Sam Houston National Forest, Texas

Fifty miles and a world away from Houston, the Sam Houston National Forest sprawls out over eastern Texas in a jumble of dogwoods, pines, ponds, and lakes. Take it all in (well, not quite all, the forest’s over 100,000 acres) on the Lone Star Trail; 128 miles that wind through pine and hardwood forests and around lakes, creeks, and bayous. You’ll have to travel this trail on your own two feet, but other multi-use trails in the forest allow for biking and horseback riding -- even ATVs. Ah, there’s nothing like revving your motor among the pines. Boating and fishing are popular Sam Houston pastimes, too; some of the lakes, like Double Lake, are stocked with bass, catfish, and crappie, so bring a bucket to hold your (hopefully) abundant catches! Or you could leave the fish in peace and paddle instead over the glassy smooth water; many lake recreation areas in the forest have canoes and paddleboats for rent. Jump in afterward to escape the searing Texas heat -- we won’t judge if you don’t bother to change into a bathing suit before hand. Dry off by your campsite fire, then retire to your tent with achy muscles and a head swimming with ideas on how you’ll spend the next day in Sam Houston. Trust us, one day here just isn’t enough.