Destinations

Nothing like walking into work Monday morning and being able to boast, “Yep, I did an epic hike this weekend — a two-stater.” Which is what you can do with...

It’s easy to rack up some unintentional miles at Goose Creek State Park. From the Visitor Center, your initial plan is to simply hike down the Palmetto Boardwalk, which elevates...

Part of the allure of the Uwharrie Mountain Trail Run is that it’s on the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, a 22.9-mile trail that’s always challenging but never ridiculously so. Part...

At 7,460 acres, the Middle Prong is on the small side for a wilderness, and lacks the crazy traffic of many other wilderness areas close to it. Why? It’s certainly...

Ever wonder what it might have been like to take a stroll through the Piedmont before the time of Columbus? Occasionally, you’ll find a spot where you can wander through...

You know that Crabtree Falls drops more 1,200 feet over five major cascades and several smaller ones - the placard at the trailhead tells you as much. Yet you’re still...

Long drive, short circuit, unbelievable scenery. The 17,371-acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest is known for its high mountain meadows and long, sweeping views. Elevations range...

A classic hike, the trail begins by piggybacking on the AT for a half mile or so, a steady climb up to a stellar ridge with unobstructed views west across...

So, you like the idea of getting away for a weekend escape, but you just don’t feel good about being completely detached from work. We’re not crazy about this type...

The park has two lakes, one 20 acres, one 12, good for bass, bream and catfish. And, every winter, the lakes are stocked with trout! The park also has six...

There’s primitive camping galore in the Fires Creek Recreation Area, particularly along the trail leading up to the rim and along the 25-mile rim itself. This rim brings us to...

A great base camp for exploring the Shenandoah National Park, Loft Mountain is located near the southern end of the Shenandoah. The Appalachian Trail runs through the campground, the adjoining...

The James River State Park is known for paddling, but the 1,500-acre park also has about 16 miles of multi-use trail, all of which is open to hiking and all...

There’s a Jekyll-and-Hyde nature to the 30-mile stretch of the Catawba River below the Lake Wylie dam just over the South Carolina line. At nominal water flow, the stretch is...

If you’re gonna drive, you better get your money’s worth. Even if you're not coming from Charlotte, with the day price of admission for every one of the plentiful activities...

A good stretch of river for the new whitewater paddler. Much of the Class I action is the result of widely spaced gravel bars, according to Paul Ferguson in his...

If ever there was an area set up to accommodate the avid camper, it’s Hot Springs. Located on the Appalachian Trail - the AT runs along a sidewalk through the...

Technically, yes, it’s a horse camp. But if they don’t mind, should you? Not once you see the 15-mile trail network that includes a pair of 7.5-mile loops. One climbs...

The Oyster Point Campground provides the perfect base camp for exploring the 20-mile Neusiok Trail, which runs from near the campground north to the Pine Cliff Recreation Area. It’s also...

Grayson Highlands is the jumping off point to some of the best exploring in the East, period. Grayson Highlands and the adjoining Mount Rogers National Recreation Area are crossed by...

Carolina Beach State Park is a particularly nice escape. Six miles of trails take you through a range of environments, from the beach along the Cape Fear River to a...

Love a good adventure-filled trip? Looking for some mountain hiking close to the Triangle and Greensboro? Want a quick, easy getaway? Then pack the gear and head to Hanging Rock...

Possibly some of the easiest miles you’ll find in the Smokies! This loop heads up Deep Creek, the first mile or so of which is popular with tubers (not of...

A highly popular paddle trip, for several reasons. One, it’s well marked. White posts lead the way across marshy Bogue Sound. Now, you might not think trail markers are a...