Montana Like You’ve Never Seen Ever dreamt of camping under the stars without sacrificing your morning coffee, your comfy bed, or that touch of luxury you secretly crave? That’s exactly the vibe at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana—a place where “roughing it” is optional, and epic adventures are mandatory. Nestled in the sweeping Montana wilderness, Paws Up gives you the kind of backdrop that makes you want to pause, take a deep breath, and forget what day it is. Think rolling hills, crystal-clear rivers, and skies so wide they make your Instagram feed look tiny. But here’s the twist: you’re not in a flimsy tent on hard ground. You’re in a fully decked-out, luxuriously appointed tent, complete with plush bedding, hot showers and even a little porch to sip your morning coffee while the mist rolls over the landscape. It’s camping, elevated—aka glamping Montana style. Photo credit: Paws Up Montana The food here isn’t just good—it’s “I-can’t-believe-this-is-out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere” good. Locally sourced ingredients, chef-driven menus, and a spread that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. And after dinner? Maybe a glass of wine by the fire, swapping stories with new friends, or just staring up at a sky full of stars so bright it feels like they belong only to you. Photo credit: Paws Up Montana Adventure is never far away. Whether it’s horseback riding through meadows, fly-fishing in pristine rivers or exploring miles of trails that wind through wildflower-strewn valleys, there’s always something to get your heart racing—or just keep you blissfully distracted. At Paws Up, the pace is yours to set. You can spend the day conquering the great outdoors or simply letting it wash over you in quiet moments of awe. Either way, when you leave, you’ll carry a little piece of Montana magic with you—and probably a longing to come back sooner rather than later. Photo credit: Paws Up Montana So, if you’re looking to unplug, recharge and do it all without giving up comfort, The Resort at Paws Up isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a full-on Montana experience, where luxury and wilderness shake hands and invite you to join the party. For more information, visit https://www.pawsup.com/glamping

Jackson Hole’s Fireside Resort Photo credit, Fireside Resort There’s something about the wide-open skies of Jackson Hole that makes even a short getaway feel expansive. Tucked just outside the town of Wilson, Fireside Resort offers a luxury cabin experience that blends high-end comfort with thoughtful sustainability. The cabins here are designed to feel spacious and private, yet connected to the surrounding landscape. Large windows and open layouts let natural light pour in, while wood and stone accents echo the rugged beauty of Wyoming. Every cabin is fully equipped with modern amenities—gourmet kitchens, heated floors, and cozy living areas—so you can enjoy the outdoors without leaving comfort behind. What sets Fireside apart is its commitment to sustainable design. The cabins are LEED-certified, built with energy-efficient systems, responsibly sourced materials, and an eye toward minimizing environmental impact. Staying here feels indulgent without being wasteful—a rare balance in luxury lodging. Photo credit, Fireside Resort Step outside, and the landscape takes over. Snow-capped peaks rise in the distance, wildlife sometimes wanders close to the property, and the air has that crisp, high-altitude clarity that makes even a simple walk feel restorative. In winter, the resort is a convenient base for skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort; in summer, hiking, fly-fishing, and exploring Grand Teton National Park are all within easy reach. Despite the high-end amenities, the vibe at Fireside stays intentionally relaxed. Outdoor fire pits, patios, and private decks encourage lingering in the fresh air. It’s a place where you can move at your own pace—sip coffee while watching the morning light hit the Tetons, read by a fireplace, or simply enjoy the quiet. Photo credit, Fireside Resort The combination of thoughtful architecture, sustainable practices, and proximity to world-class outdoor recreation makes Fireside Resort more than just a place to sleep. It’s a destination in itself, offering a way to experience Jackson Hole that’s luxurious, responsible, and deeply connected to the natural surroundings. 📍For more information, visit https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/

