Fresh air, great exercise and a shared hobby. Getting out into nature for hiking, tubing, and camping is simply part of my summer musts. And I'm not alone: our resident ChickAdvisor outdoors enthusiast Spotty, was only too excited to help me compile a list of amazing outdoor adventure spots guaranteed to impress.

But where to start?  True wilderness lovers ask only for an open trail and a knapsack full of trail mix and VitaminWater.  Since it may take some convincing to get your better half's keyster out of the cabin, we recommend you stick to locations that offer a good variety.  Without further ado, here are the 5 locations that topped our list:











Red River Gorge, Kentucky (USA)



Known to the locals as RRG, this camping, hiking, and climbing paradise was once Daniel Boone's stomping grounds. Canoeing and caving expeditions are also area favorites, and make sure to rent a rustic cabin for the full experience.

Spotty's tip: stop by Miguel's for pizza after your climb!

Yosemite National Park, California (USA)


Snake Dike Climb (photo: Shelley Melchior)

Tucked in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite boasts some of the best climbing around. There truly is something for everyone: rafting, fishing, biking, horse trails, and more. Accommodations range from the simple campsites to 4-star hotels for those who are more, shall we say, 'indoorsy'.

Spotty recommends: the climbs at Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Mariposa Grove

Cape Breton Highlands Park, Nova Scotia (Canada)


Photo credit: TripAdvisor

Try a motorcycle tour on the Cabot Trail, which winds around Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island.  At the northernmost tip, take a break from the saddle and hike through hills laced with fool's gold and blueberries overlooking the Atlantic.  Other area attractions include whale watching excursions and the freshest lobster at your local Mom 'n Pop seafood joint.

Claire's tip: Make your overnight stop in Ingonish on the eastern side of Cape Breton and enjoy the beach

West Coast Trail, British Columbia (Canada)


Photo credit: VancouverIslandOutdoors

The West Coast Trail on the western side of Vancouver Island is best for the seriously committed hiker.  Entry is by reservation only with the total number of backpackers limited by the week.  Plan on a 7-day foot trip with a stocked half-way station.  Western Vancouver Island is known for its rainforests, misty mornings and environmentally sensitive locals.

Claire recommends: spend a day or two in Tofino and Clayoquot Sound; you may stumble on a tree hugging sit-in.

Appalachian Trail, eastern USA


Photo credit: Robert Bukaty

The Appalachian Trail stretches nearly 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine, with plenty of access points along the route.  Because of the varied terrain, this is one trip where you truly can enjoy any outdoors adventure.  The stretch through North Carolina and Virginia takes you through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

Our tip: stop off in Asheville, NC for a tour through the the Biltmore estate and local wineries

Do you have a favorite outdoor adventure spot?  Share it with us!

by Claire Rahn, with contributions from Shelley Melchior