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We've said it before, now we are saying it again: The best place to spend your Thanksgiving vacation is in the great outdoors.
With abundant Cyber Week deals spilling out online, why waste hard-earned time off fighting off throngs of holiday shoppers?
After you have booked your next amazing adventure, head outside to get some fresh air and work off some of those extra inches and pounds you picked up on Turkey Day.
The #OptOutside movement started by consumer cooperative REI can be identified as a tradition at this point and many other retailers have joined the company in encouraging people to go out rather than shop in. State and regional parks from around the country that have taken up the tradition as well.
This Black Friday is "Fresh Air Friday" for Colorado. The state's Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging people to head out and enjoy the blue sky, green trees and the snow the day after Thanksgiving.
Forty-one state parks are offering free admission in order to encourage people to go explore and according to the video below, you don't even have to wait until Friday, .
Once again, Tennessee State Parks is offering free Black Friday hikes.
Park rangers will take guests to see some of the most stunning wilderness areas in the state, including waterfalls, peaks and plateaus.
"There's a national sentiment that getting outdoors to spend time with loved ones around the holidays is a wonderful way to reconnect and recharge," said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill. "Tennessee State Parks aims to offer all Tennesseans the opportunity to get outdoors to engage in healthy, fun activities."
The hikes are available for everyone from beginners to experienced trekkers and visitors are encouraged to share their experience with a hashtag: #thankful4hiking.
In San Francisco's East Bay Area, the East Bay Regional Park District is joining with REI's OptOutside movement and waiving entrance fees, fees for parking, dogs, horses, boat launching and fishing for its 73 regional parks.
"The park district is happy to join the Opt Outside movement encouraging people to visit parks and spend quality time with their family; it's a great way to encourage the public to get out into nature and participate in a healthy activity instead of shopping," said Dave Mason, EBRPD public information supervisor. "Studies show getting outside into nature improves health and decreases stress levels."
Minnesota's parks will also be free on Black Friday. Free Park Friday will take place at all 75 state parks and recreation areas.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Tour the World With Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales[/READMORE]
"I wish everyone in Minnesota a peaceful, warm Thanksgiving on Thursday. And on Friday after Thanksgiving, I can't think of anything better than visiting one of Minnesota's spectacular State Parks, with free admission," said Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith in a statement Thanksgiving week."
Smith even shared where she would OptOutside:
"I hope to visit Judge Magney State Park on the North Shore this Friday, but no matter where you are in Minnesota there is probably a state park within 30 miles," she said.
It's one of the best times of the year to hike in Arizona, and the best deal on Black Friday is getting something for free. Arizona State Parks will also be handing out free passes for visitors to go on Black Friday.
Make sure to pick yours up before November 22.
It may be cold in Alaska, but that shouldn't mean you have to opt inside. Alaska State Parks will be offering free parking on Black Friday so outdoor enthusiasts can hike and even ski this holiday weekend.
New York City is once again offering its annual after-Thanksgiving hikes. There are a number of guided walks in Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx and more, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
If you are looking for somewhere to go, REI also has a host of suggestions available on its site dedicated to its Black Friday OptOutside movement.
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