Summer doesn鈥檛 officially kick off until June 20 at summer solstice. But let鈥檚 be honest: if you haven鈥檛 dialed in your summer plans by then, you’ll be behind everyone else already dialing in their plans.

To help you single out a few long weekend summer destinations, I put together a list of can鈥檛-miss trips that will satisfy just about everyone, no matter their preferences. This year, we鈥檙e focusing strictly on homegrown adventures鈥攆or a few reasons. First, the this year, because of their dislike of 鈥ou know who. This means fewer tourists in many of the country鈥檚 most popular spots, like national parks. It could also translate to cheaper bookings. What’s more,听considering the seemingly intractable divide inside our own borders, there may be no better time to take a chance to reacquaint ourselves with our neighbors.

Now is the time to start planning your next outdoor adventure. Here’s our list of the best weekend summer trips to plan for in 2025. Consider this your guide to your greatest听summer yet.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon and Washington

Why now: Cutting through the Cascade Mountains for 80 miles, The Gorge, as it is known, is the in the U.S. It has it all, including the undisputed windsurfing capital of North America, Hood River. It鈥檚 also home to an increasing number of craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, boutique wineries, and all the other gastronomic offerings that helped make Portland, at the western end of the gorge, a foodie capital. In short, for a multisport destination in the heat of the summer, the Gorge is hard to beat.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: For hiking, , which reopened in 2021 after a 2017 fire, is one of the most popular trails in the area鈥攁nd with good reason. It courses through the temperate rainforest, past tall basalt cliffs, and over a narrow gorge 150 feet above the creek at High Falls. For mountain biking, , on the Oregon side of the gorge, offers everything from beginner to advanced cross-country rides. For water activities, Hood River serves as the obvious鈥攁nd best鈥攂ase area, with kitesurfing and kayak rentals and lessons available along the waterfront.

Pro tip: A is required for accessing many of the hiking areas in the national scenic area.

Where to stay: This spring, glamping company unveiled its new camp, set on a stunning 120-acre property in Washington鈥檚 White Salmon River Valley, with views of Mount Hood (from $229).

Anywhere on the Appalachian Trail

Why now: America鈥檚 legendary offers practically endless section-hiking opportunities come summer, and this year thethe nonprofit devoted to protecting and managing the trail, celebrates its centennial. Festivities are planned along the trail鈥檚 entire length, including in popular AT communities like Harrisonburg, Virginia (), and Hot Springs, North Carolina (). But the primary event听is the ATC鈥檚 in Washington, D.C., on June 11, which is bringing together long-time supporters, partner organizations, and public officials to raise funds to protect the , the world鈥檚 longest hiking-only trail.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: For a weekend trip, the only practical way to hike the AT is to tackle sections, and the trail is intentionally routed away from towns, so camping is really the only option if you鈥檙e overnighting it. That is unless you decide to stay at a sort of base-camp town near your route鈥攁 place like Highlands, North Carolina, or Weston, Vermont. Highlands, roughly 30 minutes east of the AT and situated within the, is the quintessential southern mountain town, with stellar swimming, fishing, and paddling nearby. Weston, a small village on the east side of , is full of country charm and easy access to adventure opportunities, including four nearby ski resorts.

Pro tip: If you want to hike significant portions of the trail and avoid carrying a tent, the ATC has good recommendations for .

Where to stay: In Highlands, opt for the new , a 14-room boutique hotel full of Appalachian charm and adventure bonafides, not to mention a front porch that鈥檚 perfect for relaxing after a day鈥檚 hike (from $169). In Weston, it鈥檚 hard to beat the recently-opened , a 9-room retreat that鈥檚 owned by the family behind some of the world鈥檚 most iconic hotels, like New York City鈥檚 The Carlyle (from $450).

Big Sky, Montana

Why now: For years, Big Sky was basically a winter-only destination, in large part because the alpine valley didn鈥檛 offer much in the way of tourist infrastructure or nighttime fun. That鈥檚 all changed in recent years as the resort has attracted a raft of new and upgraded lodging options, including the upscale and the upcoming , which opens in November. Along with the lodging came new restaurants, coffee shops, and added amenities for year-round adventures. The combined effect has turned Big Sky into a legitimate year-round destination.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Staying in the valley means it鈥檚 easier to take advantage of the nearby adventure options, including fly-fishing on the Gallatin River, lift-accessed mountain-biking from the base village, and touring nearby Yellowstone National Park. One of the best day hikes in the area is the 5.4-mile out-and-back Lava Lake Trail, which ends at an alpine lake with stunning views of the Spanish Peaks.

Pro tip: It鈥檚 usually most convenient to stay in , slightly down valley from the ski area, because it offers walking access to great coffee shops like Blue Moon Bakery, the farmer鈥檚 market (every Wednesday night June through September), and good restaurants like The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store.

Where to stay: , which opened in 2019, is in the heart of the town center and has 129 suite rooms with full kitchens, a living area, and a workspace (from $274).

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Why now: Wrightsville Beach, a tiny hamlet on a barrier island, has quietly emerged as a world-class water-sports capital with a few upgraded lodging options that make it worthy of a long weekend stay. There鈥檚 excellent surfing, SUPing, and lounging on five miles of wide, sandy beaches. Fishing is central to the culture here, as is surfing, and there are waves for riders of all levels, meaning it鈥檚 a great place for lessons and surf camps.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: With multiple waterways and miles of wild terrain, paddling is one of the most popular summertime activities at Wrightsville Beach. An excellent, if remote, paddling destination is , the largest undisturbed barrier island along North Carolina鈥檚 southern coast. The Reserve, as locals call it, is across the channel from Wrightsville Beach and can only be reached by boat. But once there, trails connect the bayside to the ocean, and hiking them is a good way to spot one of the island鈥檚 rarer bird species, like the American oystercatcher or the Least terns.

Pro tip: If you鈥檙e looking for nightlife and cultural activities, Wilmington, just 10 minutes away, is full of museums, boutique shops, and a historic downtown.

Where to stay: In January, outdoor-focused hotel brand opened , a reimagined beach resort set on 3.5 acres of oceanfront property. As one of few hotels on the East Coast with both beach and sound access, every room has a water view.

The Erie Canal, New York

Why now: This year marks the of the waterway that transformed the Eastern Seaboard, and yet few people even know where the canal is located. As it happens, it courses through 365 miles of amazing New York scenery鈥攔olling hills, winding river valleys, lush farmland, and historic towns鈥攆rom Lake Erie in the West to the Hudson River in the East. To commemorate the bicentennial, the state is holding a series of , many of which include recreational opportunities.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The is full of outdoor adventures, including the , 450 miles of canals and interconnected lakes and rivers with more than 140 access points. There鈥檚 also an equally amazing bike path along the canal, the , with 360 miles of mostly pathway riding. For cyclists, it doesn鈥檛 get much better, or quainter, than this ride, with sections through the Finger Lakes region and Mohawk Valley.

Pro tip: One of the most unique experiences to be had on the water is kayaking through the Waterford Flight, a series of five locks that lift vessels from the Hudson River to the Mohawk River, bypassing Cohoes Falls, with a total gain of 169 feet in just over 1.5 miles.

Where to stay: The NYS Canal Corporation offers along the canal for hikers, bikers, and paddlers during the summer (fees vary on location). For access points and campsites, the state offers an excellent .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Why now: This year, Voyageurs park, 218,000 acres of pristine lakes and North Woods forests, is celebrating its 听 听As part of the celebration, it鈥檚, where you can learn about the park鈥檚 landscapes and history. It鈥檚 also where you can pick up your permits when venturing into the park鈥檚 interior, which is exactly what you should do.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The park is a patchwork of land, water, and wetlands, and paddling is a mandatory experience, as is camping. At night, the stars come out, and the occasional auroras. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, there is no light pollution to diminish the view. Voyageurs is famed for its campsites, and it has (and over 270 total) located shoreside. They all require a watercraft to get to, and they鈥檙e all great for experiencing the Milky Way.

Pro tip: One of the more unique experiences you can have in the park is sleeping on a . With the boat as your base camp, you can motor to remote coves and then use kayaks or a canoe to fish for walleyes and explore the area by manual, then return to an actual bed come nightfall.

Where to stay: There are various houseboat rental companies , but 360-square-mile Rainey Lake, on the border with Canada, is usually the best bet for a true wilderness experience while on a houseboat.

Sonoma County, California

Why now: California鈥檚 Sonoma County, roughly an hour north of San Francisco, gets plenty of attention for its wineries but [[it]] often gets overlooked for its commitment to adventure. Case in point: This year is helping expand by that will help connect all of its protected land from the Russian River to the Pacific Ocean. In the future, the new land acquisition will feature hiking and mountain biking trails through ancient redwood forests. In the meantime, Sonoma still has plenty of hiking opportunities鈥� across the county鈥檚 park system.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Sonoma County has it all鈥攈iking in the redwood forests, paddling and tubing down the Russian River, even SUPing along the coast on Bodega Bay. It鈥檚 also become one of the best destinations in the state for road cycling, and one of the area鈥檚 more popular rides is a around Healdsburg, with rolling roads that go past many of the area鈥檚 wineries.

Pro tip: The town of Healdsburg has dozens of hotels, most of which cater to Bay Area folk coming up for wine tastings. Instead, book in Guerneville, a rustic hamlet on the shores of the Russian River surrounded by towering redwood trees.

Where to stay: , a glamping resort set in a redwood grove, opened this Memorial Day. It’s a welcoming mashup between a national park campground and a private Soho House-style members club (from $315).

Denver, Colorado

Why now: The Mile High City has always been a great jumping off point for Rocky Mountain fun, but it continues to evolve as a world-class urban adventure hub in itself. This year, the city bolsters that reputation with the . The private golf course, which closed up shop in 2018, is the largest addition to Denver鈥檚 park system in more than a century. on how to best use the site overall, but this summer the city will restore portions of it with native plant species and walking trails, even a dog park, until it finalizes how to reimagine the site overall.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Denver delivers more than 850 miles of paved, off-street biking and walking trails, including the slopestyle MTB course, dirt jumps, and pump tracks at . For paddlers, , at the intersection of Cherry Creek and the South Platte, is just minutes from downtown and has man-made kayak chutes for playboating.

Pro tip: Denver鈥檚 River North Arts District (RiNo) has transformed itself over the last decade into a world-class creative hub. It also offers easy access to the city鈥檚 many outdoor adventures, including walking access to the 32-mile long . Book here if you鈥檙e staying in town.

Where to stay: , a combination boutique hotel, artisan market hall, and creative hub, is a good base camp in RiNo, with sparse but comfortable rooms, and even a free beer at check-in (from $224 per night).

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Why now: This island, 26 miles off Cape Cod, is known more for its popped-collar crowd than its outdoor adventures, but it鈥檚 full of outdoor fun come summer鈥攆rom paddling in Nantucket Harbor to sailing on the open Atlantic. Until the last few years, the island鈥檚 hotels were fairly, well鈥tale. Not anymore. The historic underwent a massive refresh recently (from $645), as did the , which offer complimentary access to bicycles, fishing rods for kids, and shuttles to the beach (from $570 per night). So now there鈥檚 great adventures and great places to stay.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: One of the best ways to experience Nantucket’s rugged side is by hiking in the , over 1,100 acres of beach dunes covered with bayberry bushes, heather, and beach grass. There are 16 miles of over-sand vehicle routes, but walking on the eastern beaches offers an easy way to get a taste of the island鈥檚 remoteness.

Pro tip: The island鈥檚 windswept beaches and sharp points make landing a trophy striped bass, bluefish, or false albacore a real possibility. Many people even fly-fish for them from shore. Great Point, in the shadow of the , is one of the most popular areas for surfcasting. Book a guide at .

Where to stay: The 65-year-old , which reopened in May after a multi-year renovation from a down-and-out motel into a retro-chic hotel, has听91 hotel rooms, a courtyard pool, and a new lobby, bar, and restaurant.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Why now: Glacier Bay National Park, with its 3.3 million acres of mountains, glaciers, rainforest, and fjords, is celebrating 听its centennial this year. Established as a , the park is as wild as it gets, with opportunities to witness calving glaciers, paddle in the same waters as puffins and whales, and hike through old-growth forests dripping with lichen and moss.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Getting on the water is essential if you want to experience the park鈥檚 true majesty鈥攚hether it鈥檚 a boat tour, kayaking in the fjords, river-rafting, or fishing in the bay.

Pro tip: The park鈥檚 glaciers, over 1,000 of them, are worth seeing up close, and the best way to do that is with a in the backcountry. Of course, if you want to stretch your legs on land, the relaxed are worthwhile.

