How to Go Beach Backpacking

When it comes to two-wheeled adventuring, sometimes self-guided exploration is part of the thrill. Other times, you’d rather leave the wayfaring to an experienced guide so you can focus on soaking up the scenery as well as the eats (and drinks) along the route. Whether you’re a hardcore cyclist looking to press your daily mileage or just out for a Sunday cruise with plenty of stops for Instagram photos, there’s an offering that’s just your speed. In recent years, operators have expanded their offerings to include a wide range of interest and skill levels, from ambitious tours of California’s coast and wine regions, to food-centric cruises to Denver’s food halls, to historic rides through Maine’s lighthouses—and everywhere in between. In honor of National Bike Month in May, here are 10 of the best bike tours in the U.S. 1. Denver for Fantastic Food Halls A post shared by The Source (@thesourcedenver) on Mar 24, 2018 at 12:41pm PDT Denver has become a food-hall capital as of late, thanks to five destinations dotting the Mile High City and its suburbs with a mouthwatering array of restaurants and artisanal food shops. Take a bite out of all five spots over 10 miles of urban road riding, from Avanti Food and Beverage in the LoHi neighborhood to Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, home to 50 local businesses housed in a former airplane hangar in Aurora. Get rolling at The Source, a hotel/market hall hybrid in a former iron foundry with 25 indie food vendors and bike rentals. 2. Albuquerque for Chiles A post shared by Sharon Kotas🐨🌸 (@kotaskoala) on Jul 2, 2015 at 11:52am PDT This kicky little veggie, whether in its red, green, chopped, and sauced forms, is ubiquitous in New Mexico. The crop is the basis of the state’s signature regional cuisine—and one of Albuquerque’s most popular outings from Routes Bicycle Tours. The 10-to-12-mile tour cruises along the Rio Grande’s cottonwood forests to six of the city’s top foodie hotspots, like Golden Crown Panaderia for green chile bread, and Pop Fizz, home to red chile chocolate popsicles. 3. Austin for Live Music A post shared by Visit Austin TX (@visitaustintx) on Jan 8, 2017 at 1:37pm PST During Austin's thriving festivals—and there are plenty of them—ditch the car and make like the locals, opting for a bike instead, which gets you past the inevitably snarled traffic to the stage way faster. And you’re sure to stumble across live music venues on the Austin Icons tour offered by Austin Bike Tours and Rentals. The two-hour outing pedals past Sholtz’s Beer Garden, the oldest operating business in Texas that’s had a grand influence on local culture and music. 4. Santa Barbara, California for Beaches and Wine A post shared by Visit Santa Barbara (@visitsantabarbara) on Nov 24, 2017 at 9:51am PST It’s hard to decide which is more relaxing: the beach or wine country. But California Bicycle Tours’ multi-day rides from Southern California up the Central Coast promise the best of both. Riders pedal along scenic coastlines, past quaint seaside towns, and along the scenic vines of Santa Barbara’s wine country. Tours vary based on itinerary; however, they cover 22 to 40 miles per day, so they’re better suited to riders who are accustomed to being in the saddle. 5. Los Angeles for Tacos A post shared by Sydney Kramer (@crepesofwrath) on May 6, 2018 at 9:29am PDT La La Land’s taco scene is spicy, and an outing from LA Cycle Tours wraps up some of the city’s best known and off-the-beaten-path spots. The nine-mile tour through several L.A. neighborhoods and past historic sites helps justify that extra side of guacamole. 6. Portland, Oregon, for Craft Beer A post shared by Krystal Sutherland (@km_sutherland) on May 13, 2018 at 6:08pm PDT Portland has earned the nickname "Beervana" for good reason—it’s home to more than 70 breweries, at last count. Get a sampling of what’s on tap with Pedal Bike Tours, which guides thirsty riders along the five-to seven-mile route past 11 of the city’s sudsy spots and inside a handful of them to see the brewing process and—of course—taste. 7. New Orleans for Cuisine A post shared by @eater_nola on Feb 14, 2018 at 7:23pm PST You probably won’t come close to pedaling off the calories you consume, but who doesn’t come to the Big Easy to overindulge a bit? The Confederacy of Cruisers’ New Orleans Culinary Bike Tour itinerary changes with the seasons, but you can expect a sampling of NOLA classics like gumbo, po’boys, crawfish, Cajun pork boudin, and jambalaya, as well as a few off-the-tourist-track surprises from the city’s Italian and African influences. This caloric cruise follows six- to 10-mile routes (but don’t count on your pedaling to offset the feast). 8. Atlanta for Neighborhood Gems A post shared by Lauren Neidrauer (@lauren.neidrauer) on Aug 14, 2017 at 12:16pm PDT The Atlanta Beltline will ultimately encircle A-Town, connecting 45 in-town neighborhoods along trails built on former railroad corridors. That neighborly spirit prevails on free weekly tours, organized by the Atlanta Beltline Partnership. Saturday morning rides follow the 16-mile Eastside Trail or the 11-mile Westside Trail; routes alternate each weekend. 