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Last day exploring around Long Creek Falls✨
Thursday 4/4/24🚗🥾❤️✨
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Chapter 27: The Three Musketeers—The Prophecy (BoB Fanfiction)

A/N: This is SUCH a lovely chapter and I am so excited to get it out to you! Please let me know what you think and please enjoy this chapter immensely! Have some sibling content....have some Nixon content...and have some Reba/Roe content haha!
Chapter Text
“I don’t know, I just find the whole thing suspicious.”
Winnie let out a great big sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. She had managed to swing the weekend pass from Colonel Sink and that was all fine and dandy. In fact, she was rather looking forward to it. After all, it had been a long time since she had seen her brothers and to have two of them in the same place as her was a rarity that she wasn’t willing to pass up in any sort of way.
What she hadn’t been prepared for in any scope of manner was Lewis Nixon being an absolute suspicious crybaby about the entire thing.
“It’s a single weekend pass.”
“Do you know how many weekend passes you’ve been given since Toccoa?” Nixon questioned, tapping on the steering wheel as he glanced back over at her.
“I don’t really keep count,” Winnie deadpanned.
“Well I do. It’s 17. And you’ve never taken a single weekend pass that’s been offered to you. Not one.”
“To be fair,” Winnie said, leaning back in the passenger seat of the automobile. “None of the other weekend passes had a guaranteed alignment where I could see any of my brothers. Two out of the five is an improbability in the war.”
“And you don’t think it’s WEIRD?!” Nixon demanded, piquing a brow, swerving around a car.
Winnie just clutched onto the door, narrowing her gaze. “Can you drive like a normal person for five seconds?” She demanded.
“Listen, I’m happy that you get to see your brothers—I am, really!” He insisted. “But I just find it weird that it all aligns like this. Don’t you?”
“No. I’ve been taught not to question when the good Lord sees fit to bestow a small and tender mercy upon me,” Winnie retorted dryly. “Did you offer to drive me just so you could interrogate me over this?”
“Well obviously. And I did miss you,” Nixon admitted with a shrug. “It’s been a while since we’ve been able to talk.”
“You mean in between fighting on the frontlines of Normandy and you gathering intelligence and me running a whole field hospital our interactions were sparse?” Winnie deadpanned once again.
“You are a cruel, cruel woman.”
“You’ve always known that,” Winnie pointed out. “And besides, for your troubles, I’ll make sure to bring you back some more Vat 69.”
“I wrote the address down—”
“I have the address, Lew,” Winnie reassured him, patting him on the shoulder. “I’m not gonna forget to pick up your alcohol. My god, you would have hated prohibition.”
“Thank God, I would’ve died,” Nixon breathed out, shaking his head at her. “It’s not even funny to joke about.”
“Yeah yeah. If I get in trouble bringing back Vat 69, it’s your problem though.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
They had pulled up to a street corner just outside of a hotel. This is exactly where Winnie, Charlie, and Nate had agreed to meet and stay for the weekend. Neither of them seemed to have been there yet, and Winnie just paused for a moment, glancing at the hotel, and then back at Nixon.
“Are you doin’ okay?” She asked softly.
Nixon gave a shrug, staring hard at the steering wheel. “She’s taking the dog in the divorce.”
“What a bitch.”
At that, he nearly gave a snort. “No kidding.”
“Are you gonna sign the papers?” Winnie asked, tilting her head at him.
He was still as a rock for a moment, unable to move. Winnie noted the tension in his shoulders, the pain in his furrowed brow, the raw guilt and grief in his expression. “Yeah, yeah I am,” he finally said wearily. He glanced over at her, and then out the window. “Your brothers are here though.”
Winnie had half a mind to just sit here in the car with Lewis Nixon and talk to him about his divorce and what he was going through—but seeing Charlie excitedly waving at her, Winnie knew that Lewis Nixon would have to wait for a little bit.
So instead, she settled for leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his cheek. He gave a sound of surprise, eyes going wide at the uncharacteristically affectionate gesture from Winnie. “I meant what I said when I said that you’re a good man. Thanks for the ride. We’re going to talk when I get back,” she said.
