If you’re feeling the need to walk off some of yesterday’s calories, head out to a local park, refuge, trail or recreation area for some fresh air and exercise. One of our favorite places to #OptOutside is Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park. Running 184 miles from West Virginia through Maryland and into Washington, D.C., the towpath and trails of the C&O Canal offer great opportunities to discover historical and natural treasures. From the popular trails around Great Falls to the quiet splendor of the upper sections, it’s a place we’re thankful for. Photo by Patty Ballay (www.sharetheexperience.org).

About 30 minutes from Palm Springs, California, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument rises abruptly from the desert floor and reaches an elevation of 10,834 feet. Providing a picturesque backdrop to local communities, visitors can enjoy magnificent palm oases, snow-capped mountains, a national scenic trail and wilderness areas. It’s the perfect place to #OptOutside this weekend! Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands

Happy Thanksgiving! On this day of gratitude, we’re so thankful for America’s special places, like Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. From one coast to another, our nation is full of incredible parks and public lands to explore with family and friends. Sunrise photo courtesy of Douglas Croft.

You don’t have to travel far and wide to experience the beauty of the world – sometimes it can be found not far from home. Located only 60 miles away from the hustle and bustle of New York City is the endless coastline of #FireIsland National Seashore. Containing New York state’s only wilderness area, Fire Island has much to offer including an 150+ year old lighthouse, a shipwreck from 1922 and almost 20,000 protected acres of marine and terrestrial habitat. Photo courtesy of Ian Barin.

Running 184 miles from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers as much adventure as you can handle. Hiking and biking on the towpath is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. With so much history and nature to experience, you should #OptOutside this week to enjoy the fall colors. Photo by Kathi Isserman (www.sharetheexperience.org).

There’s something else in Cleveland that rocks – Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. It’s a quick drive from both Cleveland and Akron, so there’s no excuse not to #OptOutside this Thanksgiving weekend. Take a hike, ride the scenic railroad or bike the towpath trail. Blue Hen Falls is a popular destination, too. It’s an easy hike, so feel free to bring the family. Photo by Bob Trinnes (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Check out more amazing public lands near major cities: http://on.doi.gov/1MNd9Cv.

It’s Thanksgiving week and for many of us, that means spending time with our family. Sometimes you’re happy, sometimes it’s awkward. If you’re ever deep in a food coma and your family starts to show the personalities of a group of burrowing owls, it’s time to #OptOutside. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is just outside of Denver, Colorado, and is a great excuse to get out of the house and enjoy someone else’s family drama. Photo by Rich Keen, DPRA.

Check out more amazing public lands near major cities: http://on.doi.gov/1MNd9Cv.

Looking for a place to get away this Thanksgiving weekend?

After a few days of visiting friends in the concrete jungle of New York City, you might need a breath of fresh air. #OptOutside for Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Along the two main trails, you can see a wide variety of wildlife in the air, on the land and in the water. Ospreys and diamondback turtles are some of the most visible residents. Photo by Micael Fano (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Check out more amazing public lands near major cities: http://on.doi.gov/1MNd9Cv.