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Today's Outdoors Pulse

Travelers Flock to Hidden Nature Gems, Study Finds

Travel researchers report that 58% of British travellers now prioritize lesser‑known destinations. Google searches for “hidden gem travel” surged 5,095% in the past year, underscoring strong demand. Luxury‑travel firm Bailey Robinson compiled a Hidden Nature Gem Score, highlighting the Philippines’ Hidden Lagoon and Canada’s top hidden sites.

Review: Sea-to-Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Pad
NewsMar 19, 2026

Review: Sea-to-Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Pad

The Sea‑to‑Summit Ultralight XR Insulated sleeping pad weighs just 14.6 oz while delivering an R‑value of 3.6, making it suitable for three‑season backpacking. Its proprietary Air Sprung Cells create a stable, mattress‑like feel that outperforms traditional tube‑style inflatables. The pad folds...

By SectionHiker
What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — March 21, 2026
NewsMar 19, 2026

What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — March 21, 2026

The weekend’s ultrarunning calendar highlights four marquee events: the 32nd Chuckanut 50k in Washington, drawing over 600 elite runners for a 10 k trail start followed by 30 k of rugged mountain terrain and 5,000 ft of vertical gain; Ohio’s Backyard Ultra in Lucasville,...

By UltraRunning Magazine
This State Park Has the Bluest Water in Maryland—How to Visit
NewsMar 19, 2026

This State Park Has the Bluest Water in Maryland—How to Visit

Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County, Maryland, boasts the state’s bluest water at 243‑acre Lake Habeeb and over 3,000 acres of cliffs, hemlock forests, and recreational trails. The park serves as a hub for the 150‑mile Great Allegheny Passage,...

By Travel + Leisure
FBI Joins Search for Missing Retired Air Force General in New Mexico
NewsMar 19, 2026

FBI Joins Search for Missing Retired Air Force General in New Mexico

Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland disappeared from his Albuquerque home on Feb. 27, prompting a Silver Alert and a joint FBI‑Bernalillo County search. Investigators have found no sign of foul play after weeks of drones, helicopters, K‑9 teams and community volunteers...

By Pulse
Illinois' Starved Rock State Park Is Getting A Big Upgrade In 2026
NewsMar 19, 2026

Illinois' Starved Rock State Park Is Getting A Big Upgrade In 2026

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced an $18 million investment to overhaul Starved Rock State Park’s trail network, with work slated to run through most of 2026. The renovation marks the first major trail upgrades in three decades, addressing eroded...

By Islands
Europe’s $464 Billion Adventure Travel Market Isn’t One Market at All
NewsMar 19, 2026

Europe’s $464 Billion Adventure Travel Market Isn’t One Market at All

Europe’s adventure‑travel market is valued at $464 billion, with 73 % of outbound travelers open to adventure. The ATTA report shows that national preferences differ sharply: Germany balances nature and social motives, the Netherlands prioritises active exploration, France and Spain focus on...

By Adventure Travel News (ATTA)
Psycho Slab in Peru Goes Below Sea Level and Runs 650 Feet (Video)
NewsMar 18, 2026

Psycho Slab in Peru Goes Below Sea Level and Runs 650 Feet (Video)

The article spotlights La Punta, a newly recognized surf break in Lobitos, Peru, delivering a slab wave that runs up to 200 meters (650 feet) below sea level, reminiscent of Namibia’s famed Skeleton Bay. Its ultra‑consistent left‑hand point break offers long, hollow...

By Surfer
A Rugged Texas Ranch Is Transforming Into Its Newest State Park With Riverfront Hiking Trails
NewsMar 18, 2026

A Rugged Texas Ranch Is Transforming Into Its Newest State Park With Riverfront Hiking Trails

Texas Parks and Wildlife has acquired the 3,118‑acre former Vann family ranch, designating it as Post Oak Ridge State Park, the state’s newest public recreation area. Construction began in March 2026 with plans for up to 15 miles of hiking...

By Islands
This 150-Year-Old Train Route Is the Best Way to Get to Scotland—With Cozy Cabins and Stunning Scottish Highlands Views
NewsMar 18, 2026

This 150-Year-Old Train Route Is the Best Way to Get to Scotland—With Cozy Cabins and Stunning Scottish Highlands Views

The Caledonian Sleeper, a heritage rail service operating since 1873, offers nightly journeys between London and Scotland’s major cities. Travelers can choose from standard seats, private cabins, or premium en‑suite suites, while enjoying regional Scottish dishes in the lounge car....