With that, Winnie sprung from the car with her bags in hand. She didn’t want to give Nixon a chance to respond to that, because surely he’d argue and she didn’t need to be arguing with him like an old married couple. The minute she had exited the car, Charlie had swept her up into the fiercest hug of her life.
“Roo, Roo, Roo, Roo—” Charlie exclaimed with a grin.
She immediately was looking him over, a wide grin of her own on her face. The two of them had the same smile—inherited from their mother, from what Winnie could remember. “Charlie Allen, my sweet sweet boy—”
“So this is the infamous sister?”
Winnie heard someone talking and she turned, finding another pilot in a brown jacket behind Charlie. “Roo, this is Rosenthal—he’s the one—”
“Whose plane you fly in,” Winnie finished, stepping forward and giving the man a firm handshake and a grin. “You are a godsend, sir.”
At that, Rosenthal’s cheeks tinged pink and he gave a smile. “Peaches is a good kid. I trust him with my life.”
“Then you’re a smart one, too.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hours later, after Nate had arrived and the three of them had loitered in the hotel cafe for a while, they all piled into a room, throwing the blankets and pillows on the floor. They had gotten some strange looks only getting one room, but Winnie didn’t pay it any mind. She knew what people were probably thinking, but these were her kids and she’d raised them. It was a totally different dynamic than what everyone was thinking anyway.
When they were kids and it was winter, they would all pile into the same room (most of the time hers), and they would all bring a blanket and just lay together to conserve body heat. Dalton Allen had never once paid for any sort of heating in the house.
And though it wasn’t winter here and they could all afford the room, the trio of siblings didn’t want to be far from one another.
So here they were, all sitting on the floor in a pile of pillows and blankets all just grateful to be with one another again. Charlie had pulled a photograph from his bag, shoving it at the two of them. “Look, this is Meatball! He’s the Hundredths dog—well he was actually DeMarco’s, but he’s in a Stalag right now—but he’s the best dog in the entire world!” Charlie exclaimed.
Winnie just gave a grin. “You would find a way to get a dog.”
Nate just kicked her foot lightly. “Well you never let us keep any.”
“That’s because I was already raising you little rugrats. I didn’t need you bringing home more strays.”
“15 stray pets over a course of my lifetime and you threatened to take them out back and shoot every single one,” Charlie deadpanned.
Winnie didn’t feel a single flicker of guilt at that, rolling her eyes at the two of them. “Well if it could have been used to feed you two, then I would still do it and have no qualms over it. We are not a pet household,” she stated firmly. “And besides, we all know that I would have ended up taking care of it.”
“True enough,” Nate chuckled. “And you already had to raise the rest of us. I guess we can cut you some slack on that front.”
She kicked his foot lightly back. “As you should.”
Charlie just turned to Nate. “You’ve gotta come flying sometime when all of this is over. You’d love it!” He exclaimed.
Nate nearly rolled his eyes. “Did we suddenly inherit a shit-ton of money that I don’t know about? Where are we gonna just get a plane to go flying in?”
In response to that, Charlie just let out a huff. “You’re such a spoilsport. You used to be fun.”
“And you used to be a lot shorter.”
“Well I’ve had enough of planes,” Winnie stated with a shrug. “You jump out of them once and they lose their novelty.”
“You are the only person on the entire planet that would say that,” Nate said, shaking his head at her.
That was probably true enough. Winnie just gave a half-smile at his words, looking the two of them over with a softness in her eyes that hadn’t been there before. “I’m glad I get to be here with you two this weekend. I’ve missed you both.”
“Knowing you, you’re probably more worried about us than you are about yourself,” Nate grumbled.
“I spend an equal amount of time praying for my own safety as I do praying for yours,” Winnie retorted.
Charlie just lay down, reclining his head on his arms as he looked at the ceiling. “Do you guys think Richie, Robbie, and Josh are okay?”
“Those three?” Nate nearly scoffed. “They’re practically indestructible.”
