Great Fountain Geyser erupting, in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its geothermal activity, is home to many breathtaking natural phenomena, including the famous Great Fountain Geyser. This spectacular geyser, known for its powerful eruptions, captivates visitors with its unique displays of nature’s force and beauty. Located in the park's Firehole Lake Drive area, the Great Fountain Geyser is one of the largest and most active geysers in Yellowstone, providing a stunning visual experience every time it erupts. Eruption Characteristics The Great Fountain Geyser is distinguished by its large and dramatic eruptions. Unlike many other geysers in Yellowstone, which have regular, predictable eruption intervals, the Great Fountain Geyser follows a less predictable pattern. Its eruptions can range from 150 to 200 feet in height, making it one of the tallest geysers in the park. These eruptions are typically powerful, often accompanied by a series of smaller bursts before the main eruption. The geyser's water expulsion can last anywhere from several minutes to over an hour, creating an impressive display for spectators. Eruptions tend to occur approximately once every 9 to 15 hours, though this interval can vary. The timing and size of each eruption depend on the geothermal conditions within the geyser's underground plumbing system. Visitors often rely on predictions by the park's rangers, but given the geyser’s somewhat erratic behavior, no eruption can ever be guaranteed. Great Fountain Geyser erupting, in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park Geological Features The Great Fountain Geyser, like all geysers, is a result of the specific geothermal environment in which it resides. Beneath the surface, magma heats underground water, creating immense pressure that eventually forces water and steam to the surface. The geyser’s plumbing system consists of a series of underground channels that regulate the buildup of pressure, leading to eruptions. The geyser's unique structure allows for its massive eruptions, and the shape and size of the eruption can vary depending on changes within the system. The geothermal features around the Great Fountain Geyser, including the Firehole River and surrounding pools, provide a vivid reminder of Yellowstone’s ongoing geothermal activity. The mineral deposits left by the eruptions form beautiful terraces and formations around the geyser, adding to the park's distinctive, ever-changing landscape. Watching an Eruption Watching the Great Fountain Geyser erupt is an unforgettable experience for those visiting Yellowstone. Visitors can often view the eruption from designated viewing areas that offer a clear sightline of the geyser and its surroundings. It’s best to check with the Yellowstone National Park website or local rangers for eruption predictions, as waiting times for an eruption can vary widely. Many tourists enjoy the unpredictability of the Great Fountain Geyser, knowing that each eruption is a unique natural event. In addition to the eruption itself, the surrounding landscape is a significant part of the experience. The geyser basin features colorful hot springs and steaming pools, which add to the sense of awe visitors feel when witnessing the eruption. For more, visit Yellowstone National Park.

From historic architecture to vibrant arts scenes, Utah’s downtowns are becoming cultural hotspots that draw visitors and locals alike. Cities across the state offer unique opportunities to experience food, art, music, and outdoor recreation, all set against Utah’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Salt Lake City’s downtown has emerged as a cultural hub with its thriving arts district, featuring landmarks like the Eccles Theater and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. The area also boasts the Downtown Farmers Market, where visitors can sample local produce and crafts every Saturday during the summer months. Salt Lake City In Provo, a blend of history and innovation creates a distinctive downtown vibe. Quaint shops line Center Street, offering everything from vintage clothing to locally made artisan goods. Music enthusiasts flock to Velour Live Music Gallery, a venue credited with helping launch the careers of bands like Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees.  Velour Live Music Gallery Ogden’s 25th Street, known as “Two-Bit Street” in its Wild West heyday, has transformed into a lively corridor of restaurants, breweries, and galleries. The area celebrates its roots with events like the Historic 25th Streetcar Show and the Ogden Arts Festival, which showcase the city’s creative energy. Historic Ogden’s 25th Street Park City, famous for hosting the Sundance Film Festival, features a bustling Main Street filled with galleries, boutique shops, and gourmet restaurants. During the summer, visitors can enjoy live music at the Silly Sunday Market, an open-air event that captures the town’s eclectic charm. Silly Sunday Market Tourism officials note that Utah’s downtowns provide an accessible gateway to the state’s diverse culture and outdoor experiences. As the state continues to grow, its downtown areas are embracing their individuality while preserving the rich history and natural beauty that make Utah a destination worth exploring.