Where to stay: Not many people stay overnight in the park, as most are visiting on cruise ships. But if you want to crash for a night or two inside Glacier Bay鈥檚 boundaries, the best option is the historic , in Bartlett Cove (from $274). The rooms are basic, but you鈥檙e right in the park itself, so you can explore on foot, plus the lodge offers a daily boat tour on its highspeed catamaran.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Why now: In April, Chattanooga was named North America’s first National Park City for its commitment to integrating nature and urban life. The recognition was the final cherry on top of a long, dramatic transformation for a city that was one of the most polluted in the U.S.in the 1970s. Today, it鈥檚 a top outdoor destination.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Chattanooga, population 185,000, sits in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians, so outdoor adventures are never far. There鈥檚 kayaking and SUPing on the Tennessee River, which winds through downtown, and 100 miles of singletrack within 20 miles of town. This includes 92-acre , a wooded wilderness inside city limits with 6 miles of flowy singletrack. The area has also become a hotbed of rock climbing, and the most popular crag for out-of-towners is , a bouldering area 20 miles north of downtown with 400 problems on high quality sandstone.

Pro tip: 听For traditional climbers, the in is widely considered one of the best climbing areas in the country.

Where to Stay: For those looking for a little comfort and access to Chattanooga鈥檚 cultural side, the (from $165) is an unpretentious but upscale hotel located in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo district. The hotel even has renovated Pullman train carriages from the early 20th century that you can book for an overnight stay.

Maui, Hawaii

Why now: Since wildfires ravaged the island in the summer of 2023, Maui has labored mightily to recover. There is still much work to be done, but increasingly the island needs tourists to help it return to a sense of normalcy. The has gone so far as to say that 鈥渢he best way to support Maui is through travel.鈥�

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Hawaii may not be a top-of-mind destination come summer, but the temperatures are nearly perfect, ranging from the mid-70s to upper-80s. The rains have ceased, and the ocean is calmer, making way for more snorkeling and paddling opportunities. Hiking in Haleakal膩 National Park is still great. And all the amazing farm-to-table restaurants, empty stretches of sand, and vibrant towns鈥攍ike Wailuku, P膩驶ia, and Makawao, welcome fewer guests than in the high season.

Pro tip: To help encourage tourists to come back and visit meaningfully, the Hawai鈥檌 Tourism Authority created the , where people signing up for a dedicated volunteer opportunity can qualify for special discounts at participating hotels. A list of opportunities is available .

Where to stay: For a heavier dose of adrenaline, look toward the eastern, windward side of the island. It鈥檚 a remote, rugged, and lush landscape that鈥檚 full of waterfalls and vivid green hues. Hana is the main town on this side of the island, and one of the better upscale lodging options is the , a historic inn recently upgraded into a full-service resort with an off-the-grid vibe (from $450).

Boise, Idaho

Why now: Idaho鈥檚 capital has long been considered one of the mountain West鈥檚 most accessible outdoors hubs. Now an influx of investment dollars, along with coastal transplants since the pandemic, has helped turn downtown into a thriving locus of cultural, gastronomic, and commercial energy. New hotels, shops, and restaurants have added dynamism to a city that could often feel one-note. It鈥檚 ripe for a long weekend trip.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The parallels the river for 25 miles right through the heart of the city, offering tree-lined paths for walking and biking. At the , just downstream of downtown, three engineered waves create one of the West鈥檚 great urban whitewater playgrounds. And the river also makes for great flatwater SUP outings come summer.

Pro tip: The city鈥檚 Ridge to Rivers Tail System, a vast network of over 190 miles worth of interconnected hiking and biking trails in the Boise Foothills, is getting two new trails. The 2.9-mile Curlew Connection Trail was completed last fall and construction on the 2-mile Sideshow Trail, a downhill-specific mountain bike trail, began this spring.

Where to stay: (from $171) is one of the newest and best entrants on the scene, with 122 rooms, a rooftop lounge called The Highlander, and the Baraboo Supper Club, a chophouse-style restaurant that feels more like a neighborhood joint.

Traverse City, Michigan

Why now: Traverse City, in northwest Michigan, is home to sandy beaches, award-winning vineyards, great restaurants, eight historic lighthouses, and . It鈥檚 also been on a bit of a development spree in the last few years, with a number of name brand hotels opening or breaking ground. The hotels鈥擣airfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, Hyatt House, etc.鈥攁re all standard fare, but together they demonstrate a bullish outlook investors have in the city鈥檚 year-round tourism potential.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Summer is the busiest time of year, and it鈥檚 hard to beat, with all of the classic Michigan adventures, like biking through wine country on the 17-mile . For water enthusiasts, there鈥檚 excellent sailing and paddling options on Lake Michigan, with plenty of rental kayaks along the waterfront.

Pro tip: One of the most popular trail networks in this area of the state is the , which is maintained for both summer and wintertime activities. The multi-use trail has a series of loops (3K, 5K, 10K, and 25K) that includes cross-country options through the hardwood forests for both serious mountain bikers and neophytes alike.

Where to stay: If you want to avoid the chain hotels, one of your best bets is , a 32-room boutique property set directly on the shores of the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay (from $190). The rooms are simple but comfortable. Of course, the reason you鈥檙e staying here is not the room itself but the soft-sand beach below your balcony.

Ryan Krogh is a writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. He writes frequently about the outdoors and travel. This summer he has trips planned to Montana, Dominica, Costa Rica, and Paris, France. He also has plans to paddle on the Erie Canal in August, the only trip coinciding with this list of ideas, although he fully endorses all of these destinations based on previous adventures.听听

The post The Best Summer Weekend Trips of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Think the beach is just for lounging? Think again. I found seven gorgeous hikes that trace the coast, from quiet beach walks to heart-pounding cliff treks. Some of these trails are multi-day affairs, giving you the chance to disconnect for extended periods of time, while others are quick day hikes designed to get you away from the summer crowds. Pack the reef-safe sunscreen, but maybe leave that trashy beach read at home 鈥� it鈥檚 time to hit the coast.

Mountains to Sea Trail: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Distance: 82 miles听

This is the dramatic finale of the 1,175-mile long Mountains to Sea Trail, which begins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and ends at the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands along the coast of North Carolina. Along the way, the trail hits the tallest mountains in the eastern U.S. and passes through rolling farms in the Piedmont, but the last 82 miles is predominantly a beach walk passing between tall, grass-covered dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.

This section of the starts in Ocracoke, which can only be reached by ferry, and does some island hopping through Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It鈥檚 a flat hike, although you鈥檒l have the chance to climb the 208-foot tall Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the final push ascends the 100-foot sand dunes of Jockey鈥檚 Ridge State Park. Beyond the coastal scenery, I like this hike because it oscillates between isolated beaches and vibrant towns, including the charming Ocracoke Village, which still retains its fishing hamlet charm. You鈥檒l also have the chance to surf, eat fresh seafood, and take flight (see below).

Best Campsite

Cape Hatteras National Seashore has four established campgrounds scattered throughout the islands. There are also plenty of hotels and cottages throughout the journey if you want to create your own inn to inn hike. But I like the tent sites at , which has a row of sites on each loop that are just inland of the dunes, so you鈥檙e blocked from the wind coming off the ocean but have easy walking access to the beach ($28/night).

What to Know Before You Go

You鈥檒l need to catch two to complete this route (from $5 per person), and while you鈥檒l spend most of your time on the beach, the MST moves away from the sand in a couple of spots, for a mix of singletrack and road walking.

Wildlife Watch

Legend has it that the 鈥淲ild Banker Ponies,鈥� a herd of that have been present in the Outer Banks since the first European settlers established homesites in the 1730s, are castaways from shipwrecks during the late 1600s. They used to roam free, but after the main highway was built in the 鈥�50s, the National Park Service moved them to a fenced-in pasture on Ocracoke to keep them safe from traffic.

Bring Your…Sense of 国产吃瓜黑料

A number of surf shops offer lessons and board rentals along this route, and Jockey鈥檚 Ridge State Park operates a where you can take flight from its tall dunes ($149 per person).

The Oregon Coast Trail, Oregon

Distance: Up to 425 miles

The (OCT) sounds too good to be true: More than 400 miles of hiking along the Pacific Northwest鈥檚 coastal headlands, bouncing between isolated beaches, cliff tops, dense rain forests and the occasional fishing village. It might be the perfect coastal long hike, and the only problem might be that you can鈥檛 get away for the month or more it takes to complete all of it end to end. Fortunately, you don鈥檛 have to thru hike the Oregon Coast Trail to enjoy its goods.

The OCT is broken into 10 sections of varying lengths, each of which can be knocked out in shorter multi-day stretches. What鈥檚 the best? Arguably , a 36 mile jaunt that begins at Oregon鈥檚 border with Washington, where the Columbia River divides the two states, then travels south through the beach of Fort Stevens State Park, where you鈥檒l see the historic Peter Iredale shipwreck before climbing to the top of Tillamook Head, a cliff that stands 1,200 feet above the Pacific. Hikers will also see the iconic Haystack Rock, a seastack rising from the surf, and get to hit the beach town of Cannon Beach before finishing the hike in Oswald West State Park.

Best Campsite

It鈥檚 hard to beat the three Adirondack-style hiker shelters on Tillamook Head, each of which has four first come, first serve bunks. You can pitch a tent in the area if the bunks are full. A short walk from the shelters to the edge of the cliff gives you a view of the Tillamook Lighthouse, which sits on a rock a mile offshore.

What to Know Before You Go

Some sections of beach, especially near the southern end of this section in Ecola State Park, can only be crossed at low tide, so check NOAA鈥檚 before starting your hike.听 Also, if you try your hike in the spring, rivers might be too high from snow melt to ford.

Wildlife Watch

Keep an eye out for gray whales, which are headed north to Alaska along the coast during spring (from March to June).

Bring Your…Appetite

The fish doesn鈥檛 get any fresher than what you鈥檒l find in the coastal towns like Cannon Beach and Seaside, both of which have long-standing fishing traditions where boats provide restaurants with catch taken from the sea daily. is known for using line and hook methods (no nets) to catch the fish they sell. Fish and chips, with halibut or cod, depending what鈥檚 in season, are a staple.

Loop Trail, Santa Rosa Island: Channel Islands National Park, California

Distance: 7.5 miles

The Channel Islands, off the coast of Southern California, offer one of the most unique hiking experiences in the country. Five of the eight islands are protected as a national park and essentially offer a glimpse of what Southern California was like before development took over. I had the chance to visit the park on an expedition cruise, and Santa Rosa Island was the highlight thanks to its tall cliffs, endemic species, and hiking trails that are full of eye candy.

I like the 7.5-mile Loop Trail, which starts at the pier in Becher鈥檚 Bay, passes through a historic ranch with expansive grasslands, and climbs up to a grove of Torrey Pines overlooking the Pacific. From there, the hike drops back down to the edge of the cliffs above the ocean. On your way back to the pier, you can either hike a mix of the coastal road and singletrack that hugs the edge of the cliff, or drop down to the Water Canyon Beach and hike the two-mile long stretch of white sand back to the pier.

Best View

There鈥檚 no bad view along this hike, but the perspective from the grove of Torrey Pines gives you a broad field of vision that takes in the grasslands, cliffs, and Pacific that stretches on for eternity.

What to Know Before You Go

You鈥檒l need a boat to reach Santa Rosa, or you can hop a ride from , which runs a ferry from Ventura and drops off hikers, backpackers, and kayakers at the pier in Bechers Bay. There are three day trips to Santa Rosa a week (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday/$95 per adult) or you could spend three days/two nights on Santa Rosa, and grab one of the 15 sites at the island鈥檚 small ($15 a night). Some of the beaches are open seasonally to primitive camping (check the national park鈥檚 website for the current closures when you鈥檙e planning your trip).

Wildlife Watch

The Channel Islands are considered the 鈥淕alapagos of North America鈥� because the islands evolved in isolation and have 23 . I saw a bunch of cool animals during my time on the islands, but the native fox was the cutest; at roughly the size of a house cat, it鈥檚 one of the smallest species of fox in the world. I was fortunate enough to see one in the shade of the Torrey Pines during my hike.

Bring Your鈥ove of History

The native Chumash thrived on Santa Cruz for 10,000 years, developing a society that was based on trade and a shell bead currency. Cultural sites can be found throughout the island, but you鈥檒l also find some native plants that the Chumash depended on, like the delicious lemonade berry, which tastes like鈥emonade.

Chapel Loop: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan听

Distance: 10.5 miles

Think there鈥檚 no coast in the middle of the country? Think again. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore protects some of the wildest coastline in America, with miles of sandstone cliffs dropping to the water, isolated beaches, sand dunes, even waterfalls. It just happens that the coast we鈥檙e talking about is on Lake Superior. There are a lot of short hikes in the national lakeshore that lead to scenic views of the lake. The best of these has to be the 2-mile round trip from Miners Castle to Miners Beach, a mile long, narrow stretch of sand flanked by green, pine forest and cliffs.