Glamping the Smokies Way. Photo credit, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains 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. Glamping here isn’t about roughing it. It’s about recalibrating what comfort looks like when you’re surrounded by nature. Under Canvas has built its reputation on that balance, and this location delivers in a way that feels both elevated and grounded. The tents—safari-style and thoughtfully designed—are set on platforms, spaced out enough to give you a sense of privacy without feeling isolated. Canvas walls, wood floors, and simple, well-made furnishings create a space that feels intentional without trying too hard. Inside, you’ll find real beds and cozy linens. Either way, the goal isn’t to strip away comfort—it’s to shift your focus. You’re not here to stay inside all day, even if the space is inviting enough to linger with a book. Step outside, and the setting does most of the work. This part of Tennessee is lush, layered, and constantly in motion. Mornings tend to roll in quietly, with soft light filtering through the trees and a low hum of insects and birds starting up. Even a few minutes spent sitting on your private deck can feel like a reset. Photo credit, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains What makes Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains stand out is its proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’re close enough to easily spend full days exploring without feeling like you’re in the middle of a tourist rush. Hiking trails range from easy walks to more challenging climbs, and the biodiversity here is no small thing—the park is one of the most ecologically rich areas in North America. Waterfalls, old-growth forests, and those iconic misty views are all within reach. Back at camp, the vibe stays intentionally low-key. There’s a central area where guests can gather, often around a fire pit in the evening. S’mores, casual conversations, maybe a drink in hand—it’s social, but never forced. If you want to keep to yourself, no one’s interrupting that. If you feel like chatting with fellow travelers about where you hiked that day, the space makes it easy. One of the more subtle luxuries here is the absence of constant connectivity. Wi-Fi is limited, and that’s by design. You might find yourself reaching for your phone out of habit, only to realize there’s nothing you actually need to check. Over time, that feeling shifts from mild discomfort to something closer to relief. Without the usual digital noise, small moments start to stand out more—the sound of wind moving through trees, the way the temperature drops as the sun sets, the quiet rhythm of a place that doesn’t run on your schedule. Photo credit, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains That’s really the point of glamping in a place like this. It’s not about pretending you’re deep in the backcountry or giving up every modern convenience. It’s about creating just enough distance from your usual environment to experience something differently. Under Canvas gets that balance right. It offers a version of the outdoors that’s accessible, comfortable, and still deeply connected to its surroundings. In the end, staying here doesn’t feel like an escape so much as a shift. You’re still yourself, just with a little more space to breathe, a little less noise to cut through, and a setting that quietly reminds you to pay attention. For more information, visit https://www.undercanvas.com/camps/great-smoky-mountains/

Photo credit, Outpost X There’s a certain kind of traveler who’s done with the predictable. The cookie-cutter hotel room, the overly curated boutique stay, the sense that no matter where you go, it all kind of feels the same. That’s where a new wave of places like Outpost X in Utah comes in—quietly reshaping what it means to “stay” somewhere. And if you look at it through the lens of UNPLUG’s philosophy—the idea that where you sleep should be as memorable as where you explore—you start to see a bigger shift happening. You don’t expect to feel like you’ve landed on another planet in the middle of Utah—but that’s kind of the point at Outpost X. Somewhere between the red rock landscapes and the wide-open desert sky, this place leans fully into a sci-fi narrative without losing its footing in the real world. It’s glamping, technically, but with a twist that feels more cinematic than rustic. Photo credit, Outpost X Getting there is part of the experience. The terrain shifts as you leave more developed areas behind, trading paved predictability for something quieter and more expansive. By the time you arrive, the setting already feels a little surreal—Utah’s desert has a way of doing that on its own. Outpost X just builds on it. The accommodations are designed to look like they belong in a future-forward outpost rather than a traditional campsite. Think angular structures, pod-like units, and clean, minimal interiors that echo sci-fi aesthetics without going over the top. It’s intentional and immersive, but still practical. You’ve got a comfortable bed, climate control, and the basics you actually need—nothing excessive, nothing distracting. Photo credit, Outpost X What sets the place apart is how it frames your stay as more than just a night in the desert. There’s a subtle narrative running through the design and layout, like you’ve stepped into a different timeline or a remote station far from everything familiar. It never feels like a theme park, though. The restraint is what makes it work. You’re not bombarded with gimmicks—just enough detail to spark your imagination. Step outside your unit, and the real show starts. The Utah desert stretches out in every direction, quiet and massive. During the day, the light is sharp and unforgiving in that beautiful, high-desert way. Colors feel saturated—deep reds, pale sand, endless blue sky. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down because there’s nowhere else you need to be. At night, the experience shifts completely. With minimal light pollution, the sky opens up in a way that feels almost unreal. Stars layer over each other, dense and bright, and it’s easy to see why the sci-fi concept fits so well here. It genuinely feels like you’re closer to space. Sitting outside your unit, looking up, the line between theme and reality blurs a bit. There’s not a packed schedule of activities, and that’s intentional. Outpost X leans into the idea that the environment—and your reaction to it—is enough. You might spend your time exploring nearby trails, taking short drives through the surrounding desert, or just staying put and watching how the landscape changes throughout the day. It’s low-pressure in a way that feels refreshing. Photo credit, Outpost X Socially, it’s a mix. You might run into other guests, but the layout gives everyone space. Conversations happen naturally—usually about where you’re from, what brought you out here, or how unexpectedly different the experience feels. But there’s no push to engage. It’s just as easy to keep to yourself and let the quiet do its thing. What Outpost X gets right is the balance between concept and reality. It commits to the sci-fi idea just enough to make the stay feel unique, but not so much that it becomes kitschy or overwhelming. At the same time, it respects the landscape. The desert isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the anchor that makes the whole concept believable. Photo credit, Outpost X In the end, staying at Outpost X feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a different headspace. You’re still grounded—you’ve got your bed, your coffee, your basic comforts—but everything around you nudges you to look at things a little differently. The silence feels deeper. The sky feels bigger. And for a couple of days, at least, it’s easy to imagine you’re somewhere far beyond the usual map. 📍For more information, visit Outpost X at https://outpost-x.com/

Six Counties for Outdoor Adventure. Audra State Park , Upshur County, WV 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.  📍 Lewis County   Main Spot : Stonewall Resort State Park  Lewis County is home to Stonewall Resort Park, a popular area for hiking and lake activities. The Hevener’s Orchard Trail is about 6.5 miles (out-and-back) and offers moderate terrain through forest and meadow. The park also has shorter routes like the Friendship Loop Trail, which is about 1-1 miles. Visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards on Stonewall Jackson Lake and enjoy fishing or picnicking by the shore.   Jackson's Mill , Lewis County 📍 Upshur County    Main Spot: Upshur County Recreation Trails  Near Buckhannon, this trail system offers several miles of wooded paths for hiking and mountain biking. The main loop is about 4.9 miles long, with gentle climbs and shaded forest. The area is quiet, with few crowds and dogs are allowed on leash. Parking and maps are available at the trailhead.   (Above) 📍 Marion County     Main Spot: Valley Falls State Park  Valley Falls State Park covers 1,145 acres along the Tygart Valley River. It’s known for four large waterfalls and a network of hiking trails. The Rhododendron Trail (1.9 miles) follows the river and offers good views of the falls. The Deer Trail (2.1 miles) provides moderate hiking through forested areas. Swimming is not allowed near the falls, but fishing and picnicking areas are open all year round.   Valley Falls , Marion County 📍 Pendleton County   Main Spot: Seneca Rocks   Pendleton County has some of West Virginia’s best mountain views. The Seneca Rocks Trail climbs 1.3 miles from the Discovery Center to an overlook platform about 700 feet above the valley. The trail is well maintained but steep in sections. Nearby, hikers can also access parts of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, including Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state at 4,863 feet.   NROCKS , Pendleton County 📍 Randolph County    Main Spot: Otter Creek Wilderness  Randolph County includes large sections of the Monongahela National Forest, known for remote hiking and backpacking. The Otter Creek Wilderness Area spans more than 20,000 acres and has about 45 miles of trails. Terrain varies from easy creekside walks to more rugged routes with stream crossings. Trailheads can be reached from U.S. Route 33 and Forest Road 324. Navigation skills are recommended.   