At that, Winnie gave an actual kick to his foot. “Arrogance doesn’t get you anywhere,” she said sharply. “And thinking that way is a good way to get yourself killed.”
“Hey, I am painfully aware of my own mortality!” Nate retorted.
“Well that’s a new development,” Charlie snorted.
There was a beat of silence between the trio of siblings. That caused snickers from all three of them as they sat there on the floor. “God, I’m glad we’re all together,” Winnie breathed out as Charlie moved his head onto her lap. She began gently running a hand through his hair and Nate just leaned his head on her shoulder.
“I missed you both,” Charlie admitted in a soft tone.
“Well you’re the brilliant one who organized this little shindig,” Nate said affectionately, ruffling Charlie’s hair.
Charlie piqued a brow. “No, I’m not. Some guy from Aldbourne got in contact with my CO.”
Nate immediately set his gaze on Winnie. “Oh please tell me that there’s not some guy just pining over you,” he stated dryly.
“No, that’d be ridiculous. I’m a bitch for a reason, Natey,” Winnie retorted firmly. “I don’t know who did it.” Not concretely, anyway . Or why, for that matter. Not that either of them needed to know that either .
“Well either way,” Charlie shrugged. “I’m just glad we’re all together again.”
“We should say a prayer for the others,” Winnie said softly. “Might be a nice thing to do.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The weekend had gone off without a single hitch and Winnie now carried a photograph of the three of them together in her bag. Her spirits had been greatly improved and her mind was much more at ease, knowing more about what the two of them were doing and how well taken care of they truly were.
She had come back to Aldbourne, dutifully sneaking the Vat 69 shipment to Lewis Nixon, who had promptly kissed her on the mouth—called her a Saint—and then fallen back asleep in a drunken stupor.
Winnie didn’t pay that much mind, an amused smile on her face as she walked back to the Brown’s home. She passed by a cafe, bag in hand. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Eileen sitting in the cafe, a flower in hand. Also in the cafe? Joe Liebgott.
At that particular development, Winnie gave a smile and ducked her head down as she crossed the street. At least they had upgraded from the barn and sneaking away for rendezvous to an actual date. Progress was progress and Winnie just supposed she was grateful that the date was happening in actual daylight—and in public—where Eileen could not, in fact, just get pregnant.
When she arrived at the Brown’s home, she found their car gone for the afternoon. That wasn’t a rare occurrence, given how they spent Sundays ministering to the needy and the widows of their church.
It was quiet as she entered the house, only finding a single light on upstairs. Winnie could hear muffled moans and a bed rocking and her jaw nearly dropped from sheer shock. Because surely—sensible and proper Reba—she wouldn’t be—not with Roe—right?!
Unfortunately for Winnie, her room was right next to Reba’s, so as she silently crept up the stairs, the sounds got louder and her face became hotter with embarrassment. It wasn’t until she was solidly in her room, having avoided making a single sound, that she heard Reba moan out Gene and Winnie wanted to burn her ears shut. She just covered her ears with a pillow, both happy for the two of them and also utterly grossed out—
Her nurse and her medic—
Nope, nope, nope—
She didn’t like this one bit.
So when the sounds finally stopped and she heard Reba walk Roe down to the door, Winnie just let out a breath of relief. “Dear God, please don’t let her get pregnant. That would be horrible,” she mumbled out, glancing at the ceiling.
A few moments later, footsteps sounded back up the stairs, pausing at the light coming from her room. “Oh God, you snuck back in and heard all that, didn’t you?” Reba asked in a deadpan.
“Yes. Yes I did. I’ll mark Roe down as needing more rubbers,” Winnie said from her spot in her room.
“I can’t decide if I’m horrified or grateful that you’re such a saint.”
“I would not be offended by either.”
#band of brothers hbo#band of brothers fanfiction#band of brothers fic#band of brothers#oc originalfemalecharacters#winnie allen#the prophecy#ronald speirs x oc#ron speirs x oc
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Went hiking yesterday (Sunday 11-19-2023) to the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, on the Benton MacKaye Trail near Blue Ridge, GA, and at Sea Creek Falls, in the Coopers Creek Recreation Area in Suches, GA. You have to wade into the creek to see the falls.


