Outdoor spots that make you want to stay longer. BY UNPLUG MAGAZINE STAFF, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 GEAR TIPS Sometimes a weekend just isn’t enough. From misty mountain peaks to quiet desert canyons, certain outdoor spots have a way of pulling you in — and keeping you there. These are the places where you pitch a tent, lace up your boots, and realize a single night isn’t nearly long enough. They’re not just destinations; they’re invitations to slow down, breathe, and let the outdoors set the pace. Take Yosemite National Park, where giant sequoias and granite cliffs make every hike a “wow” moment. There’s a reason Yosemite draws adventurers from across the globe — the iconic Half Dome, towering El Capitan, and the waterfall-studded valleys are sights that demand more than a glance. But the true magic lies beyond the main trails. Wander off the beaten path and you’ll find quiet meadows, serene creeks, and vantage points where the views feel entirely yours. Staying longer means catching sunrise over the cliffs, hiking to lesser-known waterfalls in the afternoon, and settling in for evenings beneath a sky full of stars. In the East, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a similar draw, with its rolling, misty valleys and dense forests. A day hike might take you past sparkling waterfalls and through groves of rhododendron, but a night or two in one of the park’s campgrounds gives the chance to slow your pace. Wake up to the morning fog lifting across the mountains, hear birdsong echo through the valleys, and watch as wildlife quietly claims the trails. Here, the rhythm of the outdoors replaces the constant buzz of city life — and one day never feels like enough. Some adventures are defined as much by the surrounding towns as by the trails themselves. Small towns like Brevard or Flagstaff complement extended stays perfectly. After a day of hiking or paddling, these towns offer cozy coffee shops, craft breweries, and local diners where you can plan your next route or simply watch the world go by. These communities embrace outdoor travelers, offering everything from gear rentals to shuttle services for trailheads, making longer stays feel effortless. Then there’s the desert. In places like Joshua Tree National Park, staying longer allows you to witness the desert in its full rhythm. Hike hidden trails past striking rock formations during the day, then return to your campsite to watch the sun set in fiery pinks and oranges. As darkness falls, the sky explodes with stars, unspoiled by city lights. Nights in the desert are an experience in themselves — quiet, still, and humbling — and a single night never does it justice. Lakes and rivers offer a similar appeal. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a place where the days stretch long and your only schedule is the movement of the sun. Paddle between islands, set up camp along secluded shores, and enjoy evenings with the gentle lap of water as your soundtrack. The area’s calm encourages slower exploration — more time to fish, swim, or simply watch the loons glide across the water — and it’s the kind of place where one night turns into three before you even notice. The beauty of these destinations is in their flexibility. Camp, hike, repeat isn’t a rigid itinerary — it’s a rhythm you can set for yourself. Wake up with the sunrise and hike the trails, explore hidden valleys, or chase waterfalls. Pause for lunch, nap under a tree, or just sit quietly with a view. In the evening, return to your campsite, build a fire, cook something simple, and let the quiet sink in. There’s no rush, no crowds to navigate, no notifications pulling you back into the world you left behind. Trail managers and park staff note that these spots are seeing growth as more travelers look to unplug. People are craving experiences that combine physical activity, natural beauty, and a sense of escape. By investing in trail signage, shuttle systems, and gear rentals, parks and surrounding communities are making extended stays more accessible, without diminishing the sense of solitude and discovery that draws people in the first place. The benefits of a longer stay go beyond just sightseeing. Time spent immersed in nature lowers stress, boosts mood, and offers a rare chance to slow down completely. Extended adventures give travelers the chance to notice details they might otherwise miss: the way light changes through the trees, the smell of damp earth after rain, the small critters that dart through the underbrush, or the quiet moments at a lakeside campfire. In every case, the message is the same: don’t rush. Camp a little longer, hike a little further, and let the outdoors work its magic. Adventure isn’t just about checking boxes or hitting highlights — it’s about connecting with the environment around you, with the people you’re with, and with the pace of life outside the city. So pack a tent, lace up your boots, and give yourself the time to truly explore. Because once you’ve experienced a place that invites you to stay longer, you’ll understand why some adventures aren’t meant to be rushed — they’re meant to be lived. 📍Camp, hike, repeat. And repeat again.