For a bigger adventure, hike the 10.5-mile , which takes in the area鈥檚 history and scenic glory, as it passes multiple waterfalls tucked into the pine forest before tracing the edge of the cliff above Lake Superior where you鈥檒l cruise by the iconic outcroppings of Indian Head and Chapel Rock. Hikers will also have the chance to lounge and swim from two beaches, Mosquito Beach, which is flanked by sandstone cliffs, and Chapel Beach, which sits at the mouth of Chapel River with a view of Chapel Rock, a sandstone arch with a solitary pine tree perched on its expanse.

Best View

Lover鈥檚 Leap is a broad sandstone arch that stretches from the band of cliffs out into Lake Superior鈥檚 clear waters north of Mosquito Beach. You can see the arch from various points along the trail between Mosquito Beach and Miners Castle.

What to Know Before You Go

During the summer, the Chapel Loop parking lot fills quickly (often before 9 A.M.). Multiple trails leave from the parking lot, so hikers spread out throughout the park, but you鈥檒l need to be an early riser to get a space.

Wildlife Watch

The diversity of species in Pictured Rocks is impressive, ranging from the occasional moose to the gray wolf and bald eagle. Keep an eye out for the , a small, white shorebird that鈥檚 listed as endangered but is known to live within the national lakeshore. You鈥檒l likely see them hunting for food along the beaches.

Bring Your鈥ayak

The hiking in Pictured Rocks is great, but kayaking along the shoreline offers the best views of the sandstone arches and waterfalls that tumble into the water. Don鈥檛 have your own boat? offers tours where they launch from a larger boat offshore to cut down on the miles you need to paddle (from $99 per person).

Lost Coast Trail: Kings Range National Conservation Area, California听

Distance: 25 miles

You can鈥檛 write about coastal hikes and not include this Northern California gem, which traverses 25 miles of cliffs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches through the managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Lost Coast earned its name because the wilderness area was too rugged for highway construction (elevations reach 4,000 feet just three miles from the ocean), so a 35-mile stretch of coast between the small towns of Shelter Cove and Petrolia, California was lost to development.

It has since become a hotspot for backpackers looking for secluded beaches and grand views. It鈥檚 become so popular the BLM has had to limit visitation; a caps use to 60 hikers per day between May 15 and September 15 and costs $6 per night as well as an additional $12 鈥渟pecial area fee鈥� per hiker. You can get permits three months in advance on a rolling basis. But if you score a permit, you鈥檒l have two to four days of mostly beach hiking with 100-foot-tall bluffs on one side and iconic California waves on the other. Beach camping, the occasional waterfall, and the chance to climb Punta Gorda Lighthouse, round out the highlights.

Best Campsite

There are no designated campgrounds, but the various creeks that meet the beach make popular campsites that will have reliable water. The Sea Lion Gulch site, at mile 4.5, sits on the edge of the bluff, offering big views of the beach below and Pacific beyond, but you鈥檒l likely deal with windy conditions. Big Creek, at mile 9.5, is the most popular campsite with sites at the mouth of a broad creek that travels through a narrow, fir-covered gorge before meeting the beach. You can choose from beach sites or forested sites away from the wind.

What to Know Before You Go

High tides create impassable zones on three sections the Lost Coast Trail, where the water swallows the thin beach until it retreats. Plan your hike according to the and time your trek across these beaches as the tide is retreating to give yourself the biggest window.

Wildlife Watch

are huge, weighing up to 8,000 pounds, and were once in danger of becoming extinct, but they鈥檝e found safe breeding ground on the isolated beaches of California鈥檚 Lost Coast. You鈥檒l see them throughout this journey, including a large colony that can often be found lounging in the sun near the Punta Gorda Lighthouse. During the summer, these animals come ashore to shed their outer layer of skin.

Bring Your鈥elephoto Lens

Your chance for cool wildlife photography is off the charts on the Lost Coast Trail, from deer grazing the grasslands to black bear and the aforementioned elephant seals. Bring a telephoto lens and keep your distance while you snap away.

Wilderness Trail and Beach: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida听

Distance: Up to 12 miles

(that鈥檚 a mouthful!) protects 20 miles of Cape San Blas, a primitive peninsula that divides St. Joseph Bay from the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of mainland Florida. Head to the northern tip of the cape, which is protected as wilderness, and you鈥檒l get legitimate deserted island vibes, as the wilderness area has been undeveloped, giving you a sense of what Florida was like before the condos and theme parks. The six-mile passes through the center of the cape between gnarly pines and oaks, with optional trails to the Gulf side of the peninsula giving you the opportunity to create a loop hike (or out and back) of your choice where half of your mileage will be on sugary white sandy beach.

A beach access trail begins at the parking lot and another can be found three miles up the beach, making for an ideal six-mile loop. Tall dunes topped with sprouting sea grass line the interior of the beach throughout the hike, and the sand is so fine and powdery that it will squeak beneath your feet as you walk. Hurricane Michael split the peninsula in half in 2018, and damaged much of the park鈥檚 infrastructure, but the divide has been filled in and the wilderness area of the park has proved to be resilient, bouncing back to its former glory in the several years since the hurricane. Bring your bathing suit and beach supplies; there are no services in the wilderness area, and the Gulf water is warm and ripe for swimming and snorkeling.

Best Campsite

You can treat this hike as a day-long excursion, but the has 14 primitive campsites tucked into the dunes and palms. Site #14 sits at the end of the Wilderness Trail, on the water, in the shade of a handful of palm trees ($5 per night, per person).

What to Know Before You Go

You need a permit to explore the Wilderness area. You can pick one up at the state park鈥檚 ranger station on the day of your journey. Be sure to be back at your car and exiting the area an hour before sunset, a rule that helps protect the various nesting animals on the cape.

Wildlife Watch

My family and I camped at this state park for spring break one year, and we spent most of our nights battling a feisty raccoon who had plans for our cooler. But the park is brimming with more fun wildlife, including the snowy plover, an endangered migratory shore bird that nests on the peninsula.

Bring Your鈥addleboard

The state park has several kayak launches, giving you the chance to paddle the calm and clear waters of St. Joseph Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.

Gorham Mountain Loop: Acadia National Park, Maine听

Distance: 3.5 miles听

This captures some of the best terrain in Acadia National Park, allowing hikers to scramble up and over cliffs, hit a summit with long range views, and drop down to the edge of the Atlantic. The best part? Unlike summiting Cadillac Mountain, you don鈥檛 need to score a permit to hike Gorham Mountain. There鈥檚 a good mix of terrain too, from dense spruce and pine forest to cliffs and beaches. Be sure to tack on the .3-mile Cadillac Cliff side trail and you鈥檒l climb ladders and iron rungs up and over cliffs that were formed when sea levels were much higher than they are today.

From there, climb to the summit of the 525-foot Gorham Mountain, where you鈥檒l have a view of Cadillac Mountain on one side and the Atlantic on the other, before dropping down to the ocean, passing a freshwater pond along the way. Once you hit the coast, you can take a dip at Sand Beach before continuing on Ocean Path to the iconic Thunder Hole, a sea cave that catches waves from large swells creating a thunderous boom, before returning to the Gorham Mountain trailhead.

Best View

There are iconic Maine coastal views throughout much of this hike, but it鈥檚 hard to beat the all-encompassing view from the summit of Gorham Mountain, where you can see the rugged coastline below, including Sand Beach, and the Porcupine Islands rising from Frenchman Bay.

What to Know Before You Go

While you don鈥檛 need a permit to hike Gorham Mountain, the parking lot fills quickly, often by 9 A.M. on weekends, so start your hike early if you can. Or consider taking the park鈥檚 free shuttle, the , which you can pick up at various points throughout the park and neighboring communities.

Wildlife Watch

Acadia National Park is one of the best birding locations on the east coast, with more than 300 species identified inside the park. One of the most exciting species is the , which has rebounded from the edge of extinction and has been documented breeding and nesting on various cliffs inside Acacia. In the summer, you can see fledglings learning to fly near Cadillac Mountain.

Bring Your鈥athing Suit

Sand Beach, which is comprised of crushed shells, is the largest beach inside the park and a popular spot for swimming. Brace yourself for a cold plunge though, as water temps rarely hit the 60s, even in summer.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He likes any hike that ends at the beach. He recently wrote about the best small adventure towns in the U.S. and quiet destinations where you can escape the noise of modern life.

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While Michigan rightfully gets its share of outdoor attention, travelers looking for adventurous outings shouldn鈥檛 look past the top of The Mitten. There, in the northwest corner of Michigan鈥檚 lower peninsula, the Petoskey Area quietly harbors a surprising amount of outdoor activities linked by a handful of lively gateway communities: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Alanson, Bay Harbor, and Bay View.

This 30-mile lakeside corridor along U.S. 131 near Lake Michigan鈥檚 Little Traverse Bay, features dynamic terrain, deep woods, and freshwater byways in every inland direction. While each season has its perks, spring and summer both offer a striking showcase of opportunities to experience the region and explore beyond the shore.

brings an undeniable sense of renewal as it’s the time of firsts in the Petoskey Area. Get out and enjoy that first hike or first bike ride of the year, also keeping a look out for elusive trillium flowers and morel mushrooms.

delivers longer days, warmer water, drier trails, and event-loaded weekends. Easy access to the water makes this region a playground for all ages with a myriad of lakes all within steps from one another.

From interconnected waterways to varied trails with payoff views well worth the effort, sample 12 of the Petoskey Area鈥檚 best spring and summer adventures below.

Connect the Dots Along the Little Traverse Wheelway

Four of Michigan鈥檚 dreamiest harbor towns鈥擧arbor Springs, Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Charlevoix鈥攄ot the relatively flat, paved 26 miles, giving cyclists fine options for perfect days, from scenic ease, overnight tours of neighboring towns, or endurance hauls on the full 52-mile round trip.

Gravel Grinding

Riders can leisurely pedal over 32 miles of flat rail-to-trail north from Petoskey to Mackinaw City on the . For added adventure and mileage, plentiful forest two-tracks offer multiple-length endurance routes that mix lung-busting hills with flats, forests, and farmland.

Downhill Summer Turns

The Petoskey Area鈥檚 ski resorts offer a bountiful mix of mild (paved) to wild (chairlift-access downhill) trails, notably at 32 miles of trails and the 22 miles at . , near Harbor Springs, also has six miles of professionally built trails with dynamite flow track.

Trek the Trails

Hide out on the 46-mile that threads through Emmet County, highlighted by some of the hilliest terrain in the Lower Peninsula. One of these NCT links is the best known for quietude and big overlooks (check out Deadman鈥檚 Hill) along the 18-mile journey.

Looking for a day hike? Tackle Boyne City鈥檚 with two ways to approach: a 462 stair climb or a 2.6-mile uphill trail. Trust us, the views of Lake Charlevoix are worth it.

Cruise Inland Lakes

Pair a simple canoe, kayak, or SUP with the quiet, protected waters around on Crooked Lake. Generally flat water and endless birding make this a vibrant and comfortable tour for beginners. A stone鈥檚 throw away, you鈥檒l also find Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake for longer coastline routes.

Tour Lake Michigan

For a wilder excursion, experienced paddlers can launch at and paddle north along the bluffs of Wilderness State Park to watch golden hour reflect on the water of a remote area鈥攏o houses, no roads, no people.

Floating Fare

Don鈥檛 want to paddle? to tour the lush 38-mile that ends in Lake Huron. This historic Indigenous travel corridor utilizes 15 miles of twisting, cattail-narrowed rivers that connect a string of clear northern lakes.

Remote Rafting

The swift Sturgeon River makes for a lively and refreshing trip in a guide-led raft. While rafting trips in the winter months offer an unequaled experience, the prime summer trips provide a sure shot of adrenaline through moderate Class II rapids. Guides at in nearby Indian River can lead the way.

Rushing Whitewater

The thrill of whitewater in Michigan is just a paddle-stroke away at the in downtown Petoskey. Flowing over a mile, it has drops and rapids that flow from Class I up to Class III. Paddle on an inflatable 鈥淒ucky鈥� from , a super stable, lightweight kayak designed to bounce off rocks, and get ready to conquer the rapids.

Added Speed

Michigan鈥檚 3rd largest inland lake at 12 miles long, Lake Charlevoix lays out a shimmering cobalt runway for a day on the water. Rent power boats or jet skis from and source provisions from in Boyne City. Add water skis and a tube to boost adrenaline and laughs.

Fly-Fish Local Rivers

The thicketed shores of the twisting Jordan River hide many a big brown. Float or wade the swift waters of the Jordan, Michigan鈥檚 first designated , with the help of who can point you to the right honeyholes.