9. Oak Park, Illinois, for Architecture A post shared by Wild Horse (@unsavory_pun) on May 5, 2018 at 6:30am PDT Architecture aficionados will find their match in the summer tours (June through September) of the world’s largest collection of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The outing begins and ends at the iconic architect’s home and studio, and cruises through a picturesque neighborhood filled with 21 Wright-designed structures. 10. Portland, Maine, for Lighthouses and Lobster Rolls A post shared by Kevin Dunn (@coachdad815) on Sep 9, 2017 at 1:24pm PDT Summer Feet Cycling’s Lighthouse Bike Tour follows the scenic shores of Casco Bay by bike to five of the state’s picturesque lighthouses, with guides sharing Portland’s history along the way. along the 10- to 12-mile tour, you’ll work up an appetite for lunch, which features the city’s best lobster roll. Or, for the foodie-centric cyclists who prefer their tour with more lobster rolls than lighthouses, Summer Feet also has an offering exclusively devoted to taste testing one of New England’s signature dishes. Written by Ashley M. Biggers for RootsRated.

Across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, miles of interconnected trails meander through lush, green valleys, hug the banks of moss-laden, rocky creeks, and climb through thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron to the blue-tinged mountain peaks. You could spend weeks backpacking through this rich landscape, but a weekend trip will also allow you to experience the best of the Smokies. To help you plan your visit, we’ve highlighted three backpacking loops that give you the Appalachian Trail, streamside and ridgeline campsites, killer views, and enough distance and elevation to satisfy your inner weekend warrior. Big Creek Loop Combining the best of frontcountry and backcountry camping, the Big Creek area on the northeastern tip of the park off I-40 offers something for every level of hiker. Tackle a 21.5-mile loop over big peaks or lower your mileage and elevation with a night at one of the sweetest creekside campsites in the park. Either way, you’ll hike the AT through some of the most scenic terrain in the Smokies. You will be in constant awe of the beauty on Big Creek Loop. Rock/Creek Roll into Big Creek Friday night to enjoy campground amenities like restrooms, dinner at a picnic table, and campsites with fire rings. You’ll be up early on Saturday to climb the Chestnut Branch Trail 2 miles to the Appalachian Trail. One of the shortest AT access points, the trail passes the remains of homesteads that pre-date the national park. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. Cammerer fire tower spur trail. At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. Sterling to the south. From the fire tower, it’s a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Low Gap Trail. Take Low Gap 2.5 miles to campsite #37 at the Big Creek Trail junction. Right on the banks of Big Creek, you’d be hard pressed to find a more spacious backcountry site in the park. On Sunday, you can go big or go home, as they say. Going big means a hike up the Swallow Falls Trail 4 miles to the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail. It’s another 1.4 miles and more climbing to an elevation of 5,842 feet on Mt. Sterling. Climb Sterling’s 60-foot steel fire tower for panoramic views of Cataloochee Valley, the Black Mountains, and the Southern Appalachians. Now, the downhill endurance test begins, with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. If you opt to go home, you can sleep in, savor your coffee by the campfire, and still have plenty of time to hike the moderate, 5-mile descent along Big Creek back to the campground, passing two stunning waterfalls and plenty of swimming holes along the way. Big Creek loop ends with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. virgntn2011 Big Creek Campground is open from April through October and makes a great base camp for groups by serving a wide variety of abilities and interests. On your way home, make sure you leave enough time to refuel at Carver’s Apple Orchard in Cosby, Tenn. At Carver’s you can shop for fresh produce at the farmers market, nab awesome treats at an old-time candy shop, and feast at a homestyle restaurant, where the apple fritters are not to be missed. Twentymile Loop In the southwest corner of the Smokies you’ll find a lesser-used trailhead that leads to the AT and one of the most scenic balds in the park. From this trailhead, you’ll log 17.6 miles on the way to Gregory Bald, sleeping one night on the AT and camping the other night on the bald. Start off Friday afternoon at the Twentymile Ranger Station off Highway 28 near the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. A non-technical climb takes you 4.5 miles to meet the AT at Sassafras Gap. Campsite #113, at Birch