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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Minnesotaâs Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a boaterâs paradise.Peter Bohler
Youll glide through blue-green water and past soaring cliffs, with a spectacular view of Split Rock Lighthouse.