In Backpacker’s travel column, assistant editor Emma Veidt answers your hiking questions with the help of a rotating cast of experts.

I’ve gone on plenty of overnighters, and even a couple of two- to three-night backpacking trips. Now, I want to go on my first week-long hike. How should I prepare and where should I go? —Hungry For More

Dear Hungry,

A backpacking trip that long gives you the chance to reach deeper, more remote areas in the backcountry without committing to a months-long thru-hike. It’s also an approachable trip length for anyone who has to balance PTO and life responsibilities with adventure. If you have your sights set on longer trails or thru-hikes too, a week-long trip is the best way to do a gear shakedown.

How Do I Plan for a Week-Long Backpacking Trip?

By now, you’ve already tackled some overnighters and a couple longer trips, so you understand how to prepare for a night or two in the backcountry. But planning a longer trip just requires a little more.

Want to train to carry a load of seven days of nutrition and gear? Follow this workout plan. Backpack way too heavy? . Don’t know where to start when it comes to packing? .

Now that you’re ready to go, you can pick a spot to hike. Depending on terrain, your personal goals or fitness level, and how many miles you want to cover in a day, look for routes between 50 and 150 miles. Here are our favorite week(ish)-long backpacking trails around the country.

Wonderland Trail, Washington

Distance: 93 miles

Type: Loop

Best time to hike: Late summer, early fall

Permit: Wilderness permit required for overnight camping in Mount Rainier National Park; to complete a full Wonderland Trail itinerary.

This trail covers the circumference of Mt. Rainier, taking hikers through everything from lowland forests to high alpine and subalpine areas. Water features are prominent from this hike: You’ll cross rivers and have up-close views of glaciers, alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and, depending on the time of year, likely hike through some rain. One of the most treasured sections of the trail is between Mystic Lake and Sunrise: In these 9 miles, you’ll visit Winthrop Glacier, wander through marmot-filled meadows, and see the persistent effects from the famous November 2006 flash floods. Nearly every river and stream in the area flooded during these storms, which washed out trails, destroyed nearly every low-lying trail bridge in the park, and buried the popular old-growth tree island The Grove of the Patriarchs under 4 feet of silt.

Hikers looking to complete the full Wonderland Trail are only permitted to camp in the designated camping zones—but there are over 20 along the 93-mile loop, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a place to tent up for the night.

100-Mile Wilderness, Maine

Distance: 100 miles (surprised?)

Type: Point-to-point

Best time to hike: Summer

Permit: Not required, but registration is necessary to camp in Baxter State Park

One hundred miles might seem like a lot of ground to cover in a week, but for backpackers looking for a challenge, this is a classic objective. The 100-Mile Wilderness is one of the wildest, most remote sections of the Appalachian Trail, and for many thru-hikers the final (or initial, if you’re a SOBOer) challenge of the entire route. This trek is a test not only of your mental fortitude, but your planning abilities: Once you start, there aren’t many bailout or resupply points, just a couple of hostels for emergency rations or quarters, so, it’s common to carry a week’s worth of food.

On some steeps, you’ll rise above the treeline and catch stop-and-stay-awhile glimpses of 5,268-foot Mt. Katahdin, still ponds, and craggy ridges.

North Circle Loop, Montana

Distance: 52 miles

Type: Loop

Best time to hike: Late summer

Permit: Backcountry camping permits required; reserve at or ranger station for walk-in permits.

This trail is a sampler platter of everything iconic in Glacier National Park. You’ll pass through the 75-foot Ptarmigan Tunnel, complete 11 miles on the famous Highline Trail, traverse through the aptly named Many Glacier area, and scale Stoney Indian and Swiftcurrent mountain passes. Need more to see? The North Circle Loop has you covered: You can spot wildlife such bighorn rams, grizzlies, mountain goats, moose, gray wolves, wolverines, and Canadian lynx in their element.

If you’re considering camping in the Granite Park Campground one evening, it’s worth it to cheat on your tent for one night at the Granite Park Chalet. Accessible only by trail and surrounded by miles and miles of wilderness, this historic landmark is a cozy respite especially on rainy days. Reservations for 2024 open in January.

Maah Daah Hey Trail, North Dakota

Distance: 144 miles

Type: Point-to-point

Best time to hike: Late spring or early fall

Permit: Free backcountry camping permit required in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The phrase “Maah Daah Hey” comes from the Mandan Tribe and loosely translates to “grandfather” or “an area that will be around for a long time.” While hiking this trail, you’ll want to stick around for a long time, too. This single-track long trail is one of the quietest, most serene places you can hike in the country. It guides you through meadows, rolling hills (and sometimes steep switchbacks), and badlands formations. One thing to know before hitting the trail: The most reliable water sources come from the forest service campgrounds every 20 miles or so, where you can get drinking water from hand-pump spigots. Between some of these campgrounds, though, there are storage boxes where you can cache water. Want more info? Check out the , a nonprofit that maintains this trail and also the broader recreational trail system in southwest North Dakota in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service.

The post Looking to Get Away? Here Are 4 Perfect Trails for a Weeklong Backpacking Trip. appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

Backpacker editor Zoe Gates sets off to discover if chatbots are the solution to our trip-planning woes. Preparing for wilderness excursions can be frustrating, even for seasoned adventurers. Tsunamis of online information—conflicting top ten lists, distracting ads, and trip reports of varying quality—can stand between you and getting out the door. Artificial intelligence tools claim to deliver detailed travel itineraries in response to just a single question, but can a robot really design a safe, worthwhile adventure? In an effort to simplify her weekend excursions, Zoe experiments with ���ϳԹ���’s in-development chatbot, Scout—and is totally at the whims of her computer.