BY UNPLUG MAGAZINE STAFF, DECEMBER 12, 2025 GEAR TIPS With summer temperatures climbing across much of the country, staying hydrated has become a top priority for hikers and backpackers hitting trails. Local hiker Daniel “Danny” Reyes, an experienced long-distance backpacker who has explored forests, mountains and backcountry trails nationwide, shared practical tips for keeping safe and hydrated during hot summer hikes. I’ve been hiking all over the U.S. for over a decade, and dehydration is one of the biggest risks people underestimate. Even if you’re in good shape, high heat combined with physical exertion can quickly become dangerous~Danny Reyes According to Reyes, the first rule of hydration is planning ahead. He recommends calculating water needs based on trail length, difficulty, and expected temperatures. “For most summer hikes, you should aim for at least one liter of water per hour of hiking,” he said. “Your body can lose a surprising amount of fluid through sweat, especially during strenuous activity or in humid conditions.” Reyes also emphasizes the importance of bringing extra water. On many trails, water sources can be limited, seasonal, or unreliable. “I always carry more than I think I’ll need. If something goes wrong—like taking longer than expected or encountering a dry stream—you don’t want to be caught without enough,” he said. He recommends using hydration packs or bottles with easy-access caps so hikers can sip water frequently without stopping. “Small, consistent sips throughout the hike are better than chugging large amounts at once,” Reyes said. “It helps your body absorb the water more efficiently and keeps your energy levels steady.” Electrolyte replacement is another key component of summer hydration. Reyes advises hikers to bring electrolyte tablets, powders, or drinks to replace sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost through sweat. “Plain water is essential, but in extreme heat or long hikes, you also need to replace electrolytes to prevent cramping, dizziness, and fatigue,” he explained. Timing hikes to avoid the hottest parts of the day is another critical tip. “Start early in the morning or later in the evening,” he said. “Midday sun can raise temperatures significantly, increasing dehydration risk and heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.” Reyes also stresses monitoring your body for signs of dehydration. He advises hikers to look for symptoms such as dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, headache, or rapid heartbeat. “Don’t ignore mild symptoms. Even a little dehydration can escalate quickly during intense summer hikes,” he said. Sun protection and clothing choices also play a role in hydration management. Reyes recommends wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to reduce excessive sweating and prevent sunburn. “If your body overheats, it will lose more fluids. Keeping your core temperature down helps conserve water,” he explained. Reyes also highlighted the value of shaded breaks and pacing. “Take breaks under trees, rock overhangs, or rest shelters. Slow down when the heat is intense and give your body a chance to recover,” he said. Finally, Reyes encourages hikers to leave a hiking plan with someone. “Let someone know your route and expected return time. If you become dehydrated or disoriented, having someone aware of your location can save lives,” he said. Health and safety experts agree. The National Outdoor Leadership School and the U.S. Forest Service advise hikers in hot-weather conditions to carry sufficient water, use electrolyte replacements, hike during cooler parts of the day, wear sun-protective clothing, and monitor for early warning signs of dehydration. Hydration isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. It’s what lets you finish the hike strong and come home safely With proper preparation and awareness, Reyes says hikers can safely enjoy trails across the country, even in the hottest months.

From ultralight carbon fiber models to no-pole purists, hikers debate whether trekking poles improve efficiency and stability or just add unnecessary weight and complication on the trail. BY UNPLUG MAGAZINE STAFF, MAY 11, 2026 TREKKING Submitted photo Spend enough time on trail and you’ll notice a quiet divide: hikers who plant trekking poles into every step, and hikers who don’t carry them at all. In between are those who strap them to their packs for most of the day and only pull them out on climbs or descents. Trekking poles have become one of the most common pieces of modern backpacking gear, showing up everywhere from the Appalachian Trail to weekend state park loops. But despite their popularity, they remain one of the most debated tools in outdoor travel. Some hikers call them essential. Others call them unnecessary. Most fall somewhere in the middle, adjusting use based on terrain, fatigue and personal preference. If there is one place trekking poles consistently earn their keep, it’s downhill. Experienced hikers often point to long descents as where fatigue builds fastest. Poles help distribute load away from knees and hips and provide additional points of contact with the ground. On uneven or loose terrain, that extra stability can make a noticeable difference. Submitted photo That is one reason they are widely used on long-distance trails, where elevation gain and loss accumulate over days, not hours. But even hikers who rely on poles don’t always use them consistently. Many adjust based on slope, pack weight and how their body feels after miles of movement. On steep ascents, trekking poles become more divisive. Some hikers use them to engage upper body strength and reduce leg fatigue. Others find them awkward on steep or technical climbs, where hand placement, scrambling or balance adjustments require free movement. Trail runners, in particular, often avoid poles altogether, favoring arm swing and unencumbered movement. For them, speed and rhythm matter more than added support. The result is a split in approach that often reflects hiking style more than terrain alone. Like most gear decisions, trekking poles eventually come back to weight. Modern poles range from lightweight carbon fiber models to heavier aluminum versions built for durability. Brands like Black Diamond Equipment, LEKI and REI Co-op dominate the category, offering options for everything from ultralight fastpacking to rugged multi-day treks. Carbon fiber poles appeal to ultralight hikers looking to shave ounces. Aluminum poles tend to be favored in rougher terrain where durability matters more than minimal weight savings. Still, even the lightest poles add something to carry and manage, especially when not in use. That tradeoff is where the debate often starts. Submitted photo For hikers who rely on them regularly, trekking poles stop being accessories and become part of how they move. They can help establish rhythm on long flats, provide balance during river crossings and support tents or tarp shelters that use trekking poles as structural elements. In ultralight setups, poles are not just tools for hiking, they are part of the shelter system itself. That dual purpose has helped cement their place in modern backpacking gear lists, even among hikers who might not use them every mile. Not everyone adapts to poles easily. Some hikers report that poles interfere with natural arm movement or become a hassle in dense forest sections, where constant adjustment is required. Others find them unnecessary on well-maintained trails where footing is predictable. There is also a learning curve. Improper use can lead to awkward posture, wrist strain or overreliance that doesn’t translate well to technical terrain. Because of that, some hikers try them once and never use them again. Others start without them and eventually add them after longer trips. Ask enough experienced hikers and a pattern emerges: there is no universal rule for trekking poles. Instead, usage tends to evolve. Early trips often involve experimentation. Later trips become more intentional. Some hikers refine when and where they use poles. Others abandon them entirely. Terrain, pack weight, injury history and hiking speed all play a role. So does personal preference, something no gear spec sheet can fully predict. Submitted photo Trekking poles are less about necessity and more about style of movement. For some hikers, they are a constant point of contact with the trail. For others, they are an occasional tool pulled out when conditions demand it. And for a smaller group, they are simply not part of the system at all. What makes the debate interesting is not that one side is right, but that both approaches work. In the end, the trail doesn’t care whether hikers carry poles. It only responds to how they move through it, one step, or two poles, at a time.