More photos and some peaceful videos of the water, at my Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/dzgrizzle/
#hiking#waterfall#suspension bridge#creek#river#north georgia#north georgia mountains#trail#hiking stick
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4. Bravely walk the 270-foot Swinging Bridge Trail over the Toccoa River. Take a leap of faith and conquer the Swinging Bridge Trail, where adventure awaits over the glistening Toccoa River.
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4. Bravely walk the 270-foot Swinging Bridge Trail over the Toccoa River.

Calling all thrill-seekers. Brace yourself for an exhilarating stroll along the 270-foot Swinging Bridge Trail, suspended above the stunning Toccoa River.
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4. Bravely walk the 270-foot Swinging Bridge Trail over the Toccoa River. Dare to cross the epic Swinging Bridge Trail and immerse yourself in a whimsical experience above the enchanting Toccoa River. Get your playful spirit ready.
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The Toccoa River as seen from the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge Near Blue Ridge GA. Taken June 25th, 2015. #photography #rivers #landscape
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The Rugged Grandeur of the Great Outdoors
The Cohutta Wilderness Area and the Chattahoochee National Forest together offer an extensive system of epic Blue Ridge hiking and biking trails. Travel through meadows of vibrant wildflowers, coves of hardwoods and gushing waterfalls cutting through rocky gorges. Hike the paths of the world-famous Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, follow the Benton MacKaye Trail through remote forests to the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River, or fish the cool Conasauga and Jacks rivers for superb trout.
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Enjoying all things #sunday today! #gratitude #mommymoments #familyfun #bigadventures #getoutside #nofilter #momlife #mymini #mountainmemories #blueridgemountains (at Toccoa River Swinging Bridge on the BMT) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Q--npAXid/?igshid=1j89x371h7m04
#sunday#gratitude#mommymoments#familyfun#bigadventures#getoutside#nofilter#momlife#mymini#mountainmemories#blueridgemountains
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Life is an adventure and I am finding my way across it. #life (at Toccoa River Swinging Bridge)
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15 Best Hiking Vacations In The USA (And Other Top-Notch Outdoor Activities)
Dust off your hiking boots and grab your backpack for this wanderlust-worthy roundup of hiking vacations in the US. From family-friendly, scenic trails to heart-thumping climbs, we’ve uncovered 15 great hiking trips you can take—no matter the season.
If your favorite part of a hike is getting back to home base with a sense of accomplishment, FlipKey has you covered. Each of these outdoor getaways offers amazing cabin rentals available to book right on our site. Enjoy a celebratory, post-hike drink on the private patio, utilize the full kitchen for a home-cooked meal, then light up the fireplace and hunker down for a movie night.
And it’s not just the stellar trails and cabins that make these some of the best hiking vacations in America—after all, you may want at least one day of lighter outdoor recreation. That’s why we’re also featuring top tours, activities, and in-destination experiences to enjoy during your stay—courtesy of our friends at TripAdvisor (FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company). Think guided photography tours of Yosemite, visiting a conservation center in the Adirondacks, or a wine-and-waterfalls excursion in Oregon.
Acadia National Park, ME
Acadia National park is one for superlatives—both the most-visited national park in the Northeast and home to the highest peak along the North Atlantic seaboard, Acadia is one of the best hiking destinations in the US. Make the drive up Cadillac Mountain to take in stunning views from the 1,500-foot tall peak, or challenge yourself to hikes like the Gotham Mountain Trail. You can even rent canoes and kayaks to take out from Bar Harbor. Check it all out on your own or join a guided tour, like this 7-day Food, Brews, and Hiking tour of New England, to see the park’s highlights.
Find a great place to stay in Acadia National Park!
Glacier National Park, MT
Montana may be landlocked, but a visit to Glacier National Park is all about the water. Hike to pristine alpine lakes, drive past waterfalls, or take a white-water rafting trip down the Flathead River. The Grinnell Glacier stands as a looming challenge over the park, but its rewarding views are unbeatable—be sure to bring plenty of food and water if you do the 8-mile trail on your own. Then, give your legs a break when you drive down the 52-mile Going-to-the-Sun-Road, a scenic highlight reel of Glacier National Park’s diverse wildlife and incredible landscapes.