The post Is AI the Weekend ���ϳԹ���r’s New Best Friend? appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

America’s biggest burgs have become thriving adventure hubs, home to a new breed of outdoor athletes who paddleboard before work, bike singletrack at lunch, and hit the climbing gym before dinner. Here’s where and how to join the fun.

Chicago, Illinois

The Not-So-­Second City

Population: 2.7 million
Median Household Income: $55,295
Park Acreage: 13,547

Stereotypical Resident: The weekend warrior who’s quick to tell you how the cold doesn’t stop them from running, biking, or surfing all winter long.

What’s Happening: Chicago is undergoing a public-space renaissance with the development of new trails like the elevated 606 and the . This in a metro area that’s already loaded with recreation opportunities.

The Neighborhood: A community that attracts immigrants from all over the world, Pilsen is known for its ­vibrant street art and international food scene, from high-end Vietnamese at ��to Mexican street fare at .

The Run: The Lakefront Trail parallels Lake Michigan for 18.5 miles and offers views of Chicago’s skyline. operates water and Gatorade stands along the path in summer, training season for the Chicago Marathon.

The ���ϳԹ���: SUP the lake from Montrose Beach or paddle the Chicago River through the heart of downtown. “It’s so urban, paddling through this giant canyon of glass and steel, but there’s all kinds of wildlife, too,” says Dave Olson, owner of , who’s been working with Urban Rivers to create floating gardens.

The Escape: Head 30 minutes south of downtown to the Palos Trail System, where around 24 miles of high-quality singletrack meanders through a Cook County forest preserve. “It’s mostly cross-country, but there are several sections that are really rocky and technical,” says Jerry Stoeckigt, executive director of Chicago Area Mountain Bikers.

—­Graham Averill

Tucson, Arizona

The Desert Rose

Population: 535,676
Median Household Income: $41,613
Park Acreage: 4,610

Stereotypical Resident: The burrito-fueled cyclist who’s unafraid of hill climbs, cactus needles, or riding singletrack at night to escape the summer heat.

What’s Happening: In 2015, Tucson was ­designated a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy—the first American city to earn such an honor—in recognition of its unique blend of Native American, northern Sonoran, and colonial Spanish cuisines.

The Neighborhood: , close to open space on Tucson’s west side, is just minutes from the Loop, a newly completed 131-mile bike path that circles the city.

The Ride: The route that really put Tucson cycling on the map is the 29-mile, 6,600-foot climb up Mount Lemmon. You start among saguaros and end among ponderosas. Riders who get this far are rewarded with a gleeful descent.

The ���ϳԹ���: In summer, mountain bikers rendezvous after dark at the 36th Street ­Trailhead to ride 9.3 miles by headlamp through the 20,000-acre, county-owned Tucson Mountain Park. Watch for wildlife: snakes, tarantulas, owls, and Gila monsters all come out at night.

The Crag: Mount Lemmon offers more than 3,000 climbing routes. Summer temperatures on the upper mountain can be 20 degrees lower than they are in town. In winter you can climb on sunny days in a T-shirt.

—Frederick Reimers

Boston, Massachusetts

The Running Hub

Population: 683,015
Median Household Income: $66,758
Park Acreage: 5,089

Stereotypical Resident: The brewery worker with an advanced degree who wears a Red Sox hat while training to run a sub-three marathon.

What’s Happening: Boston is booming and getting more diverse. The population has grown by nearly 10 percent since 2010; these days nearly 30 percent of Bostonians are foreign born.

The Neighborhood: , once home to little more than the legendary ballpark and plenty of dive bars, is now one of the hottest culinary destinations in Boston. “Fenway has always gotten a lot of foot traffic, but new condo investment has brought higher-end restaurants and bars,” says Maggie Walsh Deaver, a yoga instructor who organizes pop-up fitness classes throughout the city. Grab a whiskey and a dozen oysters at before catching a game.

The Other Race: The Boston Marathon gets all the love, but Yulefest, a winter 5K in nearby Cambridge, is more fun. “It’s one big party, from the top racers to the slower runners who are dressed in fun outfits,” says Dave Spandorfer, cofounder of local running-apparel brand Janji.

The Workout: Running the stairs of Harvard Stadium is a Boston tradition. November Project organizes a weekly session on Wednesday mornings, but you can attempt a full tour of all 37 stair sections on your own.

The Watering Hole: Get your pre-run coffee and post-run beer in the same place. , a Cambridge brewery, features some of the best IPAs in town and shares its location with , a shop that sells to-go growlers full of delicious coffee.

The Hangout: Running brand Tracksmith��opened its first retail store, the Trackhouse, in the Back Bay neighborhood in 2017. Stop in for running gear, to sign up for training jaunts, or to watch live-streamed races at its lounge.

The ���ϳԹ���: Reachable by a short ferry ride, the 34 islands and peninsulas that make up Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park are great for hiking and trail running, but they’re an even better paddling destination. Park rangers give kayaking lessons off Spectacle Island, or you can go it alone and camp on Bumpkin, Grape, Lovells, or Peddocks Islands.

The Escape: Spandorfer recommends New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Camp in Monadnock State Park, a two-hour drive away, then climb 3,165-foot Mount Monadnock for views stretching all the way to the Boston skyline.

—G.��.

Miami, Florida

The Tropical Paradise

Population: 463,354
Median Household Income: $40,327
Park Acreage: 1,500

Stereotypical Resident: The tanned triathlete-yogi-marathoner-SUPer who does everything but surf.

