The Best Cities to Raise an Outdoor Kid

Friday, October 26, 2012

Which towns offer the ideal mix of accessible trails, inspiring teachers, and great recreational resources?

Sevierville made the list. So did Asheville.

Backpacker Magazine and The Outdoor Foundation recently teamed-up to identify America’s top 25 places to beat nature deficit disorder. Ranking number one on that list was Boulder, Colorado - no great surprise there. In fact, Colorado had 4 cities that made the cut - the most of any state in the union. Three towns in the Great Smoky Mountains region made the list, including Sevierville (#17) and Asheville (#11), as well as Brevard (#20).

Citing as one of the reasons for Sevierville making the list, was this comment:

"10 minutes to trailheads leading into the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park"

I guess they were referring to that super secret highway that the locals use after midnight, when no other cars are on the road, all the traffic lights are flashing green, and all the cops are waiting in line for a fresh Danish...

Anyway, to check out which towns made the top 25 you can click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

3 comments

Jon said...

Actually, there are parts of Sevierville where entering the Park can take less than 10 minutes. Think: Wears Valley. I know that sounds odd, but many people in Wears Valley have a "Sevierville" address. I used to be one of them. And, I was less than 2 miles to an entrance into the Park. I do admit, of course, that I would place the "heart" of the Park somewhere other Metcalf Bottoms.

The Smoky Mountain Hiker said...

Jon - you make a great point! Thanks!

Tiffany said...

HaHa! Next time I get up that way, you will have to give me directions to that super secret highway;)