Find a great place to stay near Glacier National Park!
Yosemite National Park, CA
In Yosemite, steep granite cliffs tower above redwood trees and host tumbling waterfalls. Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan stand out as the park’s most recognized natural formations. Though so much wilderness makes Yosemite one of the best hiking vacations you can take, the park is also a hit among photographers. Follow in the footsteps of Ansel Adams on a Yosemite photography tour to find the park’s best angles. Plus, unlike many parks that are far from urban centers, Yosemite is easily visited on a day trip from San Francisco, Tahoe, or San Jose.
Update: Due to the recent wildfires, please refer to the National Park Services’ website for information about accessibility and permissibility in Yosemite.
Find a great place to stay in Yosemite!
Big Sur, CA
Rocky coastlines give way to crashing Pacific waves in Big Sur, a gem of a hiking destination along the California coast. Big Sur is easy enough to fit in during a California road trip—the area is right off Highway 1—but Big Sur’s incredible natural beauty merits its own visit. Take a hike through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or at the Point Sur State Historic Park for gorgeous views of mist-shrouded cliffs and waterfalls dropping straight into the ocean. If you don’t have your own car, consider visiting as part of a tour, like this Pacific Coast Highway day trip.
Find a great place to stay in Big Sur!
Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the best hiking vacations for their rolling hills and scenic trails. Hike up Mount LeConte to see the Smokies stretching endlessly into the horizon, or check out the popular Alum Cave Trail, which leads you past rushing rivers through fields of wildflowers. Though well-marked trails make it easy enough to explore on your own, go with a guide to make the most of every moment. Specialty tours include a Smoky Mountains Waterfall Adventure and a historic Smoky Mountain hike that highlights Cherokee and settler history in the area.
Find a great place to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Zion National Park, UT
Zion National Park is easily one of the most-recognized hiking destinations in the US, known for its mesmerizing red rocks smoothly carved out by water. Bring your A-game to the trails at The Narrows, aptly named for the tight squeezes needed to get through columns of river-bound rocks. Once through, you will be richly rewarded by a number of viewpoints around the park that will surely take your breath away. If you’re looking for extra adventure, try a rock climbing and canyoneering tour or combine a visit to Zion with other nearby parks on a multi-day guided tour of Utah.
Find a great place to stay in Zion National Park!
Blue Ridge, GA
The sleepy town of Blue Ridge is full of historic Southern charm. Ride down old train trestles on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, stroll through the quaint boutique-filled downtown, or bring the whole family for a day of outdoor fun at the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge or Long Creek Falls. Plus, because it’s nestled in the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town is an ideal home base for a mountain retreat.
Find a great place to stay in Blue Ridge!
Estes Park, CO
Estes Park is the quintessential Rocky Mountains vacation destination and aptly known as the Gateway to the Rockies. Between its homey downtown and easy access to some of the best hiking trips in Colorado, Estes Park is a top stop for serious backpackers and casual hikers alike. Experienced hikers can use Estes as a basecamp for longer ascents into the Rocky Mountains, while nature-lovers of all hiking abilities love the easy Adams Falls Trail and hike to Lily Lake. If you aren’t looking to attempt hikes on your own, a guided tour like the Discover Rocky Mountain National Park tour or a private wildlife safari offer good introductions to the area’s rich wildlife and scenery.
Find a great place to stay in Estes Park!
Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake may be small, but it packs in plenty of outdoor activities. This lakeside retreat in southern California is best known for its winter skiing, but also offers a number of hiking trails like Castle Rock Trail that are perfect for exploring in the summer. The area also features the popular Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which rehabs native animals and offers visitors a great chance to learn about local wildlife, including the lake’s namesake creatures.
Find a great place to stay in Big Bear Lake!