What’s Happening: Sure, Miami has beaches, but public officials are also busily connecting hundreds of miles of urban trails, making it possible to explore oceanfront parks, cross Biscayne Bay, and then grab a delicious Cuban pastelito puff pastry—all on multi-use paths.

The Neighborhood: You’ll find bungalows, Spanish architecture, old-growth trees, and quirky parks in , Miami’s oldest neighborhood, on the city’s southeastern shore. The Bohemian vibe comes with great recreation, including runs along the five-mile Commodore Trail and 20-mile out-and-back rides to Key Biscayne on the Rickenbacker Causeway. But you’ll have to pony up. Coconut Grove is one of the city’s hottest housing markets; the average single-family home is priced in the low seven figures.

The ���ϳԹ���: , 30 minutes from downtown in North Miami, offers more than 1,000 acres of urban green space. BG Oleta River Outdoor Center will set you up with rentals for your chosen activity: riding the park’s 15 miles of mountain-bike trails, paddling through its mangrove forests, or exploring North Biscayne Bay on a stand-up paddleboard. ��

The Glades: The Everglades, an hour from Miami, are the lifeblood of South Florida and the third-largest national park in the lower 48. Rent a kayak from , then paddle the 11-mile out-and-back Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail. Camp on a chickee, an open-air platform on the water, and you may see crocodiles and manatees from your sleeping bag.

—Erin Berger

Little Rock, Arkansas

The Hidden Gem

Population: 198,594
Median Household Income: $57,534
Park Acreage: 6,300

Stereotypical Resident: The ruggedly hospitable southerner who packs their PFD alongside their trail-running shoes, hiking boots, and cycling cleats.

What’s Happening: While northwest Arkansas deserves its recent designation as America’s next mountain-biking paradise, Little Rock, smack-dab in the state’s geographic center, is an undiscovered multisport oasis.

The Neighborhoods: With plenty of interconnected trails splintering off their bungalow-lined drags, the city’s adjoining Heights and Hillcrest neighborhoods offer easy access to all manner of trail runs, hikes, and rides. Bonus: , a hybrid coffee and bike shop, serves single-­origin coffee to fuel your morning training sessions and local beer for a post-ride come down.

The Race: Between the Big Dam Bridge 100 cycling tour, which saw 3,500 participants last year, and the , the city hosts many marquee events. But with 8- and 24-hour courses, December’s Raid the Rock adventure race, which has participants paddling hidden wetlands and rappelling off parking garages, guarantees the most comprehensive tour of the city.

The Mechanic: For 48 years, the has been a hub for gear and, more importantly, know-how. “They understand I’m going to roll in two days before a race and say, ‘Hey, can you check my brake pads and do all this? And by the way, I need it back tomorrow,’ ” says adventure racer Rachel Furman. “They kind of roll their eyes, but they always come through.”

The Urban ���ϳԹ���: Travel just two miles south of downtown and you’ll find one of America’s largest urban wetlands, 1,800-acre Fourche Creek. Put in at Interstate Park and you can paddle between the 300-year-old cypress trees that host some 188 species of birds, all within the heart of the city.

The Escape: A little over an hour west of town, you’ll find the IMBA Epic-certified . The 40-odd miles of singletrack mirror the southern rim of 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita, a man-made wonderland that boasts around 200 islands—all of which are ready for some paddle-in camping. Be sure to hit up ��in nearby Hot Springs; there’s no better pizza in the state.

—Jordan P. Hickey

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Green Acres

Population: 422,326
Median Household Income: $60,789
Park Acreage: 5,070

Stereotypical Resident: The hardy midwestern striver who paddles in summer, nordic skis in winter, and cycles year-round in whatever conditions nature serves up.

What’s Happening: As part of the , city stakeholders are investing more than $1 billion in projects to improve local facilities and amenities, including plenty of new urban greenspace.

The Neighborhood: Sandwiched between a 740-acre park and downtown, Bryn Mawr is perfect for families who want out-the-door adventure without sacrificing their city fix. “It’s got world-class nordic skiing and miles of singletrack mountain biking at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, along with a canoe launch that connects us to the city’s lakes,” says Steve Yore, an analyst at . “We can bike downtown on paved trail in under 20 minutes.”

The Race: The centerpiece of February’s is the Loppet Classic, a 23-mile point-to-point nordic marathon that starts at Bde Maka Ska, the city’s largest urban lake, and winds around the frozen trails of south Minneapolis.

The Loop: In 2020, Theodore Wirth Park—home to 15 miles of groomed ski trails—will host the first FIS Cross-Country World Cup event held in the U.S. in nearly 20 years.

The Hub: , a new adventure center at Theodore Wirth Park, has a gear shop that will service your bike or skis, outfit you with new equipment, or rent you a fat bike, cross-country planks, and snowshoes.

The ���ϳԹ���: Cycle the , a 51-mile road route and multi-use path that circles the city, taking you through nearly unbroken parkland. “You can recharge at any of more than 100 amazing restaurants, cafés, and brewpubs without leaving the trail,” says Bruce Martens, director of Loppet Cycle Works.

The Weekend Trip: Twenty-five miles northeast of the city, you’ll find the sleepy Saint Croix River town of Stillwater and the 40-room , a new boutique hotel built inside a 19th-century brewery. Paddle part of the 255-mile Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, or cycle dozens of miles of paved trails.

—Stephanie Pearson

Atlanta, Georgia

The Multisport Metropolis

Population: 486,299
Median Household Income: $57,597
Park Acreage: 5,002

Stereotypical Resident: The millennial who cruises the BeltLine on a Bird scooter and refuses to travel OTP (���ϳԹ��� the Perimeter).

