Volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, legendary trails and a downtown with its own personality have turned this Central Oregon town into one of the West’s most reliable outdoor basecamps.

Along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park blends towering sand dunes, forest trails and quiet beaches into a national park experience that feels far removed from the everyday Midwest.

From the soaring quartzite fins of Seneca Rocks to the remote backcountry beneath Spruce Knob, this rugged corner of the Monongahela National Forest delivers some of the East Coast’s most overlooked mountain adventure.

Mountain bike trails, whitewater rapids, metal artists and a Spider-Man legacy are helping Johnstown, Pennsylvania, reinvent itself as one of the East Coast’s most unexpectedly cool outdoor destinations.

Along the quieter stretch of Maryland between major cities, Cecil County is building a getaway around trails, waterfront towns and slowing down.

Franklin and Nantahala, North Carolina, deliver rushing cascades, layered mountain views and the kind of outdoor energy that surrounds you with the untamed beauty of the outdoors.

If your idea of adventure involves rivers, parks and trails that move at their own pace, then let’s head to West Virginia. Here’s a look at six counties that make the state a top choice for hiking and outdoor trips.

Elkins’ tastiest Spring tradition rolls back into town Mark your calendars and maybe grab a mint for later — the ramps are coming back. The 16th Annual Ramps and Rail Festival pulls into town April 25, 2026, at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center in West Virginia, and if you’ve never experienced the unapologetic glory of this wild Appalachian onion, this is your sign. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Elkins will basically smell like heaven with a hint of garlic. The festival,