If you and your family prefer the smell of freshly cut grass to the scent of room-service breakfast in the morning, fancy hotels just might not cut it for your vacations. Outdoorsy types would rather hike, bike and climb than visit museums and other tourist attractions, and thankfully, the U.S. is chocked full of great vacations for those who prefer the great outdoors.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, for example, is one of the most popular destinations. Conceived and built in the '20s and '30s, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail winds sinuously from Maine to Georgia over 2,175 miles of beautiful scenery. Mile markers posted along the footpath tell hikers how far they've come and how far they have to go, and many families choose to visit a new leg of the trail every year until they've covered it all.
This incredible path was designed and cleared by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to maintaining the hiking trails in the U.S. According to the National Park Service, more than 4 million people visit the Appalachian National Scenic Trail each year, and more than two thirds of the U.S. population are within a day's drive of a portion of the trail.
If you're looking into prime outdoor vacations, this is definitely one of the first spots you should consider, particularly because it can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Most of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is not difficult to traverse-there are very few steep hills-and the path is dutifully maintained by the ATC. Furthermore, you can punctuate your vacation with pauses in various cities and towns along your hike, exploring historical areas and learning what this country has to offer.
The best time to plan vacations at the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is during the late spring, when all of the state parks through which the trail cuts are in bloom and none are closed. Camping parks are available for outdoorsy types who want to pause for the night and sleep under the stars, though there are also hotels and hostels if you don't feel like roughing it overnight.
Families with children should start their vacations in the southernmost tip of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, because this is the easiest leg of the path. Low hills and gentle valleys keep the hike interesting, but there aren't any major elevation changes that might wear out little legs or cause difficulty breathing. Plus, hikers have the opportunity to see Springer Mountain, Neels Gap and Vogel State Park, all of which offer breathtaking views.
However, outdoorsy types who like a challenge on their vacations might prefer the Pennsylvania leg of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This section is punctuated by tall, rocky ridges and treacherous gaps that make hiking more invigorating for the experienced hiker. Historical sites abound in this area, which provides relief from the monotony of hiking, and there are plenty of cool streams in which to dip your feet before you carry on.
All in all, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is one of the most beautiful footpaths in the country, and it certainly gets points for length. Although you won't be able to see all-or even half-on one vacation, the outdoorsy type will think he has died and gone to heaven.
