Archives February 2022

Virginia has some of the most beautiful camping sites in the country, with rolling hills, beautiful forests, and a ton of water in the Shenandoah Valley. Dharmic Adventures and Zen Mountain Spa are world-renowned for their yoga retreats, and this destination has much more to offer than just yoga. Nestled just 45 minutes from D.C., and 30 minutes south of Charlottesville, VA, is the privately owned Zen Mountain Spa; the picturesque property offers diverse fitness, health, culinary, and spa experiences.

New River Trail State Park-Foster Falls

One of the perks of being a West Virginia resident is all of the beautiful state parks you can visit. As a resident of the state parks system, you’ve earned free annual passes. If you’ve never been to the New River Trail State Park before, plan a visit on your next vacation. This new park is located at the Foster Falls parking area off U.S. Route 50. This section of the trail stretches for 9.5 miles and has a variety of activities you can participate in. Not only can you hike through the park, but you can also paddle a river trip through a section of the waterway.

Grayson Highlands State Park Camping-Mouth of Wilson

For the past few years, the North Carolina State Parks system has been renovating some of its campgrounds to bring them up to modern standards. This is great news for visitors to park those, as renovations make it easier to plan trips. One North Carolina state park, notably the Grayson Highlands State Park, is now undergoing renovations. The mouth of Wilson campground is one of the five sites being renovated. Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, the campground is a 15-minute drive to the town of Highlands, where visitors can purchase supplies at a grocery store and dine out.

Backcountry Camping-Shenandoah National Park

If you’ve only got day hikes on your itinerary, you don’t need to go very far from home to find a great spot. The dozens of locations within an hour’s drive will make for a great day hike, but we’ve rounded up the best day hikes near Shenandoah National Park. With everything from leisurely hour-long strolls to more challenging multi-mile treks, these day hikes in Shenandoah National Park are ideal for hikers of every level.

Douthat State Park-Clifton Forge

“Douthat State Park” is a 1,043-acre area located on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state park offers 53 miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a Joe Douthat hiking trail. This park is named after Joe Douthat, a civil engineer who drafted plans for the Allegheny Portage Railroad, which helped connect Pittsburgh to the Ohio River. Douthat’s railroad was completed in 1852. More railroads followed, including the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which created the Baltimore and Ohio Canal, which connected the Shenandoah River and the Ohio River.

Christopher Run Campground-Mineral

May is National Trails Month and the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether on foot, riding your bike, or on a boat, dependable access to fresh water is essential. (As someone who’s lost dozens of water bottles in the past, trust me when I say: that having quick access to water on the trail or out on the water is a lifesaver.) But, finding a location where water is available can be challenging, especially when you’re camping. Fortunately, Christopher Run Campground in Mineral Springs, West Virginia, offers campers easy access to multiple water options.

Smith Mountain Lake-Virginia Reservoir

Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect camping destination in Virginia. With 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the state. Its clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, boating, and fishing (check out Smith Mountain Lake fishing guides for more info). Campers can find plenty of sites with access to the lake, including amazing campsites, RV parks, and cabins. There are plenty of nearby activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and bird watching.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park-Williamsburg

A visit to one of the Virginia State Parks is a wonderful way to explore the state’s history and culture. You can hike, bike, and swim, spend time bird watching, or even see a live reenactment of the Civil War, all while enjoying Virginia’s natural beauty. People in Williamsburg and the surrounding communities flock to the Chickahominy Riverfront Park throughout the year for picnics, concerts, farm-to-table feasts, and more. This waterfront park in Williamsburg offers access to the river, a bike path, a kayak launch, and playgrounds. Its five-acre Grand Pavilion has outdoor bathrooms, a visitors centre, and tables, chairs, and grills for picnicking.

Backpacking is an adventurous activity that brings people together, and when it takes a vacation in the great outdoors, it’s even more exciting. But when the weather turns unpredictable, it’s wise to bring along some strategies for keeping dry and warm. You need to learn more backpacking tips and tricks that can help you.

When the weather gets nice, most hikers head out and enjoy the great outdoors. But when it turns rainy, what do you do? Are you stuck inside playing video games all weekend while your friends hike? Not if you have the right hiking gear. Keeping dry when it rains is key to enjoying the great outdoors, and having the right pack can make all the difference. Whether you’re going on a day-long hike or backpacking for two weeks, the right pack will keep you dry, fed, and ready to take on whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Preparation is the Key to Staying Dry and Fed

When it rains while on the trail, you’ll need to be especially prepared to keep your food and gear dry; if you’re backpacking or hiking alone, it’s especially important to keep dry; you don’t want to risk getting really sick from a waterborne illness. With the tips below, you’ll have everything you need to stay nice and dry while backpacking in wet weather.

When the weather turns wet and windy, you may find yourself without a dry place to store all your gear, including your tent. If that’s the case, don’t worry. A few moves and adjustments to your pack can make dry quarters for your belongings a stress-free and hassle-free reality. You need to make sure that they are dry and ready for use when needed.

Packing for a backpacking trip is exciting, but doing the same for rainy weather while backpacking can be even more exciting and tricky. You need to fill supplies that will keep you warm and dry, but you also need to pack, so you aren’t carrying more than you need. The solution to this (partly) lies in packs that are built specifically with rain in mind. But that doesn’t mean you have to choose between looking good and staying dry.

When it comes to getting fed, make sure to stock up with some foods that are easy to cook or ready to eat. Cooking could be challenging in the rain so keep that in mind.

Waterproof Gears are Your Best Friend

Rain or shine, you’ll likely spend a summer outdoors. But would you still go hiking, camping, or spending time at a waterpark if you knew your expensive camera or smartphone would get soaked? Fortunately, you can protect your electronics with types of waterproof bags, backpacks, and other gear.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you probably already understand the importance of waterproof gear. Accidents happen, and if you usually go camping or hiking without it, your outdoor activities could end in disaster. If you’re the kind of person who likes to take to the beach, hike, or surf during your next trip, the chances are that you have some waterproof gear. However, not all waterproof gear is created equal. Durability can vary greatly, so it’s important to do your research before stepping up to the checkout counter. But choosing the right gear can be a hassle—there are so many types, and choosing between a waterproof lock, dry bag, or dry pack is no easy task. Make sure to check which are the best ones that are perfect for your needs.