Photo Credit: Krupasindu Sahoo The biggest thing happening here is underground Yellowstone National Park isn’t just a pretty place to hike—it’s one of the most active, unpredictable, and low-key chaotic landscapes in the country. Beneath the scenic overlooks and wooden boardwalks, the park is constantly moving, steaming, erupting, and evolving. If it feels alive, that’s because it kind of is. Yellowstone sits on top of a massive volcanic system, which sounds dramatic (and it is), but mostly shows itself through geysers, hot springs, and steam vents scattered across the park. Old Faithful still does its thing on schedule, drawing crowds like a natural headline event, while nearby geysers randomly pop off just to keep things interesting. Then there’s Grand Prismatic Spring—blazing with unreal color bands that look filtered but aren’t. The heat-loving bacteria around it literally paint the landscape, turning science into art. Above ground, Yellowstone runs on wildlife energy. This is one of the few places in the Lower 48 where animals still move like they’ve got full control. Bison roam wherever they want, often stopping traffic without apology. Wolves prowl the Lamar Valley, reshaping the ecosystem just by existing. Elk, bears, coyotes, and moose all play a role in a daily cycle that’s been happening long before humans showed up with cameras and trail maps. Watching it unfold feels less like sightseeing and more like tuning into a live nature feed. Water also does a lot of heavy lifting here. Yellowstone Falls crashes through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with a force that hits before the sound does. The canyon walls glow yellow, orange, and red, especially in the golden hours, proving the park’s name wasn’t random. Rivers cut through valleys, lakes stretch toward the horizon, and thermal runoff turns streams into swirling shades of blue and green. And then there’s the hiking—boardwalks and backcountry alike. You can stroll past bubbling mud pots and hissing steam vents in sneakers, or disappear onto miles of trail where cell service drops and your only notifications are birds and wind. Every turn feels like a different park: alpine forests, open meadows, rocky cliffs, wide-open skies. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure, just with more bison. What really makes Yellowstone hit different, though, are the quiet moments in between the chaos. Steam rising at sunrise. A sudden wildlife sighting that stops everyone in their tracks. The realization that the ground beneath you is warm, moving, and shaping itself in real time. Yellowstone isn’t frozen in history—it’s constantly becoming something new. So what’s really going on inside Yellowstone National Park? A lot. It’s wild, it’s active, and it refuses to be predictable. And that’s exactly why it still pulls people in—generation after generation—looking for something real, untamed, and way bigger than a screen.

Courtesy of Silver City, NM When Marisol Reyes pulled into Silver City, New Mexico just after sunrise on a crisp fall Saturday, she felt like she’d arrived at one of the West’s best-kept secrets. The air up here smells like pine and possibility With a population of around 10,000 and perched at about 5,919 feet elevation, Silver City serves as a vibrant gateway to the wild landscapes of the Gila National Forest and surrounding wilderness. Marisol’s plan was simple: hike, explore, breathe. Her first stop was the nearby Boston Hill Trail System where she followed the loop trail through ponderosa pines, juniper and rocks softened by morning light. “I felt like I was the only person in the world,” she said. The area is noted for its accessible yet scenic hikes. Later that day she drove a short distance to Lake Roberts —a peaceful reservoir nestled above Silver City. A few anglers cast their lines into the clear water while kayaks drifted lazily. Fishing and day-use recreation at Lake Roberts are among the draws of the region. Saturday evening Marisol wandered downtown Silver City’s historic district, with its brick sidewalks, art galleries and casual eateries serving New Mexico’s signature green chili. “It’s charming without being polished." On Sunday morning she met up with a guide and headed