Elkins County 📍 Harrison County    Main Spot: Tygart Lake State Park   Harrison County is near several parks and recreation areas. Tygart Lake State Park offers hiking, boating and camping around a 1,750-acre lake. Trails range from short loops like the Lake Trail (0.5 mile) to moderate routes like the Dogwood Trail (2 miles). The park has a marina, lodge and picnic shelters, making it a good choice for day trips or weekend stays.   Valley State Park , Clarksburg Plan Your Trip   Each county offers a different kind of outdoor experience from lake hikes and mountain climbs, to waterfalls and forest trails. Most trials are open year-round, though conditions vary by season. Make sure to check out each of their websites for information on maps, parking and current trail updates.     Local Must-Dos: Seasonal Tips    Lewis County   Bring sturdy boots or trail shoes-even around lake areas you’ll hit uneven terrain.   Upshur County    Cell-service may be weak in wooded loop areas  Marion County    Waterfalls mean slippery rocks. Bring shoes with a good grip.   Pendleton County    Higher elevation means weather can change fast. Make sure to layer up and carry extra insulation.   Randolph County    Use “leave no trace” ethics. Carry out trash, respect wildlife and stay on trail.   Harrison County    Since trails are closer to town, you can pack light, but still bring water and a snack. It’s easy to underestimate day hikes near home.       📍 For more, visit wvtourism.com

Where Grit Meets Gravel in Southeast Kansas Get ready to saddle up and kick up some dust—because the Coal Miner’s Gravel Ride is quickly becoming one of the Midwest’s most buzz-worthy cycling events, and it’s all happening on the open backroads of Southeast Kansas. Born from the ambitious spirit of Renato Pinto, founder of The Running Collective, this gravel ride rolls through the coal-mining heartland of Crawford County and dips briefly into Cherokee County to showcase Big Brutus—at 16-stories tall it's the world's largest remaining electric shovel still standing in the United States. This isn’t just a ride—it’s a tribute to the land, the legacy and the cycling community Held each May (mark your calendars now!), the ride debuted in 2023 with just 65 cyclists. By 2024, word had spread like wildfire, drawing 218 riders from as far away as Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, and of course, the cycling mecca of Bentonville, Arkansas. So what’s the draw? According to Pinto, it’s a mix of wide-open gravel roads, rural charm and a route that rolls through 8–10 small Kansas towns—including Weir, Franklin, and others rich in mining history. “It’s not just a grind on gravel. You’re actually seeing the land, stopping in tiny towns, visiting places like the Miners Hall Museum—where people literally step off their bikes and walk through the exhibits mid-ride,” Pinto says. And yes, Big Brutus is on the course. When riders stand next to it, they look like ants The Coal Miners Gravel Ride is a good warm-up for anyone riding in UNBOUND Gravel (formerly known as Dirty Kanza) in nearby Emporia, or for those who didn’t get selected to ride in it. UNBOUND is considered to be the world's premier gravel event. Distances range from a challenging 100-mile century ride to a 100K (62 miles) and a breezy 25-mile option for beginners or anyone just wanting to test their tires. The route evolves each year, with organizers aiming for more gravel, less pavement and new sites to explore. But the Coal Miner’s Gravel Ride is more than just scenery and spokes—it’s community-powered and heart-driven. The event is hosted by The Running Collective, a nonprofit Pinto and his wife founded, with proceeds going toward purchasing bikes for children in need via the Pittsburg Area Young Professionals and Salvation Army’s annual holiday bike drive. “Our goal is to raise $10,000 and give away bikes each Christmas. So far, we’ve been able to donate around $2,000. As the ride grows, we hope that number will grow too,” Pinto shares. Looking ahead, Pinto plans to turn the Coal Miner’s Gravel Ride into a full-on festival—think food trucks, music, beer gardens and post-ride hangouts to keep the celebration rolling long after the finish line. So whether you’re a gravel junkie, a weekend warrior or just want to ride for a cause—there’s a place for you in the Kansas backroads. Want in? Registration for the 2026 ride is open now, with details posted on the official Coal Miner’s Gravel Ride page at www.runningcollectiveks.com/coalminers. Don’t wait—this grassroots ride is gaining traction fast. 📍To find your route, visit https://gravelks.com/routes/ Gravel. Grit. Giving back. That’s the Coal Miner’s Gravel Ride.