From Mountain House classics to chef-driven freeze-dried meals, backpackers are reshaping how they eat on trail, where calories, convenience and weight matter more than anything on the menu. BY KAY ESPOSITO, MAY 12, 2026 LETS EAT CREDIT I MOUNTAIN HOUSE Spend enough time around a trailhead parking lot or a resupply stop and you’ll notice a pattern fast: hikers don’t eat like they do at home. Food becomes lighter, simpler and almost entirely driven by weight, calories and convenience. Over the past decade, freeze-dried meals have become a standard part of that equation. What used to be a niche corner of camping food has turned into a crowded market of shelf-stable meals designed for backpackers counting ounces and miles. Walk into any outdoor retailer and the same names show up again and again: Mountain House, Backpacker’s Pantry, Peak Refuel, Good To-Go and Patagonia Provisions. Each brand claims a slightly different approach to flavor, nutrition or texture, but the goal is the same, turn dinner into something that requires nothing more than boiling water and patience. For many hikers, especially on long-distance trails, that simplicity is the point. Just add water Traditional backpacking used to mean carrying a stove, fuel, cookware and raw ingredients. That still exists, but it is no longer the default. Freeze-dried meals have changed how people plan food on multi-day trips. Instead of assembling meals from scratch, hikers now build menus around prepackaged pouches that can be rehydrated in 10 to 15 minutes. Brands like Mountain House, one of the oldest names in the category, helped normalize the idea of fully dehydrated meals that can be stored for years. Backpacker’s Pantry followed with more globally inspired options, while Peak Refuel positioned itself around higher protein content and more “home-style” flavors. Good To-Go, based in Maine, leans into chef-developed recipes that aim to improve texture and seasoning. Patagonia Provisions, part of Patagonia’s food line, emphasizes sustainability and ingredient sourcing, offering grain-based meals designed for both outdoor and everyday use. The variety has grown, but so has expectation. Hikers now talk about food the same way they talk about gear: weight, efficiency and reliability. Calories While hiking, food is fuel before it is anything else. A typical backpacker needs significantly more calories per day than they would at home, especially on strenuous terrain or multi-day hikes. That reality shapes how meals are chosen. Freeze-dried meals are valued not because they taste identical to home cooking, but because they are predictable. You know what you’re getting, how long it will take to prepare and how much energy it will provide. Still, taste matters more than it used to. Early freeze-dried meals had a reputation for being bland or overly salty. Today’s versions are noticeably more refined, with options ranging from beef stew and pasta dishes to curries and breakfast scrambles. Even so, most experienced hikers will tell you expectations adjust quickly. After a few days on trail, anything warm starts to feel like a luxury. The Menu Despite the growth in freeze-dried options, most hikers don’t rely on them exclusively. A typical long-distance food strategy still blends packaged meals with lighter, no-cook staples: tortillas, nut butter, jerky, instant oats, trail mix, energy bars and dried fruit. Freeze-dried meals tend to fill the dinner slot, the one meal hikers are most willing to slow down for after a long day of movement. Breakfast and lunch are often simpler, faster and eaten on the move. Dinner is where hikers stop, boil water and let a pouch do the work. Weight One reason freeze-dried meals dominate backpacking culture is weight efficiency. Removing water from food drastically reduces pack weight, which matters over long distances. But there is a tradeoff: packaging. Every meal generates a foil pouch that must be carried out. On longer trips, trash management becomes a real part of planning. Many hikers compress empty bags and store them in outer pack pockets or designated trash systems until they reach a resupply point. It is one of the less glamorous parts of the system, but an unavoidable one. Learning curve Ask experienced hikers what surprises beginners most about food, and the answers are usually consistent. First, appetite increases quickly. Many new hikers underestimate how much they will eat once mileage increases. Second, taste fatigue sets in. Meals that seemed appealing at home can feel repetitive after several days. Finally, water availability changes everything. Freeze-dried meals depend on reliable water sources, which makes route planning and filtration systems just as important as food selection. Comfort Even in a system built around efficiency, food still carries emotional weight. After long days of hiking, a hot meal becomes more than nutrition. It marks the end of effort, a small moment of stability in an otherwise constantly moving routine. That is part of why freeze-dried meals remain popular even as lighter, cheaper alternatives exist. They are not just calories. They are structure. A growing market The freeze-dried food industry continues to expand, with new brands entering the outdoor market each year. Some focus on organic ingredients, others on high-protein recovery meals or international flavors. But the core habit has not changed. Hikers still stop at dusk. They still boil water. They still wait for a pouch to rehydrate while the light fades around them.The packaging may have improved and the flavors may be better, but the ritual remains the same. On trail, food is not about dining. It is about keeping going.