Columbia River Gorge, OR
In addition to being one of the best hiking destinations in the US, Columbia River Gorge is one of the most popular and scenic day trips from Portland. Take a half-day tour from Portland to the picture-ready Multnomah Falls—a wine-tasting and waterfalls tour is also an option—or spend the afternoon wandering down well-marked trails and taking scenic drives on your own. Dewy forest floors and wildflower-filled fields make Columbia River Gorge a hiker’s dream. Opt for a cabin in Hood River and you’ll be just a few miles away.
Find a great place to stay in Hood River, just minutes from the Columbia River Gorge!
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Clear glacial waters hemmed by towering snow-capped peaks make South Lake Tahoe a popular vacation destination. Though hiking Mt. Tallac Trail or to Lower Eagle Falls are good trekking options, the area is also well-known for its water sports and cultural activities. Take a cruise on Emerald Bay, book a parasailing adventure, or snag a kayak for a day paddling through blue waters. Then, hit up the town’s many restaurants, bars, and clubs for a fun end to a full day.
Find a great place to stay in South Lake Tahoe!
Kauai, HI
A whole island full of gorgeous scenery and exciting outdoor activities, Kauai makes for a paradisiacal hiking vacation. From the jagged ridges of Na Pali Coast State Park to the gulches of Waimea Canyon, hiking opportunities abound—and more. Rev your adrenaline with an off-road adventure, unwind on a sunset dinner cruise, or opt into one of the most popular helicopter tour destinations in the country. With a whole island of activities to choose from, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
Find a great place to stay in Kauai!
Jackson Hole, WY (Grand Teton National Park)
Jackson Hole is a skiing paradise in the winter, but has hikes to waterfalls, crater lakes, and woodland wonderlands during warmer months. From the family-friendly Cascade Canyon Trail to the heart-thumping Static Peak Divide, Grand Teton National Park is by far one of the best hiking vacations you can take. Pack in even more adventure by booking a Grand Teton safari for chances to see animals like elk, bears, and bison in the wild.
Find a great place to stay near Grand Teton National Park!
Jay, VT (Jay Peak)
A high-end ski resort turns summertime bucket-list destination in Jay, a cozy city with family-friendly amenities and plenty to keep kids entertained, including the popular Jay Peak Pump House. The town’s best hike is to its namesake summit, Jay Peak, a moderate 3-mile trail past wildflowers, boulders, and pastures.
Find a great place to stay in Jay!
Adirondacks, NY
The Adirondacks have great hiking, to be sure, but they offer a whole lot more: go white-water rafting, learn about conservation at the kid-friendly Wild Center, or make some waves on glassy Lake Placid. Be sure to get to Bald Mountain, too, for an easy hike for the whole family.
Find a great place to stay near the Adirondacks!
This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.
The post 15 Best Hiking Vacations In The USA (And Other Top-Notch Outdoor Activities) appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2018/08/14/15-best-hiking-vacations-in-the-usa-and-other-top-notch-outdoor-activities/
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15 Best Hiking Vacations In The USA (And Other Top-Notch Outdoor Activities)
Dust off your hiking boots and grab your backpack for this wanderlust-worthy roundup of hiking vacations in the US. From family-friendly, scenic trails to heart-thumping climbs, we’ve uncovered 15 great hiking trips you can take—no matter the season.
If your favorite part of a hike is getting back to home base with a sense of accomplishment, FlipKey has you covered. Each of these outdoor getaways offers amazing cabin rentals available to book right on our site. Enjoy a celebratory, post-hike drink on the private patio, utilize the full kitchen for a home-cooked meal, then light up the fireplace and hunker down for a movie night.
And it’s not just the stellar trails and cabins that make these some of the best hiking vacations in America—after all, you may want at least one day of lighter outdoor recreation. That’s why we’re also featuring top tours, activities, and in-destination experiences to enjoy during your stay—courtesy of our friends at TripAdvisor (FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company). Think guided photography tours of Yosemite, visiting a conservation center in the Adirondacks, or a wine-and-waterfalls excursion in Oregon.