By Travel + Leisure
Hidden In The Southern California Mountains Are Granite Slot Canyons That Feel Like Zion National Park
NewsMar 18, 2026

Hidden In The Southern California Mountains Are Granite Slot Canyons That Feel Like Zion National Park

The San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California boast a network of granite slot canyons that rival Utah’s Zion National Park, offering a natural training ground for canyoneers of all skill levels. Designated a national monument in 2014, the 70‑mile range...

By Islands
The 31-Pitch 1970s Yosemite Route Opened by Canadians
NewsMar 18, 2026

The 31-Pitch 1970s Yosemite Route Opened by Canadians

In 1972 Canadian climbers Hugh Burton and Steve Sutton completed the first ascent of Magic Mushroom, a 31‑pitch, Grade VI 5.10 A4 route on El Capitan. After a storm‑forced retreat the previous year, they returned equipped with a pioneering nylon wall...

By Gripped
Albee Layer Surfs What Might Be Maui’s Most Dangerous Slab
NewsMar 18, 2026

Albee Layer Surfs What Might Be Maui’s Most Dangerous Slab

Albee Layer, a renowned big‑wave surfer, recently rode one of Maui’s most treacherous slab waves, captured in a viral Tucker Wooding video. The steep, hollow face—often deemed unsurfable—draws a niche group of elite surfers including Steve Roberson, Ramon Rode and...

By The Inertia
These Are the 4 Places in the World Where You Can Swim With Humpback Whales
NewsMar 18, 2026

These Are the 4 Places in the World Where You Can Swim With Humpback Whales

Swimming alongside humpback whales is a rare, regulated experience offered at only four locations worldwide. The sites—Vava’u in Tonga, Mo’orea and Rurutu in French Polynesia, Ningaloo Reef in Australia, and the Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic—each have distinct seasonal...

By Travel + Leisure
This Clever Travel Hack Lets You Enjoy the Netherlands’ Iconic Tulip Fields Without the Crowds Each Spring
NewsMar 18, 2026

This Clever Travel Hack Lets You Enjoy the Netherlands’ Iconic Tulip Fields Without the Crowds Each Spring

Each spring the Netherlands’ tulip season draws massive crowds to flagship sites like Keukenhof. A lesser‑known alternative is the delta island of Goeree‑Overflakkee, where €82 million worth of bulbs are cultivated and the fields remain largely uncrowded. Visitors can reach the...

By Travel + Leisure
Kids on Dirt Bikes Are ‘Destroying Progress,’ Delaying the Opening of Santa Clarita’s New Bike Park
NewsMar 18, 2026

Kids on Dirt Bikes Are ‘Destroying Progress,’ Delaying the Opening of Santa Clarita’s New Bike Park

Santa Clarita is investing $7.4 million to build the 16‑mile Haskell Canyon Bike Park, slated to host cross‑country, downhill and multi‑use trails. Unauthorized riders on gas‑powered dirt bikes and electric Sur‑Rons are damaging the freshly shaped trails, forcing the city to...

By Singletracks
Texas Just Opened Its First New State Park in 25 Years—And It's Less Than 2 Hours From Dallas
NewsMar 18, 2026

Texas Just Opened Its First New State Park in 25 Years—And It's Less Than 2 Hours From Dallas

On March 1, Texas opened Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, the first new state park in North Texas in more than 25 years. The 4,871‑acre park, located near Strawn and less than two hours from Dallas, centers on Tucker Lake and offers 16 miles...

By Travel + Leisure
Stab Podcast: Oscar Berry On Making The CT And A Van Heist In Newcastle
NewsMar 18, 2026

Stab Podcast: Oscar Berry On Making The CT And A Van Heist In Newcastle

Oscar Berry, a rookie from Yamba now based on the Gold Coast, secured his first Championship Tour (CT) spot after finishing eighth in the World Surf League Challenger Series with 20,710 points. In a Stab Podcast interview, he discussed his...

By Stab Magazine
Planning a Kid-Friendly Trip Filled With Laughter and Entertainment
BlogMar 18, 2026

Planning a Kid-Friendly Trip Filled With Laughter and Entertainment

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is positioned as a premier family‑friendly destination, offering a mix of live comedy shows, amusement rides, and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains. The article outlines how interactive attractions and flexible itineraries keep children engaged while...

By Teach Mama
The World's Longest Coastal Path Will Open in Northeast England This Summer
NewsMar 18, 2026

The World's Longest Coastal Path Will Open in Northeast England This Summer

The King Charles III England Coast Path, the world’s longest managed coastal trail, is slated to open to the public in summer 2026 after more than 15 years of planning and construction. Spanning eight distinct sections, the route runs from the Scottish border along...

