Scott McConkey

Scott McConkey is a nationally syndicated travel writer and the founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides vacationers and travel enthusiasts with trip ideas, travel guides, and inspiration. His travel articles have been seen in The Associated Press wire, ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC, MSN, and many more. He and his wife, Julie, left the corporate world after nearly 30 years for a life of travel and adventure. What started as a gap year has evolved into a second act. She creates visual content while he utilizes the written word. Their goal is to create content inspiring others to travel more and live their best lives now.

Apples and two glasses of cider sit on a wooden table, representing that cideries are fun places to visit in the fall season.

These Cideries Are Worth a Fall Road Trip: USA Today Picks and Our Favorites

by Scott McConkey

Fall is peak season for cider tasting and scenic escapes. We highlight USA Today’s top cideries and share two personal favorites that blend bold flavors, cozy atmospheres, and unforgettable fall vibes.

A hiker sits on a ledge overlooking a large rock balancing on a rocky column.

Could This Be America’s Next National Park?

by Scott McConkey

Chiricahua National Monument could soon become America’s 64th national park. Here’s why this Arizona destination is worth watching.

A boardwalk trail leads through a meadow to a large granite dome with a tall waterfall in Yosemite National Park.

October’s National Park Birthdays You Might Not Know About

by Scott McConkey

October brings the anniversary of ten national parks, each offering a unique reason to visit and celebrate. From desert solitude to alpine drama, these birthday parks invite fall travelers to explore nature’s legacy firsthand.

A black bear crosses the road as a car approaches in the Smokies.

What Bears Really Do in the Smokies Each Fall

by Scott McConkey

Fall is one of the most active seasons for black bears in the Smokies. As hyperphagia kicks in, bears spend long hours feeding, roaming, and preparing for winter. This guide explains what to expect, where sightings are most likely, and how to stay safe during this busy season.

A Great Smoky Mountains National Park elk bugles during the rut.

Where to See Elk Rut in the Smokies: What Fall Really Looks Like

by Scott McConkey

Elk rut transforms Great Smoky Mountains National Park each fall, bringing dramatic behavior, bugling, and active herds to open valleys. This guide explains what rut looks like, where to go, and how October conditions shape the experience.

A large scarecrow stands along an Anakeesta overlook with views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Inside Anakeesta’s Fall Festival: Atmosphere, Food, and Seasonal Fun

by Scott McConkey

Anakeesta’s fall festival brings color, music, and themed fun to the mountaintop village. This guide shares what you’ll see, eat, and enjoy during the season.

A woman walks along Anakeesta's Treetop Skywalk with the sun glowing behind the forest.

What You Really Get at Anakeesta: A Candid Look at the Experience

by Scott McConkey

Many travelers wonder: is Anakeesta worth it, or is it mostly marketing? This honest overview explains what you can expect, from views and activities to crowds and overall value.

Which National Parks Celebrate a Birthday in September — and What Makes Them Stand Out

by Scott McConkey

September is a great time to visit many national parks. Visit one of these five and you can say happy birthday in person.

Vibrant fall foliage stretches across the Smokies in Tennessee

9 National Parks That Shine in Fall: Where to See Peak Foliage Across the U.S.

by Scott McConkey

From golden aspens to fiery maples, these nine national parks offer unforgettable fall color. We’ve visited six—here’s what to expect and when to go.

A sandhill crane gazes intensely during the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival in Fairbanks, Alaska

Your Guide to the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival at Creamer’s Field

by Scott McConkey

Each August, thousands of sandhill cranes descend on Fairbanks, Alaska — and so do birders. This guide to the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival shares firsthand tips, event highlights, and how to make the most of your visit to Creamer’s Field.