Outdoor activities in North America
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Pj Hoffmaster State Park
To commune with nature, head north to Grand Haven and Muskegon. Three state parks cluster between these two towns, all offering the opportunity to hike and camp on or near Lake Michigan beaches. Between Grand Haven and Muskegon, take US 31 to the Pontaluna Rd exit to get to PJ Hoffmaster State Park, which features a 10-mile trail system with several sections that hug Lake Michigan.
reviewed
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Going-to-the-Sun Road
A strong contender for the most spectacular road in America, the 53-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road is a national historic landmark that skirts near shimmering Lake McDonald before angling sharply to the Garden Wall – the main dividing line between the west and east sides of the park. At Logan Pass you can stroll 1.5 miles to Hidden Lake Overlook; heartier hikers can try the 7.5-mile Highline Trail. The free shuttle stops on the western side of the road at the trailhead for Avalanche Lake, an easy 4-mile return hike to a stunning alpine lake in a cirque beautified with numerous weeping waterfalls.
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North Hartland Lake Recreation Area
Getting to the middle of nowhere is easy in Vermont though the perfect place is North Hartland Lake. Within minutes of Quechee Village, you can scoot your boat off the North Hartland Lake Recreation Area ramp. Trees and meadows swallow virtually every shred of evidence of the existence of anyone beyond you and whoever else is plying these tranquil waters. You head into the various nooks and rivulets of the 215-acre lake, and just beyond sight of the beach, a noisy great-blue heron rookery occupies the tops of the pines on the north shore. Around the bend an eagle may just be pulling this afternoon’s catch out of the water. You’ll see an occasional shallow-domed muskrat…
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Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
This 17,000-acre refuge, 20 miles south of Easton, contains tidal marshes protected for migrating waterfowl. It has large populations of bald eagles, snow geese, peregrine falcons, blue herons, ospreys and 20 species of duck. October through December is prime bird-watching time. You may also spot woodland creatures such as red foxes, fox squirrels and white-tailed deer. A 5-mile nature drive cuts through the refuge; there are also four hiking trails, ranging in length from 0.3 miles to 2.7 miles. This is also a great spot for cyclists and kayakers to explore: biking and paddling maps are available at the Blackwater Refuge Visitors Center. Take Rte 50 south to…
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Bright Angel Trail
The most popular of the corridor trails, the Bright Angel is wide, well graded and easy to follow. It's equally attractive to first-time canyon hikers and seasoned pros, as well as mule trains, making it a heavily trafficked route. But the din doesn't lessen the sheer beauty of it all.
The steep and scenic 12.5km (7.8mi) descent to the Colorado River is punctuated with four logical turnaround spots, including two well-appointed resthouses for opportunities to seek shade and hydrate: Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Three-Mile Resthouse. Even if you're wary of crowds, you won't regret taking a jaunt of some length on the Bright Angel.
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Stratton Mountain
Stratton Mountain is an all-season playground about 16 miles east of Manchester. For downhill skiing and snowboarding (mid-November through April, conditions permitting), it has 90 trails and 100 acres of glade and tree skiing terrain, 13 lifts (including a summit gondola) and a vertical drop of more than 2000ft on a 3875ft mountain. There are also 20 miles of cross-country trails. Summer activities include golf, tennis, squash, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and tons more.
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A
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Canyon State Park is one of the country's best rock-climbing areas, offering Class 5.5 to 5.12 climbs. They also have nearly a dozen miles of trails suitable for all levels of visitors - from hardcore athletes to toddlers and seniors. The park entrance is on Eldorado Springs Dr. Take Hwy 93 south from Boulder, head west on Hwy 170 and continue on the dirt road through town to the park gates. Stop by Boulder Rock Club for climbing tips before hitting these red rock walls.
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Mountain Lake
Two miles west of North Conway via River Rd, this placid mountain lake lies at the foot of White Horse Ledge, a sheer rock wall. A scenic trail circles the lake. There is also a mile-long auto road and hiking trail leading to the 700ft-high Cathedral Ledge, with panoramic White Mountains views. Both Cathedral Ledge and nearby White Horse Ledge are excellent for rock climbing. This is also a fine spot for swimming and picknicking, but there’s no camping.
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Windy Hill Farm
If you hop in the car and drive out of Great Barrington, you’re bound to find several farms where you can pick seasonal produce at harvest times, which can be overwhelmingly beautiful in the fall. One spot is Windy Hill Farm, about 5 miles north of Great Barrington, where more than a score of apple varieties, from pucker-sour to candy-sweet, are yours for the autumn picking. Summer is blueberry season.
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Shining Mountains Group
Part of the Colorado Mountain Club, this group operates in Estes Park, Loveland and several other locations. Offers some 600 outings each year in Rocky Mountain National Park are, many of which are open nonmembers, and even have a section devoted to outdoors-loving singles. More information on the group's activities is available at the Estes Valley Library.
