Weogufka State Forest in central Alabama is home to Flagg Mountain, the southernmost peak over 1000’ in the Blue Ridge Outliers of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s home to the southern terminus of the state’s longest trail, The Pinhoti, and a cabin complex and beautiful stone fire lookout tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Tucked between the its namesake creek and the hills of south Redlands, the 200-acre San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary offers open space and trails for humans and reliable water for local and migratory wildlife.

Herngt ‘Aki,’ which means ‘Rattlesnake House,’ is an expansive 341 acres of hilly grassland goodness in Live Oak Canyon between Redlands and Calimesa in the East Valley of San Bernardino County.

The only water-based park administered by Maricopa County is also its most popular – at Lake Pleasant Regional Park northwest of Phoenix, you can fish, water ski, even scuba dive in addition to hiking, camping, and stargazing in the park’s almost 25,000 acres!

A short drive to east of Fremont brings you to the almost 7,000 acre Sunol Regional Wilderness, which offers amazing bird-watching opportunities, access to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, amazing views of the Bay Area, and a fantastic backcountry experience less than an hour away from the sprawling East Bay metropolitan area.

Comprising more than a third of a million acres, including some of the wildest and most remote areas of the state, the Conejos Peak District of the Rio Grande National Forest in south-central Colorado offers amazing recreation opportunities for everyone, no matter what time of year!

Michelle ‘SuperClassy’ Markel plans to walk 56+ miles in three days to benefit Redlands Conservancy and Support Public Lands.

COMMENT by DECEMBER 30!

If you’re going to #OptOutside on Friday, why not go all in and commit to #BuyNothingDay