Acadia National Park, ME
Acadia National park is one for superlatives—both the most-visited national park in the Northeast and home to the highest peak along the North Atlantic seaboard, Acadia is one of the best hiking destinations in the US. Make the drive up Cadillac Mountain to take in stunning views from the 1,500-foot tall peak, or challenge yourself to hikes like the Gotham Mountain Trail. You can even rent canoes and kayaks to take out from Bar Harbor. Check it all out on your own or join a guided tour, like this 7-day Food, Brews, and Hiking tour of New England, to see the park’s highlights.
Find a great place to stay in Acadia National Park!
Glacier National Park, MT
Montana may be landlocked, but a visit to Glacier National Park is all about the water. Hike to pristine alpine lakes, drive past waterfalls, or take a white-water rafting trip down the Flathead River. The Grinnell Glacier stands as a looming challenge over the park, but its rewarding views are unbeatable—be sure to bring plenty of food and water if you do the 8-mile trail on your own. Then, give your legs a break when you drive down the 52-mile Going-to-the-Sun-Road, a scenic highlight reel of Glacier National Park’s diverse wildlife and incredible landscapes.
Find a great place to stay near Glacier National Park!
Yosemite National Park, CA
In Yosemite, steep granite cliffs tower above redwood trees and host tumbling waterfalls. Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan stand out as the park’s most recognized natural formations. Though so much wilderness makes Yosemite one of the best hiking vacations you can take, the park is also a hit among photographers. Follow in the footsteps of Ansel Adams on a Yosemite photography tour to find the park’s best angles. Plus, unlike many parks that are far from urban centers, Yosemite is easily visited on a day trip from San Francisco, Tahoe, or San Jose.
Update: Due to the recent wildfires, please refer to the National Park Services’ website for information about accessibility and permissibility in Yosemite.
Find a great place to stay in Yosemite!
Big Sur, CA
Rocky coastlines give way to crashing Pacific waves in Big Sur, a gem of a hiking destination along the California coast. Big Sur is easy enough to fit in during a California road trip—the area is right off Highway 1—but Big Sur’s incredible natural beauty merits its own visit. Take a hike through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or at the Point Sur State Historic Park for gorgeous views of mist-shrouded cliffs and waterfalls dropping straight into the ocean. If you don’t have your own car, consider visiting as part of a tour, like this Pacific Coast Highway day trip.
Find a great place to stay in Big Sur!
Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the best hiking vacations for their rolling hills and scenic trails. Hike up Mount LeConte to see the Smokies stretching endlessly into the horizon, or check out the popular Alum Cave Trail, which leads you past rushing rivers through fields of wildflowers. Though well-marked trails make it easy enough to explore on your own, go with a guide to make the most of every moment. Specialty tours include a Smoky Mountains Waterfall Adventure and a historic Smoky Mountain hike that highlights Cherokee and settler history in the area.
Find a great place to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Zion National Park, UT
Zion National Park is easily one of the most-recognized hiking destinations in the US, known for its mesmerizing red rocks smoothly carved out by water. Bring your A-game to the trails at The Narrows, aptly named for the tight squeezes needed to get through columns of river-bound rocks. Once through, you will be richly rewarded by a number of viewpoints around the park that will surely take your breath away. If you’re looking for extra adventure, try a rock climbing and canyoneering tour or combine a visit to Zion with other nearby parks on a multi-day guided tour of Utah.
Find a great place to stay in Zion National Park!
Blue Ridge, GA
The sleepy town of Blue Ridge is full of historic Southern charm. Ride down old train trestles on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, stroll through the quaint boutique-filled downtown, or bring the whole family for a day of outdoor fun at the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge or Long Creek Falls. Plus, because it’s nestled in the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town is an ideal home base for a mountain retreat.
Find a great place to stay in Blue Ridge!
Estes Park, CO
Estes Park is the quintessential Rocky Mountains vacation destination and aptly known as the Gateway to the Rockies. Between its homey downtown and easy access to some of the best hiking trips in Colorado, Estes Park is a top stop for serious backpackers and casual hikers alike. Experienced hikers can use Estes as a basecamp for longer ascents into the Rocky Mountains, while nature-lovers of all hiking abilities love the easy Adams Falls Trail and hike to Lily Lake. If you aren’t looking to attempt hikes on your own, a guided tour like the Discover Rocky Mountain National Park tour or a private wildlife safari offer good introductions to the area’s rich wildlife and scenery.
