Parks & Public Lands

This North Carolina town makes a great base for a Great Smoky Mountains trip

5 underrated hikes near Sacramento when you want to avoid the Tahoe crowds

Your first national park trip: What to know before you go

I’ve visited these Michigan lakes for more than 15 years. Here are 6 stops I’d recommend

Interactive: Build your own Smoky Mountains getaway

Interactive: Build your own personalized national park trip checklist

Hiking Castle Crags State Park in fall? What to know before you go

3 Missouri state parks you can explore in a single trip

What to know before biking Missouri’s Katy Trail in the cooler months

5 Northern California outdoor destinations that deserve more attention

Interactive: Explore Missouri’s Katy Trail, from scenic stops to seasonal closures

Planning a lake trip in Missouri? What to know about boating, swimming and access

What first-time visitors should know before heading up Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail

7 California state parks for unforgettable stargazing

Interactive: Explore California after dark, from desert skies to Lake Tahoe

5 caverns, 1 passport: How to explore the Texas Cave Trail

Missouri has 4 trout parks. Here’s what first-time visitors should know

Interactive: Plan your trip along the Texas Cave Trail

I’ve visited Miami for years. These are 4 outdoor experiences worth leaving the beach for

5 Michigan campgrounds where you can bike straight from your campsite

Where to see fall colors in California’s Eastern Sierra — and what to know before you go