From ultralight tarps and bivy sacks to camping under the sky, backpackers are rethinking what shelter really means and how much comfort they’re willing to carry. BY KAY ESPOSITO, MAY 12, 2026 GEAR TIPS For most backpackers, the tent is the default. It’s the psychological end of the hiking day: stakes in the ground, zipper closed, world outside. But in the last decade, that default has started to shift. Across long-distance trails, ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers and fastpackers are rethinking what “shelter” even means. Some are swapping traditional tents for tarp systems or trekking-pole shelters. Others are pairing ultralight tarps with bivy sacks. A smaller group skips shelter entirely on certain nights, choosing what’s commonly called cowboy camping, sleeping directly under the open sky when conditions allow. It is not a rejection of safety. It is a recalibration of weight, weather judgment and comfort. And like most gear debates, there is no single right answer. Tents: familiar, reliable and still widely used Modern backpacking tents remain the most common shelter system for a reason. They offer enclosed protection from wind, rain and insects, along with defined living space that makes camp life easier in poor conditions. Freestanding and semi-freestanding tents from brands like Big Agnes, MSR and NEMO Equipment dominate the mainstream backpacking market. They are designed for predictable setup, storm protection and livability. For many hikers, especially beginners or those in wet or buggy environments, a tent remains the most forgiving option. It also requires the least skill to deploy in bad weather a factor that matters more than weight once conditions turn. But even among traditional users, there is a growing acknowledgment: tents come with tradeoffs. They are heavier than minimalist systems, slower to dry and often bulkier in a pack. Tarps and trekking-pole shelters: the ultralight pivot At the center of the shift is the tarp system. A tarp shelter can be as simple as a single sheet of waterproof fabric pitched with trekking poles, trees or guy lines. In its simplest form, it is open on multiple sides. In more advanced versions, it becomes a shaped tarp tent, a hybrid that adds partial enclosure and bug protection while staying significantly lighter than most tents. Brands like Durston Gear and Hyperlite Mountain Gear have helped push this category into mainstream ultralight backpacking, especially among hikers targeting low base weights. Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 1 The appeal is straightforward: less weight, fewer materials, faster setup once mastered. The tradeoff is exposure. Tarps demand better site selection, more attention to wind direction and a higher tolerance for weather variability. In heavy rain or bug pressure, they can feel less like a room and more like a system. Bivy sacks: the minimalist middle ground Between tents and tarps sits the bivy sack, one of the most misunderstood shelter systems in backpacking. A bivy is essentially a waterproof sleeping bag cover that increases weather resistance and can add warmth, but it does not create interior space like a tent. Outdoor Research Helium Bivy Modern bivy designs often include breathable fabrics and bug netting, making them more refined than the early emergency versions used by mountaineers. Brands like Outdoor Research and Borah Gear are common among ultralight hikers who pair bivies with tarps or use them solo in stable conditions. The advantage is simplicity. The disadvantage is obvious: limited room, condensation management and less comfort in prolonged storms. No shelter at all At the far edge of the spectrum is camping with no shelter, sleeping without a tent, tarp or bivy. It is exactly what it sounds like: a sleeping bag, a ground pad and open air. The practice has grown in popularity among ultralight hikers and experienced backpackers who pick weather windows carefully and prioritize minimal setup. In ideal conditions, it offers something no shelter can replicate: direct exposure to the night sky, no setup time and no barrier between the sleeper and the environment. But it also removes every layer of protection. Rain, dew, insects and wind become immediate factors. Most hikers who cowboy camp do so selectively, not as a default system. The real dividing line: skill, not gear The shelter debate often gets framed as gear versus gear. Tent versus tarp. Bivy versus nothing. In practice, it is more about experience than equipment. A tent can still fail in the wrong conditions. A tarp can perform well in the right hands. A bivy can be either liberating or frustrating depending on weather and expectations. Experienced backpackers tend to converge on the same principle: the lighter and more minimal the system, the more judgment it requires in the field. That includes reading weather, choosing terrain, managing moisture and knowing when not to push it. So what is actually “best”? There is no universal winner. Tents remain the most versatile and forgiving shelter. Tarps and trekking-pole systems offer efficiency and weight savings for those willing to accept more exposure and skill requirement. Bivies fill a niche for minimalist protection. Cowboy camping sits at the edge of comfort and conditions. Most hikers eventually land somewhere in between, adjusting systems by season, terrain and trip length. Because in the outdoors, shelter is not just about staying dry. It is about how much uncertainty you are willing to carry or leave behind.