What’s Happening: Atlanta has always been the South’s business center, but the city’s culture and quality of life are catching up to its economic clout. “The amount of street art is mind-blowing,” says Robyn Elliott, owner of . “Artists come from all over to create murals and graffiti here.”

The Neighborhood: has emerged as the hottest district inside the Interstate 285 loop—locally known as the Perimeter—with former warehouses being converted into lofts and business spaces. “It’s the most Atlanta of all our neighborhoods. Among other reasons, this is where Martin Luther King Jr. grew up and preached,” says Tucker Berta Sarkisian, who works for the popular . The neighborhood is home to the rollicking Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping-Pong Emporium bar, which is known for both drag shows and competitive table tennis.

The Race: The , which is held on the Fourth of July, is the country’s largest 10K, and it’s a rolling party. Thousands of spec­tators line the course, and costumes are highly encouraged.

The Workout: The BeltLine is a rails-to-trails project that will form a 22-mile loop, connecting 45 different neighborhoods and many parks. Five of the eight sections are complete and already attract runners, cyclists, and gawkers. “Around here people talk about what section they run the way other people talk about their fitness classes,” Sarkisian says.

The Fueling Station: , in Old Fourth Ward, offers a nine-course tasting menu designed by chef Ryan Smith, a James Beard Award finalist. Everything is local and all after-tax profit goes to support restaurant workers in need.

The ���ϳԹ���: Southside Park is home to Atlanta’s only legal singletrack, with a 1.25-mile flow trail and a new three-mile intermediate loop that winds through a dense forest canopy just seven miles from the heart of downtown.

The Escape: Two hours to the north, ’s thousand-foot sandstone gorge hides waterfalls, caves, and 64 miles of hiking trails. The six-mile Sitton’s Gulch Trail will lead you into the heart of the ravine.

—G.��.

Denver, Colorado

The Trailhead

Population: 704,621
Median Household Income: $65,224
Park Acreage: 6,238

Stereotypical Resident: The twentysomething transplant who works at a startup and Instagrams mountain vistas at least twice a month.

What’s Happening: Denver has gained more than 100,000 residents in the past eight years, and the city—which is now home to the winter and summer editions of the trade show—has become the country’s most important hub for the gear industry.

The Neighborhood: A decade ago, Sloan’s Lake, in west Denver, was a middle-to-lower-income community. Today its median home price is nearly $600,000. The residential area has taken on new life, with trendy spots to sip craft beer and coffee, along with easy access to , one of Denver’s most popular spots for running, cycling, and paddleboarding.

The Race: , the longest commercial street in America, is an eclectic strip of motels and dive bars that runs straight through the heart of Denver. Experience it by lacing up for the , the city’s only 26.2-mile event. “If you’re a runner here, the Colfax is something you absolutely have to do,” says Holden Fitzgerald, a University of Denver student who’s run both the half and full marathons.

The Hot Spot: Food halls—gathering spaces that feature a wide range of beverage and dining options—are popping up across the city, and they owe a lot to the success of in north Denver, where the concept first took off locally. Head to the rooftop bar and enjoy the skyline and a Black Manhattan, which uses Averna liqueur in place of vermouth.

The ���ϳԹ���: Denver is a great multisport town. Josh Erickson, a shop manager at , recommends a classic cycling trip that covers 29 miles, starting at downtown’s Confluence Park and running to Chatfield Reservoir. You can fish along the way, then camp at . The next morning, rent a kayak and explore the lake before riding back into the city.

The Escape: Want to skip town? Head north. Hit Estes Park and the Twin Owls Steak House after a long day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.

—Jay Bouchard

Los Angeles, California

The Surf and Turf ��

Population: 4 million
Median Household Income: $60,197
Park Acreage: 37,021

Stereotypical Resident: The tan, Tesla-driving publicist with a spinning addiction.

What’s Happening: L.A. is speeding up major transit projects to reduce the city’s infamous traffic in advance of the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The Neighborhood: Venice is home to laid-back surfers and trendy eateries, but a tiny beach bungalow there will cost you $2 million. Instead, head 20 miles inland to up-and-coming , where you’ll find taquerias, walkable streets, easy access to 282-acre , and ranch homes for around $500,000.

The Workout: “The Santa Monica stairs are so popular for exercising that they have ,” says Janel Holcomb, a former professional cyclist who works with . “Anyone and everyone is sprinting up them.”

The ���ϳԹ���: Griffith Park—4,210 acres of greenery inside the city limits—is famous for its hiking and biking trails. The star parties at are awesome.

The Escape: “The Santa Monica Mountains are just an hour from L.A. but feel far away,” says Holcomb. “You can camp in Sycamore Canyon, hike a section of the 67-mile Backbone Trail, go gravel or mountain biking, and surf or hang out on the beach, all in the same day.”

—Megan Michelson

Charleston, South Carolina

The Watery Wonderland

Population: 139,906
Median Household Income: $63,364
Park Acreage:1,809

Stereotypical Resident: The preppy cocktail connoisseur with a year-round tan who divides time between surfing, paddleboarding, and hunting waterfowl.

What’s Happening: The growth of Charleston’s shipping port and investments in the auto industry have bolstered the economy of this historic southern city.

The Neighborhood: Park Circle is a planned community in North Charleston created in the early 1900s. It’s boomed in recent years, with young families leaving downtown in search of a higher quality of life. Play a round of disc golf in its 30-acre park, sip a beer on the massive deck of , and then head to dinner on , home to some of the city’s best restaurants.

The Race: The is an ­October paddleboard event on four- and nine-mile courses in Charleston Harbor.