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, which keeps getting bigger every year, is expanding for the second year beyond Town Square and onto Railroad Avenue and Third Street — aka more room for more food, more crafts and more reasons to stay all day. Ramp lovers and first-timers alike can dive fork-first into a lineup that’s anything but basic. Think ramp burgers. Ramp hot dogs. Dumplings. Egg rolls. And about 50 food and craft booths serving up Appalachian creativity in every form. It’s giving small-town charm meets foodie fest. Live music and entertainment will roll from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (lineup to be announced), setting the soundtrack for your spring reset. Announcements and introductions kick off at 10 a.m., and the day wraps at 4 p.m. with the presentation of award plaques — yes, you can vote for your favorite vendors, so choose wisely. And because this is Ramps and Rail , the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad will offer train rides at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for anyone ready to romanticize their life a little. It’s one of the first chances of the year to hop aboard, so if a scenic spring ride through the mountains sounds like your vibe, plan ahead and check mountainrailwv.com for tickets. The festival is more than a food event. It’s a full-on Appalachian culinary experience celebrating a wild edible that locals wait all year to harvest. Ramps — for the uninitiated — are a seasonal delicacy with a bold flavor and an even bolder fan base. Around here, they’re basically royalty. For vendors looking to join the party, applications will be available in February. You can request one by emailing   elkinsdepotmanager@gmail.com  or calling 304-635-7803. Be sure to specify whether you’re applying as a food or craft vendor. Spots are first-come, first-served once payment is received. And organizers stress: Don’t fall for spam. Only trust communications from the Elkins Depot Welcome Center or Elkins-Randolph County Tourism pages. 📍 So, whether you’re here for the ramps, the rails or just the vibes, April 25 is your chance to celebrate spring the Appalachian way — loud, flavorful and just a little bit funky.

A Rider's Experience Author Lily Kun INSTAGRAM @ride_outside_ Credit: Lily Kun I’ve always felt the most connected to the wilderness when I’m seeing it through a pair of ears. In 2025, I explored over 1,100 trail miles on horseback. From meandering down misty singletrack paths on the California coastline, to galloping through Nevada’s sagebrush sea and scrambling up slick rock in Utah, every moment on trail with my equine companions left me with a deeper sense of appreciation and understanding for the places we’ve been together. The logistics of traveling on horseback are complicated, but getting to experience the world alongside my animals is completely worthwhile. When I’m on horseback, I can catch a glimpse of what it would be like to simply exist in nature. When I’m in the wilderness on foot, I feel like a guest passing through. I can see the trail as my horse sees it. Lush alpine meadows become sources of sustenance, rushing snowmelt streams are places to stop and rest. Sitting at a higher vantage point, I have more time to take in the terrain around me than when I’m hiking or running, head down and focused on the trail. The natural sounds of my horses’ hooves on the ground and their deep animal breaths blend in with the wild, and I always find more wildlife when I’m riding that I surely would’ve spooked with my clunky human footsteps. Credit: Lily Kun It’s extra special to be sharing these moments with my personal horses, who I’ve spent years caring for, training, and building up a relationship with. All the “horse-girl” stereotypes rang true for me as a kid (and still probably do…) If I could go back and tell my second grade self that in my early twenties my important life decisions would revolve around finding a way to afford to own horses, I wouldn’t have been surprised, but I would’ve been excited. I first got interested in long distance trails through endurance riding, an organized competitive sport where horses and riders navigate remote courses ranging from 25-100 miles. I learned how to gauge horses’ fitness and built my gear kit based on what kept my animals and I comfortable, rather than on a cowboy aesthetic. I prefer to ride in leggings and hiking boots rather than jeans, and my horses have lightweight, durable tack that can withstand the elements and is custom fit to their bodies. I love the freedom that I have on trail to use clothing and gear that actually works for me, rather than being constrained by the