Graham Averill is聽翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥s National Parks columnist, as well as a gear columnist for the magazine, spending most of his time writing about travel and the equipment he uses while traveling.
He grew up in the South before bouncing around the West where he studied at the University of Colorado and fell in love with skiing, surfing, and mountain biking. Eventually he and his wife settled down in the Southern Appalachians because it鈥檚 the only place in America where you can get boiled peanuts from a roadside stand.
He鈥檚 contributed to a wide range of magazines, from Bike聽mag to聽AARP, and he really likes to write stories about pushing his own limits. Also, he jumps at the opportunity to write about his truck.
Published
Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be overrun, but that鈥檚 only because it鈥檚 wildly awesome. Here鈥檚 why a trip to GSMNP should still be on your bucket list.
Honda鈥檚 new mid-sized SUV is built for weekend warriors with off-road aspirations
These tiny hamlets, with less than 6,000 locals, provide the perfect blend of quaint vibes and outdoor fun
The Pisteworks 79 is a pure carving ski for people who can鈥檛 carve purely
Enjoy the country鈥檚 most iconic scenery from the comfort of your own car with our guide to the eight most unforgettable national park drives
Modern life is filled with noise. These peaceful parks are very, very quiet.
It isn鈥檛 impossible to find lodging around our nation鈥檚 most-visited national park. But these spots are extra cool鈥攆rom secluded cabins and riverside retreats, to a treehouse and beyond.
One GoPro is the easiest to use, and the other is the most versatile ever. Here鈥檚 the one we think you should buy.
From exploring Arizona's canyons to surfing California'a beaches and hiking Utah's buttes, our national parks columnist shares his dream Southwest road-trip itineraries. Just gas up your rig, grab the sunscreen, and go.
I found big adventure and warm weather in these national-park units spread across the Southeast and Southwest
Most national parks have an entry fee, but not these. And they鈥檙e all awesome places to visit.
Timed-entry reservations are back. Our national parks columnist reveals how to get into these popular parks.
Experience two of SoCal's stunning desert landscapes鈥攖he low Colorado to the east, and the mountainous Mojave to the west鈥攚ith these gorgeous treks, ranging from 1 to 37 miles
鈥淭he trees aren鈥檛 as big as everyone says鈥 and 鈥淚've seen better in video games.鈥 Our national-parks columnist rounded up some scathing reviews of America's Best Idea.
The place has it all. Points for trying to guess, but you may never have heard of the name.
鈥淪een better鈥: Not every visitor is impressed with one of the world鈥檚 seven natural wonders, it turns out
Fleece is fine, but sweaters add sophistication to cold adventures and date night alike
Hear me out: I love the outdoors, and that includes playing golf. These courses are on the leading edge of sustainability and close to adventure.
Our national parks columnist reveals his all-time favorite treks in Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef for both beginner and advanced adventurers
When Hurricane Helene hit, my family was forced to use our camping gear to survive weeks without power or water. Here's what worked.
Surrounded by more famous destinations, this area is often overlooked. Yet it is one of the wildest and most beautiful units in the national-park system.
Our national-parks columnist, a 20-year resident of Asheville, was there when Hurricane Helene's floods wiped out entire towns in western North Carolina. Nobody expected a storm like this.
These five pieces got our gear columnist through a week of surviving off the bare minimum in the backcountry
Shelter from the sun is essential to enjoying yourself at the beach. This beach shade is our favorite that we鈥檝e ever tested.
Catch the colors and miss the crowds at these often-overlooked autumn destinations. Our parks columnists reveals where leaf peepers can see fall鈥檚 best shows.
The Frying Pan Tower is 32 miles offshore, way the heck up in the air, and the coolest vacation rental on earth
Some of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear are on sale right now at REI
Our gear columnist refuses to wear anything but swim shorts in the warmer months. Is he just lazy, or is he on to something?
Our National Parks columnist, who lives in Asheville, North Carolina, shares his favorite southern towns for outdoor access, wilderness, and scenery. Who says the West is best?
Trust us: the puppies, kittens llamas, and pigs are worth the trip
This gear will guarantee a good night鈥檚 rest every time you sleep in your vehicle
A lifetime cyclist, our columnist pulled the data and weighed other factors to determine the most bike-friendly small towns across America
Our columnist has spent over 20 years in lineups across the country and says these coastal towns offer good waves, food, and vibes鈥攁nd embody surf culture
The SaunaBox doesn鈥檛 look as cute as the cedar barrel saunas on Instagram, but it does its job just as well
From now until 11:59 pm PST on July 17, you can score some amazing deals on outdoor gear during Amazon鈥檚 biggest sale event of the year, Prime Day
The Mountain State has it all: rivers, 36 state parks, nine state forests, our newest national park, and a nearly million-acre national forest. Our travel expert reveals his favorite ways to get outside here.
Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner鈥攈ere are some of our favorite early deals on gear before the real thing
Decked鈥檚 new drawer system is like performance-enhancing drugs for organization
Our gear columnist was never a fan of wind jackets until he tried this one
Spectacular mountains and deep fjords, powder-blue lakes and sea stacks: here鈥檚 your bucket list of national parks to visit up north
This beautiful 469-mile route connects Great Smoky Mountain and Shenandoah National Parks. Our local writer knows just where to stop for hikes, camping, and the best views.
I like the mountains, not boats, which make me sick. Then came a chance to see the beautiful landscapes of California鈥檚 Channel Island National Park.
Even though I don鈥檛 drive a Tacoma, that doesn鈥檛 mean I don鈥檛 deserve the sweetest new gear for my F-150
You have until the end of the day on Memorial Day to pick up some sweet steals from REI
We love national parks, but they can get packed. These national monuments have the same spectacular landscapes, hikes, and adventures, without the crowds.
From western landscapes to the Blue Ridge Parkway, our national park expert maps out five beautiful road trips鈥攁ll doable in a week
Every great adventure needs a staging area. Here they are, from simple and affordable to dreamy and luxe, in unbelievable locations, with endless terrain to explore and a warm bed to return to at night.
Our parks expert found the coolest small towns to stay in next door to U.S. national parks. You鈥檙e welcome.
An impulse Amazon purchase turned into a daily essential
From miles of trails to acres of public land, the explorable and beautiful terrain in these states stand out above the rest.
According to new NPS data, visitation is up at the country鈥檚 most popular national parks. But at these under-the-radar gems, the scenery is equally spectacular and you鈥檒l have plenty of room to explore.
Tropical atolls, distant hikes and hot springs, and wild jungles and mountaintops lure adventurous travelers to these beautiful far flung spots
Let your children wheel across the remote Utah desert, trek to a jungle treehouse in Thailand, and pitch a tent aboard a ferry to Alaska. These one-of-a-kind wild experiences鈥攌id-tested, parent-approved鈥攚ill have everyone stoked to travel.
On April 8, the nation will experience a dramatic total eclipse. If you want fun ways to see it, check out our recommendations, from skiing to hiking to paddling.
Train travel is back and better than ever, with upgrades and expanded service hitting iconic destinations across North America. Sit back, look out the window, and wake up to new sights and adventures.
Ditch the crowds as you hike, camp, and revel in the most stunning backcountry landscapes in the U.S. They don't call one circuit Wonderland for nothing.
This new truck topper from WildTop is cheaper than a traditional hard shell, but just as strong
There was nothing to do, I didn鈥檛 see a bear, and that snake harassed me
Both racks promise ultimate bike-carry versatility, but do they deliver? I spent months testing both to find out.
As people get called back to the office in cities, now might be a good time to chase the mountain-living dream, especially in these lesser-known areas
Time is of the essence if you're looking to score a camping reservation for summer. Here are the most coveted national park campgrounds and how to reserve sites there.
Is that $39 roundtrip ticket to Denver worth it? Our travel expert weighs in鈥攁nd uncovers the best deals and destinations to travel to.
With charging stations increasing and battery life improving all the time, the Great American Road Trip is more EV-friendly than ever. These are the most beautiful trips.
Dangling from a cliff, ghosts roaming the halls, and a bedroom 1,300 feet underground: Are you brave enough to spend the night at these hotels?
A searching mother, a headless gunslinger, a mysterious light to show you the way: these national parks are home to hair-raising tales
The Swag, a beloved southern hideaway, borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cozy up in down-home cabins, hike to balds with views across Appalachia, and explore the least-crowded corners of the park.
This little burg hits the sweet spot where high adventure meets a low cost of living
These great towns are in the middle of glorious mountains with spectacular leaf-peeping, mega views, and fun things to do...and eat...and drink
SylvanSport鈥檚 TrailLoft is a budget-friendly option for serious car campers or folks that want to start overlanding
Our national forests are brilliant, underappreciated, and uncrowded compared to most national parks. Here鈥檚 the intel on where to hike in these stunning landscapes.
From a severed hand in Yosemite to missing honeymooners in the Grand Canyon, our national parks are home to some curious and strange tales
Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record, but the country鈥檚 beautiful national park system has mostly escaped them
The Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins, with 16 sweet A-frames, is an ideal base camp for exploring greater Asheville
Studies suggest that water at many U.S. beaches is full of feces and too dirty for safe swimming. Plus, how to know if your beach is safe.
Some of the wildest, best beaches in the country can be found in our national parks system. These are the most spectacular.
Testing a tent, chair, table, and more from Moosejaw鈥檚 new beginner friendly collection
The beautiful scenery in popular TV series like 鈥榊ellowstone鈥 and 鈥楾he White Lotus鈥 has sparked a tourism trend. Here are our five favorite locations to travel to and fun adventures nearby.
The Polaris Xpedition UTV has a fully enclosed cab and is built to carry a rooftop tent far into the backcountry. But who will actually buy one?
North America will have prime viewing when the moon (mostly) obscures the sun on October 14. These are the best places to see the magical ring of fire.