The Hill Climb: The Ravenel Bridge rises 200 feet above the water and it’s the only “hill” in the city. Run the 2.5-mile pedestrian path for views of downtown, the harbor, and the Atlantic.

The Taqueria: “ is super laid-back and looks simple, but the tacos are really good,” says Peter Melhado, who owns Charleston’s . Try the smoked pork taco topped with spicy kimchi.

The Shopping Spree: has provided paddling gear and board shorts for more than 20 years. Watch for pint nights and the occasional live band at the West Ashley store, near downtown.

The ���ϳԹ���: There’s paddling in every direction, but Folly Creek, an undeveloped finger of saltwater estuary between Folly Island and Charleston proper, may be the most striking spot. “It’s an incredibly wild experience full of oyster beds and dolphins,” says Brittany Freeman, a reservations manager at , which has been running paddling trips around Charleston since 1992.

The Escape: Load your kayak with beer, brats, and bug spray, and launch from the Isle of Palms Marina for a 4.5-mile paddle to Capers Island, an undeveloped barrier isle. Capers is the city’s nearest legal beach-camping option. (Get a permit from the Department of Natural Resources.) Or skip the paddle and catch a ride with Barrier Island Eco Tours.

—G.��.

Reno, Nevada

The Mountain-­Adjacent Town

Population: 248,860
Median Household Income: $57,125
Park Acreage: 3,446

Stereotypical Resident: The tattooed thirtysomething with a fixed-gear bike and a bartending job, or the cowboy-hat-wearing rancher with a truck and a gun rack.

What’s Happening: A new Amazon fulfillment center and the Tesla Gigafactory have brought tech jobs and higher home prices, but the is still inexpensive, with two-bedrooms renting for just over a grand a month.

The Neighborhood: Once known for its strip clubs and seedy bars, Midtown Reno has been reinvented with maker spaces, coffee shops, apartment buildings, and great food. “I love , a beer garden and community space with bocce ball and live music,” says Zoe Richards, a ski patroller at nearby Mount Rose. “Like everywhere in Reno, you can bring your dog.”

The Event: takes place in August three hours from Reno, and the festival influences Reno’s culture year-round, from post-festival civilization-reentry parties to the , a stained-glass-and-steel sculpture that’s currently on display downtown.

The Trails: Just north of town, the Peavine trail network has over 40 miles of mountain-biking and running routes in the . Send it on the black-diamond downhill, or ride the eight miles of all-mountain and cross-country tracks.

The Workshop: At the nonprofit , you can buy new or upcycled rides, get a tune-up, or take a repair class.

The ���ϳԹ���: “There’s a whitewater park on the Truckee River in the middle of downtown that brings a big crowd every May for the ,” says Eddie Davis, a wholesale planner at Patagonia’s Reno office. “The river is also great for tubing and cooling off when it gets hot.”

The Escape: Skiing in Tahoe, climbing in Yosemite, and mountain biking in Downieville are all within a couple of hours. Locals head south on U.S. 395 to climb, ski, or hike in the eastern Sierra Nevada, then soak at just across the state line in Bridgeport, California.

���.��.

New York, New York

The Carless Wonderland

Population: 8.6 million
Median Household Income: $60,879
Park Acreage: 40,016

Stereotypical Resident: The weekday micromanager who “relaxes” on weekends with boot camps and power yoga.

What’s Happening: New York has long been the U.S.’s financial and cultural center, and while that’s not changing, New Yorkers also know that the city can serve as an epic adventure playground.

The Neighborhood: “ is the city’s one-stop shop for all things health and wellness,” says Marc Daigle, an instructor at , a cycling gym in the area. Once you’re spun out, you’re within walking distance of meditation studios, spas, CrossFit and boxing gyms, and some of Manhattan’s best outdoor opportunities, like , the climbing gym at Chelsea Piers, and the , a 1.5-mile elevated greenspace.

The Climb: The annual has competitors tackle the 1,576 steps to the observation deck of the city’s most famous skyscraper.

The Crags: There are dozens of indoor climbing gyms and outdoor routes in the city, suited to all skill levels. In addition to Chelsea Piers, Manhattan has the 12,000-square-foot . Or get outside in Central Park, where more experienced climbers can test their skills at crags like Worthless Boulder, near 110th Street, which features 16 routes ranging from V1 to V10.

The Personal Shopper: in Union Square is a household name among New York’s adventure set. The Manhattan institution sells gear in three stories of space, and if you make a reservation, one of the store’s guides will outfit you for everything from ski trips to through-hikes to triathlons.

The ���ϳԹ���: New York has 1,240 miles of bike lanes, making it easy to explore all five boroughs on two wheels. “From riding along the Hudson to speeding past the Empire State Building, every day you ride is a new adventure,” says Mike Espinosa, chief instructor at . Road bikers loop Prospect and Central Parks, while mountain bikers can get their singletrack fix in Washington Heights at Highbridge Park, which offers three miles of technical trails plus a dirt jump park and a pump track.

The Escape: It’s only an hour from Manhattan to Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, home to some of the best hiking in the Hudson Valley, including Breakneck Ridge.

—Meagan Drillinger

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In our ongoing Weekly Escape series, we aim to transport you from your desk to an incredible place in two minutes or less.��Burst Into Northern Michigan, from filmmaker��, brings you into his home state of Michigan. This fast-paced adventure shares some of the things Zuker loves most about his home turf, and you can find more from him on Instagram and Vimeo��.

The post A Visual Journey Through Northern Michigan appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

Remember that sinking feeling last Labor Day when you realized you hardly managed to get out of town? Lucky for you, we mapped out 15 radically adventurous and wildly relaxing quick trips.