Go Big on the Big Lake

Beyond plentiful smallmouth bass that fill virtually all the area鈥檚 lakes (notably at Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix), a half- or full-day fishing on Lake Michigan can help you hook a healthy Atlantic salmon, steelhead, or lake trout during a memorable day on the planet鈥檚 fourth-largest lake. Bay Harbor is a popular jumping-off point for many area charters and a stop at for local eats on their outdoor patio makes the perfect reward.

For travelers who want experiences that are equal parts indulgence and fulfilling, the Petoskey Area is an easy getaway that rejuvenates your soul with a unique blend of natural beauty and eclectic communities, including Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Bay Harbor, Alanson, Boyne Falls, and Bay View. To learn more about the Petoskey Area, find area event information, or to start planning your trip, visit .

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Whatever adventure fuels your travel spirit, , delivers it in Lake Superior鈥搒ized proportions. Located in the forested Upper Peninsula along the shores of this iconic lake, Marquette seems to just get better with every changing season. Whether you鈥檙e ice climbing in winter or chasing waterfalls in spring, this place is an outdoor paradise. Make the most of a visit with advice from locals Heather Vivian and Bill Thompson.

Vivian is the community engagement manager at Travel Marquette and oversees the Respect Marquette County program, which promotes responsible stewardship of the area鈥檚 natural resources. Thompson, co-owner of Down Wind Sports, is a key organizer for major community events and an avid climber and paddler. We talked with them for their expert insights on what makes their hometown Michigan鈥檚 ultimate year-round adventure hub and how to get the most out of a trip there.

Stewardship

国产吃瓜黑料: Why is Marquette an ideal destination for active travelers?

Heather Vivian: Marquette has something for everyone. With an extensive trail network and abundant water access, it鈥檚 a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors, like me. These incredible recreation opportunities exist because our community is committed to taking care of the places that take care of us. That鈥檚 why we teamed up with Leave No Trace and several local organizations to create the program. We encourage visitors and locals alike to respect our natural spaces by following the Leave No Trace principles and practicing responsible stewardship.

Winter

What outdoor activities do you recommend to winter visitors?听

Bill Thompson: The Upper Peninsula is renowned for its snow, and Marquette is perfectly situated to offer access to a variety of winter activities. Whether it鈥檚 cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, or ice climbing, you can enjoy all of these just five minutes from downtown. And I recommend you try them all during your visit!

For most people, scaling a frozen waterfall in the Upper Peninsula might seem unimaginable. But it鈥檚 actually accessible to everyone with help from Michigan Ice Fest Guides, which offers expert-led ice climbing trips. And with the stunning frozen landscapes, it鈥檚 an experience that will create unforgettable memories.Want to try fat biking? MQT Bike Rental provides bike rentals. These are fantastic ways to dive into some new , shorten your learning curve, and get insider tips.

Summer

How about summer visitors?

Thompson: If you think winter sounds fun, wait until you hear about all the . Just like in winter, adventure is a short five-minute drive from downtown. You can rock climb, mountain bike, kayak, paddleboard, camp, fish, canoe, hike, trail run, and even play disc golf鈥攁ll with easy access. Here are some of my favorite summer activities:

Hiking

The Elliott Donnelley Wilderness Trail, just outside of Marquette, offers a serene hike through beautiful hardwood forests following the scenic Little Garlic River. The 7.7-mile out-and-back trail culminates at Little Garlic Falls, where you can take a moment to dip your feet in the cool, refreshing waters before heading back. It鈥檚 a peaceful, picturesque hike that showcases the natural beauty of the area.

Biking

Hands down, the is my favorite bike path to ride. This 47-mile multiuse trail connects communities while offering a deep dive into the region鈥檚 rich history. The trail passes through three downtown areas, cutting right through the heart of the historic Marquette Iron Range. Along the way, you鈥檒l find interpretive signs and art pieces that offer insights into more than 160 years of iron ore mining in the area鈥攑erfect for taking a break and learning something new. The trail itself is a mix of crushed limestone and asphalt, making it easy to ride on any type of bike.

Paddling

Seriously, is there a better place to paddleboard or kayak than ? I don鈥檛 think so! With crystal-clear waters and stunning land formations like caves and arches, Marquette鈥檚 shoreline offers some of the best paddling I鈥檝e experienced. Sunrise or sunset over Lake Superior is a sight you won鈥檛 forget鈥攋ust be sure to check the wave and weather conditions, and always pack the proper safety gear before heading out on the lake.

The safest way to experience the best locations on Superior is by booking a guided kayaking adventure with or another local outfitter.

Spring and Fall

What鈥檚 Marquette like in the spring and fall?听

Vivian: When spring arrives, the whole community seems to come alive with excitement. It鈥檚 my favorite time of year to take the easy 2.8-mile hike to Morgan Creek Falls. As the rivers are rushing with snowmelt, they create some of the most powerful and stunning cascades.

Fall in Marquette is nothing short of a dream. While the season is brief, we get the most up north. It鈥檚 the perfect time to hit the trails or take a scenic drive surrounded by forests ablaze with reds, oranges, and yellows. My favorite ways to see the colors by car are by taking County Road 550 north to Big Bay or hopping onto U.S. Highway 41 and going west to Ishpeming. Fall invites you to slow down, be present, and truly take in the natural beauty around you. Honestly, I could spend every fall here for the rest of my life and it still wouldn鈥檛 feel like enough time to fully soak it in鈥攖hat鈥檚 how special it is.

Culture and Events

How else can visitors immerse themselves in Marquette鈥檚 unique culture and vibrant community?

Vivian: Be sure to check out one of our fantastic local restaurants or breweries. Marquette has so many great dining options, and if you love good beer, you鈥檝e definitely come to the right place. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some live music, with like the Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival and musicians playing at local pubs every weekend. The Fresh Coast Film Festival is another favorite, showcasing films from around the Great Lakes that highlight our community鈥檚 culture and values. And most importantly, don鈥檛 be shy鈥攃ome say hi! The best way to truly immerse yourself in local culture is by chatting with the people who live here.

Located on Lake Superior, , is a community where nature鈥檚 assets are on display, with scenic vistas, rugged trails, rushing waterfalls, and a vibrant historic downtown. Featuring abundant outdoor activities, unique dining experiences, award-winning craft breweries, and a thriving art scene, Marquette embraces a culture anchored in artisanship and ingenuity.

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The U.S. was built for cars. I鈥檓 talking about our infrastructure: the interstate system, traffic laws, speed limits, and streets. They鈥檙e all designed with vehicles in mind. And yet, some communities have embraced and are moving toward the bicycle over the car.

These towns have done so much: created bike-lane infrastructure and robust greenway systems, leveraged their natural attributes by building singletrack, and put in signage and lower speed limits to make country roads safer. Bike towns vary wildly, some filled with people who pedal to work and shuttle toddlers around via cargo bikes, others good for those who exist solely to shred dirt trails or ascend mountain roads.

To create this list of the Best Small Bike Towns in America, I studied data collected each year by , a non-profit that ranks the 鈥淏est Places to Bike鈥� based on factors like local speed limits and cycling infrastructure, giving each community a score from 0 to 100. The average city in the U.S. scores in the mid-20s, while the most bike-friendly places rate in the 70s to low 90s.

I doubled down on data by bringing in info from the , a non-profit that promotes cycling through education and advocacy, and rates communities with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze status dependent on a town鈥檚 numbers of bike lanes and lane connectivity.

Safe streets and being able to commute to school and work are important, but other factors determine a great bike town, like the number of dirt trails and mountains nearby to ascend. So I also sought data from 听which catalogs the number of mountain-bike trails within feasible reach of each community, and looked for towns that also have access both to world-class road-cycling routes and lonely gravel roads to explore. (Trailforks is owned by 国产吃瓜黑料 Inc., the same company that owns 国产吃瓜黑料.)

I wanted to focus on small towns across the U.S., so I capped populations at 100,000, which left out some big hitters like Boulder, Colorado, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, both outstanding places to live if you want to bike. My compliments to those communities鈥攑lease keep up the good work.

While I used as many data points as I could find, this list also contains some subjectivity based on my own experience. For example, Park City, Utah, is in here even though it receives a middling score from People for Bikes. Why? The mountain biking is amazing and there鈥檚 so much of it. I also included towns that go above and beyond for commuters, others that have vibrant social cycling scenes (like group rides and events), and others with epic road routes.

Of course, some cities do it all, and I put them at the top of the list. Here are the 10 Best Small Bike Towns in America, ranked.

1. Crested Butte, Colorado

Population: 1,654

People for Bikes Score: 87

League of American Bicyclists: Gold

Why I Chose It: This small Colorado ski town could have earned a spot on this list solely based on its assessments in People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists for its bike infrastructure and safe streets. But Crested Butte rose to the top of the pack because it鈥檚 also a fantastic mountain-bike mecca, with a lift-served downhill park on the edge of town and access to more than 750 miles of trails within the greater Gunnison Valley.

Oh, and it鈥檚 an underrated road-cycling destination, with mixed gravel and paved rides beginning in town and climbing to scenic lookouts like Ohio Pass and Kebler Pass, where the Elk Mountains rise ahead in a mix of craggy peaks and aspen-clad slopes.

Number of Bike Trails: 247

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: tops the lists. This eight-mile, mostly downhill high-alpine trail begins at Schofield Pass and drops more than 1,000 feet, passing through wildflower meadows with views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte.

2. Davis, California

Population: 68,000

People for Bikes Score: 77, highest ranked medium-sized city in its report

League of American Bicyclists Status: Platinum

Why I Chose It: Davis, a college town on the outskirts of Sacramento, is a bike commuter鈥檚 dream. It was the first city in the U.S. to implement dedicated bike lanes, back in 1967, and has only improved its bike infrastructure since. Currently, more than have bike lanes, giving locals 102 miles of those and 63 miles of off-street paths to pedal. Many intersections have bike-specific signals, and there are even bike boulevards, meaning streets shut down to motorized vehicles. Davis has been repeatedly touted as the most bike-friendly city in the U.S. by organizations like People for Bikes, and the League of American Bicyclists estimates that 22 percent of residents commute regularly by bike.

Number of Bike Trails: 7. Davis proper isn鈥檛 much of a mountain-bike community鈥搈ost of the in-town trails are short paths cutting through neighborhoods and parks. But there are good trail systems within the greater Sacramento Valley, known for its patchwork of vegetable and fruit farms, including the 20 miles of trail at Rockville Hills Regional Park 30 minutes south.

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: , in Rockville Hills, connects you from the trailhead parking lot to the gems within the stacked-loop system, including Lake Front, which has a fun, easy downhill before skirting Grey Goose Lake.

听3. Jackson, Wyoming

Population: 10,698

People for Bikes Score: 79

League of American Bicyclists Status: Gold

Why I Chose It: Jackson Hole made this list for its bike-lane connectivity. More than 100 miles of paved trails run through and beyond town, with 115 miles of singletrack surrounding it鈥攁nd that鈥檚 just within the valley known as Jackson Hole. Not only can you bike to the grocery store on a designated route, you can pedal into the National Wildlife Refuge and Grand Teton National Park on a paved trail (it鈥檚 20 miles from Jackson to Jenny Lake inside the park), with views of the jagged Teton Range and herds of elk.

Trailheads for popular singletrack begin right on the edge of neighborhood streets, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort鈥檚 extensive lift-served routes are 15 minutes from the town center. Biking is woven into the fabric of the community, through the extensive infrastructure and events like bike swaps, youth programs, and In June, a landslide closed a 10-mile stretch of the Teton Pass mountain road for three weeks, impeding the commute between Jackson and less expensive communities in Idaho. The silver lining? Cyclists enjoyed a car-free pedal to the top of the pass. Teton Pass is open now, and classic rides like Parallel Trail, a 1.5-mile downhill with lots of jumps, are once again easy to access.

Number of Bike Trails: 105

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: takes top honors. This beginner-friendly three-mile cross-country trail begins at the Cache Creek Trailhead and has a number of connectors that allow you to form fast, rolling loops with other trails in the same system, like , for nearby post-work romps.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Population: 6,741

People for Bikes Score: 75

League of American Bicyclists Status: Gold

Why I Chose It: Aspen checks all the boxes, scoring high marks from People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists thanks to its infrastructure and low-speed streets. The city of manages more than 22 miles of paved bike trails connecting parks within the town鈥檚 limits, and the Rio Grande Trail offers 42 miles of no-traffic asphalt from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

Aspen also has a bike-share program in the form of , which has stations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and offers 30-minute free rides in town.

Aspen-Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley was the first destination in Colorado to earn Gold Level Ride Center status from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). The Roaring Fork Valley has more than 300 miles of trails, from lift-served descents at Snowmass Mountain Resort to hut-to-hut bikepacking through some of the cabin system. And then you have the road routes, like the bucket-list-worthy 16-mile roundtrip from downtown to Maroon Bells, where the twin 14,000-foot Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak rise above the placid Maroon Lake.