into the Gila region for a half-day excursion to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, where ancient cliff-dweller ruins peek out from the rock face. Standing in those rooms you realize people were living here a thousand years ago, right in the rocks Cliff Dwellings, Courtesy of Silver City, NM The monument lies a scenic drive from Silver City and offers unique wilderness walking opportunities. Back in town by afternoon, she capped off the weekend with a ride along the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway —a scenic drive north-east from Silver City that threads through ridges and valleys of the region. “I discovered corners of New Mexico I didn’t know existed,” she reflected.  Silver City gave me wide skies, quiet trails and a town that breathes outdoor life As she packed her car to leave Sunday evening, Marisol dug out her journal and wrote: “Silver City gave me wide skies, quiet trails and a town that breathes outdoor life.” With its mountain biking, hiking trails, fly-fishing streams, and artistic downtown, Silver City stands apart as a destination for someone who truly wants to *get outside*. Courtesy of Silver City, NM “I’ll be back,” Marisol said. "And for anyone seeking fresh air, rugged terrain and a community that celebrates adventure, Silver City just might be the weekend hideaway you’ve been looking for. " Find out more about Silver City’s trails, art scene and outdoor adventures at VisitSilverCity.org

Tucked into the northeastern stretch of North Dakota is a destination that feels like it was handcrafted for travelers who crave fresh air, big fish, migrating waterfowl and even bigger hospitality. Welcome to Devils Lake  — a sprawling, scenic wonderland that lures anglers, hunters and nature lovers from across the country.  The name might sound ominous, but Devils Lake is anything but. With over 180,000 acres of water , including connected upper-basin lakes, it’s a paradise for outdoorsy types in every season. Whether you're casting for walleye in a flannel shirt or tracking geese with a thermos in hand, this place delivers the kind of outdoor magic you won’t find just anywhere.  At the heart of it all is Woodland Resort , a family-run lodge that’s been the anchor of adventure here for more than 35 years. “My wife and I opened Woodland Resort back in 1988,” says Kyle Blanchfield, owner and lifelong advocate for Devils Lake. “We were kind of the original pioneers on the lake — lodging, restaurant, bar, marina, boat rentals, we were the first to bring it all together in one place.”  Woodland Resort And they’ve been perfecting the experience ever since. Woodland Resort shines particularly bright in the fall and winter. “That’s when we cram in the best hunting and fishing of the whole year,” Kyle says. From world-class walleye fishing to guided waterfowl hunts, visitors get a front-row seat to the best of North Dakota’s wild side. “Our fishing packages, especially the ones with the Perch Patrol guide service, are popular because they’re turnkey,” says Kyle. “People just show up — we handle the lodging and meals, and the guides take care of the rest.”  Fall fishing  in Devils Lake is especially legendary. Mornings are brisk enough for a hoodie, but by midday, anglers are stripping down to t-shirts as they reel in walleyes, northern pike, perch and the occasional white bass. The fish are just cooperating that time of year. It’s some of the best fishing all season  And it’s not just about what’s in the water or the sky. The Devils Lake community  is warm, welcoming and ready to share its secrets. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your roots or a first timer exploring the Upper Midwest, this is the kind of place that gets under your skin — in the best way.  So, pack your tackle box, grab a thermos, and say yes to that spontaneous long weekend. “I’d challenge people to put Devils Lake on their fall list,” says Kyle. “It’s a world-class fishery with world-class facilities and a whole lot of heart.”  Ready to reel in your next great adventure? Devils Lake is waiting.   For more information on Devils Lake, ND , please visit their website at https://www.devilslakend.com  OR be directed to Devils Lake via Unplug Magazine’s website.

