Malee Baker Oot

While America’s national parks deservedly draw attention, the country’s most iconic protected areas can also be flooded with visitors. State parks, on the other hand, are often overlooked. But these natural assets protect some of the country’s most spectacular features, from the biodiversity-rich waters of the Florida Keys to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, and are filled with recreational opportunities. With alluring options in all 50 states, state parks may not get the attention of t

From blackwater rivers to barrier islands to bioluminescent waters, Florida is a paddler’s paradise. The Sunshine State has something for every sort of paddler, whether you’re a first-time kayaker or a seasoned backcountry explorer.

How to Experience the Best Trails and Ales Near Philpott Lake Southwest Virginia's Philpott Lake is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers. The 3,000-acre lake spreads into Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties, backlit by the mountains of the Blue Ridge and surrounded by nearly 20,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest. A landscape left largely wild and undeveloped, the area around the lake is peppered with recreation areas, nature preserves, and the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, providing a smorgasbord of

Climbing Mt. Everest is a serious alpine challenge that’s only for the most experienced high-altitude climbers. It takes a commitment of time and money that most people don’t have. But travelers to Nepal can still get a taste of the experience by making a trek to Everest Base Camp, the starting point for most who seek to reach the summit. The trek to Base Camp offers an up-close encounter with the planet’s highest peak while traversing the Solu Khumbu region and showcasing Sagarmatha National Pa

In Scandinavia, water is everywhere. The Scandinavian Peninsula is etched with approximately 17,625 miles of coastline, and dappled with more than a half-million lakes. Naturally, the region has a rich sailing history. Scandinavians were using sails by the seventh century, and the region’s storied Vikings famously scoured the seas of northern Europe from the end of the 8th century until the second half of the 11th century. And these days, being on the water is still a way of life in many parts o

Whether it’s a moose wading through a northern pond, a guanaco grazing on an Andean steppe, or a rust-coated Ethiopian wolf streaking across the highlands of the Simien Mountains, encounters with wildlife can make a trek unforgettable

When it comes to fall leaf-peeping, Pennsylvania’s colorful seasonal display is the longest and most varied in the entire country. The Pocono Mountains region, in particular, is home to over 120 different varieties of trees, plants, and shrubs—including birches, maples, oaks, aspens—making it one of the best places in the state to admire the seasonal transition. And with more than 260 miles of trails, two national parks, and nine state parks, there are plenty of ways to revel in the stunning se

Driving along the western edge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, there’s no doubt we’re in horse country. Shards of morning sunlight illuminate wildflower-freckled pastures, and the roadside is dotted with equine-friendly accommodations. There’s even a diner called The Hitching Post. But, the 125,000-acre recreation area spread over northeastern Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky has also emerged as one of the Southeast’s premier mountain biking destinations – thanks in

Florida’s Adventure Coast is renowned for outdoor pursuits, from pristine paddling along the Weeki Wachee River to avifauna-rich hikes in the Withlacoochee State Forest. But one of the region’s best-kept secrets is its vibrant dining scene. From perfectly smoked barbeque to freshly caught seafood to hand-dipped ice cream that wraps up the day on a sweet note, there’s something to please every palate. There are plenty of options for adult beverages, too, from craft brews to vineyards (yes, vineya

America’s swimming holes are national treasures. When temperatures begin to climb, jumping into these refreshing oases is more than just a great way to cool off: It’s a beloved summertime ritual that’s equally sweet in its simplicity—all you really need is a swimsuit and a bit of insider savvy to find the best spots. Fortunately, the country is sprinkled with an abundance of natural swimming holes, from far-flung plunge pools to rapid-rippled natural waterslides to serene springs for soaking. Gr

Dreaming of trekking along mountaintops, summiting peaks, and meandering around rivers? Yeah, us too. However, it isn’t always possible to hit the trail for months at a time. But fortunately, there are plenty of short-and-sweet backpacking trips around the world that pack a major punch. From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the Fiordland Region of New Zealand’s South Island, here are three of our favorite three-day backpacking trips around the world. So we aren’t all taking on Mt. Everest, bu

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) has a natural magnetism, with the dramatic rift in the Appalachian Mountains drawing admirers for centuries. Victorian-era vacationers and artists first sought out the Delaware Water Gap as a fresh air escape, and modern-day outdoor lovers still have plenty of reasons to visit the geological marvel that was once hailed as a scenic Wonder of the World. The best way to experience the beauty here is with trip to the 70,000-acre Delaware Water

In Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, scenic views are abundant. The region’s cascading waterfalls, majestic peaks, and vast woodlands have enchanted visitors for centuries. There are no shortage of spectacular natural wonders to explore, but when it comes to must-see panoramic views in the Poconos, we’ve narrowed down a few of the standouts below. Some are harder to reach than others, but all are worthy of a visit, a photo, and, most certainly, some time to absorb the beauty. At the summit of Ca

In the age of social media, it almost seems as if no place on the planet has escaped the lens of a smartphone camera. But beyond the trending hotspots, there are places still overlooked by travelers. Countries that are overshadowed by bigger, more illustrious neighbors. Some far-flung spots that are deemed too remote and others that are inexplicably ignored. Fortunately, the planet is still studded with hidden gems. Here are six of the best under-the-radar countries to visit right now. The olde

A mosaic of marshlands, floodplain forests, shimmering lakes, and grasslands, the Weekiwachee Preserve is an outdoor oasis for nature lovers. Spread over the southwest corner of Hernando County along Florida’s Adventure Coast, the 11,206-acre ecological treasure also serves as a fantastic destination for hiking, biking, paddling, and birdwatching. Bounded by the Weekiwachee and Mud rivers to the north, the preserve also blends into an extensive network of coastal conservation lands extending nor

For globetrotting photographers, it’s hard to beat an African safari for inspiration. From shooting leggy giraffes silhouetted by the setting sun to snapping dizzyingly intimate portraits of the continent’s big cats, Africa provides a lifetime’s worth of incredible images to capture. While the options are abundant, here are a few of the best safari destinations in Africa for traveling shutterbugs to get you started. At Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, photographers are treated to an arresting ba

Over the past decade, thru-hiking has boomed in the United States, as popular books and movies like Wild have inspired more people to test their endurance by strapping on a pack and walking hundreds or thousand of miles to complete long hikes like the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. But, America is just one of many places on the globe with extensive trails that traverse wild landscapes.

The word safari usually conjures up images of the African savannah, with elephants nibbling acacia leaves, sunbathing lions sprawled on rocky kopjes, and leggy giraffes silhouetted by the setting sun. Sure, with destinations like the Serengeti, the Okavango Delta, and the Zambezi Valley, the continent is undoubtedly home to some of the planet’s most iconic safaris. But there are rich animal habitats all over the world, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the forests of Europe. Here are six o

Bouncing over a line of assailing waves, our boat speeds away from the riverine town of Maroansetra, bound for the lushly forested Masoala Peninsula. Nosy Mangabe clogs the horizon, a perfectly placed puff of cloud lending the 520-hectare islet the appearance of a smouldering volcano. I almost expect to see dinosaurs wandering the island’s liana-tangled flanks, but instead, snow-white cattle egrets dust the treetops. Casting waves toward fisherman in hand-wooden pirogues, we skirt Nosy Mangabe’s

Hidden away in the history-steeped foothills along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Philpott Lake is one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in Virginia. Over the last 65 years, it has evolved into one of the most beloved outdoor destinations in the state. Surrounded by nearly 20,000 acres of protected federal and state lands, the 3,000-acre lake extends into Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties of Southwest Virginia, providing a literal aquatic oasis for outdoor lovers. To