Find a great place to stay in Estes Park!
Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake may be small, but it packs in plenty of outdoor activities. This lakeside retreat in southern California is best known for its winter skiing, but also offers a number of hiking trails like Castle Rock Trail that are perfect for exploring in the summer. The area also features the popular Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which rehabs native animals and offers visitors a great chance to learn about local wildlife, including the lake’s namesake creatures.
Find a great place to stay in Big Bear Lake!
Columbia River Gorge, OR
In addition to being one of the best hiking destinations in the US, Columbia River Gorge is one of the most popular and scenic day trips from Portland. Take a half-day tour from Portland to the picture-ready Multnomah Falls—a wine-tasting and waterfalls tour is also an option—or spend the afternoon wandering down well-marked trails and taking scenic drives on your own. Dewy forest floors and wildflower-filled fields make Columbia River Gorge a hiker’s dream. Opt for a cabin in Hood River and you’ll be just a few miles away.
Find a great place to stay in Hood River, just minutes from the Columbia River Gorge!
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Clear glacial waters hemmed by towering snow-capped peaks make South Lake Tahoe a popular vacation destination. Though hiking Mt. Tallac Trail or to Lower Eagle Falls are good trekking options, the area is also well-known for its water sports and cultural activities. Take a cruise on Emerald Bay, book a parasailing adventure, or snag a kayak for a day paddling through blue waters. Then, hit up the town’s many restaurants, bars, and clubs for a fun end to a full day.
Find a great place to stay in South Lake Tahoe!
Kauai, HI
A whole island full of gorgeous scenery and exciting outdoor activities, Kauai makes for a paradisiacal hiking vacation. From the jagged ridges of Na Pali Coast State Park to the gulches of Waimea Canyon, hiking opportunities abound—and more. Rev your adrenaline with an off-road adventure, unwind on a sunset dinner cruise, or opt into one of the most popular helicopter tour destinations in the country. With a whole island of activities to choose from, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
Find a great place to stay in Kauai!
Jackson Hole, WY (Grand Teton National Park)
Jackson Hole is a skiing paradise in the winter, but has hikes to waterfalls, crater lakes, and woodland wonderlands during warmer months. From the family-friendly Cascade Canyon Trail to the heart-thumping Static Peak Divide, Grand Teton National Park is by far one of the best hiking vacations you can take. Pack in even more adventure by booking a Grand Teton safari for chances to see animals like elk, bears, and bison in the wild.
Find a great place to stay near Grand Teton National Park!
Jay, VT (Jay Peak)
A high-end ski resort turns summertime bucket-list destination in Jay, a cozy city with family-friendly amenities and plenty to keep kids entertained, including the popular Jay Peak Pump House. The town’s best hike is to its namesake summit, Jay Peak, a moderate 3-mile trail past wildflowers, boulders, and pastures.
Find a great place to stay in Jay!
Adirondacks, NY
The Adirondacks have great hiking, to be sure, but they offer a whole lot more: go white-water rafting, learn about conservation at the kid-friendly Wild Center, or make some waves on glassy Lake Placid. Be sure to get to Bald Mountain, too, for an easy hike for the whole family.
Find a great place to stay near the Adirondacks!
This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.
The post 15 Best Hiking Vacations In The USA (And Other Top-Notch Outdoor Activities) appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.
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We made it to the other side of the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge!
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View of the Toccoa River from the Swinging Bridge located on the Benton MacKaye trail. Taken on June 25, 2015. (at Morganton, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqdoyzXgyi7Hqm6CV4eX3USCav-3kW429J1etc0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=n40dssohgqtm
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#weekendvibes can carry you through the #humpday 🌲🌲🌲 (at Toccoa River Swinging Bridge on the BMT) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0lGSRFlanR/?igshid=1hbsj4hhqgdxf
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