Some people want to go on extreme adventures in other states, countries, or even continents before realizing what they have in their backyard.

As I begin to plan my first trip outside of the country, I've realized that I need to tackle more of my local adventures. I think some people (myself included) look over these secret gems because we drive by the trailheads everyday on our way to work. We treat them as just boring places that aren't attractive for our time. That is where we make our mistake. By putting this negative connotation on these adventures, we miss out on the beauty in our backyard.

I came up with a few reasons why the local adventure is important.

1. Create an appreciation for your community

Depending on where you live, most of your local outdoor areas are going to be maintained by volunteers or by a recreational department. These people take the time to clean up trails, landscape, fix equipment, and other tedious tasks just to make the area look pristine. The community does the dirty work for our enjoyment and the least we can do is appreciate it and use it!

Learning about how these areas shaped the development of your town/city will also let you gain intrinsic value for where you live. Living in Dahlonega-the first site of the U.S. Gold Rush has given me a sense of pride to live here. Plus with the AT trail-head 20 minutes away gets me excited just thinking about it!

2. Fine-tune your outdoor skills

Every time you start to research gear, the "expert" always tells you to test it out first before your main trek. Well that is where your local adventure can help you! Starting your 10-day backpacking trip without trying your new water filter system probably wouldn't be too smart. Yes, you can just do it in your sink, but how about go to your local park that has a creek running through it and testing it out there! That way you can at least have some realistic expereince to go off of.

Also being local gives you a sense of security. Being a few miles from the house lets you be willing to take more risks and pushing what you know to its limits. Go to that local campsite and test out your new cooking system. Practice making a fire with one match and using the resources you would normally bring. If anything break in your new hiking shoes while going on the local sunset hike.

3. Build a sense of accomplishment

We all love feeling accomplished of something. Shoot, this website is all about accomplishments with all the exciting adventures you can do! Once you start knocking out your local adventures, your resume will seem pretty stacked. Yea you might not have the AT or the PCT on it just yet, but you can go into the larger adventures with the experienced gained from what is down the road.

A final note.

Depending on where you live, adventuring in the outdoors is a dying thought. Cities are destroying beautiful landscapes to make room for industries and growth. If we pass by these local adventures, exploring might be a trend of the past. So what do we need to do? Brag about what you have! Let the whole world know about kayaking with your dog down the river. Tell your neighbor that you are going to the trail-head up the road. Create a outdoor group for your city to explore the parks around town. We can be the catalyst for change!

Don't forget about what is in your backyard. Take advantage of it.

Cover Photo: Mount Yonah, just 30 minutes away.