Memorial Day Weekend is one day away and if you’re like me and have no idea what to do or where to go, here are 7 suggestions based on region… Here we go.
Northeast: Ski “The Beast”
Killington aka “The Beast” is closed today but reopens tomorrow for Memorial Day Weekend. Grab some straight skis, a one-piece, and a cooler and drive north because it’s still going down in VT. So give thanks to all the veterans by exercising your freedom to slam moguls, throw daffy-spread combos, and drink American beer—all weekend.
Mid Atlantic: Head to “Moab East”
Referred to by mountain bikers as “Moab East,” Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland offers 25 miles of stellar single track without the crowds of Moab. Being only 30 minutes from Baltimore and an hour from Washington D.C., Patapsco is a great option for a day trip. So get up and get on the trail before partying in the nation’s capital for the remainder of the weekend. Check out “Morning Choice” trail in the morning before stepping up to “Ridge Trail” in the afternoon.
Southeast: Climb the Red River Gorge
If you live in the Southeast and you have an itch to get outdoors this Memorial Day, look no further than the Red River Gorge. Pack the essentials and either camp at Natural Bridge Campground or spend the night at Miguel’s Pizza, which is a famous melting pot for climbers from across the country. Note: Miguel’s Pizza is some of the best in the country.
Midwest: Get on Some Water
Image from oddstuffmagazine.com
Since, the water is still ice cold in the Great Lakes, head down to the Ozark National Scenic River Ways in Arkansas. The majority of the water is crystal clear and spring fed, allowing for unbelievable canoeing, boating, and fishing on the Current and Jack’s Fork Rivers.
Rocky Mountain Region: Hit the Beach
Known as “The Beach,” the main parking lot at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area provides a party atmosphere even when the weather isn’t cooperating, which looks to be the case this weekend. So instead of crying over spilt milk, get your ass back to the mountains and enjoy some more snowfall at “The Basin” this weekend. In the end you can either fight the weather or enjoy the weather. Do the latter.
The Southwest: I’m Going to Texas…
Image from bigbendfarflung.com
Big Bend National Park sits on the western edge of Texas and is one of the most beautiful and underrated National Parks in the country. Not only that but “The Bend” has experienced one of its most precipitous springs in its history and the landscape is alive with wildflowers and wildlife. Whether trail running, mountain biking, or camping, Big Bend is not your typical National Park experience. Check it out.
The Pacific Northwest: Redwoods Brah…
Image from wikipedia.org
I’m going to combine a little California and a little Upper-left U.S.A. by recommending a visit to The Redwood National and State Parks in California. Namely, the “Tall Trees Grove,” which is one of the best hike-to-camp experiences in the country, delivers an unforgettable experience. Located in northern part of Humboldt County, George Lucas filmed scenes in the “Tall Trees Grove” as the setting for the forest moon of Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (think Ewoks). After obtaining a backcountry permit, camp anywhere along Redwood Creek, which is also home to some amazing trout fishing underneath some of the biggest trees in the world.