Elephant Butte Lake A Hidden Oasis If you want to unplug in a time warp, head down I-25 to Exit 79. Blink, and you might miss it—but that would be a mistake. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico—known as T or C—is a funky desert town of about 6,000, roughly 120 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Its history stretches back to prehistoric peoples who built pit houses and pueblo-like dwellings along canyons feeding the Rio Grande. The river still flows, and linger long enough, and you can feel the echoes of the past. Hot Springs Through the Ages For centuries, Native Americans gathered at mineral hot springs that bubble from a rift along the Rio Grande. Even Apache warrior Geronimo is said to have soaked in these healing waters. In 1916, the Elephant Butte Dam created New Mexico’s largest lake just upstream from T or C. Before 1950, the town was called Hot Springs. That year, radio host Ralph Edwards challenged towns to rename themselves after his quiz show Truth or Consequences. Hot Springs accepted, and T or C was born. Adventure Around Every Corner For adventurers, T or C delivers. Elephant Butte Reservoir is famous for record-breaking bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, white and black bass, and stripers. Fifteen miles south, Caballo Reservoir and Percha Dam State Park offer shaded camping along the river. Spring and summer bring rafting on the Rio Grande, while hiking trails abound—from two-mile lakeside loops to weeklong treks on the Continental Divide Trail in the nearby Gila National Forest. Cliff dwellings at Gila National Forest Soak It All In The true treasure, however, is the hot springs. Temperatures range from 98 to 115 degrees, with 38 trace minerals and a neutral pH of 7. Mineral-rich and naturally germ-resistant, the waters soothe both body and mind. Some spas play soft music, others burn sage, and some let you soak under the open sky. Our favorite is Riverbend Hot Springs, where you can watch the Rio Grande flow past Turtleback Mountain at sunset. Private and communal pools are available, and there’s RV access. Picture yourself immersed in healing waters, the desert stretching around you, feeling the same peace that pueblo people experienced centuries ago. Hillsboro, New Mexico T or C is a revelation for those seeking a place off the beaten path to unwind. Adventure, history and relaxation coexist here, making this desert oasis a true hidden gem. UNPLUG. Magazine Contributing Writers Ben and Wyn Bio: Ben and Wyn are midlife nomads uncovering the secrets of rural America. Follow their adventures @nomadhermit.substack.com, @ruralexplorers @benwyn.ruralexplorer

Whether it’s a weekend in the woods, a weeklong backpacking trek or an overnight hike, outdoor cooking can be simple, satisfying — and surprisingly gourmet with the right recipes and equipment. In 2025, outdoor kitchen gear has evolved, from lightweight backpacking stoves to rugged cooksets that make preparing meals under the open sky almost as easy as in your own kitchen. Here’s how to elevate back-to-basics meals on the trail without fuss . Gear That Makes Cooking Outdoors Easier Great meals start with great tools. For fast hydration and boiling, the MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove  remains a backpacking favorite. It’s ultralight (about 2.6 ounces), boils water quickly and fits in the smallest day pack. For slightly more control — including simmering — the Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System   combines power and convenience, letting cooks boil water and prepare sauces or stews in a compact, efficient package. Campers who want a full kitchen setup should consider the Coleman Cascade 3‑in‑1 Camping Stove . Its multiple cooking surfaces let you fry, sauté and grill, making everything from breakfast burritos to camp-fire fajitas possible. Meanwhile, the Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo  offers a cost-effective all-in-one kit ideal for smaller groups or beginner outdoor cooks. Cookware matters too. A reliable pot like the MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot  or lightweight titanium set like the Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset  brings versatility without adding extra weight. For those cooking for groups, a more substantial option like the GSI Glacier Stainless Base Camper  offers multiple pot sizes for meals big and small. Don’t forget utensils and accessories: tools such as the OXO Outdoor 4‑Piece Camp Stove Cooking Set  make stirring, flipping and serving far easier. Breakfast Made Simple Mornings are minimal outdoors, and breakfast should be too. A classic, no-frills start is instant oatmeal  — just add boiling water from your stove. For more protein, cook scrambled eggs with pre-chopped veggies  in a shallow pan, like a Foldable Titanium Frying / Baking Pan , over low heat. Season with salt and pepper, or add cheese for extra flavor. Another easy breakfast is breakfast burritos . At home, pre-assemble tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, and spices. Wrap them in foil and heat them on your camp stove in the morning. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup. One-Pot Lunches on the Trail For lunches on hikes or at camp, one-pot meals  are trail favorites. Pour instant couscous  into a bowl with dried vegetables, olive oil and hot water; let stand five minutes, then fluff and eat. Couscous is lightweight and brings energy to your midday break. Another easy option is tuna or chicken wraps . Keep pouch tuna or chicken, tortillas, and condiment packets on hand. Mix tuna with mayo or mustard, add seasonings and vegetables, and wrap for a hearty on-trail lunch. Camp-Fire Dinners That Impress Dinners can be just as easy — and more delicious than freeze dried meals. Foil packet meals  are a go-to solution: combine bite-sized potatoes, carrots, sliced sausage, olive oil and seasoning in a foil packet and cook over coals or a grill surface. The result is a flavorful, mess-free entrée that requires just one piece of foil and minimal cleanup. On cooler nights, a hearty chili  is hard to beat. At home, cook ground meat, beans, corn, diced tomatoes and chili seasoning in a pot. Freeze or refrigerate and reheat over your camp stove. Serve with tortillas or crackers for a filling meal. Backpackers on lighter trips can make a quick bean chili  with canned or rehydrated beans and taco seasoning. Snacks and Sweet Finishes No outdoor menu is complete without snacks. Trail mix, nuts, dried fruit and energy bars are easy to pack. For a sweet camping treat, try banana boats : slice a banana lengthwise, fill with chocolate chunks and marshmallows, wrap in foil, and heat until gooey. Tips for Outdoor Cooking Success Plan meals ahead and pack ingredients smartly  — pre-chop veggies, pre-mix seasonings and use ingredients that don’t spoil easily. If cooking on a campfire, make sure coals are hot and stable  before placing cookware atop. Boil water safely before adding to meals, especially for instant foods. With the right gear and simple recipes, cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be a chore. From quick breakfasts to satisfying dinners, eating under the open sky can be one of the highlights of any adventure.

