A breathtaking fall hike through golden larches, alpine lakes, and endless mountain views — and a reminder that not every family hike needs to be “family friendly” to be meaningful. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that ask a little more of us.

Looking for a family-friendly weekend adventure? Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is surprisingly grand, uncrowded, and packed with massive rockhouses, natural arches, and hidden trails. This 2-day itinerary covers the Double Arch Trail (with three route options to fit your time and energy) and the rugged Honey Creek Loop — plus kid highlights and a sweet ice cream stop in Oneida, Tennessee.