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.

There’s something about the Great Smoky Mountains that invites you to slow down before you even arrive. Maybe it’s the way the fog settles low over the ridgelines, or how the air feels thicker with trees, earth, and history. Tucked just outside the park, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains leans into that mood—not by competing with it, but by letting it lead.

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.