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Backpacker Magazine – August 2009
Which towns offer the ideal mix of accessible trails, inspiring teachers, and great recreational resources? We worked with The Outdoor Foundation to identify America's top 25 places to beat nature deficit disorder.

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READERS COMMENTS
I didn't realize there were so many uptight, angry outdoor types on here, all up in arms because your cities were not selected for this ONE list.
To the person who attacked people from Boulder, you clearly have not met very many people from there. And much like my own family, you assume you KNOW exactly what a Boulderite is. However, not one individual in my family has spent more than a day in Boulder, but they think they know exactly who lives there.
Stop with the preconceived notions. Perhaps you are the one who is the snob, or maybe you aren't, but certainly something is making you hypersensitive. There are terrific people in absolutely every community, and awful people as well. Let's not judge an entire community on the 2-20 people you came in contact with or heard about.
Washington, D.C. resident who most assuredly lives in a more pretentious area than Boulder now.
(formerly lived in south Georgia, Nebraska, Colorado and Oregon)
Posted: Dec 30, 2011 Lucy Lynn
fayetteville arkansas is not on here? HUH???
Posted: Oct 31, 2011 mike
The fact is, any city that appears on a public ist would soon be overrun and therefore--->no longer the best place. Who loves crowded trails? Exactly, no one.
Posted: Jul 18, 2011 Ben
This list gets 2 thumbs down. Waaaay too many places to make an accurate list. Everyone will always think that THEIR city is the best. I say, as long as you've got your kids outside, away from TV and video games and big city bustle, you're doing a VERY good thing in making a difference in that child's life.
Posted: May 05, 2011 Craig
For some reason, people in Boulder love to talk about how wonderful they think they are, physically and financially. Boring!
I will pass on Boulder, because of how stuck the Boulderites are on themselves. Never met such snooty people before them.
Posted: May 04, 2011 Pretentious Boulder?
...what about chattanooga, tenn.
Posted: Oct 08, 2010 dani
Hello, my name is Sunny and I'm the General Manager of River Run Cabins at Grand Lake. I am interested in advertising my cabins in your magizine. Could you give me more info on this?
Thanks
Sunny M.
Posted: Sep 11, 2010 River Run Cabins at Grand Lake C
I grew up in Durango, had a great time as a kid and was always busy running round outside. However, even though it is still a great place, the cost of living is very high compared to other towns, even in Colorado. I have since lived in Oregon, Wyoming and northern Colorado. I would place Ft Collins, CO higher on the list, just due to cost of living, good schools, etc, but still great access to outdoor activities for kids.
Posted: Sep 02, 2010 Durangokid
How could you fail to list even one town in Southern California? We have more trails, and more families out hiking, than anywhere else in the country. Within two miles of my house, there are a half-dozen world-class day hikes with incredibly spectacular views!
Posted: Sep 02, 2010 David V
I LOVE MADISON, WI. It is fabulous!! Great choice!
Posted: Jul 22, 2010 Tricia
How do you list four towns in Colorado and not a single one in Utah? Moab, SLC, Park City, Ogden--take your pick and get a little more well rounded.
Posted: Jun 30, 2010 Chris
Austin & San Antonio
Posted: Jun 17, 2010 Beaumont, TX
Have you ever been to the northern part of Michigan? It's not Detroit!!!! What a bunch of idiots that put this list together. What outdoor kid wouldn't love the big hills, forests, sand dunes, and oh...a whole lot of water!!!
Posted: May 14, 2010 Stacy
Wyoming, Wyoming, Wyoming!!! Not just Jackson Hole but every where in Wyoming. We have tons of great camping, fishing, hunting, rodeo, ranching, you name it. Jackson Hole is expensive living. If your looking for an all around place to enjoy small towns, friendly people and outdoors all around you, Wyoming is a dream. Can you tell I lived here all my life?
Posted: Mar 13, 2010 Patti Hartley
I suppose you've never heard of Missoula, MT ?
Posted: Mar 10, 2010 Scott S.
i think anywhere in tennessee is great...lots of woods, trails, camping, fishing, are right in the smokies....just wish it was a little warmer year round...lol
Posted: Mar 06, 2010 cathy
Raised three kids in Beautiful Lakeport, CA add this one to your list............
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Julie California
Raised three kids in Beautiful Lakeport, CA add this one to your list............
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Julie California
how can you truly appreciate the outdoors if you live in a big city. all you weekend outdoors people are crying over nothing
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Anonymous
Kevin,
Duluth is an armpit to live in. Yes, the north shore is great to explore for outdoors, but the town of Duluth is crap. Additionally, Minneapolis-St. Paul, if you spent any time exploring, is great for appreciating green spaces and the outdoors. You should look a little longer, a little harder.
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Sarah
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