Embarking on wild adventures across the United States offers a myriad of thrilling experiences, from scaling Hawaii’s highest peak to exploring Michigan’s frozen waterfalls on snowshoes.
Exploring the diverse natural landscapes of the United States is an adventure waiting to happen. Here are 50 top picks, one in each state, from the National Geographic book Great Outdoors USA: 1,000 Adventures Across All 50 States:
- Alabama: Hike the walls of Little River Canyon, the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi.
- Alaska: Explore the ice caves of Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau.
- Arizona: Raft through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River.
- Arkansas: Climb the sandstone cliffs of Sam’s Throne in the Ozarks.
- California: Surf the waves at Mavericks Beach, known for its massive swells.
- Colorado: Summit Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Connecticut: Kayak along the coastal waters of Thimble Islands.
- Delaware: Paddle through the marshes of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
- Florida: Snorkel the coral reefs of Dry Tortugas National Park.
- Georgia: Hike the Appalachian Trail through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
- Hawaii: Trek to the summit of Mauna Kea for unparalleled stargazing.
- Idaho: Raft the rapids of the Salmon River, known as the «River of No Return.»
- Illinois: Cycle the scenic trails of Starved Rock State Park.
- Indiana: Explore the sand dunes of Indiana Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan.
- Iowa: Canoe the meandering waterways of the Upper Iowa River.
- Kansas: Hike the rocky bluffs and canyons of the Flint Hills.
- Kentucky: Climb the sandstone cliffs of Red River Gorge Geological Area.
- Louisiana: Paddle through the bayous of Atchafalaya Basin.
- Maine: Backpack along the rugged coastline of Acadia National Park.
- Maryland: Rock climb at Rocks State Park, known for its massive boulders.
- Massachusetts: Hike the trails of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state.
- Michigan: Snowshoe amid the frozen waterfalls of Munising.
- Minnesota: Canoe the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
- Mississippi: Explore the swamps and wetlands of the Mississippi Delta.
- Missouri: Kayak the clear waters of Current River in Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
- Montana: Backpack through the backcountry of Glacier National Park.
- Nebraska: Cycle along the Cowboy Trail, a rails-to-trails route spanning the state.
- Nevada: Hike the trails of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
- New Hampshire: Summit Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.
- New Jersey: Climb the granite cliffs of the Delaware Water Gap.
- New Mexico: Explore the Carlsbad Caverns, one of the world’s largest cave systems.
- New York: Ski the slopes of Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks.
- North Carolina: Backpack the trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- North Dakota: Explore the rugged Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
- Ohio: Kayak the scenic waters of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
- Oklahoma: Hike the trails of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
- Oregon: Surf the waves at Cannon Beach along the Pacific coast.
- Pennsylvania: Rock climb at Ralph Stover State Park in Bucks County.
- Rhode Island: Explore the trails of Arcadia Management Area.
- South Carolina: Paddle through the blackwater swamps of Congaree National Park.
- South Dakota: Hike the trails of Badlands National Park, known for its otherworldly landscapes.
- Tennessee: Raft the whitewater rapids of the Ocoee River.
- Texas: Explore the caverns of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
- Utah: Backpack through the slot canyons of Zion National Park.
- Vermont: Ski the slopes of Stowe Mountain Resort.
- Virginia: Hike the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park.
- Washington: Climb the glaciers of Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the Cascades.
- West Virginia: Whitewater raft the rapids of the New River Gorge.
- Wisconsin: Explore the sea caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
- Wyoming: Backpack the trails of Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park.
These adventures offer a taste of the incredible outdoor experiences awaiting travelers in every corner of the United States.
Northeast
Bald Mountain Trail offers a serene alternative to the crowds of Acadia National Park. This 3.4-mile loop trail leads to the summit, where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking 180-degree views of Penobscot Bay. On clear days, the vista extends from Rockport in the south to Acadia in the east, with numerous islands dotting the horizon. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience Maine’s natural beauty without the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist destinations.