The Arboretum At Flagstaff, by Michael Marcinko Let’s start with a trail that’s right in town — Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve  (3920 N El Paso Flagstaff Rd). It’s lowkey one of the best spots for an easy adventure. You’ll walk along riparian areas (fancy word for “green spots with water”), spot basalt cliffs, and find ancient petroglyphs carved by the Northern Sinagua people. It’s only a few minutes from downtown, which makes it perfect if you want to sneak in a quick hike before brunch or just need a little nature reset without a full-on backcountry mission. Picture Canyon, by Michael Marcinko If you’re ready for a bit more action, Fatman’s Loop Trail  is your go-to. It’s about 2.5 miles and wraps around the eastern slope of Mount Elden. Expect pine forest, cool rock formations, and the kind of views that make you say “okay, Arizona, I see you.” Want something a little more immersive? Head up to the Kachina Trail  near Arizona Snowbowl. It’s around 5 miles each way, winding through aspen groves and spruce-pine forest with peeks at the San Francisco Peaks — Arizona’s highest mountains. In the fall, the aspens go full gold, and honestly, it feels like walking inside a postcard. Humphreys Peak, ,by Michael Marcinko Humphreys Peak: The Big One If you’ve got stamina and snacks, Humphreys Peak Trail   is the ultimate Flagstaff flex. It’s the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet. The trail starts from the Arizona Snowbowl parking lot and climbs about 3,300 feet over 10 miles round trip. It’s a grind — rocky, windy, and totally worth it. The summit views stretch across the whole state, sometimes even into Utah and New Mexico. Just remember: it’s alpine terrain, so layer up and start early. Afternoon lightning storms are no joke at that elevation. Aspen Loop , by Michael Marcinko Chill Vibes: The FUTS & Lake Mary Not every day needs to be a summit day. The Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS)   has around 59 miles of paved and dirt trails running through town — perfect for biking, walking, or just vibing. You can hop on right from downtown, wind through pine forests, and end up near a local coffee shop without ever touching a main road. If you’re craving lake views, Lake Mary Road  is where locals go for mellow rides or picnics. Upper and Lower Lake Mary are both great spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just hanging by the water watching elk wander by at sunset. Flagstaff might just be that place. Lockett Meadow, by Michael Marcinko Flagstaff is basically Arizona’s outdoor playground — alpine peaks, lava flows, forest trails, and lakes all within 20 minutes of each other. Whether you’re chasing summit views or just want to chill under the pines, this town delivers. So yeah — if you’re looking for a mountain escape that’s high-altitude, low-stress, and full of trails that make your camera roll explode, Flagstaff might just be that place. For more on Flagstaff, AZ, visit https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/?gad_source=1 Photography courtesy of UNPLUG. Magazine's Photojournalist Michael Marcinko To see more of Michael’s work check out his website   @ michaelmarcinko.com

Location: Kananaskis, AB Trail: Warspite Lake On a clear morning in Alberta, a small group of women gather at a trailhead. Some of them have hiked for years. Others are here for the first time, unsure of their pace, their footing or their place. What brings them together is not distance or elevation. It is the simple promise of not being alone. For Janine Dersch, this promise has become a meaning-building calling. Over the past four years, she has been quietly building women-led hiking and outdoor groups. What began as a practical response to fear has grown into a network of shared confidence, connection and care. Dersch grew up just outside Calgary on a farm, where being outdoors was part of daily life. Camping, hiking and working outside shaped her long before she ever thought of organizing group outings. But when she adopted dogs and began spending more time on trails near home, a new reality set in. Living in bear country meant hiking alone felt intimidating, especially with puppies in tow. She wanted company, and she wanted safety. At first, she hosted small group hikes through a third-party Instagram account for dogs and their humans. The response surprised her. Five, then ten people began showing up, many of them mutuals from instagram. One of those early hikes led to a close friendship, and when that friend eventually moved away, Dersch realized she did not want the sense of connection to disappear. “I ended up meeting one of my best friends through that," Dersch says. "When she moved away, I was like, ‘Okay, I wanna keep doing that. I miss that connection. I miss the sense of comfort and space that I found with that." So, she started asking a simple question in her Instagram stories: Did anyone want to