Mountain bike trails, whitewater rapids, metal artists and a Spider-Man legacy are helping Johnstown, Pennsylvania, reinvent itself as a cool outdoor hub in the Alleghenies. BY KAY ESPOSITO, MAY 14, 2026 TRAIL TOWNS Johnstown, PA, home of Spider-Man co-creator, Steve Ditko I CREDIT VISIT JOHNSTOWN Tucked into the Allegheny Mountains about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh, Johnstown has become an emerging destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventure, arts and small-town authenticity. It’s a city where old steel-town grit meets mountain-town recreation, and somehow the combination feels natural instead of manufactured. For decades, Johnstown was best known for the devastating 1889 flood that forever shaped the city’s history. That history still matters here, and visitors can feel it throughout the region. But today, another side of Johnstown is drawing people in, one built around trails, rivers, live music, public art and a growing creative community. The landscape is also part of the appeal. Johnstown sits in a valley surrounded by rolling green mountains, and nearly every road heading into town feels scenic. It’s the kind of place where visitors slow down without really planning to. Outdoor recreation has become a major part of the region’s identity. One of the biggest attractions is the 51-mile Ghost Town Trail, a rail trail that winds through forests, streams and former coal mining communities. Popular with cyclists and walkers, the trail passes railroad tunnels, historic sites and stretches of quiet Appalachian scenery. Another favorite is the Path of the Flood Trail, which follows the route of the catastrophic 1889 flood and connects visitors to one of the nation’s most significant natural disasters. Flood National Memorial I CREDIT JIM CHENEY Hikers looking for more rugged terrain can explore sections of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, while families often head to Duman Lake County Park or the historic Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel built in the United States. For travelers looking for something faster-paced, Johnstown has that covered, too. The Inclined Plane Trails, a downhill mountain biking trail system, has become popular with riders looking for steep descents and city views. The Inclined Plane downhill mountain biking trail system in Johnstown. CREDIT BOB HANCOCK On the water, the Stonycreek River offers some of the longest continuous Class III and IV whitewater rapids in the eastern United States, attracting kayakers and rafters throughout the warmer months. One thing visitors quickly notice is how close everything is. Trails, restaurants, breweries and hotels are all located within minutes of one another, making it easy to spend less time driving and more time exploring. Johnstown’s arts scene is another unexpected highlight. The city is home to The Center for Metal Arts and serves as headquarters for the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America, helping continue a long tradition of metalworking in the region. Visitors can find blacksmithing demonstrations, workshops and handcrafted metal art throughout the area. Public art has also become part of downtown Johnstown’s identity. The city is the hometown of Steve Ditko, the co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. In recent years, Johnstown unveiled a large Spider-Man mural honoring Ditko’s legacy. Tourism officials describe it as the world’s only Marvel-approved public mural. Stoneycreek Rendezvous I CREDIT VISIT JOHNSTOWN Summer is one of the best times to visit. The region’s event calendar fills with concerts, outdoor festivals and community gatherings throughout June, July and August. In June, visitors can expect cycling events connected to the Ghost Town Trail, live music performances and downtown arts programming. Outdoor recreation events and community festivals take place throughout the month as the city moves into peak travel season. July brings one of the area’s biggest events: the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival, scheduled for July 24-25, 2026, at Peoples Natural Gas Park. Headliners for this 2-day, three-stage music festival in 2026 are Greensky Bluegrass feat. Holly Bowling, The Disco Biscuits, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and Big Something. Hotel packages and festival camping are available. The summer season continues in August with local concerts, community festivals and outdoor events celebrating Appalachian culture and music. Event schedules can change, so visitors are encouraged to check local tourism websites before traveling. (Click here for more information) What makes Johnstown memorable, though, goes beyond the trails and festivals. There’s an authenticity here that travelers increasingly look for, old brick buildings filled with locally owned businesses, residents eager to recommend their favorite hiking trail or coffee shop and outdoor spaces that still feel connected to the landscape around them. Johnstown doesn’t try to reinvent itself overnight. Instead, the city has leaned into what it already has: history, mountains, rivers, creativity and a strong sense of place. For travelers searching for an Appalachian destination with a little adventure and a little character, Johnstown might be one of Pennsylvania’s best surprises. Get your free visitors guide and start planning your summer adventure at https://www.visitjohnstownpa.com/plan/view-the-visitors-guide or click the logo below.

