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In todays tech-tethered world, it can be easy to overlook the magic of Mother Nature.
Photo by Oleh_Slobodeniuk via Getty Images / Design by Amanda K Bailey
Were guilty of it, we admit.
But carving out time for the great outdoors can deliver amazing benefits for both your mental and physical health.
Plus, it can just be a pretty amazing way to spend your free time.
Courtesy of Kristina Brewer
We asked 38 outdoor enthusiasts for their hands-down favorite outdoor place in the United States.
To be clear, this is by no means an exhaustive list of must-see spots in the U.S. Let these suggestions be the inspiration you gotta get outside today and find your own special place.
I love the way the mountains are constantly changing color as the light changes throughout the day.
Courtesy of Hailey Middlebrook
I hiked Little Horse Trail in Sedona and painted this tiny painting with oil paint in an Altoids container.
At sunset, its the most magical place in America.
Other fun things to do include sledding or surfing down the dunes and cooling down in the nearby creek.
Courtesy of Nikky Martinez
It also has an accessible fishing pier, campsites, and cabins for rent.
This historic structure built from Spanish stone sits right on the coast.
The vibe there is quiet, and the surrounding beaches are beautiful.
Courtesy of Joe Sills
The weathers usually really pretty year-round.
Its an area of boundless opportunity where you’re free to go hiking and see what you find.
Most people dont recognize Indiana for its beauty, but this areawhich includes Indiana Dunes National Parkis really beautiful.
Courtesy of Kori Lugar
you’ve got the option to find peace here.
I love this location for its topography, remote camping, and challenging trails.
Its near predominantly Black neighborhoods, which are often underserved when it comes to green spaces.
Courtesy of Erica Smith
Its a really well-maintained, safe, family-friendly space.
Its peaceful and beautiful, and just the perfect place to recharge your soul.
They offer tea and homemade popovers to fuel you up for your next adventure.
Courtesy of Kaila DeRienzo
10/10 is my favorite place to get outside.
Therapy is my therapy, but chilling in a lake comes pretty close.
One of my favorite lakes in the park is Iceberg Lakeits pretty distinct and surrounded by glacial peaks.
Courtesy of Don Hardeman Jr.
I never wanted to leave this magical place.
Its a dream for any outdoor enthusiast!
Once I found this trailwhich is an out-and-back 12-mile loopI knew I had found the perfect place to run.
Courtesy of Lauren Gay
The best part, though, is that there are markers for every tenth of a mile.
Plus, the path isnt too congested, so I can go all times of the year.
Everywhere you turn, the ocean is there.
Courtesy of Cindy Kuzma
Beyond the beach in the summer, youll see whales breaching.
We especially like hiking or climbing up Looking Glass Rock.
The preserve offers beautiful views, an abundance of wildflowers, and bison.
Courtesy of Rose Conry
There are lots of trees, lush grasses, rolling hills, and creek crossings.
And theres wildlife, like deer, possums, and raccoons.
Theres a beautiful lodge nestled in the hills on the west side of the lake.
Courtesy of Bri Postlewait
Theres quite a diverse range of things to do around here and wildlife to see.
Youll get a beautiful view of miles of the Black Hills and other surrounding peaks.
Its wild, rugged, remote, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Courtesy of Diana Bliss
When we visit, my dad takes us to a new, recently discovered gem every morning.
Plus, the number of low-traffic trails makes it easy to find peace and silence.
There are visitor centers every few dozen miles, which is nice for taking bathroom breaks along the way.
Courtesy of Ebony Blackwell
This 70-mile-long fjord is ideal for fishing, crabbing, clamming, and oyster harvesting.
Theres a bioluminescent bay, so at night it looks like the water is glowing.
Its perfect for hiking, taking a boat ride, or even seeing a bear out in the wild.
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