go hiking together? The interest was immediate. People were moving to Calgary during a period when social routines had been disrupted by COVID-19 and community was harder to find. Group hikes became a steady point of connection, a way to move bodies and calm minds while getting to know others at a human pace. I’ve made so many memorable moments "I always love and find it amazing when women have the confidence to just show up outside with a bunch of strangers, just because it can be so daunting and I’m glad that I have an account that makes them feel safe enough to do so." Dersch is intentional about how she chooses locations. Trails are kept close to the city when possible, familiar routes near Kananaskis and Banff that balance accessibility with expansive scenery. Difficulty levels are chosen with care, and expectations are clear. There is no pressure to reach a summit, no requirement to keep up and no judgment if someone turns back early. Breaks are taken as often as needed. "We are in no rush and if somebody turns back early that’s okay, this is their hike, and they can make it what they want to get out of it—hopefully if you make a friend or two along the way that’s amazing," Dersch says. Women of different ages, fitness levels and backgrounds show up knowing they will be met with patience rather than comparison. For many participants, this is the first time they feel free to hike at their own pace without apology. Location: Kananaskis PLUZ, AB Trial: Fullerton Loop Safety is central to everything Dersch does. She is clear that she is not a guide, and she encourages participants to research trails and make informed decisions for themselves. “I can never 100% guarantee safety, I’m not an official guide, so I absolutely do make sure anybody participating understands that there’s an expectation that they also look up the trail and make a call on whether or not it is a safe trail for them to do regardless of their experience," Dersch says. Before each hike, group chats cover weather conditions, trail reports, wildlife activity, and recommended gear. Bear spray is discussed openly and practically, ensuring the group is prepared without unnecessary duplication. “Bear spray is obviously always needed, but we also don’t need 13 cans of it. So, we talk about it to figure out what people need and don’t need.” As a first responder, Dersch also brings professional situational awareness to every outing, and she is willing to turn back when conditions call for it. Yet the impact of these hikes goes far beyond logistics. Dersch has watched confidence grow in subtle ways. She remembers one recent hike where a new participant joined a group of women who already knew one another. Showing up alone took courage. Near the end of the day, that woman told Dersch it was the most fun she had ever had hiking. “I just thought that was the sweetest moment and it brought me back to why I keep doing this,” Dersch says. Moments like that are a reminder of why she keeps organizing, even when her own introversion and social anxiety make it challenging. “Some will join these hikes but meet us at the end of the trail—already at the viewpoint when we're halfway up. They feel comfortable doing that because they know somebody else on the trail is looking out for them.” Nature, she says, does most of the work. She does not need to entertain or orchestrate conversation. Introductions happen, and then people walk, talk, or stay quiet as they choose. Phones come out for photos, then go away again. Conversations stretch easily, connected by the shared experience of the day. “We also stop at the end of the trail for a period of time, just so everybody can enjoy it. I try to have a kind of tailgate in the parking lot with hot chocolate where we’ll stand around and chat. Just letting people choose what they want out of it, I think, has been the biggest thing to encourage them to be present with it,” Dersch says. Spending time outdoors has been transformative for Dersch’s mental health. Splitting her time evenly between work and personal life, she found that prioritizing outdoor time made everything feel lighter. Things don't feel so heavy when I go outside. Everything just seems to calm my nerves and anxiety Being outside and in community reminded her that problems often shrink when set against mountains and open sky. Certain places have, therefore, become markers in her journey. Warspite Lake holds particular meaning after hosting her largest group hike there for International Women’s Day. Twenty-one women showed up under blue skies, supported by local sponsors who provided small comforts after the hike. Little Arthusia is another favorite, a trail she returns to in different seasons, sharing it with groups when conditions allow. As word spread, so did participation. Women began traveling hours to join the hikes and camping trips. “It does surprise me when I get to learn where people are from. A girl from Prince