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Alpine Slide
From mid-June to mid-October the chairlifts at Attitash whisk you to the top of the Alpine Slide, a long track that you schuss down on a little cart. It’s an exhilarating ride safe for all ages. It also has a climbing wall, mountain-bike rental & trails and (for anyone over 8 years old) guided horseback riding from mid-June to mid-October.
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Ski Rack
The Burlington Recreation Path, a popular 7.5-mile route for walking, biking, in-line skating and general perambulating, runs along the waterfront through the Waterfront Park and Promenade. Rent bikes at Ski Rack. You can also rent in-line skates, roller-skis, tandems, trailer bikes, snowshoes and skis (of course). Catch Tour de France action here on a big-screen TV.
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Grand Haven State Park
To commune with nature, head north to Grand Haven and Muskegon. Three state parks cluster between these two towns, all offering the opportunity to hike and camp on or near Lake Michigan beaches. Grand Haven State Park, off Franklin St from US 31, sprawls along the beach and is connected to downtown restaurants by a scenic walkway along the Grand River.
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B
Old Hyde Park
Bayshore Blvd, the world’s longest contiguous boardwalk, measuring a whopping 6.5 miles, is a great place to cycle, walk or run along the water. While you’re in the area, drive or walk around Old Hyde Park, a residential area with brick streets, gas lanterns and renovated Victorian-style architecture. It’s the loveliest part of Tampa.
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Harbor Adventures
Harbor Adventures offers a chance to explore this scenic coastline by sea kayak or by mountain bike. Popular kayaking options include the two-hour harbor tour ($39), the sunset tour ($34) and the lobster luncheon ($67), which consists of paddling along Chauncey Creek and around Kittery Point peninsula before docking for crustaceans.
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Pemi Valley Excursions
Located across from McDonald’s. Tours include a twilight Moose Tour (adult/child $20/14), which runs from June to October and tracks moose and other wildlife with a 95% success rate, albeit in a 33-passenger bus. Various Horseback Trail Rides (one hour $40 to $50, two hours $80) along the banks of the Pemigewasset River are also offered.
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Muskegon State Park
To commune with nature, head north to Grand Haven and Muskegon. Three state parks cluster between these two towns, all offering the opportunity to hike and camp on or near Lake Michigan beaches. North of Muskegon is Muskegon State Park, off US 31 at the Hwy 120 exit, with 12 miles of trails through rugged, wooded dunes.
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Searsport Shores Camping Resort
Sears Island is the largest uninhabited island on the US’s eastern seaboard. Paddle here by kayak from Searsport Shores Camping Resort, a mile south of Searsport, or walk the pedestrian causeway. Then hike around the island and appreciate ospreys, bald eagles and bear (be careful!) in their natural habitat.
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Parque Regional Metropolitano
The Parque Regional Metropolitano, a few blocks southwest of the city center, has a depressing zoo, a swimming pool, snack kiosks and a forest with an artificial lake. Explore the forest paths on quad bikes (M$25 per 30 minutes), or cruise the lake by paddleboat (M$25 per 30 minutes).
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Lake Sunapee State Park
Lake Sunapee is a worthwhile detour any time of year. In summer, head to Lake Sunapee State Park, off NH 103, for hiking, picnicking, swimming and fishing. The wide sandy beach has a pleasant grassy sitting area. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. From I-89 take exit 9, NH 103 to Newbury.
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Castine Kayak
For trips out onto the water, stop by Castine Kayak which offers two-hour sunset trips ($40), full-day paddles ($105) or even overnight island-hopping excursions. Bicycle rental is also available (from $28 per day). It’s located behind Dennett’s Wharf restaurant on the harbor.
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Northern Forest Heritage Park
Assuming you’re out at dawn or dusk, you should be able to catch a glimpse of a moose in the Northern Forest Heritage Park. The park currently offers 90-minute boat tours along the Androscoggin River, departing at 3pm and 5pm Tuesday to Saturday from late May to mid-October.
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REI Pinnacle Climbing Wall
The REI Pinnacle climbing wall is a 65ft rock pinnacle to the side of the store’s entryway. The wall is open for scrambling at various times daily except Tuesday, when it’s reserved for private groups. You can climb free of charge, but be prepared to wait your turn.
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E
Hiking Vail Mountain
From Eagle's Nest, accessible only from the Eagle Bahn gondola in Lionshead, you can access six well-marked, and well-groomed trails ranging in difficulty and distance (one to 4.6 miles). It's not exactly wilderness but the views are sublime. Our favorite is the Ptarmigan Loop.
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Ellacoya State Park
Many lakeshore lodgings have water access, but if your place does not, head for Ellacoya State Park, which has a 600ft-wide beach with lovely views across to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. This is an excellent place for swimming, fishing and canoeing.
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