Subscribe for Exclusive Updates

Tucked into the rugged Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest offers some of the most underappreciated hiking in the eastern United States. Often overshadowed by the likes of Shenandoah National Park or Great Smoky Mountains National Park, “the Mon” quietly holds its own with more than 900,000 acres of wilderness, high-elevation ridgelines, dense hardwood forests, rushing streams, and sweeping vistas that rival any on the East Coast.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, located in southern Colorado, is a natural wonder that features the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising up to 750 feet high. This unique landscape, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking and sandboarding to stargazing and wildlife watching. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone looking to relax and take in the scenery, t

Public lands in the United States are vast and diverse spaces that stretch across the country. They encompass parks, forests, deserts, and other natural areas that provide recreational opportunities, protect wildlife, and preserve ecosystems. Understanding how these lands are managed is crucial for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or cares about environmental preservation.

Mark Twain National Forest is a sprawling natural wonder located in the Ozark Highlands of southern Missouri. Named after the beloved author Mark Twain, this national forest covers over 1.5 million acres of diverse landscapes, offering visitors a chance to explore lush woodlands, serene lakes, rugged hills, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re an avid hiker, camper, fisherman, or simply someone seeking a tranquil escape, Mark Twain National Forest has something for everyone.

For decades, spotting a black bear in Ohio was a once-in-a-generation experience—something you might hear about from an old-timer or see in a grainy trail cam photo. But in recent years, the story has changed. Bears are coming back to Ohio, wandering through woodlots, farmland, and even suburban backyards.

When most anglers think of legendary fly fishing destinations, places like Montana’s Big Sky country or the trout streams of the Smokies come to mind. But tucked quietly in the rolling hills and rugged ridges of western Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma lies a lesser-known paradise: the Ouachita National Forest. Covering nearly 1.8 million acres, it’s the oldest and largest national forest in the southern United States. What many don’t realize is that it’s also home to cl

Nestled between Cleveland and Akron in northeastern Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) offers a peaceful escape from city life, making it one of the most accessible national parks in the U.S. The park, covering 33,000 acres, is rich in history, natural beauty, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re a hiker, history buff, or wildlife enthusiast, Cuyahoga Valley has something for everyone. This guide will take you through what you need to know to make

Indiana may be better known for basketball and cornfields than backcountry trails, but if you look beyond the stereotypes, you’ll find a state full of outdoor surprises. Towering dunes, deep ravines, wildflower meadows, and hardwood forests await those willing to lace up their boots. Whether you’re looking for a quick day hike or a rugged overnight, Indiana offers a slice of wilderness for every type of hiker. Here’s a guide to the 10 best hikes in Indiana.

Top 10 Hikes in Kentucky From sandstone arches and waterfall gorges to forested hills and rugged Appalachian ridgelines, Kentucky’s...

North Carolina summers are hot, sticky, and made for swimming — but if you’d rather skip the chlorine and crowded pools, the state’s forests, rivers, and waterfalls have you covered. From icy mountain cascades to sun-warmed river bends, North Carolina is home to some of the best natural swimming holes in the Southeast. Whether you’re looking for adventure, solitude, or a family-friendly spot to splash around, this list has something for every kind of wild swimmer. Here are th

f you’ve ever tried to book a Michigan state park campsite in July, you know the struggle — fully booked loops, noisy neighbors, and that sense that everyone is crowding into the same places. But here’s the good news: Michigan has millions of acres of public land, and tucked within them are remote, peaceful backcountry campsites — often free, often empty, and always unforgettable.

There’s something deeply satisfying about gathering your own food from the wild. Foraging reconnects you with the land, seasons, and the ancient rhythms of self-reliance. And in a country as diverse as the United States, there are countless forests rich in wild edibles — from mushrooms and berries to roots, greens, and even medicinal plants.

For those of us who feel most at home under an open sky, the dream isn’t just about getting away—it’s about finding a place where everyday life and the outdoors collide. Across the United States, a handful of towns serve as the perfect basecamps for outdoor lovers: places where trailheads start on the edge of town, paddling is just a few blocks away, and mountain sunrises come standard.

Every mile of trail we hike, run, bike, or ride represents more than just a path through the wilderness, it’s a living, breathing connection to America’s vast system of public lands. That’s what National Trails Day is all about.

Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of epic hiking, but locals and savvy adventurers know better. From the rolling foothills of the Appalachians to glacier-carved gorges, sandstone cliffs, wetlands, waterfalls, and even beachside bluffs—Ohio’s trails offer some of the Midwest’s most underrated outdoor experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a weekend stroller, these are the top hikes in Ohio.

From towering mountain peaks to endless desert canyons, the United States is home to over 640 million acres of public land—a sprawling outdoor playground open to all. Managed by agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and state governments, these lands offer something truly unique: limitless adventure at your own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsperson or just getting started, here are 10 epic adventures you can experie

Nestled in the heart of Colorado, the San Juan National Forest stands as one of the state’s most picturesque and awe-inspiring landscapes. Spanning over 1.8 million acres, this vast expanse encompasses rugged mountains, alpine lakes, dense forests, and miles of trails that attract outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a backpacker, a history buff, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, the San Juan National Forest offers

South Dakota is a state of diverse landscapes, ranging from the majestic Black Hills and vast prairies to the striking, otherworldly formations of the Badlands. Known for its rich history and natural beauty, the state is a hidden gem for hiking enthusiasts, offering trails for all levels of experience. From tranquil, forested walks to challenging mountain ascents, these ten hikes stand out as some of the best South Dakota has to offer. Whether you’re seeking solitude in natur

In the wake of large-scale layoffs within the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, thousands of passionate professionals—rangers, trail crew members, ecologists, seasonal workers, fire staff—find themselves unmoored. For many, this isn’t just the loss of a job. It’s the interruption of a calling. A severance from landscapes they helped protect, trails they built, forests they walked daily, and ecosystems they understood like home.

For more than a century, America’s public lands have been a defining part of our national identity. From towering peaks in our national park