You'll get in the water, on singletrack, and all over some of the best trails and rock faces the country has to offer. Later you'll kick back with some excellent brews and local fare, you'll see some of our favorite live music acts (inner tube optional), and when the sun goes down you'll likely find yourself under the stars, next to a campfire.

The best part? We've done all the work for you—scouted the best places to stay, play, and refuel, and filled every weekend of the season with only the finest. Start planning now.

Head to Asheville and Drink It In

May 27-30

Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. There are 30 in and around this western North Carolina city of 88,000. , a string of tastings, seminars, and new releases, kicks off with the , held the Saturday before Memorial Day ($45). Scores of local breweries and a few national standouts crowd the city’s Roger McGuire Green, pouring unlimited samples to happy crowds bobbing to live music. The festival is big but not too big, the weather warm but not too warm. Ease in with a Rocket Girl lager from Asheville Brewing Co. and go from there.

Lose Yourself in Oregon's Owyhee Mountains

June 3-5

Oregon’s Owyhee Mountains—2.5 million acres of sagebrush high desert near the Idaho border—is so far removed from the bustle of Portland that the state still classifies it as frontier. Its jewel is the Owyhee Canyonlands, carved deep into volcanic rock by patient rivers. Experienced off-trail travelers should tackle it with a 32-mile pack-rafting trip. Starting from the Three Forks Trailhead, outside Rome, the route heads up the Middle Fork of the Owyhee River through sagebrush country, then enters a slot canyon, green with moss and ferns. At North Cross Canyon, ascend to the desert’s table, reckon your way to South Cross Canyon, and scramble down to the Owyhee River. Inflate your pack raft for a 16-mile float back to your car—a mellow cruise past 800-foot walls and 80-degree springs that perch like infinity pools above the river. Rent a raft from Wyoming’s via FedEx ($30 per day plus shipping).

Do the Kentucky Biathlon

June 10-12

Mountain biking and bluegrass, that is. For more than 40 years, miners pulled limestone from a hole in the ground within sight of downtown Louisville. They scooped out a 100-acre cavern of echoing, 58-degree bigness. Today, the has plenty of room for the world’s largest indoor bike park ($24 for four hours). Ride your 29er over the berms, bumps, and banked singletrack of the 320,000-square-foot playground—there are 17 miles of trails in all. Then drive 78 miles east to the , held at the Kentucky Horse Park just north of Lexington ($100 for a four-day pass). Now in its 43rd year, the festival showcases stalwarts like the Seldom Scene. But “the best part of the festival isn’t what happens on the stage,” says organizer Roy Cornett. It’s the whiskey-fueled campfire sessions where old and new friends play until dawn.

Bug Out in Twin Bridges, Montana

June 17-19

Twin Bridges, in southwest Montana, is way off the Yellowstone tourist map. But within a 50-mile radius, there are hundreds of miles of blue-ribbon water—like the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers—that later merge to form the mighty Missouri. Early summer’s salmon fly hatches are the stuff of legend. The orange-bodied insects, which can grow nearly as long as your index finger, start to appear around the middle of June—great clouds of them. And it drives the trout crazy. To chuck a No. 6 Chubby Chernobyl to a voracious and gullible brown may be one of the happiest moments an angler can have. That’s why 15 years ago, Dan “Rooster” Leavens bought a roadside motel and applied vision and elbow grease to turn it into the , a six-cabin lodge ($2,195 for three nights, all-inclusive; day trips from $575). The routine here is simple: Get up early. Float and fish all day. Head back at nightfall for a slab of Montana steer around a table set for 20. Then it’s up early to slay ’em again.

Float On and Explore Arkansas's Buffalo River

June 24-26

Arkansas’s Buffalo River was declared our first national river in 1972—“and it didn’t get that way because it’s not special,” declares Mike Mills, founder of outfitter Buffalo Outdoor Center. This Ozarks river flows undammed for its entire 153 miles, often beneath 500-foot limestone bluffs. Take Mills’s advice and (rentals, $65 per day; shuttles from $21). To outsmart the day-tripping crowds, put in first thing in the morning and take your time on the ten miles from Baker Ford to Gilbert. Swim in the warmth of the afternoon. Pitch camp on a gravel bar. Cast for smallmouth. Sleep late; you’re on the overnight plan.

Declare Your Independence in Silverton

July 1-4

Colorado’s tiny Silverton throws the best Fourth of July party in the Rockies, so celebrate America in high-country style. Hike three and a half stupid-steep miles up above 12,000 feet to Ice Lake, where the streams will be pulsing with snowmelt and wildflowers will be blooming psychedelically. Back in town, climb some fun 5.10’s at the Stripe, a mellow sport crag. On the Fourth, head downtown to catch the best fireworks for hundreds of miles. But don’t try to beat a retreat via Molas Pass right after the show—the road looks like something out of Mad Max. Instead amble over to Avalanche Brewing, then crash at (from $100). —Chris Cohen

Get Beached on Pawleys Island

July 8-10

Forty-five minutes south of hectic Myrtle Beach lies Pawleys Island, a place of salt marshes and beach homes that have been described, approvingly, as arro­gantly shabby. In short, a great place to unwind. Before the heat rises, toss a few casts to redfish tailing in the Debordieu marshes from guide Jay Nelson’s ($400 for a half-day). Or have Pawleys Kayaks deliver a boat for (from $30). After, grab a cold beer and a pimento cheese sandwich at local hangout Pawleys Island Tavern. Most houses are one-week rentals, but you can book a weekend cottage at the old-school (from $155).

