Breathe Magazine

Create your own unique-to-you adventure by mixing your next hiking trip with a feminine twist.

HELEN, GA
The Hike: Raven Cliff Falls. This five-mile in and out hike follows Dodd Creek through the Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area to a massive dark bluff near the headwaters. Because of the size of Raven Cliffs and the lack of human interference, the area has abundant bird life including grosbeaks, vireos and wild turkeys besides the ravens that give the area its name, so bring your camera. And your bathing suit. georgiatrails.com/trails/raven.html.
The Twist: After all that hiking, you deserve a drink. Wet your whistle with a merlot considered by many to be the best red wine on the East Coast at Blackstock Vineyards. This picturesque winery in nearby Dahlonega, GA, offers lush views of the grapevines surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.When there’s a winery this close, who needs Napa? bsvw.com.

STRASBURG, VA
The Hike: Signal Knob. Bring a lunch (and a snack) for this 10.5-mile trek over rocky terrain. You’ll work up a sweat, but the views from the top are worth it. Expect to be on the trail for about six hours (including breaks), and make sure you wear your hiking boots—this one’s not for amateurs. hikingupward.com/GWNF/SignalKnob.
The Twist: If you’re bad-ass enough to conquer Signal Knob, then negotiating a deal will be child’s play. Head into downtown Strasburg for some of the best antique shopping in Virginia. Heirloom jewelry, furniture from the mid-1800s and even Civil War artifacts can be found at the Strasburg Emporium (strasburgemporium.com), Bull Run Relics (bullrunrelics.com) and Sullivan House (sullivanscountryhouseantiques.com), to name a few.

HALIFAX COUNTY, NC
The Hike: Roanoke Canal. This 200-year-old trail is steeped with history. One-and-a-half miles into the 7.5-mile hike (in and out) is a museum explaining the origin of the canal and its various uses in the past. But if you’re not a history buff, don’t worry. There are plenty of babbling brooks, stone bridges and blue herons to make the journey worthwhile. roanokecanal.com.
The Twist: On your way home, stop off for a spot of tea at the Timeless Tea Room in Roanoke Rapids. Not your grandmother’s tea room, this girly storefront offers up typical tea fare (scones and crumpets) as well as yummy sandwiches and a full liquor bar (for those who need a little more oomph in their afternoon Earl Grey). timelessteanc.com.

BRYSON CITY, NC
The Hike: Sunset Hike, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 2.5 to 3-hour hike goes up one of the many ridges of the Appalachian Trail. Enter at Clingmans Dome at the top of the park. The trail eventually intersects with the Appalachian Trail before the final trek to the summit where you can watch the sun set over the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Beat your own path or tag along on a guided tour offered through Lakeview at Fontana ($34). americanhikes.com.
The Twist: Turn it into an overnight trip. Lakeview at Fontana, a rustic-chic hotel, offers affordable rates (as low as $79/night). Before checking out, catch their morning yoga class to help you breathe deeper and put your mind at ease. $15 for a 50-minute class. lakeviewatfontana.com.

packing picks
For your next adventure, take along these must-haves made just for women.

Women’s Edition Outdoor Medical Kit.
Along with bandages, cold compresses and antihistamines, Adventure Medical Kits take women’s needs into consideration, adding applicator-free tampons with disposable bags, meds for treating menstrual cramps and hand sanitizers. Don’t leave home without it.
$40 • adventuremedicalkits.com.

Platypus Platy Preserve.
Just because glass isn’t allowed on most hiking trails doesn’t mean you can’t bring your favorite wine. Just decant it into the Platy Preserve and voilà—you have the perfect toast during an outdoor picnic.
$9.95 • platypreserve.com.