George drove down, which is an 8-hour drive. Some people in Edmonton will drive down for day hikes, which is a 3-hour drive. It’s been really crazy but cool to see just how far social media can reach and how many people I can bring together,” Dersch says. Some friendships formed on the trail continued long after the events ended, with participants organizing their own outings together. One woman in Texas has started hosting her own women’s hiking and camping events after being inspired by Dersch’s instagram. The scope of the gatherings has grown organically. Hiking led to cross-country skiing, camping trips, and plans for future snowshoeing and overnight winter outings. Planning happens collaboratively through Instagram channels and group polls, allowing participants to shape what comes next. For Dersch, this responsiveness is part of the ethic. These spaces exist for the women who show up. Looking ahead, she is preparing for a new year of hikes, seasonal camping trips, and larger gatherings centered around women’s milestones. “I do use my stories on Instagram quite a lot for kind of communicating, but my Instagram channel is where I do all of the group stuff. I'll post polls to figure out what people in that group want because it's specifically made for the people interested in the events.” She remains open to suggestions, guided by what those in the budding community think would be fun. When asked what she hopes women take from these experiences, her answer is simple: Take up space. It is there for us women and we can get so much out of it once we start doing it For women who feel intimidated by hiking or unsure where to begin, Dersch offers practical advice. Start with one trusted friend, choose a familiar trail with cell service, and keep it small. Only put the invitation out publicly if it feels safe to do so. “People will come together so quickly,” Dersch says, “Sometimes it only takes one to two people to get outdoors. Then, next thing you know, they bring their friends next time and more friends after that. One day you'll realize you’ve got this big group and people will keep showing up.” You can follow Janine’s continued journey on Instagram: @outdoorsycrew | Website & Blog: outdoorsycrew.mypixieset.com

Photo courtesy of VisitCentralPA.org MILTON, PA - The new Susquehanna River Valley Outdoor Recreation Guide is now available, inviting local residents and visiting explorers to discover the best of Central Pennsylvania’s outdoor experiences. This visually engaging, magazine-style publication showcases everything that makes the region a premier outdoor destination - from hiking and cycling to fishing and paddling, and from caves and caverns to campgrounds and golf courses. Designed to inspire exploration, the guide also makes it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to plan their next adventure. Building on the content found in the annual Official Guide to the Susquehanna River Valley, the Outdoor Recreation Guide takes a deeper dive into the area’s diverse recreational offerings. Readers will find answers to questions such as: Which regional waterways are best for paddling? Why is the area becoming a hotspot for off-roading enthusiasts? Where are the best home bases for outdoor adventures in the river valley? These insights and more are featured throughout the guide’s pages. The Susquehanna River Valley is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise “Each year, we see more visitors seeking outdoor adventures, and our region offers an ideal mix of scenic beauty, challenging terrain and a wide variety of exceptional outdoor experiences," said Judy Machesic, Interim Director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau (SRVVB). Machesic noted that the region continues to earn national recognition for its outdoor recreation assets. Penns Creek is celebrated as an award-winning trout stream, while the Susquehanna River itself is a bucket-list destination for anglers nationwide. Faylor Lake has been ranked the #14 disc golf course in the world, and attractions such as the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) in Coal Township and the unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley gravel cycling race in Union and Snyder counties draw riders from across the country. “The Outdoor Recreation Guide is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents,” Machesic added. “Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply looking to spend more time outdoors, this guide will help point you in the right direction.” For more information about the new guide or about outdoor adventures in the region, visit VisitCentralPA.org or contact the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau at 570-524-7234. Free copies of the Susquehanna River Valley Outdoor Recreation Guide are available at the SRVVB office, 2733 State Route 45, Suite 2, Milton; at literature racks throughout the region; and online.