Listen Up at Northern Nights

July 15-17

“Northern Nights kind of prides itself on a lineup that nobody knows now but they’ll know next year,” says Andrew Blap, a cofounder of . Now in its fourth year, Northern Nights is held in lush redwood country, a three-and-a-half-hour drive north from San Francisco. Word to the wise: bring a tube and float down the Eel for a view of the River Stage, one of the festival’s four venues (passes from $169).

Circumnavigate Lake Tahoe

July 22-24

Lake Tahoe practically demands a road trip. First stop: Lover’s Leap, a crag on Highway 50 as it approaches the water from Sacramento, for some of Northern California’s best trad climbing. The 600-foot granite faces are sliced by horizontal ridges, which means “you can climb steep walls at relatively easy grades,” says Marc Pietrolungo, owner of (trips from $160). Tie into the classic Surreal­istic Pillar, a three-pitch 5.7 that offers corners, cracks, and traverses. Then head to the lake’s eastern shore to mountain-bike a ­different kind of Tahoe classic: the 14-mile Flume Trail. After a granny-gear climb through aspens and pines, it flows for miles, offering Instagram-gold views. The ride is best done one-way, so hire a shut­tle from (from $15, plus a $2 parking fee).

Spin Your Wheels in Idaho

July 29-31

Bring the whole brood and bike quiver, because the scenic and historical riding in the Idaho panhandle’s Bitter­root Range is for ­everyone. First check out the , which traces miles of the Old Milwaukee Road rail route west from the Montana border into Idaho on packed gravel. The draw here are the ten tunnels, one nearly 1.7 miles long (bring lights!), and seven trestles, one of them 230 feet high (trail pass $10; optional shuttle $9). The next day, roll down the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a 72-mile asphalt path that follows a native trading route from the Montana border nearly to Washington. It travels through a necklace of historic mining towns in Idaho’s Silver Valley, where an old settlement every five miles or so offers plenty of burger stops, then heads out a quieter region of chain lakes with thousands of water­fowl and the odd moose, skirts right along the shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene, and continues toward rolling wheat country. The best part? All of it is plenty doable if you’ve got fit teens and one long day.

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You could tow a clunky trailer on your next camping trip. Or you could save yourself the hassle and book a night in an Airstream or vintage trailer at one of these unique hotels. You’ll get the feel of camping—outdoor grilling, stargazing, remote locations—but the amenities of a hotel, with comfy beds, hot showers, cruiser bikes, and kitchens stocked with coffee fixings.��

Lakedale Resort

Friday Harbor, Washington��

At in Washington’s San Juan Islands, you can stay in a renovated 1978 Excella Airstream trailer parked on a lakefront dock on Neva Lake. Your stay includes homemade granola breakfasts in the main lodge. The Airstream is open May through September, so plan a trip for next summer. (If you show up this winter, you’ll have to settle for a log cabin.) (From $259.)

The Shady Dell��

Bisbee, Arizona��

Nine old-school trailers from the 1940s and ’50s make up , an Arizona road-trippers’ retreat dedicated to all things vintage (one trailer comes equipped with an antique martini shaker and glasses). The Tiki Bus, built in 1947, has a hand-carved outrigger bar. (From $87.)

The Metro Hotel��

Petaluma, California��

is a French-style boutique hotel 15 minutes from Sonoma’s wineries, in the quaint northern California town of Petaluma. In addition to colorfully decorated hotel rooms, there are also two brand new Airstream trailers you can book for the night (maid service included). An on-site café serves complimentary coffee and crepes in the morning and they offer bike rentals for cruising into town. (From $149.)��

���dz�’W����ٱ�� Lodge

Seaview, Washington��

You can pitch a tent or stay in the main lodge at , a rustic and eclectic lodge in the southwestern corner of Washington State that has live music on Friday nights, regular potlucks, and a Finnish sauna. Or opt for the vintage trailers: the Shasta sleeps one, while the African Queen has an upstairs loft and can fit up to six people. (From $63.)��

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Santa Barbara, California

In the heart of Santa Barbara, you can find five vintage Airstreams that make up , which opened in 2013. The trailers have been completely renovated to include things like clawfoot bathtubs, mid-century modern décor, flat screen TVs, and patios with electric grills and Adirondack chairs. Plus, you’ll get two cruiser bikes for jaunt��to the beach. Autocamp is also opening a San Francisco location this spring. (From $151.)

El Cosmico��

Marfa, Texas

welcomes travelers, wanderers, and music-festival-goers to the high desert of Marfa, Texas, offering a respite from the road. You can stay in a teepee, yurt, canvas tent, or one of 10 vintage trailers with names like Vagabond and Kozy Coach. Rent a bike or a Dutch wood-fired hot tub and stock up on provisions in the on-site store. (From $160.)

Kate’s Lazy Desert��

Landers, California

Kate Pierson of B-52s fame is the mastermind behind , a cabin retreat located in New York’s Catskills, and its western offshoot, a vintage Airstream outpost just outside of California’s . Six silver trailers have been decorated and designed by a cast of artists and they come with basic kitchen supplies, a hammock and grill out front, and views of the high desert. (From $175.)

Shooting Star RV Resort��

Escalante, Utah

Hook up your own trailer or rent one of Shooting Star’s nine Hollywood-themed Airstreams at the near Utah’s . At night, slide into the bucket seat of a 1960s Cadillac convertible and catch a flick at the resort’s retro drive-in movie theater (a snack shack serves popcorn). The place is open from March through November. (From $119.)

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Call your family and tell them you'll see them next month. You know what can't wait until the holidays? A total getaway, booked far from the in-laws and last-minute cranberry sauce-run traffic. Ditch the post-turkey nap (well, not completely—see choice number one) and treat yourself to a whirlwind weekend instead.