tradition that dominates other equestrian sport disciplines. I’ve loved watching their skill and confidence grow the more time they spend in the backcountry I move around a lot working as an onsite ranch hand, which is how I’ve had the opportunity to ride my horses in so many different places in the past couple years, but let me tell you, taking your own horses on trail is NOT as simple as showing up for a guided ride at a dude ranch. One of the most frequent questions I get when I share that I ride long distances on horseback is “What’s the big deal? Aren’t you just sitting there while the horse does all the work?” A fair enough question, if you haven't spent seventeen consecutive hours in the saddle- yes, I’ve done this, and my entire body felt like Jello the day after. Not only does riding a horse properly engage just about every muscle in your core and legs, being responsible for equines on trail is also a massive mental workout. When I have my horses with me, my risk calculation has to be way more accurate than when I’m alone, because I’m a lot more willing to put myself into sketchy situations than I am to risk their welfare. Anyone who spends time in the mountains knows that accidents can happen fast, so I have to be extra aware of weather and trail conditions when I’m heading out. A trail that’s passable for people might not be for a 1000lb animal, especially if there’s a lot of downed trees or erosion. Credit: Lily Kun Just like any other mountain sport, you can spend time training and conditioning your horse at home, but there’s no way to fully replicate the types of stimuli they’ll experience on trail in a controlled environment, and even a seasoned trail horse can have a flight response. People often forget that horses, though domesticated, are still prey animals who have a natural tendency to fear anything they could perceive as a threat. This is why you can’t expect an inexperienced horse to be able to safely navigate crowded trails and why I like to take my time building mutual trust with my animals. I trust them to carry me through rough terrain, and they trust me not to lead them into situations where they could be attacked by a terrifying predator- AKA a human hiding behind a tree in a flapping rain poncho. Most hikers haven’t had experience around horses and don’t realize that their well-meaning efforts to scurry out of the way can seem like a camouflaged animal preparing to attack through a horse’s eyes. Riders need to be able to communicate their needs effectively (and politely!) to people they encounter on trail. One of my personal goals is to help facilitate more dialogue between equestrians and the wider outdoor community, in order to help people share multi-use trails and to come together to advocate for public land stewardship. Credit: Lily Kun Being in the mountains on horseback means slowing down, tuning into your animals’ needs, and getting a taste of what it would be like to be fully at home in the wild. As a rider, I share a lot in common with hikers and other trail users. I too am trying to find the most ultralight saddle to get my horse’s base weight down. I too spend hours mapping out routes and try my best to score permits to those bucket list backcountry campsites. What makes my time on trail with horses unique is that my experience of the wilderness is dictated by that of my animals’. If they’re having a hard day, then so am I, but equally, it’s impossible for me to feel disappointed that we had to turn around before reaching the summit if I’m watching my horses enjoy nibbling on a patch of sweet grass. 📍To follow Lily's adventures, visit her INSTAGRAM @ride_outside_

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones nobody else knows about. Across the U.S., quiet trails, hidden lakes, and tucked-away towns are calling travelers to unplug, explore, and just breathe. Hit the winding paths of the C&O Canal Towpath, where historic lock houses peek out from the trees and the river hums along with your footsteps. Or grab a paddle and glide through the still waters of Boundary Waters Canoe Area, where loons call out and the world feels miles away from city noise. Submitted photo The small towns nearby often hold the real gems. Places like Traverse City or Brevard welcome wanderers with quirky shops, farm-to-table bites, and a friendly nod from locals who know their trails like the back of their hand. The draw? Fewer crowds, more freedom, and the chance to stumble on moments you can’t Google: a hidden waterfall, a sunlit lakeside camp, or a quiet overlook where the view is all yours. Trail managers say these spots are growing fast as more people chase space, fresh air, and stories they can tell later. Signs, shuttles, and gear rentals make the experience easier — but the magic is still in the unplugged vibe, the offbeat paths, and the slow discovery. For those willing to take the detour, adventure beyond the beaten path isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how it feels. Moving slow, finding quiet, and letting the outdoors write your story. 