Deep in southeastern Ohio, waterfalls drop into sandstone gorges, caves open into forest light and the landscape feels closer to another world than a weekend drive. BY KAY ESPOSITO, MAY 15, 2026 NATURAL ESCAPES CREDIT I EXPLORE HOCKING HILLS One minute you’re driving quiet backroads through rolling farmland. The next, the ground starts to shift. Trees tighten into forest, cliffs begin to rise and the sound of water starts to cut through everything else. Trails don’t just wander here, they descend into rock, curl through narrow passageways and open suddenly onto views that feel almost unreal. This is southeastern Ohio, but it rarely feels ordinary. The region known as Hocking Hills State Park is built around deep sandstone gorges carved over thousands of years by wind and water. That long erosion has left behind a landscape of natural arches, recessed caves and waterfalls that seem tucked into the earth rather than sitting on top of it. It's truly unreal and a must-experience. Places like Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave and Cedar Falls don’t feel like stops on a map so much as moments you drop into and move through. Light behaves differently here. In narrow rock corridors, sunlight filters in slowly, bouncing off stone walls and pooling in unexpected places. After rain, the entire forest seems to shift at once, water dripping from ledges, streams swelling through creeks and trails turning slick with mud and fallen leaves. CREDIT I EXPLORE HOCKING HILLS The effect is disorienting in the best way. Visitors often describe the area as surreal, and not because it is exaggerated or artificial, but because it feels compressed, like several landscapes layered into one. Dense forest gives way to open cliff edges. Even short hikes can feel like moving through multiple environments at once. Despite its dramatic features, the pace remains unforced. Tight cave passages suddenly open into wide valleys Hikers move at whatever speed the terrain allows. Families pause at overlooks. Photographers wait for light to shift inside caves. There is no single way to experience it, which may be part of why the region continues to draw return visits. The park system in Hocking Hills State Park helps preserve much of this landscape, but the feeling of the area extends beyond official boundaries. Small cabins, local trails and roadside parks all carry the same sense of quiet immersion in nature. Weather plays a constant role in shaping the experience. Fog often settles into the gorges in the morning, softening edges and making rock formations appear to float. After storms, waterfalls become louder, carving through stone with renewed force. In winter, ice transforms cliffs and cave entrances into frozen sculptures that hold the light differently than in warmer months. CREDIT I EXPLORE HOCKING HILLS It’s a place that changes constantly without moving at all. Even within a single day, the landscape can feel like it shifts personalities—soft and misty at sunrise, sharp and exposed by midday, then quiet and shadowed again as evening settles into the valleys. For many visitors, the draw isn’t just the scenery but the sense of separation from everything outside it. Cell service fades in and out along the trails. Roads narrow quickly after leaving nearby towns. Time feels less structured, measured instead by hikes, rest stops and the distance between trail markers. CREDIT I EXPLORE HOCKING HILLS Still, the area is far from empty. Small communities surrounding the park offer cabins, local diners and trail outfitters that have grown alongside the region’s popularity. But even these remain closely tied to the surrounding landscape. Buildings sit low against hillsides. Roads curve with the terrain rather than cutting through it. CREDIT I EXPLORE HOCKING HILLS That relationship between people and place is part of what gives Hocking Hills its character. It isn’t wilderness in the untouched sense, but it often feels shaped more by nature than by development. The result is a region that sits somewhere between state park and natural anomaly—familiar in location, but unusual in experience. By the end of a visit, most people leave with the same impression: that the landscape felt slightly unreal, but not in a way that could be explained away. More like a place that temporarily bends the rules of what a quiet forest is supposed to be. To plan your adventure, visit explorehockinghills.com or click on their logo below.

In far West Texas, the roads stretch farther, the nights get darker and silence becomes part of the landscape. BY KAY ESPOSITO, MAY 15, 2026 NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL CREDIT I Andrew Fisher Photography There’s a point somewhere west of Midland where Texas starts feeling bigger than expected. The towns thin out. Cell service fades in and out. Gas stations become less frequent. The landscape slowly flattens into long stretches of open desert before rising again into distant mountains that seem impossible this far south. By the time drivers reach the Big Bend region of West Texas, the pace has already changed. That’s part of what draws people here in the first place. The Big Bend National Park region sits along a deep curve in the Rio Grande in one of the most remote parts of the state. Spread across Brewster County and surrounding communities, the area includes the towns of Marathon, Lajitas, Study Butte and Terlingua, each carrying its own version of West Texas character shaped by desert weather, isolation and tourism built around the outdoors. The farther into Big Bend people travel, the more noticeable the quiet becomes. With fewer than one person per square mile in parts of the region, the area offers something increasingly difficult to find in modern travel: space. Not curated solitude or luxury retreat quiet, but actual physical distance from cities, traffic and constant distractions. Out here, silence becomes part of the experience That remoteness has helped turn Big Bend into one of the country’s most recognizable outdoor destinations. The national park itself protects more than 1,100 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert, making it one of the largest and most ecologically diverse protected landscapes in the United States. The numbers alone are hard to ignore. According to park and tourism officials, Big Bend National Park contains more species of birds, plants, cactus, butterflies, bats and reptiles than any other national park in the country. Elevation changes across the region create dramatically different environments within relatively short distances. One trail may move through dry desert washes lined with cactus while another climbs into cooler mountain forests overlooking the Rio Grande hundreds of feet below. CREDIT I Andrew Fisher Photography Visitors arrive for all kinds of reasons. Some come for hiking routes through the Chisos Mountains or river trips through Santa Elena Canyon. Others show up on motorcycles chasing open roads that seem to disappear into the horizon. The region has also become increasingly popular among photographers, birders, mountain bikers and travelers simply looking to spend a few days disconnected from daily routine. At night, the landscape changes again. Both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park