Number of Bike Trails: 191

Most Popular Bike Trail: The crown goes to , a 4.4-mile downhill romp in Snowmass鈥� Bike Park that is full of berms and rollers from top to bottom. Both beginners and pros love it as being fun regardless of how fast you tackle it.

5. Ashland, Oregon

Population: 21,285

People for Bikes Score: 70

League of American Bicyclists Status: Gold

Why I Chose It: Ashland is celebrated for its annual Shakespeare Festival, but this southern Oregon town deserves to be just as famous for its biking. The only question is which riders have it better here, the roadies or the mountain bikers? Road cyclists have the 55-mile Cascade Siskiyou Scenic Bikeway, which begins and ends downtown and climbs 5,000 feet out of Bear Valley, with views of iconic landmarks like the volcanic Pilot Rock and the 9,000-foot tall Mount McLoughlin.

Hundreds of miles of rural paved roads extend into the surrounding Siskiyou Range. Mountain bikers enjoy the 100-mile trail system in the 15,000-acre , where singletrack ascends to the top of 7,532-foot Mount Ashland and runs all the way back into town, more than 5,000 feet below. runs shuttles ($30 per person), so you can skip the climb up Mount Ashland and focus on the descent during your 13- to 25-mile (depending on the route) ride.

All cyclists get to pedal the 20-mile Bear Creek Greenway that runs north from the edge of town, connecting Ashland with surrounding communities. Fun fact: Ashland is home to the United Bicycle Institute, a school for bike mechanics and builders, that has offered one- and two-week programs since 1981.

Number of Bike Trails: 86 trails

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: Locals love the two-mile , which drops almost 1,000 feet of elevation in a series of machine-built berms and tabletops. (Hand-built trails are narrower and often more technical.)

6. Park City, Utah

Population: 8,374

People for Bikes Score: 48

League of American Bicyclists Status: Gold

Why I Chose It: Park City鈥檚 People for Bikes score isn鈥檛 stellar. While at 48 it鈥檚 well above the U.S. average, it still doesn鈥檛 crack their list of the top 10 small cities due to the city鈥檚 lack of bike-safety projects and like grocery stores and hospitals. But its ranking is climbing鈥攗p 15 points, from 33, in the last three years鈥攁nd the town is interlaced by an impressive of non-motorized bike paths. Park City also has a share fleet of electric bikes, and the city introduced a that actually pays people to commute during winter.

All of that is great, but I chose Park City for this list because of its mountain biking. It is an IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, with more than of singletrack extending directly from town into the Wasatch Mountains. I live in a good city for mountain bikers (Asheville) but am jealous: the you can pedal in Park City is absolutely bonkers: this might be the best town in America to live in if you鈥檙e a mountain biker. The only downside is the trails鈥� seasonality; you鈥檙e not riding dirt in the winter, but that鈥檚 why they make skis.

Number of Bike Trails: 629

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: The Wasatch Crest Trail is a classic mountain-bike ride in Park City, running for 13 miles west of the city with plenty of high-alpine ridgeline singletrack and accompanying big-mountain views. Almost all of the trails are amazing, but locals love , a short A-line section of the Wasatch Crest Trail, with crazy exposure on a knife-edge ridge.

7. Harbor Springs, Michigan

Population: 1,271

People for Bikes Score: 92

League of American Bicyclists Status: Not Ranked (communities must apply for consideration)

Why I Chose It: Harbor Springs, a small waterfront village on Lake Michigan, earned an outstanding score in People for Bikes鈥� latest rankings for connectivity: cyclists can pedal everywhere safely, from grocery stores to schools to parks, thanks to low-traffic, low-speed streets (that are pretty flat, too), and the Little Traverse Wheelway, a 26-mile greenway that connects Harbor Springs with several communities and parks along Little Traverse Bay.

Pedaling isn鈥檛 just relegated to in-town cruising, though. The place has a vibrant mountain-biking scene thanks largely to , a lift-served bike park with 22 miles of mountain-bike trails. There鈥檚 a mix of trails for all levels, while cyclists just looking to cruise will find several miles of wide paths at the and the .

Number of Bike Trails: 54

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: The short , a double-black downhill trail at the Highlands Bike Park, gets top honors for its bevy of wooden features like jumps, drops, and berms.

8. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Population: 3,664

People for Bikes Score: 96

League of American Bicyclists Status: Silver

Why I Chose It: Provincetown had the second-highest score of any town in the U.S. thanks to its suite of low speed limits, multiple bike paths, a dedication to the commuting cause, and the lack of hills. The secluded island community of Mackinac Island, Michigan, had the only higher score, and while I love the idea of a town that bans cars, I ultimately left the place off this list because of its seclusion and the inherent difficulty of living and working there. (Mackinac only has 500 year-round residents.)

Provincetown has a Bicycle Committee that plans projects and prints an annual . A beach town on the tip of Cape Cod, it was essentially built for single-speed cruising鈥攖hink pedaling to the ocean and then to get ice cream鈥攁nd that sort of low-speed, casual cruising remains a fixture of the lifestyle. The year-round population is just over 3,000, and yet Provincetown has five bike shops. A five-mile loop trail traverses the forests and dunes outside of town, with spurs to beaches facing the Atlantic.

Number of Bike Trails: 21

Most Popular Trail on Trailforks: Province Lands Bike Trail is the main attraction with a hilly, paved 5.25 mile loop through sand dunes and beech forest. Check out the 3.5-mile , which connects two popular beaches on opposite ends of the Cape.

9. Sewanee, Tennessee

Population: 2,922

People for Bikes Score: 83

League of American Bicyclists Status: None, but the University of the South in town has a Bronze ranking

Why I Chose It: Sewanee is a small college town on the top of the Cumberland Plateau in Middle Tennessee with beautiful Collegiate Gothic architecture and stunning fall foliage. Life revolves around the University of the South, and the community in general has the languid pace of a tiny southern mountain town, which, frankly, is ideal for someone riding around. Sewanee is the number-one-ranked Bike Friendly Community in the South, according to People for Bikes, based on the low-traffic streets and bike access to essential destinations like schools, jobs, and grocery stores.

Cyclists could probably live a car-free (or car-light) life, but there鈥檚 more here than just going from A to B. The 22-mile Perimeter Loop is a mix of singletrack, double track, and pavement that encircles the university鈥檚 campus and provides access to other trails in the area, while the 12-mile Mountain Goat Trail is a paved off-street option that traces an old railway from Sewanee northeast to the town of Monteagle. Road cyclists can create 25-mile-plus loops using the country roads that descend and ascend the 1,000-foot-tall Cumberland Plateau.

Number of Trails: 34

Most Popular Trail on Trailforks: The 14-mile singletrack portion of the is the locals鈥� favorite option thanks to its cross-country flow and mild technical difficulty.

10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Population: 99,285

People for Bikes Score: 50

League of American Bicyclists Status: Gold

Fayetteville barely made it under our population cap of 100,000, but this southern mountain town is a great sleeper destination for cyclists. It may not get quite the attention of hot towns like Bentonville, but Fayetteville is surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, with 50 miles of singletrack in town and the nearby ridges, not to mention hundreds of miles of gravel roads.

Within the city, cruisers have 50 miles of paved bike trails, and the future is only looking brighter. Fayetteville鈥檚 council a community where every resident is within a two-minute pedal of an established trail, and the town is building an average of two to three miles of paved trail every year. Fayetteville is also the beginning of the , a 40-mile regional bike path that connects communities throughout Northwestern Arkansas.

Number of Trails: 154

Most Popular Trail on Trailforks: Mountain bikers love , an intermediate flow trail that connects with two downhill trails, Red Rum and Chunky.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national-parks columnist. He rides his bike everywhere around his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, even though it has a poor People for Bikes score because of a lack of .

For more by this author, see:

8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture

The Best Ways to Get 国产吃瓜黑料 in West Virginia

The 10 Best National Parks in Canada

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

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Some people book hotels for high-quality gyms; others prioritize al fresco bathtubs. For me, an astrophotographer, accommodation selection comes down to one thing: stargazing potential.

With the recent astrotourism boom, due in part to the amazing northern-lights viewing in the U.S. this year, many lodges have bolstered their night-sky offerings. But not all dark-sky retreats are created equally. Simply having a view of constellations or being located near a low-light-pollution park doesn鈥檛 necessarily make for a stellar stargazing hotel.

A true dark-sky retreat makes the nightscape a main attraction. I鈥檝e traveled to my fair share of properties that fit this bill, and others I can鈥檛 wait to check into for a night of cosmos-watching. Here are the ones I recommend in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Sky Village at Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch

Cortez, Colorado

Hidden among the mesas and grassy valleys of the arid Colorado Plateau lies one of my favorite Milky Way鈥搘atching lookouts on the continent: . The southwestern Colorado getaway, bookended between its namesake monument and the Ute Mountain Reserve, enjoys pristine night views best enjoyed from the new Star Tower, a two-story structure with views of Sleeping Ute Mountain that opened in 2023.

Its architecture is reminiscent of the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings found at nearby Mesa Verde National Park, located 30 miles east. You can spend days here bouncing between parks, hiking the nearby trails, and meeting the ranch鈥檚 farm animals. Come nightfall, all eyes are on the sky鈥攑articularly if you鈥檙e relaxing on the tower鈥檚 star-view deck. From $515

oTentik

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

As our northern neighbor鈥檚 inkiest dark-sky preserve, certified by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, nightscapes are about as star-speckled as they were when the dinosaurs tromped here鈥攁 history that draws fossil hunters and astrotourists alike.

Few accommodations exist in this 280-square-mile swath of mixed-grass prairie, but you can book Parks Canada鈥檚 , a collection of 12 cozy safari-style accommodations in the Frenchman Valley and Rock Creek campgrounds, designed with both sleeping and living-room spaces for up to six people. Based here, you can scour for fossils and admire the resident buffalo by day and gaze across 360 degrees of starry skies from your tent perch come dusk.

It鈥檚 worth mentioning that the park is ideally situated near the remote Saskatchewan-Montana border, a spot known for aurora sightings. Like many of our favorite contiguous U.S. aurora-hunting spots, lights viewing can occur here year-round. From $115

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon

Widtsoe, Utah

, lauded for its upscale, national-park-adjacent glamp sites, made an astrotourism splash in 2023 when it partnered with global light-pollution authority DarkSky International to turn a into the first DarkSky-certified resorts. At this especially incredible 50-tent outpost, located just 15 miles north of Bryce Canyon, an International DarkSky Park, the skies turn particularly dusky each night.

According to the nine-level Bortle Scale of , the property鈥檚 skies have the darkest rating: Class 1. Admire constellations from your private porch, join guided stargazing sessions, try meditative star bathing, or get hands on with community telescopes. The cr猫me de la cr猫me for space enthusiasts is the Stargazer tent, which features a large skylight to admire starry skies as as you doze off.

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, is open from May through September. From $472

Fresh Coast Cabins

Eagle Harbor, Michigan

While I鈥檝e enjoyed northern lights sightings around the world, few places have been as lucky for me as , ten trendy, family-owned cabins on Michigan鈥檚 Keweenaw Peninsula. It ticks every box on my lower 48 aurora-hunting checklist: a clear, north-facing view across Lake Superior鈥攅ssential for catching the swirls since they appear closer to the horizon in lower latitudes鈥攁nd virtually no light pollution.

Its spacious campfire-gathering space draws guests outdoors at night for a few hours of star- and aurora-gazing, but I recommend that avid sky-watchers book Cabin Nine or the slightly pricier Aurora Major Suite. Both boast private porches with sweeping lake views. After a dose of astronomical awe, pop into the property鈥檚 new , a traditional Finnish construction, then trot the path down to the lake for a reinvigorating dip in its waters. Repeat as needed. From $300

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Lanai City, Hawaii

The 213-room may be a five-star splurge, but for night-sky buffs interested in stargazing as well as authentic Native culture, it鈥檚 worth it. The resort, set on this small, palm-fringed island roughly an hour via ferry from Maui, runs that spotlights both the stars and the stories of the Indigenous Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders that long relied on them for navigation. The observatory is also open to residents during special community events and for STEM internship programs for local students.

Expert-led star talks delve into celestial navigation history, and you can peer through a 3.2-foot telescope for a closer look at the skies. Other evening activities at the resort include full-moon themed dinners and guided starlit meditations overlooking Holopoe Bay, where the crashing waves add a splash of sound therapy. From $1,500

Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch

Pleasant Valley, Alaska

Aurora hunting from , a new getaway some 30 miles east of Fairbanks, is like sky-watching from a holiday snow globe. The 18-acre property is about as North Pole as U.S. travel gets. There are four igloo-style domes, named after caribou herds in Alaska, and each with a private deck positioned just above a bustling reindeer hangout. That means endless nights of watching for the northern lights with Santa鈥檚 helpers lazing nearby. Another thoughtful perk is a kitchenette equipped with a microwave鈥攑erfect for warming cocoa during long nights awake.

