Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
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While Philly and Baltimore boast urban allure, sometimes you might want to escape to a peaceful green place. You'll find it at this nature preserve.
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Wisconsin is mostly known for its farm country, but one park near Rockford and Madison is home to some stunning craggy bluffs and great hiking trails.
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This state park is as great a spot for fishing as it is for spotting wildlife, and with leisurely hikes and plenty of camping options, it's well worth a visit.
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Washington D.C. is full of great places to visit, but this little gem may not be on your radar. Check it out for a great place to walk, eat, and make merry.
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For a small state, New Jersey packs a ton to do. One of its brightest spots is this reservoir, which has stunning camping spots and plenty of nearby activities.
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Just 2 hours from Toledo, Cleveland's Emerald Necklace features a lovely Ohio park where hiking trails lead to impressive river views and scenic waterfalls.
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Have fun by the lakeside, enjoy scenic hiking trails, and escape the bustle of NYC with a family-friendly getaway to this amenity-filled New Jersey park.
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park outside of Cleveland is the most popular (and crowded) option, but there's another winner nearby you can enjoy in peace.
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If a day watching butterflies or playing pickleball sounds like an absolute dream, then don't sleep on this pleasant destination in Indiana.
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Small but perfectly formed, this charming park in Pennsylvania is packed with outdoor adventures without having to worry about mass crowds.
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There are many ways to have a peachy time exploring Georgia. For folks who love water, this city offers a treasure trove of creeks, marshes, and other joys.
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Whether you want a place where you can enjoy a free concert with your family or frolic in the sand, you can make it happen in this delightful Michigan town.
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If you're looking to get out on the water and enjoy the warm weather (or tour an abandoned castle), you don't always need to head to the coasts.
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Most families zip right past it, but this cozy Alabama town is the perfect outdoor adventure stop with lakes, playgrounds, and hiking trails with waterfalls.
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Near one of the state's most picturesque lakes, this gem earns the praise with postcard-worthy views and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.
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Small in size but big on charm, this centrally located community makes it easy to swap the Baltimore bustle for scenic trails, unique shops, and a slower pace.
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If you want to enjoy the outdoors near New York City without the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, you can visit this much quieter state park.
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History is very much alive at this scenic state park on Georgia's coast, a setting packed with stories, camping, and gorgeous views.
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Pennsylvania has a popular county park with miles of trails surrounding three lakes, just a short drive from Philly and Allentown.
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This state park is somewhat of a hidden gem for travelers, but locals know how much natural beauty is packed into its 3,000 acres beneath the Poconos.
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As the most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains can get busy and hectic. This nearby suburb provides a quiet, yet accessible escape.
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The state of Indiana is home to a lot of outdoor adventure, including in this town, which offers a lot of fun on the water for your whole family.
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Whether you're in the cities of Cleveland or Pittsburgh, this state park offers a fun getaway, featuring cozy cabins, lakeside swimming, and lots to explore.
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Often overshadowed by the state’s larger falls, this under-the-radar waterfall in a quiet Pennsylvania forest is the perfect spot to cool off in the summer.
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If you're looking for swimming and outdoor adventure between Augusta and Atlanta, be sure to pay this Georgia state park a visit.
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If you're retired and have more time to spend exploring the U.S., you can head to this recreation area on a Georgia river and take all the time you need.
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A quiet, charming town by the Blue Ridge Mountains provides more than enough opportunities to hike, fish, paddle, boat, sightsee -- and enjoy fine wine.
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