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33,000 Acres of Protected Land, Waterfalls... and Free Admission

Plus... Flannel - a short history of the coziest fabric

Together with

Good morning. 

We are hiking right into peak fall, and that means we are hiking into peak hiking season. Where do you like to head to see the leaves turn? If it’s National Parks, well, we’ve got a ton to suggest here.

If you are looking for a great under-the-radar suggestion, scroll down for a look at Cuyahoga, a midwestern gem located in northeast Ohio.

Also this week, a look at how flannel became so intertwined with outdoor culture, and some tips on how to pack like a thruhiker.

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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just a few short miles away from Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, and it features vast farmlands and trails for walking and biking. With a variety of native plants and stunning waterfalls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park was named the second-best national park in the United States earlier this year. Here are five things you didn’t know about Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Together with Inside Hotels

Hotels We Love: Limelight Hotel Aspen

A cozy cabin-chic chalet in the mountains of Colorado, Limelight Hotel Aspen is your perfect gateway to high-elevation adventures, regardless of the season. The perfectly modern rooms and suites mirror the charms of the storied city of Aspen, so it’s easy to picture yourself paddleboarding in the nearby nature preserve, enjoying a yoga class by the pool, or hitting the links at a local golf course. However, if you just want to get out into nature on your own terms, there are bountiful hiking and mountain biking trails in the area of all difficulties, so you can enjoy nature at your leisure. After a day of exploration, unwind with a cocktail and wood-fired pizza in The Lounge or on one of two rooftop terraces, taking in the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

A Quick History of Flannel

We all have one of these in our closet, and you’re probably getting ready to dust it off for the upcoming autumn weather. No matter the color, no matter the size, we all know this plaid fabric well. That’s right, today we’re talking about the history of flannel.

Flannels have become a staple in a variety of subcultures and are very popular during the fall months. Whether you’re grunge or country, if you’ve got a flannel, you’ll be reaching for it over the next couple of months, guaranteed. Where did flannel come from, though, and why have they become so popular?

How to Pack Like a Thru-Hiker

What’s the number-one mistake new backpackers make? Bringing too much stuff. It’s a rite of passage to go out with an exceedingly large backpack, suffer for a couple days, then return home, swearing never to do it again.

If you start one of America’s long trails with such a pack, a more experienced hiker might offer you a shakedown. They’ll go through your gear with you, help you realize what you don’t need, and leave you several pounds lighter. What comes afterward is another rite of passage–sending home a package with about a quarter of the stuff you initially brought.

As a thru-hiker with 4,000+ miles on my feet, I’m here to offer you a pre-emptive shakedown. I’ll try to convey some of the brutal honesty you need when editing your gear list. Keep in mind, I’m one of the merciful ones. On the “ultralight” spectrum, I’m in the middle, so I balance weight and comfort, but still pack lighter than a lot of backpackers. Let’s try to get you a little closer to weightlessness.

4 Top Adventure Travel Destinations for 2024

Need some inspiration to fill up next year’s calendar? From tiny islands to unforgettable hiking and ancient geology, these destinations will inspire adventurous spirits and even the most seasoned of travelers. Here are four thrilling places and experiences to get on the books for 2024.

Outdoor Gear Checklist

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Public Lands has up to 50% off their End of Season Sale!*

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