Spring Gap, is less than 1 mile north of the trail junction. If time allows late Friday or early Saturday morning, head south on the AT for 360-degree views at sunset or sunrise from the top of Shuckstack Fire Tower. The historic lookout isn’t regularly maintained, so watch your step on the 200-foot climb to the top. In the southwest corner of the Smokies you’ll find the lesser-used Twentymile Loop trailhead. Chris M Morris You’ll resume your northward journey on the AT, traveling 2 miles over Doe Knob to the next trail junction. Next, take Gregory Bald Trail west a little more than 3 miles to campsite #13 on the bald. Known for spectacular flame azalea blooms each year in mid to late June, the grassy high-elevation meadow offers stunning views of Cades Cove, Fontana Lake, and Clingmans Dome. On Sunday, make the final 6.3-mile descent to the trailhead on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail. Refuel at Fontana Village, just over 6 miles down Highway 28, before heading home. Burgers and brews will hit the spot at Wildwood Grill, while the Mountainview Restaurant highlights seasonal produce, along with fresh, local rainbow trout. Deep Creek Loop Along Deep Creek loop you’ll pass Indian Creek Falls. Alan Cressler Enjoy the streams and waterfalls of the Deep Creek area in the south-central region of the Smokies on this 28.2-mile loop. You’ll also spend a night in an AT shelter and exit on one of the longest continuously descending trails in the Smokies. You’ve barely left the Deep Creek Ranger Station before you come across Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. Once you pass these Instagram-worthy stops, it’s a slight uphill grade for 4 miles along the moderately rocky Deep Creek Trail to campsites 54-59. Claim a site for Friday evening (all but one are non-reservable) to enjoy the refreshing waters of Deep Creek and thickly wooded campsites. Creek crossings and easy bushwacking are on the agenda Saturday, as you hike another 4 miles to the Fork Ridge Trail. Fork Ridge ascends 5 miles to Clingmans Dome Road and the AT. A short hike north takes you to the Mount Collins shelter, where you’ll spend the night in a high-elevation spruce-fir forest and dramatically cooler, drier conditions. Enjoy the shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside. Hike down from Clingmans Dome Road to start your final 11.4-mile descent. Kevin Stewart Photography The pre-dawn hike south to Clingmans Dome is highly recommended for 360 degrees of sunrise from the highest point in the Smokies. Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. The trail slopes gently for the first 5 miles before making a steeper drop into Deep Creek, but there are few roots and rocks to slow you down. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way. After logging all those miles, nothing’s going to taste more satisfying than a meal and craft beer at The Warehouse at Nantahala Brewing Co. Wrap up your Smokies adventure on the outdoor patio in downtown Bryson City with specialties like the slow-cooked brisket noodle bowl, apple bourbon pork chops, or Bryson City Brown Ale chicken along with a flagship or seasonal draft. Written by Ann Gibson for RootsRated in partnership with OrthoCarolina.

There’s no need to wait until warm weather to snooze under the stars. Winter camping in Colorado is a magical experience. The summer crowds are gone, a gentle quiet washes over the woods, and you don’t need to venture far to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. If you’re keen to give winter camping a try, follow these tips to make the most of a snowy night out. 1. Start easy. A cozy camp set up not far from the Hessie Trailhead. James Dziezynski If you’re new to winter camping, ease yourself into the experience by picking a spot that’s not too far from your car. U.S. Forest Service land west of Boulder has some pretty choice spots. For the inside scoop, check out our recommendations for five places to try winter camping near Boulder . You might also get giddy checking out the range of options at Colorado's state parks. Thirty of them offer winter camping, ranging from cushy campsites to blissful backcountry spots. A developed campground (with a convenient bathroom) can make your first winter overnight less daunting. State Forest, Golden Gate Canyon, and Ridgway state parks even offer cabins and yurts for newbies who want some sort of roof over their heads. 