Courtesy of Visit Bellingham

There’s no denying the appeal ofAmerica’s national parks.

But often, getting to these special places requires traveling a long distance.

The Tennessee Wall, another trad spot, is one of the Souths best.

Children playing in a field surrounded by mountains

The whole family can hit the trails near Mount Baker, outside Bellingham, Washington.Credit:Courtesy of Visit Bellingham

Order squash couscous with herb-marinated crab, a charcoal-roasted half chicken, and pita with labneh and whipped feta.

Saddle up withBoneshaker Adventures, which offers private and group mountain-biking lessons, as well as programs for kids.

Kokopellis Trail runs along red rock canyons where petroglyphs and fossils have been found.

A woman rockclimbing on a mountain in Chattanooga, TN

Rock climbing in Chattanooga, TN.Elliot Stahl/Courtesy of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Its trails range from easy waterfront routes to strenuous ascents ending at ice-blue glaciers.

For views of the San Juan Islands, head out on an easy trail atLarrabee State Park.

TheHeliotrope Hotelmakes a great home base.

Two people mountain biking on a trail

Gravel biking near Grand Junction, Colorado.Courtesy of Go Fruita

The outdoor hangout area has a firepit, a cornhole set, and a bike-washing station.

Try the lemon-poppyseed ice cream.

Just north of town,Sunset Crater Volcano National Monumenttypically offers night-sky programs in the summer.

A man hiking on a mountain trial

Hiking in Bellingham, WA.Katheryn Moran/Courtesy of Visit Bellingham

For a true scientific experience, visit theLowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930.

Spend the night right on Route 66 atHigh Country Motor Lodge.

There are lawn games, outdoor movie nights, and even a Nordic spa.

A group of people stand in a field stargazing in Flagstaff, AZ

A Dark Skies Coalition Star Party in Flagstaff, AZ.Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition/Courtesy of The City of Flagstaff

A block away is the family-styleShift Kitchen & Bar.

Try the relleno burger, with roasted poblano peppers, queso asadero, chipotle aioli, and house chips.

Kayak Superiors northern shore withDay Tripper of Duluth.

A man holding a canoe stands in front of a river

Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a boater’s paradise.Peter Bohler

Youll glide through blue-green water and past soaring cliffs, with a spectacular view of Split Rock Lighthouse.