By Condé Nast Traveler
Retired Air Force General Missing Since Feb. 27 Triggers Silver Alert, FBI Search in Albuquerque
NewsMar 18, 2026

Retired Air Force General Missing Since Feb. 27 Triggers Silver Alert, FBI Search in Albuquerque

Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland disappeared from his Albuquerque home on Feb. 27, leading Bernalillo County to issue a Silver Alert and the FBI to join the hunt. Authorities have deployed drones, helicopters, K‑9 teams and volunteers across rugged canyon terrain,...

By Pulse
Skier Front Flips Off of One of Whistler's Most Feared Lines
NewsMar 18, 2026

Skier Front Flips Off of One of Whistler's Most Feared Lines

Tahoe‑born skier Isaac Kaufman landed a front flip on Whistler Blackcomb’s famed Air Jordan cliff. The maneuver, captured in crystal‑clear GoPro POV, follows his earlier front flip at Palisades Tahoe and a backflip that won Powder’s “Best Trick of the...

By Powder
Take a Tour of Harry Styles’ Hometown, Including the Spot He Took Then-Girlfriend Taylor Swift
NewsMar 18, 2026

Take a Tour of Harry Styles’ Hometown, Including the Spot He Took Then-Girlfriend Taylor Swift

Harry Styles’ hometown of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, has become a pilgrimage site for fans, especially as his sold‑out "Together, Together" world tour fuels interest in the village’s celebrity‑linked landmarks. The Holmes Chapel Partnership now offers a free 2.5‑hour walking tour...

By Travel + Leisure
This Is the Best Night Market in the World, According to a New Study—And It’s the World’s Largest With 15,000+...
NewsMar 18, 2026

This Is the Best Night Market in the World, According to a New Study—And It’s the World’s Largest With 15,000+...

Travelbag’s latest study ranks Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market as the world’s best night market, highlighting its 15,000+ stalls and massive online interest. The market logged 368,000 monthly searches and over 14,600 TikTok posts, underscoring its global appeal. Close competitors include...

By Travel + Leisure
‘I Was Hooked.’ This Volunteer-Led Program Has Introduced 100,000 New Duck Hunters Across North America
NewsMar 18, 2026

‘I Was Hooked.’ This Volunteer-Led Program Has Introduced 100,000 New Duck Hunters Across North America

Delta Waterfowl’s First Hunt program has now introduced 100,000 newcomers to duck hunting across the United States and Canada. The volunteer‑driven initiative relies on a network of nearly 400 local chapters that teach basics, promote conservation, and raise funds, exemplified...

By Outdoor Life
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Making Adjustments To Prepare For Lower Water Levels
NewsMar 18, 2026

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Making Adjustments To Prepare For Lower Water Levels

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is proactively adjusting lake‑front facilities to cope with forecasted lower water levels at Lake Powell for the 2026 summer season. The Bureau of Reclamation projects the April‑July unregulated inflow at only 57 % of average, prompting...

By National Parks Traveler
Walking Kumamoto
BlogMar 18, 2026

Walking Kumamoto

The author spent five days walking ten‑mile sections from downtown Kumamoto toward Minamata, returning each night to a Dormy Inn thanks to Japan’s punctual rail system. Kumamoto, a mid‑size city, provides the full range of tourist amenities without the crowds...

By Chris Arnade Walks the World
Adventure Travel Evolved From ‘Granola-Crunchy Ecotourism’ to an Experiential Market
NewsMar 18, 2026

Adventure Travel Evolved From ‘Granola-Crunchy Ecotourism’ to an Experiential Market

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) traces the sector’s evolution from a small, niche market in 1990 to a mainstream, values‑driven experiential industry. Over three decades, professionalization, digital booking platforms, and the pandemic accelerated growth, expanding traveler demographics, safety standards,...

By Green Lodging News
Seeking Fresh Travel Creators to Revitalize Our Feed
SocialMar 18, 2026

Seeking Fresh Travel Creators to Revitalize Our Feed

Feeling a little uninspired by travel content lately (including our own tbh). Who are your favorite creators in the travel/outdoor space right now that are doing something different? Drop them below, we need a fresh follow to shake up our...

By Katie & Joe on the Go
Retired Air Force General Missing for Weeks Triggers Silver Alert and FBI Search in New Mexico
NewsMar 18, 2026

Retired Air Force General Missing for Weeks Triggers Silver Alert and FBI Search in New Mexico

Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland vanished from his Albuquerque home on Feb. 27, leading Bernalillo County to issue a Silver Alert and the FBI to join the hunt. Over 700 homes have been canvassed and drones, helicopters, and K‑9...