hold International Dark Sky designations, with some of the darkest night skies remaining in the continental United States. Once the sun drops behind the desert mountains, the stars begin taking over almost immediately. There are no city lights here to compete with them. For many visitors, the night sky ends up becoming the thing they remember most. People pull over alongside empty roads, sit quietly outside campsites or lean back in folding chairs outside rental cabins just to watch the sky fill in overhead. In a place this dark, the stars stop feeling distant and start feeling physical. Still, Big Bend is not only wilderness. Towns like Terlingua have developed their own identity built around artists, musicians and travelers who arrived for a short visit and stayed longer than planned. Old mining structures sit near restaurants, bars and outdoor music venues where live performances continue late into the evening. The mix gives the region a character that feels difficult to categorize. CREDIT I Andrew Fisher Photography One moment visitors are hiking through desert canyons or floating stretches of the Rio Grande. A few hours later, they are listening to live music outside under strings of lights while dust blows across the parking lot. The transition somehow feels natural here. That balance between rugged landscape and laid-back culture has become central to Big Bend’s appeal. Unlike many heavily visited national park destinations, the region still feels relatively untamed. Roads remain long and empty. Weather shifts quickly. Distances between services can be substantial. Travelers are reminded quickly that this is still a desert environment where preparation matters. That sense of scale changes people a little. In Big Bend, there is often nothing around except mountains, desert and sky stretching in every direction. Without much signal or noise to interrupt it, time starts feeling slower. Days become structured around sunrise hikes, river trips, weather patterns and whatever light remains before nightfall. CREDIT I Andrew Fisher Photography For some visitors, that simplicity becomes the entire reason to return. Long after the trip ends, many remember less about specific landmarks and more about the feeling of being there, the silence before sunrise, the emptiness of the highway at dusk or the moment the stars appeared overhead one by one. To plan your adventure, visit www.VisitBigBend.com or click the logo below. Facebook.com/VisitBigBend Instagram.com/VisitBigBend

A century after ranchers first organized to preserve life in the American West, the tradition of dude ranching is still riding on. BY KAY ESPOSITO, MAY 12 WESTERN TRAVEL Black Mountain Ranch I CREDIT, DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION A century ago, travelers from the East started showing up out West looking for something they couldn’t find at home. Fresh air. Open land. Horses. Maybe a little adventure. Ranchers, many of whom were already scraping out a living in tough country, realized they could offer visitors a place to stay and a taste of life under wide western skies. Before long, “dude ranching” became its own kind of American escape. Now, 100 years after ranchers formally organized to protect and promote that way of life, the Dude Ranchers' Association is celebrating a milestone few tourism groups can claim: a full century of operation. Founded Sept. 27, 1926, the association was created to bring ranch owners together, establish quality standards and preserve what was already becoming a uniquely American travel experience. Today, the organization represents 91 accredited dude ranches spread across the American West, from Montana valleys and Wyoming basins to desert country farther south. And while the boots may be newer and the guests now arrive with smartphones instead of steamer trunks, the basic appeal hasn’t changed much. People still come looking for space. This milestone represents a century of stewardship “For generations, ranchers have shared their way of life with guests from around the world, preserving both the land and the spirit of the West," Executive Director Bryce Albright stated in a statement announcing the anniversary celebration. The organization plans to spend much of 2026 looking backward and forward at the same time. Among the biggest anniversary projects is 100 Years of Dude Ranching, a photo-driven coffee table book produced alongside the Ranch Preservation Foundation. The book features 26 historic and modern ranches and includes photography from Scott T. Baxter and writing by historian Lynn Downey. CREDIT, DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION In June, the Dude Ranch Museum in Cody will open The Wrangle, a photography exhibit documenting dude ranch culture and western landscapes through Baxter’s lens. The exhibit runs through Sept. 27, the association’s official centennial date. There’s also a documentary, Call of the West, produced by Wyoming PBS, which explores the history of dude ranching and the families still keeping the tradition alive in a rapidly modernizing West. Other anniversary partnerships lean more playful. The association teamed up with Durango Boots on a commemorative boot collaboration tied to National Day of the Cowboy celebrations later this summer. But beyond the events and merchandise, the anniversary carries a deeper meaning for many ranch owners. Dude ranches occupy an unusual place in American culture. They’re part working landscape, part hospitality business and part time capsule. Guests ride horses across mountain trails, eat meals in lodges that may be more than a century old and spend evenings around campfires under skies mostly untouched by city light. For many families, ranching traditions have been passed down through multiple generations. So have the guest books. CREDIT, DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION Some visitors return every year. Others bring children and grandchildren back to the same ranches they visited decades earlier. In an era dominated by fast travel and algorithm-fed itineraries, dude ranches remain authentically western. You show up. You ride. You unplug. That simplicity has helped the industry survive economic downturns, changing tourism habits and the steady disappearance of open western land. It has also turned dude ranching into one of the country’s earliest forms of agritourism, long before the term became trendy in travel marketing. The association itself operates as a nonprofit focused on preserving western heritage, maintaining hospitality standards and supporting sustainable land stewardship practices. Member ranches go through an inspection and approval process before joining, part of an effort to make sure guests still receive what the association considers an authentic ranch experience. That can mean different things depending on the ranch. Some specialize in cattle drives and horsemanship. Others focus on fly-fishing, hiking or family vacations built around slower days outdoors. But the common thread is immersion, a temporary trade of schedules and screens for dirt roads, river crossings and long rides under open sky. In many ways, the centennial arrives at a moment when that kind of travel feels more relevant than