When you think of mountains or hiking or getting outdoors, what do you think of? Most people, depending on their coast, think of either the Rocky Mountains or the Appalachian Mountains. While it’s true that these ranges are beautiful and have some amazing history, they aren’t the only mountains in the country. There are lots of other places you can go for a great mountain-based getaway.
The Arbuckle Mountains
Most of us think of Oklahoma as a mostly flat and dry place. The Arbuckle Mountains, though, are a great place to stop and get a great hike in. Alternatively, if you’re from the Midwest, they make a great weekend getaway.
The mountain range extends for thirty five miles and is located just south of Davis. Spend some time exploring Turner Falls Park; go on an Air Donkey Zip line adventure.
There’s swimming, hiking and you might even spot a “critter” or two at the Arbuckle Wilderness Park Drive Through Safari (no pets allowed here, so leave any pets who might have made the trip with you back at the hotel or with a friend).
Sun Valley
Located in Idaho (which, yes, is kind of near the Rockies), Sun Valley’s focal point is Bald Mountain.
Mountain biking, in particular, is very popular here. Even if you aren’t into mountain biking, though, the mountain has several different hiking trails that you can enjoy.
Many of the tourists who spend the day here find that the best way to explore them is to take the lift to the top of the mountain and then hike their way down, though you can always hike up and take the lift down if that is more your style.
The most popular is the Broadway Trail which will give hikers a fantastic view of Seattle Ridge and the Sawtooth and Smoky mountains.
Adirondacks
You’ve undoubtedly heard of Lake Placid but have you heard of the 46 High Peaks? The 46 High Peaks were all originally thought to be more than four thousand feet high but a few of them have been re-studied and found to be near but just under that mark. Still it is a tradition to think of these 46 Mountain Peaks as a group.
Each peak has its own hiking trail and some people (the 46ers) have put together a club for people who manage to hike each and every one of them. You won’t be able to do that in a single day or weekend but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot to do here in the Adirondacks.
These mountains are definitely worth the trip to upstate New York.
Driskill Mountain
Most people planning a trip to Louisiana want to see the Gulf or New Orleans. It is worth the day trip up north, though, to see the highest point in the state, Driskill Mountain.
The trail to get up to and back from the summit is an easy couple of miles—hikers of every skill level can complete it. The summit even has a guest book in which travelers and hikers can sign their names and leave notes for others. Some people say that they have a hard time believing this mountain is in Louisiana because it is different from the marshes and swamps that permeate most of the state, particularly in the southern regions.
These are just four of the different mountain-based adventures you can explore this summer as you’re looking for day and weekend trips for your family. Obviously there are more—the US is a big place! What are some of your favorite mountain trails?