Worried about dozing through the show? Sign up for the ranch鈥檚 complimentary aurora alerts so you don鈥檛 miss a second of the colorful swirls. Daytime adventures include reindeer hikes and dogsled rides. And if you visit during the summer, the ranch has room-darkening shades for snoozing despite the all-hours midnight sun. From $280

The Oasis at Death Valley

Death Valley National Park, California

There鈥檚 a reason stargazers flock to this national park. Its remote and arid landscape, named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International, delights with obsidian skies across its 3.4 million acres of salt flats, sand dunes, and rainbow-hued hills. Even on bright-moon nights at the , I could spy countless stars. That said, it鈥檚 best to visit around a new moon, particularly in the less toasty months of October to February, for after-dark festivities that spotlight the park鈥檚 spellbinding skies.

The Oasis, included in DarkSky International鈥檚 certification of the park in 2013, offers two hotels: the higher-end , with 66 rooms and 22 casitas, and the , with 275 rooms. You鈥檒l enjoy the park鈥檚 signature nightscapes from either landing pad, particularly during the annual in early March. Another great post-sunset adventure is the s offered by Furnace Creek Stables ($120 for one hour). Ranch rooms from $170; inn rooms from $356

Rancho La Concepci贸n

Los Manzanos, Mexico

A heaven full of stars awaits travelers willing to go off-grid to this small, sustainable, and Wi-Fi-free ranch in the wilderness of Baja California, some 115 miles southeast of Ensenada. offers three rustic-chic cabins near the mountainous Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro M谩rtir, an area so dark that astronomers decided to situate the country鈥檚 second-largest telescope here. You can visit , a 23-mile drive east, during select public events, including presentations the first Friday of each month.

That said, Rancho La Concepci贸n鈥檚 Bortle Class 1 skies make it hard to leave鈥攑articularly when the owners run space-sighting sessions with hot chocolate on hand. If there鈥檚 just one or two of you, book to watch the sparkly skies from bed. From $130

Thorny Mountain Fire Tower

Seneca State Forest, West Virginia

On the eastern side of West Virginia, a half-day鈥檚 drive from Washington, D.C., Seneca State Forest draws anglers and hikers eager to trek the area鈥檚 strech of the 330-mile Allegheny Trail. Come nightfall, there鈥檚 no better vantage point than the forest鈥檚 65-foot-high听, a refurbished accommodation and picturesque dark-sky retreat that juts well above the pines.

The two-bed tower can sleep up to four people and retains the rustic, low-frills aesthetic of its 1935 beginnings, with 360-degree windows and a wrap-around balcony that lets Mother Nature do the decorating. The digs, reached via 69 steps, are only available from April through October and get scooped up almost a year in advance. Once you鈥檙e there, staring up in wonder at the bright cosmos, it鈥檚 not hard to see why it鈥檚 so special. From $150

Compass Rose Lodge

Huntsville, Utah

The Ogden Valley isn鈥檛 solely for ski buffs. The eclectic 15-room illustrates the region鈥檚 astrotourism allure, starting with the on-site . The stargazing haven, roughly 45 miles north of Salt Lake City, is open to guests and the local community, with telescopes to peer into space and nightly guided observations.

Also worthy of your time is the , just 2.5 miles north of the Compass Rose.听 A 13-mile-long model of our solar system, the project includes sculptures and artistic renderings of the planets, best enjoyed on a ride along the (bike rentals are available at the lodge). From $279

Summit at Big Bend

Terlingua, Texas

At nine million acres, southern Texas鈥檚 Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest dark sky reserve in the world. It encompasses not only Big Bend National Park but the ghost town of Terlingua and its nearby astro hub, the . Its glamping accommodations, from domes to cave dwellings, offer jet-black Bortle Class 1 nightscapes across 1,000 private desert acres.

For astronomy fans, it鈥檚 tough to beat鈥攐r catch any shut-eye in鈥攖he property鈥檚 stargazing domes, where clear ceilings and front walls are optimal for watching the shrub-dotted desert transition from blue-sky day to shimmery polka-dotted twilight. Catch the cosmos from your dome or your own听 fire pit, or enjoy the reserve鈥檚 numerous other , including astro programming in nearby 鈥攊ts Maverick Junction entrance is 17 miles to the east. From $159

国产吃瓜黑料 and astrotourism writer Stephanie Vermillion travels the globe in search of the best night-sky views, from stargazing-themed hotels to aurora-hunting campsites. Her upcoming book 100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World鈥檚 Ultimate 国产吃瓜黑料s After Dark will be out December 3.

The post These 11 Dark-Sky Retreats Are the Perfect Places to Look Up appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Where can you find stunning coastline, charming shoreline towns, and a variety of restaurants serving up dishes with locally sourced ingredients? All signs point to Michigan鈥攖he perfect destination for . To learn all about why eco-minded travellers will love this Midwest state, we tapped Michigan local and sustainable travel enthusiast .

国产吃瓜黑料: What sets Michigan apart as a travel destination?

Emily Kay: One thing (among many) I love about Michigan is how versatile it is as a state. From lakes and sand dunes to vineyards and forests, there鈥檚 an incredible amount of beauty and experiences to be had, no matter the season.

What are your favourite sustainable travel experiences in Michigan?

While 鈥渟ustainable travel鈥� can be a broad term, I like to keep in mind important elements such as supporting local businesses and the environment while visiting a destination. Below is a roundup of some of my favourite places and experiences that prioritize sustainability.

• Mackinac Island: An entire island with no cars where you get around via bicycles and horses? Not sure if modern travel can get more sustainable. Beyond that, is such a unique place filled with charm. My favourite things to do are bike around the island and discover the many surprises like historic forts and natural monuments along the way, explore the Grand Hotel, admire the gorgeous colourful houses that look like they are straight out of a scene from Cape Cod, take a carriage ride, and eat lots of fudge.
• Glamp at the Fields of Michigan: If you want an all-inclusive experience that embraces life鈥檚 simple pleasures, look no further than the . My husband and I spent a weekend there last summer for his birthday, and it was one of our all-time favourite Michigan experiences, which is saying a lot! We enjoyed a farm-to-table dinner where the chef served locally sourced food, rode bikes through blooming sunflowers into downtown South Haven, picked blueberries in their private field, and made s鈥檓ores by the campfire. Bonus: The tents have comfortable beds, private showers, and toilets. It was perfect.
• Visit Coastal Towns: Michigan鈥檚 shoreline towns are perfect for walking and biking vacations, which is about as low impact as it gets. There are so many great towns filled with amazing shops, delicious restaurants, and things to do鈥擨 can鈥檛 pick just one. A few of my favourites are , , , , , , , and . Great plan: Try stopping at a few towns along M-22.听
• Take In the Scenery: No matter where you are in Michigan, there鈥檚 always an outdoor adventure to be had. A few favourites include and , both stunning natural sites that are a must in terms of travel experiences. Another fun thing to do is take a road trip and tour the many along the 5,150 kilometers (3,200 miles) of shoreline.听

What sustainable travel tips can you offer people who are visiting Michigan鈥檚 lakes and woods?

Reduce, reuse, recycle鈥攁nd pick up after yourself! Michigan is such a treasured place, and its natural beauty is truly so unique鈥攏ot to mention our natural resources, such as fresh water, which are vital to the ecosystem. As someone who was born and raised here and who frequents the shores as much as possible, I鈥檝e seen firsthand how factors like pollution can affect the lakes and land. It鈥檚 quite heartbreaking but entirely preventable with effort from locals and visitors alike. I think we all need to be more mindful of the environment and how our actions play into it, travelling or not.听

How do you enjoy food?

I live in the metro Detroit area, and one of my all-time favourite restaurants near my hometown is . The warm and inviting atmosphere is staged in a 300-year-old barn situated on acres of farmland, and the kitchen serves dishes made from local sources. I鈥檝e never had a dish there that I haven鈥檛 loved.听

In terms of experiences, a great way to enjoy local food is to embrace all that Michigan鈥檚 seasons offer. In summer and fall, one thing my family and I always have on our bucket list is adventuring to local farms to handpick local fruit. My favourite fruits to pick are strawberries and blueberries; both make great .听

Another way to embrace locally grown food is to frequent farmers markets. They鈥檙e a huge part of Michigan culture, especially in the warmer months. One of the best I鈥檝e been to while travelling is the . Year-round, my favourite is the in Detroit, where you can get everything from local produce to Michigan-made goods. Our family loves a weekend morning where we get produce from the market, then enjoy brunch in the area afterward. It鈥檚 the perfect outing for exploring the city.听

What are your favourite Michigan brands and artisans?听

I鈥檇 be remiss not to mention favourites like Shinola or Carhartt, which as brands embody the hardworking spirit of Detroit. But I also love smaller, mission-led brands like . The brand partners with organizations and institutions to raise money for higher education, food banks, community programs, parks, and natural resource conservation in Michigan. It’s the perfect place to purchase memorabilia for your friends, family, and yourself.听

In terms of artisans, a favourite of mine is Sweetwater Floral, founded by Kalin Sheick, a talented floral artist who has won awards for her designs. Her team recently opened a shop near Walloon Lake, which is on my list of places that I need to visit soon.听

One incredible resource is , which is all about celebrating the state鈥檚 immensely talented people.

And if you鈥檙e interested in reading more about why I love this state, I鈥檝e written a few personal blog posts about the topic:

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state鈥檚 marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan鈥檚 economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit . For Pure Michigan tourism information, your trip begins at . Join the conversation on , , , and .

The post How to Explore Michigan Like a Local appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

America kicks ass. I鈥檓 talking about our terrain, the landscape. The white sands and steep cliffs that make up the coast, the mountains that rise from river valleys, the backcountry lakes tucked into flowering meadows鈥nd all the adventure you can find. We鈥檝e got desert and we鈥檝e got rainforest. We鈥檝e got bullet-proof cliff faces to climb and waist-deep powder to ski. We鈥檝e got remote island parks and bike trails that start at the end of the cul de sac. Sand dunes and swamps, prairies and peaks. 鈥ollectively, we have it all.

But how 鈥渁dventurous鈥� is a given state? How does it stack up against its neighbors in terms of public land and trail systems? How many national parks does it have? How are the hiking, mountain biking, and climbing? It鈥檚 tough to measure objectively鈥攅very state is so different and worthy in its own right.

How We Ranked the Most Adventurous States

The good news? We鈥檝e ranked the most adventurous states in America, relying on hard data instead of our subjective feelings about one place or another, pulling from a specific set of factors that apply to most outdoor-adventure enthusiasts and cover activities for all seasons.

Those include:

• Number of acres of public land, as well as the number of national and state parks, because access for everyone is crucial
• Miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails
• Miles of coastline and rivers
• Number of ski areas

Here鈥檚 Where the Data Comes From

I pulled figures on total acres of public land in various states from the non-profit research group , and found the total number of state parks and national parks from the National Park Service and various state-park agencies. I used crowd-sourced platforms like , , and to find the estimated miles of mountain biking and hiking trails in each state. These figures aren鈥檛 complete, as the data is largely user-generated, but they give a good sense of what鈥檚 available in the area. The University of Montana鈥檚 program gave me data on federally designated wilderness areas in each state, while I culled river data from the . (Note: User-generated data figures change; these are accurate for the week of March 18, 2024.)

Highlighting the Winners By Region

While I do name an overall Most Adventurous State in the U.S., I also broke the country down by region, choosing one state from each zone as the data-driven winner, and one runner up (because some places are just as worthy and deserve recognition). That was to assess neighbor states with similar landscapes, instead of putting, say, Rhode Island against Nevada head-to-head.

I went into this project with some preconceptions. I thought for sure my home state of North Carolina would win the showdown in the South, and if you had asked me to name the most adventurous state in the Lower 48 based on my own experience, I鈥檇 say Idaho. Was I right? Read on.

The Most Adventurous State in the U.S.

Alaska

Wow factors, by the numbers

• 306,600,000 acres of public land
• 8 national parks
• 156 state parks
• 1,083 miles of hiking trails
• 3,036 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 6,640 miles coastline
• 365,000 miles of rivers
• 18 ski areas

Alaska is big. Like, really big (365,000,000 acres), but it鈥檚 not just size that makes Alaska our overall Most Adventurous State in the U.S. It鈥檚 the terrain, which ranges from 20,000-foot mountains (Denali) to deep fjords, from lush river valleys to glaciers. Roughly 84 percent of the state is set aside as public land. Alaska contains half of all federally designated wilderness in America, including the single largest such area, the Wrangell-Saint Elias Wilderness at 9,432,000 acres. Alaska is so big and so wild that three million lakes don鈥檛 even have a name. It鈥檚 not necessarily the state you go to for developed recreation (many of its public landscapes have no established road or trail within), but for raw adventure, there鈥檚 no place in the U.S. like Alaska.

