When civilization came into being and people took to building high walls, outdoorsmen interpreted these boundaries as Mother Nature sending humanity to its room. Escape from the millennia-long punishment with today's deal: a one-year membership to the Appalachian Mountain Club. Choose between two membership options:

• $25 for an individual membership (up to a $50 value)
• $37 for a family membership (up to a $75 value)

Both memberships come with an additional perk: $20 off your first stay at an AMC destination, including dinner and breakfast.

The Appalachian Mountain Club, founded in 1876, promotes the preservation and enjoyment of the Appalachian region's mountains, forests, waters, and trails through numerous programs and recreational activities. Funds collected from membership enrollments go toward the Appalachian Mountain Club's ongoing efforts for environmental education, trail caretaking, conservation, and preserving Al Gore's hair. With a one-year membership, outdoor enthusiasts will get to take part in club-sponsored and volunteer-led activities and excursions, including hiking, biking, and camping adventures. Using the AMC online Member Center, you can also explore the e-world for news and a personalized view of what AMC has to e-offer.

Members also enjoy access to more than 8,000 trips and activities every year; a subscription to AMC Outdoors, the AMC members' magazine; and the magazine's web supplement, AMC Outdoors, online edition. Even if you don't affiliate with one of the Appalachian Mountain Club's regional chapters, you'll get additional discounts on Appalachian Mountain Club lodging, books, maps, puppy kisses, and classified ads. Join the Appalachian Mountain Club and befriend likeminded nature lovers, all while doing your part to help planet Earth reach its next birthday.

After purchasing your Groupon, please wait 24 hours before registering your membership online (individual memberships here and family memberships here. Though the Appalachian Mountain Club sometimes offers special prices of $40 and $60 for the individual and family memberships, respectively, today's deal still offers a better value.

Reviews

Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center was named one of the top mountain lodges by National Geographic Adventure magazine. Although the Appalachian Mountain Club has few reviews, it has been featured in Budget Travel:

• But most guests come to Crawford Notch, four miles from Bretton Woods, simply to hike the rugged White Mountains and for the free naturalist tours. – National Geographic Adventure
• It's more like an adventure camp for grown-ups. – Stephen Heuser, Budget Travel