By Pulse
Myrtle Beach's 5 Coolest Affordable RV Resorts To Stay, According To The Internet
NewsMar 18, 2026

Myrtle Beach's 5 Coolest Affordable RV Resorts To Stay, According To The Internet

Myrtle Beach, named America’s favorite getaway for 2025, boasts over 7,000 campsites along its 60‑mile shoreline. A recent analysis of Reddit, Facebook, TripAdvisor and other review platforms highlighted five affordable RV resorts that blend low winter rates with strong amenity...

By Islands
Retired Air Force General Missing for Weeks Triggers Silver Alert and FBI Search
NewsMar 18, 2026

Retired Air Force General Missing for Weeks Triggers Silver Alert and FBI Search

Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland disappeared from his Albuquerque home on Feb. 27, leading Bernalillo County to issue a Silver Alert and the FBI to join the hunt. Investigators have canvassed more than 700 homes and deployed drones, helicopters and...

By Pulse
Get Ideas for Your Home Garden at These 19 Spring Garden Tours Around L.A.
NewsMar 18, 2026

Get Ideas for Your Home Garden at These 19 Spring Garden Tours Around L.A.

Los Angeles and surrounding Southern California communities are hosting more than 30 spring garden tours between March and May, ranging from historic mid‑century modern estates to native‑plant showcases in schools and public parks. Organizers include the Theodore Payne Foundation, Garden Conservancy,...

By Los Angeles Times – Travel
Alex Honnold, Famed Free-Solo Climber, Shares 5 Favorite Nevada Spots
NewsMar 18, 2026

Alex Honnold, Famed Free-Solo Climber, Shares 5 Favorite Nevada Spots

Alex Honnold, the legendary free‑solo climber, stars in a new five‑part Outside TV series, "Get a Little Out There With Alex Honnold," showcasing his five favorite Nevada locations. The show follows Honnold as he climbs, runs, bikes, and explores ghost...

By The New York Times – Travel
On the Trail of the Romantics in the Welsh Borders
NewsMar 18, 2026

On the Trail of the Romantics in the Welsh Borders

The Royal George, a historic coaching inn in Tintern, has reopened after a two‑year renovation that highlights the village’s 16th‑century architecture and ties to the HMS Royal George wreck. Designer Camilla Kelly blended original timber beams, a ship’s bell, and...

By The Guardian – Travel
How to Drive Route 66: Stops, Motels and Detours that Make the Trip Unforgettable
NewsMar 18, 2026

How to Drive Route 66: Stops, Motels and Detours that Make the Trip Unforgettable

In 2026 Route 66 celebrates its centennial, marking a 2,448‑mile stretch from Chicago to Santa Monica. The guide advises travelers to start with a historic breakfast in Chicago, avoid relying solely on Google Maps, and allocate 14 days for a relaxed pace. It...

By The Independent — Personal Finance
Pine Creek Rail Trail Wins Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year, Boosting Wilds Tourism
NewsMar 18, 2026

Pine Creek Rail Trail Wins Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year, Boosting Wilds Tourism

On February 19, 2026 the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced that the 62‑mile Pine Creek Rail Trail in Lycoming and Tioga counties has been named Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year. The designation, highlighted by DCNR Secretary...

By Pulse
Seeking 9‑mile South Central PA Trail Runs
SocialMar 18, 2026

Seeking 9‑mile South Central PA Trail Runs

South Central PA runners - ISO trail running recommendations in this area. Need locations to start putting in 9+ miles. I've been doing rail & trolley trails, but I'm bored. Hiking reserved for a different day. Not interested in Rocksylvania technical...

By WorkLife (Jo)
Escape to Hudson Valley: 70°F, Train Access, Endless Activities
SocialMar 18, 2026

Escape to Hudson Valley: 70°F, Train Access, Endless Activities

On Sunday, the Hudson Valley will be delightful with temps nearing 70. If you’re in the city, you can jump on an early train from grand central & get off at places like Beacon, Cold Spring, Poughkeepsie. A million things to...

By Pearlman (“Pearl”)
The Ratio Tailfin Bolt Allows for Rack Attachment
BlogMar 17, 2026

The Ratio Tailfin Bolt Allows for Rack Attachment

Ratio Technology has introduced a dedicated Tailfin bolt that enables riders to attach a Tailfin rack to the direct‑mount Ratio Mech on bikes with a universal derailleur hanger (UDH) or standard hanger. The bolt incorporates a hex reducer that steps...