2. Plan for safety. Proper preparation is key when heading into the winter wilds. Agree on a plan with your partner, check the weather forecast, and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. To ensure you get home safely, dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Study your route carefully, bring a map and compass, and note landmarks along the way. Don’t count on following your footsteps; a surprise storm could erase them without a trace. Also carry some way to communicate with the outside world. A DeLorme InReach satellite communicator is a great choice and can help you navigate. Last but not least, if your route crosses avalanche terrain, take a course in snow safety and carry avalanche gear. 3. Gear up. Winter shrinks the margin of error, so go ahead and geek out on gear. Suck up the extra weight and pack a four-season tent to protect against whatever old man winter throws your way. For cooking, liquid fuel stoves trump canister stoves in the cold. Carry extra fuel. And keep in mind that cold saps power from batteries, so bring extras and store them in a warm spot, like in your sleeping bag. Lithium batteries cope with the cold better than alkaline ones. If carrying extra cold-weather gear weighs down your pack, considering hauling all of your stuff in a sled instead. 4. Dress the part. Layering is key to being able to control your temperature and avoid catching a chill. Start with a wool or synthetic base layer that wicks moisture away from your skin. On top of that, you’ll need a mid-weight layer, a down sweater, and a waterproof layer at the very least. Bring more clothing than you think you might need. A warm hat and gloves are essential, of course. Always pack extra socks and gloves in case your first pair gets wet. Overheating is also a concern since sweat robs your body of warmth. While you’re walking (or skiing or snowshoeing) to your site, whittle down your layers so you don’t overheat. Unzip or strip down the minute you start feeling hot. As soon as you get to your campsite, put on warm clothes to trap all the body heat you generated en route. 5. Protect your feet. Wet boots can freeze. Dry, toasty feet are happy feet. For best results, wear two layers of socks in warm, waterproof boots. Make sure those extra socks don’t make your boots too tight. For extra credit, use vapor barrier socks next to your skin. (Plastic bags can achieve the same effect in a pinch.) Strap on gaiters to keep out snow. Bonus tip: Pull out your boot liners and snooze with them in your sleeping bag overnight. Or, if you have a roomy sleeping bag, put your boots in the stuff sack for your sleeping bag or tent and keep them at the foot of your bag. 6. Prepare your tent space. A good level surface will ensure a good night's sleep. hikingqueen Pick a campsite that’s sheltered from the wind. If you’re camping on snow, pack it down into a flat platform (erring on the large side) before pitching your tent. Stake down your shelter securely to prevent having to go out in the cold to fix it if wind whips up in the middle of the night. Winter snow stakes are a great option, especially when buried in a deadman (horizontal) position in the snow. 7. Stay toasty in your sleep. Staying warm is critical to getting a good night’s rest. Use a sleeping bag that’s rated for temperatures lower than forecast. Add a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth. Underneath your bag, use two sleeping pads, including at least one foam pad. (Go with one that has a high R rating for maximum insulation.) To pre-warm your nest, fill a water bottle with hot water and stuff it into your bag. Just be sure the lid is screwed on tight. Wearing a hat and a soft, non-restrictive neck gaiter keep a lot of heat from escaping from your head. 8. Fuel up. Pack a shovel when winter camping to dig snow pits and style your campsite. Eric Larsen Your body burns extra calories in the cold, so bring plenty of food. Cook in a protected area away from the wind, like a snow trench or your tent’s vestibule. Fill a thermos with hot soup or tea to sip while you cook. When it comes to water, don’t let the saying “pure as driven snow” mislead you. Boil or treat melted snow before you drink it. Hydrate frequently since colder temperatures keep thirst at bay even when you’re body needs fluids. Store water bottles upside down to keep the threads from freezing. If you’re feeling festive, craft an ice bar out of the snow, with slotted holes to store spirits. 9. Pee in a bottle. Yep, that’s right. To save yourself from a chilly bathroom run in the middle of the night, pee in a bottle in your tent. Ladies, you can do this, too, with a little practice. A nifty device called a Shewee lets you relieve yourself without even getting undressed. Boys and girls, whatever you do, mark your pee bottle clearly so you don’t swig from it by accident (some people buy yellow bottles for this purpose). That could put a damper on your winter camping enthusiasm. 10. Keep a warm, fuzzy attitude. A positive mindset will help you go with the flow and keep cold thoughts from creeping into your head. Take it from Eric Larsen, a polar explorer who has skied to the North Pole three times and knows a thing or two about staying warm: “When you think you’re going to be cold, you’re going to be cold. Understanding that you can be warm no matter what the conditions are is a huge thing.” If you get cold, put on more clothes and do something to stoke your inner furnace, like jumping jacks, chopping wood, or taking a brisk walk through the woods. Most importantly, embrace the spirit of adventure and have fun. Written by Avery Stonich for RootsRated.

