can surf, birdwatch, and explore the tide pools and sand dunes.

An older couple sitting together atop boulders, birding with a pair of binoculars
The best birding at Reid State Park happens in the off-season, at high tide. You might spot horned larks, grebes, purple sandpipers, and golden-crowned kinglets. (Photo: Getty Images/Boston Globe)

Where to Find Cranberries in Massachusetts

When you find your way down the narrow drive to in the Mid-Cape village of Dennis, you鈥檙e in the cradle of cranberry cultivation. Here in the early 1800s, close to Cape Cod Bay, a retired sea captain named Henry Hall discovered that the wild cranberries on his land produced more fruit after they鈥檇 been covered by storm-blown sand. The practice of covering bogs caught on, and the berry went on to become the state鈥檚 most important crop.

In 1911, a 听Hall descendant sold one of his bogs to Annie Walker鈥檚 grandfather, and today, on certain fall weekends, Walker gives historical tours of the restored bog she works with antique equipment. You can buy fresh, dry-harvested berries out of her museum-like shop.

A woman wearing yellow galoshes wades into a flooded cranberry bog and puts a large sampling of the berries into a plastic bin
Wet-harvested cranberries, seen here, are typically used for juices, while dry-harvested cranberries are usually sold as fresh produce. (Photo: Getty Images/Grant Faint)

Cape Cod鈥檚 sandy, well-drained soil is also prime terroir for turnips. Eastham, on the Outer Cape, celebrates its namesake heirloom variety, the Eastham turnip, with an annual festival before Thanksgiving (this year scheduled for Saturday, November 18). If you can鈥檛 make it, you鈥檒l find the unusually large, sweet root veggies for sale at the Orleans Farmers鈥 Market, just three and a half miles away, on Saturday mornings.

A popular area for fishing, biking, and exploration is Brewster鈥檚 1,900-acre Nickerson State Park. Walk through scrub pine and oak to Cliff Pond; the large, glacially formed kettle pond and seven others in the park are stocked with trout. Or pedal an eight-mile paved path that connects to the 26-mile-long Cape Cod Rail Trail. Call it a day at the nearby (from $329) an antique Georgian-style mansion within walking distance of the broad tidal flats of Breakwater Beach.

Two cyclists wearing helmets headed down the paved Cape Cod Rail Trail on a sunny day
The Cape Cod Rail Trail passes through seven communities on the peninsula and next to ponds and cranberry bogs. (Photo: Getty Images/Boston Globe)

The Best Apples for Pies in Connecticut

You know those carnival-like farms that feature a corn maze, zombie laser tag, a petting zoo, and you-pick orchards of apples? isn鈥檛 one of those. Six years ago, owner James Wargo planted 4,000 trees on the side of a drumlin in rural Southbury with the intention of creating a simple, no-frills country orchard. His 31 varieties of apples include hard-to-find antiques like Esopus Spitzenburg (Thomas Jefferson鈥檚 favorite) and the 16th-century Calville Blanc d鈥橦iver, favored by bakers for classic tarte Tatin and pies. The pick-your-own season runs through the first weekend of November, or buy apples in the open-air farm stand through the end of the month.

A huge wooden bin filled with yellow apples and three workers and a trailer between the trees
Picking time at Hidden Gem Orchard. What are the best for baking and cooking? You’ll have to ask the owners. (Photo: Courtesy James Wargo)

You鈥檙e farm-bound for your next stop, too, but not for produce. Drive 18 miles north to on the grounds of a working farm high in the state鈥檚 northwestern Litchfield Hills. Wander among the planted hops and farm animals, tour the brewing operation on Saturday afternoons, then hit the tasting room to sample two-ounce flights of signature brews like Sweatpants pale ale and Awkward Hug IPA, made with locally sourced ingredients.

The West Cornwall Covered Bridge running over the Housatonic River
The West Cornwall Covered Bridge spans the Housatonic River; the attraction is just 13 miles from the town of Kent. (Photo: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

Some of the Appalachian Trail鈥檚 least daunting terrain is nearby along the Housatonic River (park just north of where River Road intersects with North Kent Number 1 Road). You鈥檒l likely have company from birders on your walk or run, because the area serves as an important migration corridor.

If听 you鈥檙e looking to stay somewhere local, the downtown (from $475) are a good choice within walking distance of shops, restaurants and galleries. Ask to be put up in the restored 1800s boxcar.

The Kent Collection鈥檚 blue boxcar, with a fire pit outside
The Kent Collection鈥檚 boxcar (Photo: Courtesy Aaron Limoges)

Wine and Vineyards to Explore in Rhode Island

Down a long dirt road five miles from the mansions and marinas of Newport, you鈥檒l find the peaceful , a producer of estate-grown wines. Set on land that slopes to the Sakonnet River, the winery was once a 19th-century gentleman鈥檚 farm. Its stick-style stable鈥攏ow the tasting room鈥攁nd Gothic main house are on the National Register of Historic Places. Sip samples by the fire pits, listen to live jazz on Saturday afternoons, and take home some bottles, like the 2022 Greenvale Select Chardonnay and 2021 Meritage, both of which will pair nicely with your turkey.

An aerial shot of the grand Gilded Age homes along Newport, Rhode Island's Cliff Walk
Cycling along Newport鈥檚 Cliff Walk takes you past grand Gilded Age mansions and the Atlantic shorefront. (Photo: Courtesy Visit Rhode Island)

Pick up pumpkins and decorative gourds at the post-and-beam market just two and a half miles south, then continue on to Newport and saddle up for an equally sweet ride in a town where cycling has been popular since the Victorian era. Rent a cruiser from and head out on the classic 13-mile Ocean Loop that passes the palatial Gilded Age homes of Bellevue Avenue as well as the Atlantic shoreline, or cycle east to Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge. Viewing platforms there let you spy on the big flocks of harlequin ducks that arrive in November. Overnight at the (from $200) a colorful hotel three blocks from Newport鈥檚 harbor.

A profile of the author wearing a ball cap and sunglasses looking out at the coastline of Nantucket, Massachusetts
The author kayaking off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts (Photo: Courtesy the author)

Journalist and lifelong New Englander Meg Lukens Noonan grew up in suburban Boston, went to college in Vermont, and now lives鈥攁nd hosts Thanksgiving鈥攊n Hanover, New Hampshire.

For more Thanksgiving food and fun inspiration, check out Steven Rinella’s story on how to cook a turkey over a campfire.

The post A Delicious New England Road Trip appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>