Recommended Hike: Exit Glacier via Harding Ice Field Approach

This 8.2-mile inside Kenai Fjords National Park climbs through alder forests and meadows to a perch above treeline with a view of the Harding Icefield, which stretches for 700 square miles. It鈥檚 a tough hike, gaining 3,000 feet in just over four miles, but only in Alaska will a hike end at a field of ice this gigantic.

Local Intel: 鈥淲e do a lot of kayaking adventures, but paddling to the Knik Glacier is my favorite,鈥� says Derek Van Kampen, founder of the kayak guide service , who moved to Alaska for a job but stayed for the outdoor lifestyle. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the largest glacier in the Mat Su Valley, and it鈥檚 carved such an amazing landscape. It鈥檚 a full-day adventure, with four hours of paddling, but it鈥檚 calm water through marsh and wide river. You get to experience the glacier runoff, which is the headwaters of the Knik River, and the wildlife is amazing. We鈥檝e had eagles come down and grab fish right in front of us.鈥�

Most Adventurous State on the West Coast

California

Wow factors, by the numbers

• 54,477,800 acres of public land
• 9 national parks
• 280 state parks
• 16,521 miles of hiking trails
• 32,062 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 840 miles coastline
• 189,454 miles of rivers
• 33 ski areas

Surf or ski? In California, you don鈥檛 have to choose. The western edge of the state is packed with world-class surf breaks up and down the coast while the interior has mountains that rise to 14,494 feet (Mount Whitney). You鈥檒l find 33 ski resorts among those ridges. Mammoth Mountain Resort received almost 40 inches of powder in a recent storm.

California is also ground zero for climbing, giving us the Yosemite Decimal System (to rate the difficulty of rock climbs) and early big-wall ascents, and Marin County is the birthplace of mountain biking, since a group of teens in the 1960s and 1970s started riding down Mount Tamalpais on cruiser bikes. In the desert, jewels like Joshua Tree National Park protect a dusty landscape full of boulders, cliffs, and the skyward-reaching yuccas the place is named for. I lived in Southern California for a year, parking cars at night and learning to surf during the day. I鈥檓 headed there again soon to explore a completely different aspect of the state, Channel Islands National Park, but it鈥檇 take me a lifetime to experience the state鈥檚 entire adventure portfolio.

Recommended Hike: Peter Grubb Hut via the Pacific Crest Trail

This is the most popular hike in California, according to . It鈥檚 a tough 13.5-mile lollipop loop through Tahoe National Forest, but hikers can relish long stretches of ridgeline trail above treeline. The journey ends at the historic Peter Grubb Hut, which you can reserve through the . Looking for a short hike in an iconic California landscape? Check out the one-mile Lower Yosemite Falls Loop, which delivers views of the 320-foot waterfall in the heart of Yosemite National Park. My own favorite backpacking trail ever is the North Rim Loop, Yosemite.

California Intel: 鈥淧alos Verdes Cove has a good with fun rights and lefts,鈥� says John Cavan of Manhattan Beach, who鈥檚 surfed in Southern California for 20 years. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 one of the prettiest breaks around, with waves crashing into a narrow beach walled in by a tall, rocky bluff. It鈥檚 a protected marine preserve, so the water quality is good.鈥�

West Coast Runner Up

Washington

• 16,616,371 acres of public land
• 3 national parks
• 140 state parks
• 10,915 miles of hiking trails
• 19,001 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 157 miles coastline
• 70,439 miles of rivers
• 20 ski areas

Washington may be a runner-up, but it has an astounding variety of adventure. You can do legit mountaineering here, on Mount Rainier or Mount Adams, among many others, and kayak with whales in Puget Sound. The state has the second-most miles of mountain-bike trails in the entire country (after California) and a healthy winter that supports 20 different ski areas.

Most Adventurous State in the Mountain West

Colorado

Wow factors, by the numbers

• 28,004,928 acres of public land
• 4 national parks
• 42 state parks
• 17,545 miles of hiking trails
• 18,779 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 0 miles coastline
• 107,403 miles of rivers
• 39 ski areas

This was the toughest race of them all. Idaho and Utah gave Colorado a run for its money; Utah has five national parks and 45 state parks, and Idaho has the most wilderness in the mountain region鈥ut Colorado has solid numbers in every single category. It鈥檚 a mecca for climbers, skiers, and mountain bikers as well as families looking for scenic hikes, camping, and fishing. I lived there for years and still go back at least once a winter to ski. Not only does Colorado have four stellar national parks, it has one of the most iconic of them all: Rocky Mountain National Park. Oh, and there are more than 30,000 established climbing routes in the state. Let鈥檚 be honest, Colorado just has a combo of weather and terrain that makes us all want to live there, or at the very least, visit often enough as to become a nuisance to the people who do. But hey, Utah and Idaho, anyone is psyched to call you home.

Recommended Hike: Quandary Peak

Colorado is known for its 14ers, and in White River National Forest offers a stunning summit with a relatively short approach. The hike is a straightforward 6.2-mile out and back along a broad ridgeline through wildflowers and maybe past the occasional mountain goat. From the top, hikers have clear views of a handful of other 14ers, including Mount Lincoln, Mount Cameron, and Crystal Peak.

Colorado Intel: 鈥淩ocky Mountain National Park gets a lot of people, but if you walk a mile from the road, you鈥檒l lose the crowds,鈥� says Gary Bien, a longtime angler who works at Kirk鈥檚 Fly Shop in Estes Park. 鈥淐heck out , deep in the park. It requires a 10-mile hike, but the lake has good brook trout, and you鈥檒l have it all to yourself except for the moose.鈥�

Mountain West Runner Up:

Utah

• 40,211,778 acres of public land
• 5 national parks
• 45 state parks
• 4,468 miles of hiking trail
• 14,548 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 21 ski areas

Like I said, Utah almost took the crown for most adventurous state in the mountains, for good reason. Roughly 75 percent of Utah is protected as public land. The state has five outstanding national parks, not to mention breathtaking national monuments and recreation areas. The skiing, the climbing, the mountain biking, the adventure towns like Moab and Park City. 鈥鈥檝e explored slot canyons with my kids in this state that were so out-of-this-world I considered relocating the family.

Most Adventurous State in the Midwest

Michigan

Wow factors, by the numbers

• 13,617,525 acres of public land
• 1 national park
• 103 state parks
• 5,292 miles of hiking
• 9,345 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 3,288 miles coastline (Great Lakes!)
• 51,438 miles of river
• 43 ski areas

Michigan is the adventurous heart of the heartland, with almost as much coastline as California and vibrant ski and mountain-bike scenes, to boot. There isn鈥檛 a ton of public land (it comprises just 22 percent of the landmass) in the state, but what鈥檚 available is stellar, from one of the most isolated and least-visited national parks in the system, Isle Royale, to the Caribbean-blue waters of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. And it鈥檚 pretty wild, too, with 291,252 acres of federally designated wilderness and 16 designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. Hell, Michigan has the second-most ski areas in the U.S., and some of that skiing is really good. Meanwhile, two National Lakeshores punctuate the 3,000-plus miles of coast in this landlocked state. If you don鈥檛 think butting up against four Great Lakes counts as a real coast, then you haven鈥檛 seen Lake Superior on an angry day. Michigan has surf breaks.

Recommended Hike: Miner鈥檚 Castle Overlook Loop

This is the best difficult hike in Michigan, according to , a 10.1-mile loop that carves through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore鈥檚 most stunning scenery, passing waterfalls, sandy beaches, and so many arches, coves, and sandstone cliffs on the edge of Lake Superior you might get tired of the views. (No, you won鈥檛.)

Local Intel: 鈥淭here are a lot of places to ski in Michigan, but Mount Bohemia is the most unique,鈥� says Jeff Thompson, founder of , a custom-design ski manufacturer in Boyne City. 鈥淚t鈥檚 raw. There are no real frills, so there鈥檚 no reason to go there other than to ski. 听You get to the right spots, and it鈥檚 a big, powdery playground, with Lake Effect snow. A lot of our skis have been born on that mountain.鈥�

Midwest Runner Up

Minnesota

• 9,146,000 acres of public land
• 1 national park
• 75 state parks
• 3,230 miles of hiking trails
• 6,554 mountain-bike trails
• 189 miles of coastline (Great Lakes)
• 91,944 miles of river
• 18 ski areas

Minnesota has a lot of qualities that are not factored into this competition only because they fall outside of our categories. Consider its plethora of biking and hiking trails, while its cross-country ski trails are nearly impossible to count. So are the groomed fat-bike trails. If you鈥檙e fond of paddling, well, this is the Land of 10,000 Lakes (make that more like 12,000), including the best places to go for lake-hopping-style peace and solitude: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park.

Most Adventurous State in the Southeast

Florida

Wow factors, by the numbers

• 10,942,307 acres of public land
• 3 national parks
• 175 state parks
• 1,769 miles of hiking trails
• 4,626 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 1,350 miles of coastline
• 25,949 miles of river
• 0 ski areas

Anyone else surprised about this winner? So am I, but Florida slayed other Southeastern states in totals of public land and number of state parks, and it鈥檚 the only Southern state with three national parks. The coastline is packed with surf spots on the east and wild islands all around. As for those national parks, how does paddling among wild mangroves or platform camping in the land of alligators sound? Meanwhile, the interior of Florida is laden with jungle-like flora and more than 700 natural cold springs. On a recent trip with my family to the state, I was flabbergasted at how pretty and wild some of these springs can feel. What else? Oh, there鈥檚 a legit mountain-bike scene in Florida, with almost 5,000 miles of trail. And the wildlife is next level, from enormous manatee in the rivers to panthers in the forest.

Recommended Hike: Black Bear Wilderness Preserve Trail

A that meanders through wetland and along the banks of the St. John River, this is a mini-safari in Central Florida offering a good chance to see black bears, alligators, woodpeckers, and herons.

Local Intel: 鈥淢ost people don鈥檛 know it, but the Gulf Coast of Florida has great surfing, especially for beginners,鈥� says Julia Reynolds, owner of Paradise Surf Fit, in Venice, Florida. 鈥淭he North Jetty and South Jetty of Venice Beach have sandbars that create these really great waves every couple of weeks. When it鈥檚 flat, the water is clear and it鈥檚 great paddleboarding.鈥�

Southeast Runner Up

North Carolina

• 3,788,840 acres of public land
• 1 national park
• 41 state parks
• 6,137 miles of hiking trails
• 4,851 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 301 miles of coastline
• 37,853 miles of river
• 6 ski areas

North Carolina has the tallest mountains on the Eastern Seaboard and arguably the best surfing on the Atlantic Coast. That ain鈥檛 bad, but it also has a slice of the most-visited national park鈥�Great Smoky Mountains鈥攊n the country, and legendary singletrack and rock climbing in Pisgah National Forest. Also, you can drive Tail of the Dragon, a famous听 scenic 11-mile stretch on the North Carolina/Tennessee border featuring 318 hairpin curves that spit you out to dozens of overlooks for enchanting fall-foliage views. I want to ride that road on my bike.

Most Adventurous State in the Northeast

New York

Wow factors, by the numbers

• 4,832,000 acres of public land
• 0 national parks
• 215 state parks
• 7,025 miles of hiking trails
• 18,061 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 127 miles coastline
• 51,790 miles of river
• 50 ski areas, the most in any state in the U.S.

New York is large when you look at all of the other Northeastern states crammed up against it on the map, and it hosts the largest contiguous park in the entire U.S. I鈥檓 talking about the 6.1-million-acre Adirondack Park, established in 1891. Inside that park are the state鈥檚 highest peaks (up to 5,344 feet), almost 3,000 backcountry lakes, and 200,000 acres of old growth. And that鈥檚 just one park. You also have world-class rock climbing in the Shawangunks (鈥淕unks鈥�), surfing on Long Island, and 50 different ski areas鈥攖he most in any state in the U.S. Here鈥檚 another fun fact: despite being home to our nation鈥檚 largest concrete jungle, New York State is 61 percent forested.

Recommended Hike: Allen Mountain

This passes through varied terrain inside Adirondack Park, with a big river crossing and a long climb up 4,347-foot Allen Mountain proper. The views from the summit into the park are stellar, and you get to skirt some of Adirondack Park鈥檚 backcountry lakes.

