A Camping Adventure in the Appalachians
When you think of a camping adventure in the US, you immediately imagine dusty deserts, speckled with giant cacti. But the country is more than the dry wilderness of the wild west. There are parts of it that look positively European. If you know Michael and I, you know that we always love a good forest to trek through
The Appalachians, for instance, is a chain of mountains that runs through many of the East coast states, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas. These hills have become famous primarily because of their proximity to where the vast majority of Americans live. The Rockies might be epic, but they’re thousands of miles away from major population hubs, like Philly and New York. And so most people stick with the local landscapes - what they know and love.
The Appalachians are set up for tourists in every way you can imagine. First and foremost, the landscape itself is epic yet accessible. You don’t need special gear to climb the majority of the peaks as you do for the Rockies. Going for a hike here feels very much like taking a trek through the wilds of Scotland. You get your nature fix, but you never feel like your life is in danger as you can in the West.
Then there are all of the amenities and public services that pepper the region. Here you can find practically everything you could want from a camping trip, including restaurants, marked trails, outlets offering camper sales, places to buy gear, and lots of toilets. It’s totally accessible and easy to get around!
Straddling the range is the 2,800-mile Appalachian Trail. This epic route runs from Georgia in the south to the northern extremes of Maine, where the foothills reach their limits. This is the East Coast’s version of the Pacific Crest Trail. If you decide to hike or bike the course with your gear, you’ll come across a mix of B&Bs, hotels, and lodge accommodation (ideal if you want to spend a night indoors). You’ll also see some of the most stunning scenery the country has to offer, including rolling farm fields and lush forests. The area provides a unique idea for a romantic escape.
Part of the trail runs through a beautiful area called the “Berkshires.” As you explore, you’ll eventually come across the Purple Valley and a ton of cultural amenities.
If you’re the sort of person who likes a challenge of climbing high peaks, then you’ll want to head a little further north. For those who make it as far as Massachusetts, you might want to attempt to scale Mount Greylock, the state’s tallest mountain.
For people who’ve never been to America before, trekking and camping in the New England area is a solid opportunity to experience a bit of the country close to the extremely popular population hubs. There’s a lot to see in a relatively small space between the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, Boston, Washington D.C. or the like, consider adding on some time experiencing the country of the Appalachians!
Where possible, stick within the bounds of the national parks. Here, you have the freedom to roam practically wherever you like, and there are always amenities for you nearby. If you’re at the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, be sure to visit the Acadia National Park, home to the White Mountains. Once you’re done, head down to Boston and check out this fascinating, European-style American city before heading home.
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Let’s get this out of the way first: yes, Walla Walla is fun to say. Yes, it’s famous for its onions. And yes, we did eat our body weight in cherries, foraged mushroom soup, and smoothies during our time there. But if all you know about Walla Walla are the vegetables it produces, then you’re missing out on one of the most unexpectedly charming towns in the Pacific Northwest.
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