Doug Stokes

two jeep gladiators on technical terrain

Hot Take Tuesday: Being Content With Being a Consumer

I’m a storyteller by nature — photo, video, design, music. It’s what I do for a living, and it’s how my brain’s wired. I love creating things… but it also means I’m rarely off. Even when I’m out riding routes or camping, I catch myself over documenting, or mentally storyboarding a reel. It’s like my […]

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4x4 truck with roof tent set up in picturesque grassland, ideal for overlanding enthusiasts.

Veteran vs. Newbie: Who’s Fueling Overlanding Market Growth

Overlanding market growth is booming. What started as a niche community of explorers building rigs for remote travel has exploded into a full-blown lifestyle category with millions of participants across the U.S. But how often do overlanders really camp? How many are veterans of the lifestyle compared to first-timers planning their first expedition? Let’s break

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gladiator stoked entering cohutta wilderness

Trail Report: Cohutta Wilderness Loop (GA/TN)

Quick Stats Expedition Date: Oct. 10-12, 2025 Trail Name: Cohutta Wilderness Loop (unofficial)Region: Cohutta Wilderness, GA / TN BorderTrail Type: Clockwise LoopDistance: ~60 miles (loop and side routes combined)Drive Time: 10-12 hours with stopsDifficulty: Mild – Moderate (some rocky climbs, occasional washouts, one low water crossing)Vehicle Requirements: 4WD / High Clearance (33”+ tires recommended)Best Season:

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Three ghostly figures holding a carved pumpkin in a mysterious forest setting, perfect for Halloween imagery.

5 Spookiest Overlanding Destinations in Tennessee

Tennessee’s rugged terrain and eerie history make it a haven for overlanders craving more than just scenic trails—its haunted sites, ghostly legends, and Bigfoot sightings add a spine-chilling edge to any adventure. From misty Appalachian ridges to abandoned prisons and shadowy forests, these destinations blend off-road exploration with paranormal intrigue and cryptid mysteries, perfect for

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A no trespassing sign on a chain link fence at a U.S. property in Nevada with military vehicles in the background.

Overland Southeast: Trails Near Bases & Bigfoot Hotspots

Overlanding in the Southeast near government bases, laboratories, or sensitive areas offers unique adventures, blending rugged trails with intriguing histories and curiosities like military testing grounds or rumored Bigfoot sightings. Below, I’ll highlight three notable destinations in the Southeast, recommend tools for planning routes to avoid restricted areas, and explore the curiosities that make these

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selective focus photography of woman riding kayak holding oar during daytime

31 Things To Do While Adventure Traveling (and Why They Matter)

Adventure travel isn’t a game. It should never really be about tallying up miles on a map. I would suggest it should be about what those miles mean. The “why” is where the value lies: connecting with people and places in ways that surprise you, contributing to the stewardship of wild lands, challenging your own

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A pickup truck parked under a starry night sky, highlighted by a mysterious circular light formation.

Overlanding Around Government Bases, Laboratories, and Sensitive Areas

Overlanding offers an exhilarating way to explore the rugged beauty of America’s backcountry, but when your route skirts government bases, laboratories, and sensitive areas, the adventure takes on an extra layer of intrigue—and caution. These locations, often shrouded in secrecy due to military operations, scientific research, or historical significance, provide a backdrop for overlanders seeking

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Starry night camping scene with a vehicle and blurred people illuminated by car lights in the wilderness.

Camp Safety and Security at Night: A Guide for Overland Travelers

Pulling into camp after a long day on the trail is one of the great joys of overlanding. Whether you’re in the deserts of the Southwest, the forests of the Southeast, or exploring abroad, settling into a quiet spot under the stars is what this lifestyle is all about. But once the sun goes down,

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