When you think of Washington, D.C., hiking isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind. You’re more likely to think politics, national monuments, and city life. But, truth be told, the nation’s capital is packed with quality trails tailor-made for hiking. There are smooth, flat trails perfect for beginners and families as well as more challenging hikes with hills and steeper pitches that will keep veteran hikers happy. All you need now is a good pair of hiking boots, such as the La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX (available at REI), and you can leave DC’s urban jungle behind and, instead, enjoy all the nature that surrounds it. Here are 10 of the best trails in the area to get you started. A good pair of hiking boots, like these La Sportiva's, can make the difference between a good trip and a bad one. Jason Devaney 1. Appalachian Trail The 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail crosses 15 states on its way from Georgia to Maine. However 544 miles (or one quarter) of it can be found in Virginia, not too far a drive from DC. In fact, in less than an hour’s drive you can find a section of the AT, a little over 100 miles long, that is great for novice hikers. While the trails in this section are well-maintained and a bit gentler than other sections of the AT the views are no less amazing—this section brings you to the beautiful Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. If you are looking for something more challenging, you can head further south in VA where the going is more rugged. 2. Cross County Trail This 40-mile Cross Country Trail cuts a north-south line between the Potomac and Occoquan rivers and intersects Fairfax County, a bustling area in the Virginia suburbs of Washington. Much of the trail meanders alongside streams and through the county’s greenspaces, making you feel like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trail is easily accessible with many spots to jump on and off, and it's open to hikers, runners, cyclists, and even horseback riders. 3. Patuxent River State Park The 6,700-acre Patuxent River State Park, just 34 miles outside of D.C., has several miles of remote, unmarked trails for runners, hikers, and horseback riders.The park resides in both Howard and Montgomery counties in the Maryland suburbs north of D.C. The best part about hiking here is that the trails are relatively easy and the vibe is peaceful and serene. It’s a great way to escape the city for a bit. But the remoteness that makes it so great, can also be a challenge. Since the trails are unmarked, it’s important to come prepared with extra food, water, and a hiking partner. The trail at Burke Lake Park gracefully winds 4.5 miles around the reservoir. Jason Devaney 4. Burke Lake Park Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, VA, almost became an international airport before Dulles Airport was built in nearby Chantilly. Luckily, its fate was different, and today it is a family-friendly park with a reservoir—Burke Lake, golf course, playing fields, volleyball courts, and a carousel. The flat 4.5-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake is great place for a run or an evening stroll. It’s a mix of paved and natural surfaces and it snakes around trees and traverses the lake’s dam. 5. Catoctin Mountain Park Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park, home to the presidential retreat, Camp David, has 18 miles of challenging trails with incredible views. Most of the trails start at the park’s visitor center and range from 2.5 miles to 8.5 miles. One of the park’s most picturesque hikes is to Cunningham Falls—reach the falls from the Catoctin National Recreation Trail on the west side of the park. The Seneca Creek Greenway Trail shares real estate with a gravel road at milepost 0. 6. Seneca Creek Park Right outside of downtown D.C. is the 6,000-acre Seneca Creek Park. This park has two sections—the developed area in Gaithersburg, MD and the 16.5-mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail. In Gaithersberg, there are 11 miles of trails that meander in and around Clopper Lake. The Seneca Creek Greenway Trail is a winding sliver of land that follows Seneca Creek down to the Potomac River at Riley's Lock on the C&O Canal. Blazed with blue trail markers, the trail cuts a beautiful path through the forest as it makes its way downstream. 7. Bears Den Park Sitting just off the Appalachian Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Bluemont, VA is the 66-acre Bears Den Park. A visit here should always include a stop at Bears Den Rocks, which sits 1,350 feet above sea level and overlooks the valley below. In addition, there are four trails ranging from a half mile to a few miles in the park, and they can all be looped together to make a longer hike. The park also has a European-style stone castle on property that was built in 1933—it can be rented out overnight. But, what the park is most known for is its incredible views, especially at sunset—plan your trip to Bears Den Rocks to catch the setting sun there! 8. Potomac Heritage Trail Follow in the footsteps of George Washington as you hike, bike, and run along the Potomac Heritage Trail, designated a National Scenic Trail in 1983. This 800 plus-mile trail network through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. has 11 trails all steeped in history, from the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail to the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath. Each has it’s own personality as well, and depending on which trail you decide to explore, you may find yourself in lush dense forest, along city sidewalks, or meandering alongside a waterway. Regardless of which trail you choose, you will find beautiful hikes full of history on any of them. The C&O Canal stretches 184.5 miles on soft surfaces. Jason Devaney 9. C&O Canal Towpath The towpath that meanders alongside the C&O Canal was originally built for mules to pull boats up and down the waterway. The 184.5-mile towpath stretches from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. It’s a mostly flat trail—there is a 600-foot elevation gain when starting from the Georgtown side— and has a mix of gravel, dirt, and grass surface making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll or to log long miles without challenging hills. 10. Harpers Ferry trails Historic Harpers Ferry, WV, played a role in the Civil War, largely due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Today, roughly 20 miles of trails exist in and around this little town. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park sprawls across 4,000 acres of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and contains the midpoint and headquarters of the 2,178-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The hiking options along riverbanks, across old battlefields, and up mountains have something for everyone. Written by Jason Devaney for RootsRated.