By The Radavist (independent publication)
In the Age of GPS and Shrinking Snow, Is There a “Right” Way to Ski a Classic Line Anymore?
NewsMar 17, 2026

In the Age of GPS and Shrinking Snow, Is There a “Right” Way to Ski a Classic Line Anymore?

Backcountry skiers Jenna Kane and Greg Cunningham completed the legendary Redline Traverse across the Sierra Nevada in 19 days, covering 145 miles, 80,000 vertical feet and 26 peaks. Their effort follows the original 1980s route envisioned by Allan Bard, Chris...

By SKI Magazine
Inside ‘The Most Remote Homestead on Earth’ in the Middle of the Pacific
NewsMar 17, 2026

Inside ‘The Most Remote Homestead on Earth’ in the Middle of the Pacific

Three generations of the Humbert family have built an off‑grid pearl farm on Ahe Atoll, one of the most remote locations in the South Pacific. Their Kamoka brand sells pearls ranging from a few hundred dollars to $14,000, while the...

By Surfer
Bob Stewart on Benton MacKaye Trail (GA, TN, NC)
BlogMar 17, 2026

Bob Stewart on Benton MacKaye Trail (GA, TN, NC)

Ultramarathoner Bob Stewart announced an unsupported Fastest Known Time attempt on the 290‑mile Benton MacKaye Trail, starting April 1 from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He will carry all supplies, rely solely on natural water sources, and forgo any crew resupplies....

By Fastest Known Time – Blog
Connor Herson Climbs Pete Whittaker’s Crown Royale, Suggests 5.14c
NewsMar 17, 2026

Connor Herson Climbs Pete Whittaker’s Crown Royale, Suggests 5.14c

In August 2025 Connor Herson completed the third ascent of Crown Royale, a 100‑meter trad line on Norway’s Jøssingfjord, and suggested a grade of 5.14c, lowering Pete Whittaker’s original 5.14d proposal. The route, carved in coarse norite, mixes technical crack...

By Gripped
Everest 2026: North Side Closed, New Rules in Effect: Everest 2026 Season Update
BlogMar 17, 2026

Everest 2026: North Side Closed, New Rules in Effect: Everest 2026 Season Update

The 2026 spring Everest season faces a sudden closure of the north (Tibet) side, with authorities offering no clear explanation. On the Nepal side, a proposed law would require climbers to have previously summited a 7,000‑meter peak, but it has...

By Alan Arnette – Blog
The Surly Lowside Is a Throwback Rigid MTB Single-Speed Cruiser
BlogMar 17, 2026

The Surly Lowside Is a Throwback Rigid MTB Single-Speed Cruiser

Surly has launched the Lowside, a rigid 27.5‑inch mountain bike that returns to the brand’s single‑speed roots. The bike blends vintage cruiser aesthetics with modern trail standards, including drop‑per post compatibility, a 44 mm headtube and Boost rear spacing. It arrives...

By The Radavist (independent publication)
Climbers Make History on Fitz Roy in Stormy Conditions
NewsMar 17, 2026

Climbers Make History on Fitz Roy in Stormy Conditions

Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll and Tasio Martin completed the first free ascent of Fitz Roy’s East Pillar. They climbed the 1,200‑metre line in three days despite stormy weather, snow‑covered granite and icy cracks. The wall, first explored in the 1960s and previously...

By Gripped
A Kayaker’s Close Encounter With Bottlenose Dolphins (Video)
NewsMar 17, 2026

A Kayaker’s Close Encounter With Bottlenose Dolphins (Video)

British father‑son paddlers Rupert and Henry Kirkwood documented a close encounter with a pod of bottlenose dolphins while kayaking in Cardigan Bay, Wales. The playful dolphins approached the kayaks, bow‑riding and even surfacing with fish, while the family used a...

By Paddling Magazine
Dreaming of a Budget Version of a Private Island? Tobacco Caye Fits the Bill.
NewsMar 17, 2026

Dreaming of a Budget Version of a Private Island? Tobacco Caye Fits the Bill.

Tobacco Caye Paradise on Belize’s tiny island offers beachfront cabanas for just over $100 a night, meals included, but without air‑conditioning, hot water, or reliable power. The resort’s no‑frills model contrasts sharply with luxury private‑island properties that charge upwards of...

By The New York Times – Travel
Ep. 1017: Foundations - The Never Ending Quest for New Deer Ground
NewsMar 17, 2026

Ep. 1017: Foundations - The Never Ending Quest for New Deer Ground

Tony Peterson’s Wired to Hunt Foundations podcast warns hunters that relying on a single property is risky as land ownership, regulations, and neighboring land use can change without notice. He illustrates the issue with personal anecdotes of family farms shrinking...

By MeatEater