These wilderness retreats are a basecamp for your next adventure

Studies show back-to-back video calls and windowless weeks in offices are exhausting our minds, tiring our bodies and isolating us from the natural environments where we truly thrive.

For Whitewater, the outdoors is the foundation for play and connection.

The story:  Whitewater, the nonprofit behind the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, is expanding how you can access natural playgrounds across the Southeast with Adventure Lodging.

• Each lodge is an access point to nearby trails, rivers and outdoor recreation — the ideal basecamp for any adventure.

Take note: Whitewater's Adventure Lodging network covers three Southeast locations, and here's what you'll find at each:

🌲 Big Creek Lodge in Mills River, NC

Stay inside the Pisgah National Forest with direct access to some of the best hiking, trail running, mountain biking, fly fishing and gravel cycling on the East Coast.

• Fish Mills River, a freestone stream that flows through the six-acre property.
• Hike Pisgah National Forest with direct access to the Trace Ridge and North Mills River trail heads.
• Climb Looking Glass Rock with routes for all skill levels.
• Paddle miles of the French Broad River on flatwater kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.

🚵 Windfall in Lansing, NC

This mountain retreat sits on a 215-acre farm overlooking Mt. Rodgers and the seven tallest peaks of Virginia.

• Explore Trail Town USA in Damascus, VA, where the Appalachian and Virginia Creeper trails intersect.
• Hike or bike sections of the Virginia Creeper Trail, perfect for families and experienced riders alike.
• Watch a live theater performance at the Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA – and while you're there, check out Abingdon Vineyards and Winery featuring live music on the banks of the Holsten River.

🎣 Middleburg in Huger, SC

This centuries-old National Historic Landmark overlooks the banks of the Cooper River and includes the oldest surviving home across the Southern U.S.

• Fish or kayak along the channels of the Cooper River, accessible directly from Middleburg.
• Run or hike the Palmetto Trail through the Francis Marion National Forest.
• Plus, stay around the corner from the dining, arts, music and shopping that Charleston and Mount Pleasant have to offer.

Worth a mention: Nightly stays range from $150 to $500 with accommodations for families, groups, weddings, events and more.

The takeaway: Adventure farther — stay closer.

• Whitewater's Adventure Lodging makes it easy to access the outdoors, no matter your trip length or experience level.

Plan your next adventure.