Hanalei, Kauai

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A photo posted by St. Regis Princeville (@stregiskauai) on Jan 29, 2015 at 8:03pm PST

Book a flight to Kauai and you’ll spend your holiday surfing, drinking fresh papaya juice, and hiking the trails along the rugged Na Pali Coast. Rent a surfboard at and hit the break at Hanalei Bay. Refuel afterward with acai bowls at the Aloha Juice Bar. The ��in nearby Princeville serves a proper Thanksgiving feast with a turkey carving station, sushi, and lobster ravioli.��

Joshua Tree, California

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on Aug 14, 2015 at 5:04pm PDT

Joshua Tree National Park is scorching hot midsummer, but come November, temperatures dip to a more palatable 70 degrees. Pitch a tent and cook a Thanksgiving dinner over the campfire at Hidden Valley Campground, which has walk-to access to some of the park’s classic climbs. Or stay in a vintage Airstream just outside the park entrance at . Get climbing gear and guidebooks at the local climbing shop ��then tackle routes like Double Cross or Sail Away for single-pitch cragging. ��

Bend, Oregon

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A photo posted by laura lisowski (@lauralisowski) on May 23, 2015 at 8:45pm PDT

If early-season storms nail Bend, Mount Bachelor may have a few trails for skiing and snowboarding by Thanksgiving. If not, the trail running, mountain biking, and climbing are all still good that time of year. Stay at , a former Catholic schoolhouse turned hip lodge with outdoor soaking pools, a movie theater, and on-site restaurant. After playing outside, grab a pint at , which has 19 taps and truffle mac and cheese on the menu.

San Pancho, Mexico

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A photo posted by Hotel Cielo Rojo (@hotelcielorojo) on Jul 3, 2015 at 4:45pm PDT

San Pancho is located just outside of the surfing hotspot of Sayulita. You’ll still have easy access to quality surf breaks, jungle treks, and sea kayaking but without the crowds. Plus, in November, cool ocean breezes replace summer humidity. Many of the restaurants in town serve Thanksgiving dinners (check out Maria’s Restaurant, La Ola Rica or Cielo Rojo Organic Bistro). Want to cook? The Mega, the main grocery store, sells turkeys this time of year. Stay at for your own palapa in the trees.��

Tofino, British Columbia

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A photo posted by Long Beach Lodge Resort (@longbeachlodgeresort) on Nov 6, 2015 at 7:24am PST

Surfers love Tofino for its serene beauty and laid-back, northwestern feel, and November is as chill as it gets in Tofino. Rent a thick wetsuit and a board at ��and have the break at Cox Bay to yourself. Or get a water taxi to Meares Island and take a hike with views of the surrounding islands. Stay at the , which has an on-site surf school and après-surf ceviche in their Great Room. Want to go shrimping? Hire , the best fishing guide in town, who offers discounted rates in the winter months.��

Santa Barbara, California

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A photo posted by The Goodland – A Kimpton Hotel (@thegoodlandsb) on Nov 5, 2015 at 9:42am PST

Burn off that turkey dinner by signing up for the ��(they also have a trail marathon and half marathon) in Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Mountains, taking place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. You can camp at the start of the race at the or get a courtyard room downtown at , which has morning yoga classes and poolside sangria and DJs. Hit up the Santa Barbara farmers’ market for all your mashed potato and pumpkin pie needs.��

New Orleans, Louisiana

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A photo posted by Dr W's Honey Island Swamp Tour (@drwagnerhoneyislandswamptours) on May 9, 2014 at 10:14am PDT

Spend Thanksgiving at opening day of the thoroughbred racing season at the track in New Orleans—it’s a citywide tradition (and don’t forget to wear a big hat). Sign up for a ��for alligator sightings through swampy cypress trees or ��through Bayou St. John. The turducken originated in Louisiana—get yours for Thanksgiving dinner at the . Don’t miss fried oyster poor boys at .��

Flagstaff, Arizona

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A photo posted by tara7326 (@tara7326) on Feb 22, 2015 at 7:05pm PST

By Thanksgiving, the Arizona Snowbowl will be open for early season riding and they’ll be making snow on about 60 percent of the mountain, plus Flagstaff still has hiking, trail running, and climbing in late November. Sleep in a yurt at the ��or get a room at the historic ��and don’t miss the holiday lights display at the Little America Hotel. Josephine’s Modern American Bistro serves Thanksgiving brunch or stock up on an Arizona-raised turkey for your own Thanksgiving meal at .

Frisco, Colorado

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A photo posted by Arapahoe Basin (@arapahoe_basin) on Nov 11, 2015 at 8:52am PST

Loveland and Arapahoe Basin are already open for skiing and riding, so you can bet on good snow conditions for Thanksgiving in Frisco, Colorado. Over Thanksgiving, the area has a Turkey Day 5K race, plus a rail jam and a Santa on a snowcat at Copper Mountain. Have dinner at the new ��for locally sourced meats on a wood-fired grill. If you need to catch up on work for a day, head to , a new co-working space downtown.

Boca Raton, Florida

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A photo posted by Dan Ellithorpe (@baseballsizedhail) on Aug 6, 2015 at 8:27am PDT

You’ll come to Boca Raton, Florida, in November for the beach—surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, reading a book on a beach towel—and the pleasantly sunny weather this time of year, but there are plenty of other things to do. Like free yoga on Saturdays at Sanborn Square, a 5K Turkey Trot, trail running at Quiet Waters Park, or wildlife spotting at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. The ��has 6 a.m. group runs on Saturdays that end at the water.��

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