Local Intel: The Oswegatchie Traverse, from Lows Lake down the Oswegatchie River, is my favorite backcountry canoe trip,鈥� says Amelia Dragone, a New York native and manager for . 鈥淚t鈥檚 a 30-mile route that gets you way out into the middle of the Five Ponds Wilderness. I鈥檝e done it in three days, but it could take seven. It鈥檚 a chunk to bite off, with plenty of meaty portages. The toughest is 2.2 miles with some hills, but it鈥檚 all part of a good time.鈥�

Northeast Runner Up

Maine

• 1,188,000acres of public land
• 1 national park
• 32 state parks
• 1,503 miles of hiking trails
• 3,043 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 228 miles of coast
• 19 ski resorts

Maine boasts the Northeast鈥檚 only national park, Acadia, but also a storied ski culture that goes back to the Great Depression, when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the first ski trails. Hiking is engrained in the culture here, with trails that traverse peaks and access hut systems, and the Appalachian Trail (parts of it, including a section in Maine, were also built by the CCC) finishes dramatically on the rocky Mount Katahdin. Oh, and the Atlantic coast that鈥檚 home to the region鈥檚 only national park? It also supports a vibrant and hardcore surf scene.

Most Adventurous State in the Southwest

Arizona

Wow factors, by the numbers

• 40,124,589 acres of public land
• 3 national parks
• 34 state parks
• 7,396 miles of hiking trails
• 13,728 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 0 miles of coastline
• 90,373 miles of river
• 3 ski areas

Nevada has more public land and New Mexico has more ski areas, but Arizona took the lead with its bevy of hiking and mountain-biking trails and the iconic status of the public land inside this state. I mean, Grand Canyon National Park. Hard as it is to pull permits, rafting through it tops many Americans鈥� once-in-a-lifetime trips to take. Hiking around the Grand Canyon is up there, too. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Mead Recreation Area offer massive lakes and desert gorges, while a mass of national monuments protect historical and cultural artifacts and archaeological sites sacred to Native Peoples. Meanwhile, there are more than 4.5 million acres of wilderness and more than 13,000 established climbing routes. I鈥檝e mountain biked desert flow in the suburbs of Scottsdale and pedaled massive gravel miles near the southern border. I鈥檝e hiked the Grand Canyon and camped in the sandy backcountry of the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. Every time I visit Arizona, I鈥檓 blown away by how much I love this swath of desert.

Recommended Hike: Bright Angel Trail

Arizona is packed with glorious hikes, but if you鈥檙e only doing one, it probably has to be the 10 miles into the Grand Canyon to Indian Garden Campground. It鈥檚 popular (read: busy, sorry) at the top, but the crowds thin as you lose elevation, and the views into America鈥檚 most dramatic ditch are worth rubbing elbows with others. Don鈥檛 forget you have to hike back up and out of the canyon, so start early and bring water and snacks. You can get water at Bright Angel Campground and food from Phantom Ranch a half-mile away from May to October, but don鈥檛 underestimate the fuel and hydration you鈥檒l need to complete this hike.

Local Intel: 鈥淢y personal favorite trail is , out of South Mountain Preserve near Phoenix,鈥� says Laurel Darren, owner of . 鈥淚t just has so much variety. It鈥檚 mid-level technical, with some rocky, jagged rock gardens, but also some fun swoops and drop-ins, and a couple areas where you can go faster. There鈥檚 a bit of climbing too. It鈥檚 got a touch of everything in just a few miles.鈥�

Southwest Runner Up

New Mexico

• 43,616,216 acres of public land
• 2 national parks
• 35 state parks
• 3,314 miles of hiking trails
• 6,032 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 0 miles of coastline
• 9 ski resorts
• 108,014 miles of river

You want public land? New Mexico has it; almost half of the state (46 percent) is protected, and within that 35-plus million acres are two incredibly diverse national parks, Carlsbad Caverns (caves!) and White Sand Dunes (dunes!). Oh, and northern New Mexico is in the southern Rockies and easily has the best skiing in the Southwest鈥攚e鈥檙e looking at you, Taos.

Most Adventurous Tiny State

New Hampshire

Wow factors, by the numbers

• 1,077,120 acres of public land
• 0 national parks
• 93 state parks
• 3,315 miles of hiking trails
• 4,904 miles of mountain-bike trails
• 13 miles of coastline
• 10,874 miles of river
• 28 ski areas

At just over 9,000 square miles, New Hampshire is one of the smallest states in America, ranked #46, to be exact, but it out-punches its size when it comes to adventure. Roughly 18 percent of the state is public land. There are no national parks, but some wicked-rugged state parks, like Franconia Notch, which is packed with varied terrain, from gorges choked with waterfalls to downhill skiing, like the state-owned Cannon Mountain. And the rugged slopes of the White Mountains, which top out a little above 6,000 feet, attract both recreational and seasoned hikers. The Appalachian Trail runs along the crest of the Whites, offering the most above-treeline miles of any state along its 2,000-plus-mile route. New Hampshire only touches the Atlantic for a bit, but true to form, the state packs in the adventure with a craggy coast that boasts surprisingly consistent and varied surfing, from beach breaks to offshore reefs that require more commitment.

Recommended Hike: Mount Washington Loop

Mount Washington (6,288 feet) has notoriously challenging terrain and weather, and this puts you in the thick of the landscape as you ascend the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, which gains more than 4,200 feet of elevation in just over six miles, to the summit. You鈥檒l pass waterfalls, scramble up boulders, and top out at one of the best views in the state, encompassing the peaks of White Mountain National Forest spreading away from the base of Washington. On a clear day, the scene stretches for more than 100 miles, taking in pieces of Vermont, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and even Quebec.

Local Intel: 鈥淭he hiking trails here go straight up the mountain, so anything in the Whites is going to be good and challenging,鈥� says Mike Cherim, owner of . 鈥淏ut if you want a serious challenge, try to hike the , a collection of some of the toughest trails in the state. They all have rock scrambles and scree and some ladder sections. If you do them all, you can earn a badge.鈥�

The Bottom Line

While the data we used is objective, the notion of 鈥渁dventure鈥� itself is subjective, because it lies at the intersection of humans and the landscape. Some of my favorite personal experiences have occurred in states not on this list. This article is meant to inspire you and get you outside, but who鈥檚 to say a swamp or vast prairie is more or less adventurous than a mountain? The landscape is the canvas, but we paint our own pictures.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He鈥檚 adventured in almost all of the states on this list, but hasn鈥檛 yet spent enough time exploring the Northeast. It鈥檚 on his to-do list.

听

For more by the same author:

And the 11 Least Visited National Parks Are鈥�

11 Remote Destinations That Are Definitely Worth the Effort to Visit

The 18 Best State Parks in the U.S.

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If sustainable summer adventures rank high on your list, don鈥檛 look past . Get your fill of human-powered activities on thousands of kilometers of trails for biking, hiking, and even paddling. Or power your road trip with electricity as you explore the world鈥檚 longest freshwater coastline. Whether you spend your time in cities, on remote islands, or everywhere in between, you鈥檒l have your pick of eco-conscious businesses to help you minimize your carbon footprint with sustainable lodging options and locally sourced, plant-based food. 鈥淢y home state really shines when it comes to sustainable tourism,鈥� says Michigan local and sustainable travel expert Emily Kay. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen so many businesses and towns come together to take care of our beautiful state.鈥� Here are some of the best low-impact ways to explore Michigan in summer.听

Take an EV Road Trip Around Lake Michigan

With access to four of the Great Lakes and countless smaller bodies of water, Michigan racks up more than 5,150 kilometers (3,200 miles) of shoreline鈥攁n impressive claim for a landlocked state. Road-tripping that many kilometers in a standard vehicle would produce about one metric ton of emissions. For a more sustainable option, plan your trip along the Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour. The route connects 1,770 kilometers (1,100 miles) of drivable shoreline with reliable . 鈥淚 will never get enough of the coastal towns along the shore of Lake Michigan,鈥� says Kay. 鈥淭he drive is incredibly scenic, with and along the way. Plus, you鈥檒l get to enjoy some of and .鈥�

Don鈥檛 Miss: Kay recommends spending the day at near Traverse City. 鈥淭he 137-meter (450-foot) bluffs give you a unique vantage point for some of the most spectacular views of Lake Michigan,鈥� she says.

Plan Human-Powered 国产吃瓜黑料s

Michigan has earned its spot on the bucket lists of many outdoor lovers, especially when it comes to summer activities. 鈥淪ince living here, I can honestly say there hasn鈥檛 been a day that鈥檚 gone by where we haven鈥檛 enjoyed nature and the setting around us in some way, shape, or form,鈥� says Kay. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just a huge part of life in Michigan.鈥� From waterfalls and lakes to hundreds of acres of virgin forests, there鈥檚 no shortage of beautiful destinations to explore. Paddle the , which links 12 lakes over 160-plus kilometers (100-plus miles) of maintained trails. Don鈥檛 have time for a multiday paddle? Explore one or two sections of the trail. Each segment is rated based on difficulty, so you can choose based on your group鈥檚 comfort level.听

Michigan鈥檚 4,023-kilometer (2,500-mile) rail trail system also offers plenty of opportunities for seeing the state by bike or on foot. Check out the 27-kilometer (17-mile) , between Suttons Bay and Traverse City, which winds past cherry orchards, vineyards, and lakes. In winter, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking. When you鈥檙e ready to power down for the day, check out Headlands, Keweenaw, or Dr. T.K. Lawless. 鈥淏oth are designated areas with minimal light pollution, which makes them prime spots for stargazing,鈥� Kay says.

Visit an Emissions-Free Island

Situated between Michigan鈥檚 Upper and Lower peninsulas, offers visitors a unique and sustainable travel experience. To preserve its historic charm, Mackinac Island has prohibited motor vehicles since 1898. Instead, take a 20-minute ferry ride from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. Then, get around the 9.8-square-kilometer (3.8-square-mile) island on foot, by bicycle, or in horse-drawn taxis. 鈥淢y family always rents bikes when we visit Mackinac Island,鈥� says Kay. 鈥淢y favourite activity is riding the loop trail around the island鈥攁bout 13.2 kilometers (8.2 miles).鈥� Most accommodations provide bikes, and rentals are available at local bike shops. 鈥淲e鈥檝e even rented a tandem bike before. It was a blast.鈥�

Nearly 80 percent of the island is part of Mackinac Island State Park, which preserves lush forests, towering bluffs, and rugged beaches. Hike or bike along more than 112 kilometers (70 miles) of trails to discover otherworldly limestone rock formations, including the famous 44.5-meter (146-foot) Arch Rock on the north side of the island. In town, pedal past Victorian architecture and pop into quaint shops, where you can pick up souvenirs from local artisans.

Don鈥檛 Miss: Head to Round Island Kitchen for 鈥渇arm to ferry鈥� dining that features local produce, lake-caught fish, and other sustainably sourced ingredients.

Eat Local and Plant-Based

Thanks to a weather pattern known as the lake effect鈥攚here cold air that flows over the warmer lake water gathers moisture and storms onto its shores鈥擬ichigan has a thriving agricultural industry. And local chefs take advantage. Michigan鈥檚 food scene is brimming with standout restaurants specializing in . The Detroit Street Filling Station in Ann Arbor is a vegan hotspot. Try the raspberry-basil grilled cheese, made with cashew cream cheese and provolone-style vegan cheese. In Grand Rapids, Brewery Vivant leads the way in sustainable business practices as the world鈥檚 first LEED-certified microbrewery. Grab a locally sourced bite paired with European-inspired beers. The menu is updated daily with seasonal beer and food specials.

Stay at Eco-Friendly Lodging

Michigan offers a range of sustainable lodging options that can help minimize your environmental impact. LEED-certified spa and fitness centre in Thompsonville is one of just a handful of eco-friendly spas in the Midwest. The pedestrian- and bike-friendly resort community focuses on reducing emissions through sustainable energy sources and conservation practices. Its electricity provider, Cherryland Electric, powers the entire resort with over 60 percent zero-carbon electricity. Take a ride on the high-speed chairlift. Plug into five complimentary EV charging stations. And enjoy the in-ground closed-loop geothermal heating and cooling system at the resort鈥檚 new Inn Residences. The in Detroit strives to use 80 percent less energy and produce 80 percent less waste than standard hotels. During construction, the property maintained as much of the original building materials as possible and sourced salvaged materials from around the city with Detroit Reuse. The on-site native plants garden is open to the public and maintained using a 16,088-litre (4,250-gallon) rainwater recapture system and neighborhood compost.

Tip: LEED certification isn鈥檛 limited to hotels. Look for other LEED-certified businesses, including the and in Grand Rapids and convention centre in Detroit.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state鈥檚 marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with a focus on growing Michigan鈥檚 economy. For more information on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit .听 For Pure Michigan庐 tourism information, your trip begins at . Join the conversation on , , , and .

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is part of Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. The organization鈥檚 mission is to increase international visitation to the United States in order to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance the image of the United States worldwide. For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visit . To discover more about the USA and the boundless diversity of American travel experiences and authentic, rich culture, please visit Brand USA鈥檚 consumer website and follow Visit The USA on , , and .

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