USA Archives – Terradrift

Our 5 Favorite Hikes in the USA! (A Non-Exhaustive List, Obvs)

Alisha McDarris — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:45:43 +0000

Here at Terradrift, we're hikers first (even though we are also obsessed with backpacking and mountain biking). And as such, we've explored nearly every corner of the wide and wonderful landscape known as the U.S. Along the way, we've found some magical trails (including paddle trails) from coast to coast (including in Hawaii and Alaska). Naturally, there are millions of trails around this massive country, and we obviously haven't hiked even close to all of them. We haven't even hiked in every state (though we've been to almost every state)! But of the places we have laced up our vegan hiking boots, these are some of our favorite hikes in the USA!

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A Coastal Oregon Road Trip: Beaches, Sand Dunes, Rocky Coastline, and No Crowds!

Alisha McDarris — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:22:11 +0000

Oregon–pretty much the whole state–is a gold mine of outdoor adventure. There's mountain biking, hiking around mountains, backpacking, kayaking, and so much more. And the Oregon Coast is no exception. Between sandy beaches, whale watching, sandboarding, biking and hiking, you'll never run out of things to do. But if you want to avoid the crowds, follow this coastal Oregon road trip itinerary for fewer people and plenty of quality outdoor time, epic views, and moody Pacific Northwest weather.

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6 Hikes Near Las Vegas (And Other Rad Outdoor Activities)

Alisha McDarris — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 22:35:47 +0000

Headed to Vegas but prefer to opt outside instead of hitting the strip? We feel you. Nightlife isn't our thing either (though if you dig both, then you're in the right city). Fortunately, There's a wealth of rad hikes near Las Vegas, plus other adventurous outdoor activities within an easy drive from the city center.

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The Fjallraven Classic USA: Backpacking Colorado with 160 of My Closest Friends

Alisha McDarris — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 03:27:24 +0000

I first learned about the Fjallraven Classic USA a few years ago. One day, I opened up my shiny new issue of Outside or Backpacker magazine (publications I now write for on a regular basis) and nestled inside was a small passport book with routes and info about the backpacking event in Colorado. Wow, I thought, this looks rad! And last month Fjallraven invited me to participate in the annual trip. I was excited and curious. What was this shindig all about? Who signed up for these sorts of things? Would I get to test any of Fjallraven's vegan gear or clothing? What should I expect? Since I never turn down an invite to go backpacking, I obviously accepted and headed to Colorado to find out for myself. Curious? Read on.

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Backpacking in Grand Teton National Park: Trip Report

Alisha McDarris — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:24:38 +0000

In July, we headed to the mountains. The Tetons, to be precise. We loaded up the car, hit the road, and adventured our way all the way to Wyoming where we met up with my parents for our annual family backpacking trip, somehow managed to cram all of our stuff AND their stuff into our overloaded car, and prepared for some epic backpacking in Grand Teton National Park. Wanna go, too? Here's our trip report, with deets, route info, and, of course, gear recommendations, to help you plan and pack for your own mountain adventure!

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Paddle & Pack: Kayaking and Backpacking the Buffalo River Trail in Arkansas

Alisha McDarris — Fri, 12 May 2023 08:13:13 +0000

We planned a pack and paddle and kayaked down a chunk of the Buffalo River and then backpacked back up. It wasn't easy to plan, but it was a ridiculous amount of fun, especially given how few people complete such a trip every year. Fortunately, we're gonna lay the whole thing out for you here and now so if you get the crazy itch to pack and paddle the Buffalo River Trail, you're already one step ahead.

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4 Winter Hikes Near Salt Lake City

Alisha McDarris — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:59:36 +0000

We love winter hiking and backpacking. Especially when we travel (maybe you saw our post on 4 winter hikes near Aspen?). So when we were in Utah this month, we hit the snowy trails. And because we want everyone to love playing outdoors in the show as much as we do, here are 4 epic winter hikes near Salt Lake City for your exploratory pleasure. So grab your traction devices and get moving already!

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Free National Park Days [2024]

Alisha McDarris — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:49:08 +0000

There are a total of 5 fee free national park days in 2023, which means you can get into any of the more than 400 parks, monuments and conservations areas, many of which usually charge a pretty penny, for free (or almost free)! And we highly recommend you take advantage of these days if you're traveling on a budget, hoping to save some dough on your next adventurous outing, or you're looking for any old excuse to visit a national park near you (or not so near you). Which you totally should, 'cause they're pretty dang great! So if you're ready to enjoy some seriously epic landscapes, pack the camera and start planning! And remember that you'll still need to make reservations ahead of time at some national parks (we'll tell you which ones).

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4 Winter Hikes Near Aspen for People Who Don’t Ski

Alisha McDarris — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:59:38 +0000

If you find yourself in Aspen or its surrounds during ski season, but downhill skiing isn't really your thing, fear not! There are plenty of winter hikes near Aspen to keep you occupied. Just lace up those waterproof boots, grab some traction devices or snowshoes, and hit the snowy trails! You'll get epic views, great photo ops, and have a great time on uncrowded paths that don't require expensive lift tickets or waiting in long lines. Here are 5 winter hikes near Aspen, all within a 45 minute drive (give or take).

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5 Hikes Near Fredericksburg (and Where to Stay While You’re There)

Alisha McDarris — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 23:15:01 +0000

Fredericksburg, Texas, located centrally within the state in a region warmnly known as Hill Country, is known far and wide for its wine. Dozens and dozens of wineries call Fredericksburg home and a drive into town from Austin or San Antonio will take you past many of them. In the spring, wildflowers pop up everywhere and in the fall you may even spot a few fall colors on the deciduous trees. But whether you're headed to Fredericksburg for the wine or the German heritage or the holiday festivities, if you find yourself getting a little antsy and eager to explore, these hikes near Fredericksburg will not disappoint.

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