📍Quick Hits: Secret Spots to Go Beyond the Beaten Path Hidden Falls, WV – A short hike through mossy woods leads to a waterfall that feels like it’s yours alone. Perfect for a midday pause or a photo that actually doesn’t look staged. Lake Isabelle, CO – Tucked in the Rockies, this alpine lake is crystal clear and quiet, with enough space to cast a line, dip your toes, or just stare at the mountains. Cumberland Island, GA – Untamed beaches, wild horses, and no crowds — just salty air and endless horizon. Ideal for a weekend unplug. Lanesboro, MN – A tiny trail town that’s big on charm. Walk, paddle, or grab a local bite after exploring the rolling river paths. Hocking Hills, OH – Caverns, cliffs, and waterfalls that make every twist and turn feel like a secret reveal. Early mornings here are unbeatable.

A life on long trails. Credit: Timothy Larsen (@timothyvslarsen) In the growing culture of long distance hiking, few careers begin by accident. Yet for one professional thru-hiker and digital storyteller, the path emerged gradually through curiosity, endurance sports and an instinct for documenting experiences. Today Timothy Larsen (@timothyvslarsen) shares multi-month journeys across demanding terrain, often in regions where long distance routes are still developing. His story reflects a broader shift in modern exploration, where storytelling, technology and personal endurance intersect on remote trails. The foundation for this life began in adolescence. As a teenager, he often asked for multi day hiking trips as birthday gifts. Over time those outings grew longer and more ambitious. On his 18th birthday, he attempted the Drakensberg Grand Traverse, a route that spans roughly 220 kilometers across South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains. Severe weather ended the attempt early when rain forced the group off the mountains after nine days, but the experience left a lasting impression and sparked a deeper interest in long distance travel on foot. Family influence also played a role. Growing up with a father who documented daily life with a camera created an environment where recording experiences felt natural. Over time that habit merged with an interest in filmmaking and online storytelling. Long distance hiking, he realized, offers a structure that naturally lends itself to narrative. Each day contains a beginning, middle and end, shaped by landscape, weather and human endurance. Credit: Timothy Larsen (@timothyvslarsen) A major turning point came during a solo journey along the Transcaucasian Trail, a developing network of routes that crosses the Caucasus region. Unlike many well established trails in North America or Europe, the Transcaucasian Trail remains incomplete in places and passes through remote mountain communities and sparsely traveled terrain. During that journey he spent about two months hiking alone while documenting the experience through daily video recordings. The process required a demanding routine. After walking long distances each day, he returned to his tent to edit footage and prepare stories for an online audience. Solitude on the trail created an unexpected space for reflection. He describes solo hiking as a paradoxical experience that can appear self focused yet also encourage personal growth. Hours of walking without distraction created time to consider how each day’s experiences might be shared and understood. There is something profoundly selfish about hiking, but I think it's often a helpful selfishness. If used correctly, it can be used as a time to become a better version of one's self~Timothy Larsen One moment during the journey stands out in particular. On the 31st day of the hike, after traveling 50 kilometers through open terrain, he paused alone in a field as the sun set. The stillness of the landscape brought a sudden sense of optimism about the future and a recognition that his life might be moving in a new direction. Planning for such expeditions often involves extensive preparation, including detailed route analysis, supply logistics and contingency strategies. His approach has tended to be less structured. While searching for long distance routes in Asia or South America, he simply looked online for hikes extending roughly 1,500 kilometers. Within minutes he selected the Transcaucasian Trail as his