Trailforks

These tiny hamlets, with less than 6,000 locals, provide the perfect blend of quaint vibes and outdoor fun

The Golden State might have more campgrounds than any other in the U.S.—and more visitors, too. From desert to coast to mountains, here are the best uncrowded spots to get a site.

Volcano House overlooks the Kīlauea Crater, increasing guests' chances of witnessing an eruption.

We researched the seven most-touristed towns and what kinds of risks you should be aware of in each

With 800 miles of coastline, you could spend a lifetime exploring Costa Rica's best beaches. Here's where to discover the coolest wildlife, sunsets, surf, and snorkeling.

From Bear Lake to Snow Canyon, these are our desert expert's coolest places to romp around outside

Enjoy the country’s most iconic scenery from the comfort of your own car with our guide to the eight most unforgettable national park drives

Lots of visitors find themselves off track, whether they're chasing Instagrammable moments too far, facing unpredictable weather and variable terrain, or simply lacking preparation. Here’s why this seems to be happening—and how to trek safely when you go.

It’s pretty, secluded, and trends on social media. And because it fills up a year in advance, you’ll be lucky to snag a reservation, but it’s worth trying—and not just for the amenities or decor.

It isn’t impossible to find lodging around our nation’s most-visited national park. But these spots are extra cool—from secluded cabins and riverside retreats, to a treehouse and beyond.

From exploring Arizona's canyons to surfing California'a beaches and hiking Utah's buttes, our national parks columnist shares his dream Southwest road-trip itineraries. Just gas up your rig, grab the sunscreen, and go.

From a lookout tower with a wood-fired sauna to a sleek cabin with volcano views, these imaginative, forested forts go way beyond your best childhood dreams

I found big adventure and warm weather in these national-park units spread across the Southeast and Southwest

We’re not talking about big thru-hikes, but extended walks on pathways through glorious landscapes in spectacular parts of the world

Whether you like to camp, paddle, take long walks, or bike flowy singletrack, these are the coolest ways to spend your precious time off in 2025

Done with cold weather? From the Keys’ turquoise waters to the Panhandle’s white-sand shores and beyond, here are the Sunshine State’s best beaches to visit.

Experience two of SoCal's stunning desert landscapes—the low Colorado to the east, and the mountainous Mojave to the west—with these gorgeous treks, ranging from 1 to 37 miles

As a former editor at Scuba Diving magazine, I've traveled to many islands. These are my absolute favorites for outdoor recreation.

Here’s the local’s cheat sheet to navigating on and off-piste thrills of Colorado’s most coveted destinations

The place has it all. Points for trying to guess, but you may never have heard of the name.

“Seen better”: Not every visitor is impressed with one of the world’s seven natural wonders, it turns out

This Wyoming gem is legendary for year-round adventure but known as pricey. There are ways to go without blowing your budget.

Hear me out: I love the outdoors, and that includes playing golf. These courses are on the leading edge of sustainability and close to adventure.

This remote mountain town has had its ups and downs. In recent years famous races put it on the map, but some knew of its year-round treasures all along.

Surrounded by more famous destinations, this area is often overlooked. Yet it is one of the wildest and most beautiful units in the national-park system.

From Boston to San Francisco, urban hikers have stitched parks and paths together into beautiful, rigorous, and creative routes

Astronomers say Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will likely be visible to the naked eye this weekend in the U.S. Here’s how and where to see it.

Climb some of the most beautiful and unique mountains in the world without any technical experience

Two beautiful national parks, 89 state parks, plus mountains, rivers, and coastline. Having grown up in Texas, I can attest: this state has it all.

From a two-mile stroll in North Carolina to a 2,600-mile trek along the Pacific Crest, these hikes have had the most profound impact on our trails columnist—and will change your perspective on the country.

In most of the world, the crowds of summer have thinned, the temperatures are perfect, and prices are dropping. What are you waiting for?

We asked our editors for the most romantic trips they’d ever taken. From fire towers to Southwest camping to mountaintop lodges, these incredible stays are the best way to spend Valentine’s—or any day.

Mountain living is sweet—but it often comes with a hefty price tag. These towns are a little easier on the wallet.