20 Ways to Get Back to Nature on Your Next Road Trip
By: Heather Keys
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Road trips don’t have to mean endless hours of asphalt, gas station coffee, and chain restaurants at every exit. You can turn your next adventure into a nature-filled journey that feeds your soul and makes you feel whole again.
Whether you’re cruising cross-country in a sedan or taking the scenic route on a motorcycle, these ideas will help you trade screen time for green time and create memories that last way longer than your social media posts.
Choose Your Path Differently
Photo by Eelco Böhtlingk on Unsplash
1. Take the Scenic Route
Skip the interstate for mountain passes, coastal highways, and winding backroads that show off waterfalls, canyons, and forests. Yes, it takes longer, but that’s the point! Not sure where to start? Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pacific Coast Highway!
2. Follow Rivers and Coastlines
Water makes everything better. Plan routes that hug rivers, lakes, or ocean shores. You’ll have built-in stops for swimming, fishing, or simply sitting and watching the water flow by. Plus, riverside roads tend to be prettier and less crowded than major highways.
3. Hunt for National Scenic Byways
The National Scenic Byways program has already done the work of identifying the most beautiful drives in America. These routes prioritize natural beauty over speed and often include pull-offs designed for taking in the views.
4. Chase Seasons and Weather
Plan your route around nature’s calendar. Head north for fall foliage, south for wildflower blooms, or west for clear mountain air. Fall foliage prediction maps can help you time your trip perfectly.
Sleep Under the Stars
Photo by Jordi Chapman on Unsplash
5. Camp Instead of Hoteling
Swap sterile hotel rooms for campsites where you fall asleep to cricket symphonies and wake up to bird chatter. National Park camping puts you right in the heart of protected wilderness areas.
6. Try Dispersed Camping for Ultimate Solitude
Many national forests allow free camping in undeveloped areas. You get complete privacy, zero light pollution, and an escape from the buzzing of cars and people.
7. Book Cabins in State Parks
Enjoy the outdoor experience without sacrificing hot showers and comfortable beds. State park cabins often sit right on lakes or in forests, providing access to nature with basic amenities. Many RV parks also offer cabin rentals if you want more services and social opportunities.
8. Find Informal Campsites
Apps like iOverlander help you find safe, legal spots where you can camp – including established campgrounds, informal campsites, and much more.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Photo by Kelly Neil on Unsplash
9. Pick Your Own Food
Stop at farms offering u-pick experiences for strawberries, apples, or anything else that’s in season. You’ll eat amazing fruits and veggies, and support local farming.
10. Visit Working Farms and Ranches
Agritourism destinations let you experience rural life without committing to living it. Help with harvest, learn about sustainable farming, and maybe even pet some goats. Your Instagram followers will be jealous.
11. Volunteer for Conservation Projects
Join trail maintenance, beach cleanups, or wildlife habitat restoration projects along your route. Read our guide to ethical volunteer programs around the world, and how to choose one that fits your interests and skills, and benefits the community they serve!
12. Learn Traditional Skills
Look for workshops on foraging, primitive camping, orienteering, or traditional crafts. Many state parks and nature centers have programs where you can learn to identify edible plants, build fires without matches, or even create art from natural materials.
Seek Out Water
Photo by Samantha Deleo on Unsplash
13. Swim in Natural Bodies of Water
Trade chlorinated hotel pools for mountain lakes, swimming holes, and ocean waves. The water might be colder, but it’s so much more refreshing! Check water quality reports before diving into unfamiliar lakes or rivers – you don’t want to swim where it’s not safe.
14. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking
Many lakeside towns have rentals by the hour. You don’t need experience or your own equipment, but you should be prepared to fall off the paddleboard a couple of times while you get the hang of it!
15. Fish From New Waters
Get a short-term fishing license and try your luck in different lakes and rivers. Even if you don’t catch anything, it’s a meditative experience casting lines in new places.
16. Follow Waterfalls
Plan stops around waterfalls – apps like AllTrails help you find all kinds of hikes appropriate for your fitness level and how much time you have. Stop for a quick lunch hike, or go for a more intense trek – either way, the payoff is amazing.
Slow Down and Observe
Photo by Dieny Portinanni on Unsplash
17. Pack Binoculars
Wildlife watching can transform boring highway stretches into more of an adventure. You might spot eagles, deer, or bears if you’re paying attention! eBird can help you identify what you’re likely to see in different regions.
18. Plan Your Route Around Dark Sky Areas
Dark Sky International identifies places with minimal light pollution where you can truly see the stars. Plan overnight stops in these areas and stay up late enough to see the Milky Way!
19. Document Nature
Take photos of landscapes, plants, and animals in addition to your selfies and group photos. Challenge yourself to capture the beauty you’re seeing in ways that help you remember the experience – check out our quick guide for amateur photographers for tips on getting a great shot!
20. Sit Still Somewhere Beautiful and Meditate
Find a spot with a view – mountaintop, lakeside, ocean overlook – and sit for thirty minutes without doing anything else. No phone, no conversation, no agenda…just you and whatever nature puts on display. It can be a profoundly moving experience or a quick pick-me-up – either way, you’ll feel refreshed!
Featured image by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash
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