ever. CREDIT, DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION More travelers are looking for places where cell service drops away, where mornings begin with coffee on a porch instead of traffic reports and where the day’s plans depend more on weather than notifications. That’s been the draw all along. Long before wellness retreats and digital detoxes became tourism buzzwords, ranchers across the West were quietly offering visitors something simpler: a chance to step into a different rhythm for a while. As the centennial celebrations continue through the year, ranch owners say the anniversary is less about nostalgia and more about continuation. Many of the landscapes tied to dude ranching have changed over the last century, shaped by development, drought, shifting economies and changing ideas about travel. Yet across much of the West, these ranches remain tied closely to the land around them. That relationship is part of what separates a dude ranch vacation from many modern travel experiences. Guests are not simply passing through for a photo opportunity or a quick weekend stop. At many ranches, days are structured around weather, livestock, trail conditions and the natural rhythm of the landscape itself. Horses still need to be saddled before sunrise. Fences still break. Afternoon storms still roll across the mountains without much warning. Hidden Hollow Hideaway, CREDIT, DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION For visitors arriving from cities and suburbs, that unpredictability often becomes part of the appeal. The experience can be surprisingly quiet. No packed itineraries. No long lines. Just early mornings, dust on boots and hours spent outside. Some guests spend days riding through alpine meadows or desert canyons, while others settle into slower routines built around fishing, hiking or sitting on a lodge porch watching the light change across a valley. In places like Wyoming, Montana and Colorado, dude ranches also continue serving as gateways to some of the country’s most open and ecologically important landscapes. Large ranch properties often border national forests, wilderness areas and public lands, helping preserve migration corridors and undeveloped habitat that might otherwise disappear under expanding development. That connection between tourism and conservation has become increasingly important to ranch owners navigating the future of western land use. For some families, keeping a ranch operational through tourism has allowed them to hold onto land that may otherwise have been sold or subdivided. Guests may arrive for horseback riding and campfires, but many leave with a deeper understanding of how ranching, wildlife and stewardship remain connected across the modern West. Rawah Trail Ride I CREDIT, DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION The association hopes the centennial helps introduce a younger generation to that experience. While dude ranching is rooted in history, many ranches have adapted to changing travelers without losing the character that made them unique in the first place. Guests can still find cattle drives and rustic cabins, but they may also find guided fly-fishing trips, backcountry excursions and wellness-focused retreats designed around slowing down and spending time outdoors. Even after 100 years, the formula remains remarkably simple: open land, hard work, good hospitality and the chance to step away from everyday life for a while. One hundred years later, people are still showing up for exactly that. To plan your adventure, visit duderanch.org or click the image below. Follow for more, Instagram & Facebook

BY: UNPLUG Magazine staff Hiking offers a powerful way to connect with nature, challenge your body, and reset your mind. Whether you're new to the trail or an experienced trekker, choosing the right destination can transform a simple walk into an unforgettable adventure. From iconic long-distance routes to remote wilderness treks, here are five of the world’s most rewarding hiking experiences. The Appalachian Trail, Eastern United States 1. The Appalachian Trail, Eastern United States Stretching roughly 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuous hiking routes in the world. Crossing 14 states, it offers an extraordinary range of landscapes—from dense forests to panoramic mountain ridges.Popular beginner-friendly sections include Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains, where well-maintained trails and frequent shelters make multi-day hikes more accessible. Highlights: McAfee Knob, Clingmans Dome, the White Mountains Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and vibrant foliage While the trail is well marked, some sections are remote and physically demanding, so preparation is still essential. 2. Torres del Paine Circuit, Chilean Patagonia Set in the heart of Patagonia, this trek is famous for its jagged granite towers, bright blue glaciers, and sweeping valleys. The full “O Circuit” loops around the Paine Massif and typically takes 7–10 days to complete. Distance: 80 miles Terrain: Mountain passes, forests, and glacial valleys Wildlife: Guanacos, Andean condors, foxes Weather here is notoriously unpredictable, with strong winds and sudden shifts. Many hikers opt for the shorter “W Trek,” but the full circuit offers a more immersive and less crowded experience. 3. The Inca Trail, Peru The Inca Trail combines natural beauty with deep historical significance, leading hikers through cloud forests and ancient ruins to the legendary Machu Picchu. Distance: ~26 miles (4 days) Highlights: Wiñay Wayna, Dead Woman’s Pass, Sun Gate Permits are strictly limited, and hikers must travel with a licensed guide. Booking months in advance is essential, especially during peak season. The reward: arriving at Machu Picchu at sunrise through the Sun Gate—one of hiking’s most iconic moments. 4. The Laugavegur Trail, Iceland This 34-mile trek showcases Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, connecting the geothermal region of Landmannalaugar to the lush valley of Þórsmörk. Duration: 4–6 days Terrain: Lava fields, black sand deserts, rhyolite mountains, geothermal springs Best season: Mid-June to early September The scenery shifts dramatically each day, but so can the weather—snow, rain, and sun are all possible in a single hike. Proper gear and planning are critical. 5. The Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia Located in Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness, the Overland Track is known for its pristine landscapes and remarkable biodiversity. Distance: ~40 miles (6 days) Highlights: Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair Well-maintained huts and campsites make logistics easier, but permits are required during peak season (November–April). Wildlife encounters, including wombats and the elusive Tasmanian devil, add to the experience. Each of these trails offers something distinct—whether it’s cultural history, dramatic landscapes, or sheer physical challenge. The best choice depends on your experience level, time, and sense of adventure. No matter where you go, preparation is key. Research trail conditions, secure permits early, and pack for changing weather. The right planning ensures that your time on the trail is not only memorable, but safe.