next challenge. "Many people are deep planners, mitigating risk as far as possible. I am an adapter," Tim says. Credit: Timothy Larsen (@timothyvslarsen) Preparation followed a similarly instinctive approach. He packed gear suitable for temperatures ranging from minus 5 to 30 degrees Celsius, carried multiple pairs of shoes and booked a one way flight to Georgia after only a few hours of research on the route. The philosophy behind this approach emphasizes adaptation over perfect planning. Long distance trails frequently present unpredictable conditions, including sudden storms, route changes and logistical complications. Success often depends on the ability to adjust quickly rather than anticipate every detail. Although rugged terrain and physical exhaustion are common challenges, some of the most memorable lessons came from everyday realities. For someone who once prioritized cleanliness, the difficulty of maintaining hygiene on extended hikes proved surprisingly humbling. Long days often ended after dark in cold conditions, leaving little motivation to wash in icy rivers. I have this strange lack of fear in the mountains; unlike normal life which terrifies me~Timothy Larsen Rain also tested resilience. After several consecutive days of wet weather, nearly every piece of clothing and gear carried traces of moisture. Learning to begin each morning by pulling on damp socks and continuing forward became part of the psychological adjustment required for life on long trails. Over time, those moments fostered a deeper tolerance for discomfort and uncertainty. Years of endurance sports helped prepare his body for the demands of long distance hiking. Even so, he emphasizes that the activity itself gradually builds strength and stamina. The most important step, he suggests, is simply beginning. "The physical realities that shaped me are kinda funny: 1: Being dirty for extended time, and 2: Wet gear," Tim says. Technology now plays a significant role in his approach to thru-hiking. Unlike many hikers who limit gear to essential equipment, his pack includes a range of tools used to document each journey. Cameras, a drone, power banks and other electronic devices allow him to record daily experiences while traveling across remote terrain. This equipment replaces traditional comforts that some hikers carry, such as lightweight chairs or books.The digital tools allow him to continue producing videos and stories even in areas where electricity is unavailable for days at a time. Credit: Timothy Larsen (@timothyvslarsen) Despite the excitement associated with exploration, he no longer believes in a single defining moment when someone discovers exactly what they are meant to do. Instead he views meaningful work as a balance between effort and reward. Long distance hiking can involve fatigue, logistical challenges and many hours of editing video each evening after a full day of walking. “I think over the last few years I have stopped believing that there is a point that says “this is what I am meant to be doing,” because so often we use that as an excuse to change what we are doing as soon as we feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed by the current scenario. I think that we need to find something where we can say, ‘I am willing to do the hard work because the reward is worth it.’” Yet certain moments highlight why the effort continues. One occurred when he stood on the final mountain along the Transcaucasian Trail and looked back across the route he had traveled. The view represented not only the physical journey but also the hundreds of hours spent documenting and sharing the experience. For him, that perspective captures the essence of the work. The challenges are real, but the opportunity to explore distant landscapes and tell their stories makes the effort worthwhile. Timothy on Leave-No-Trace and Trail Ethics: “It’s so easy to treat thru hiking as a consumer, and perhaps it’s inevitable to be a consumer in this space especially when we fly across the globe to do these trails. Keeping a clean camp, leaving nothing behind is a base given rule, but I think on top of that there are a few key things a thru hiker would do well to think about: 1: I know you are trying to be ultra-light but picking up someone else’s trash is still worth it; 2: Only buy gear from brands who actively pursue ethical practices, thru hikers destroy gear and so it’s vital that we support brands that will use our support to improve the outdoor gear industry; 3: Support local, and by local I mean the towns you pass through, the cities you land in.” 📍You are warmly invited to follow Timothy’s continued journey and adventures on Instagram: @timothyvslarsen