New Hampshire:
In the rugged terrain of the White Mountains, New Hampshire offers a unique hiking experience: hut-to-hut trekking. Eight backcountry hostels, operational for over a century, provide a warm welcome to hikers seeking respite amid the alpine landscapes. Spanning from Franconia Notch State Park to the Carter-Moriah Range, these huts offer nourishing meals and comfortable accommodations, serving as ideal resting points along trails that wind through alpine tundra, ridge trails, and scenic waterfalls.
Vermont:
Embrace the enchanting beauty of winter in Vermont by gliding across the Lake Morey Skate Trail, a 4.3-mile ice path created each winter near Lake Morey Resort, close to Fairlee. Skirting the lake’s shoreline amidst a backdrop of pine forests where bald eagles occasionally perch, this icy trail offers a magical setting for ice-skating enthusiasts. Whether you bring your own skates or rent a pair from the resort, the experience promises to be a memorable adventure in Vermont’s picturesque winter wonderland.
In September and October, the charming Victorian beach town of Cape May, New Jersey, becomes a haven for nature enthusiasts as tens of thousands of monarch butterflies pass through on their migratory journey to Mexico for the winter. One of the best places to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon is the Garrett Family Preserve, renowned for its spectacular views of the annual monarch migration. Additionally, the preserve offers prime opportunities to observe the fall and spring bird migrations, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers seeking unforgettable experiences in the heart of nature.
Connecticut: Ski in the birthplace of artificial snow
In Connecticut, skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the slopes of Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, which holds the distinction of being the birthplace of artificial snow. Despite its modest vertical drop of 650 feet, Mohawk Mountain offers an exhilarating skiing experience with its 26 trails, many of which are illuminated for night skiing. Additionally, the ski area provides access to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing paths that wind through the scenic Mohawk State Forest, allowing visitors to explore the winter landscape in depth.
Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, known for its association with the prestigious America’s Cup sailing race, visitors can embark on chartered sails offered by America’s Cup Charters in Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. During these outings, which range from two to three hours, participants have the opportunity to hoist the sails, assist with navigation, and experience the thrill of sailing past picturesque sandy coves, estuaries, and historic mansions dotting the shoreline.
Massachusetts: Spend the night in a lighthouse
In Massachusetts, travelers can immerse themselves in maritime history by booking an overnight stay at the Borden Flats Lighthouse, situated in the Taunton River. This unique lodging option offers guests a glimpse into the life of a lightkeeper and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The lighthouse, built in 1881 in a distinctive striped, sparkplug-style design, served as a navigational aid for ships navigating the shallow waters of Mount Hope Bay near Fall River. Visitors can enjoy a self-catering apartment within the lighthouse, but reservations should be made well in advance due to its popularity.
Meanwhile, in New York State, the Finger Lakes region beckons with its scenic beauty and renowned wineries. Formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, the Finger Lakes offer a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the area’s wineries at their own pace by mapping out their routes or opt for guided tours provided by operators such as Carolina Tailwinds or Wilderness Voyageurs. These tours allow visitors to pedal through the countryside, sampling wines from various vineyards while taking in the stunning lake views along the way.
Delaware: Experience a crabby convention
In Delaware, nature enthusiasts can witness a remarkable phenomenon known as the horseshoe crab spawning event, which occurs in the waters of Delaware Bay. This annual spectacle takes place each spring, typically in May and June, when horseshoe crabs emerge from their winter habitat on submerged continental shelves to lay eggs along the shores of Delaware.
To experience this natural wonder, visitors can head to locations like Woodland Beach and Bowers Beach in Kent County, where the horseshoe crabs gather in large numbers during high tide. For the best viewing opportunities, it’s recommended to visit during sunset and when there is a new or full moon, as these conditions coincide with the peak of the spawning activity. Witnessing this crabby convention is not only fascinating but also offers a glimpse into the intricate cycles of marine life in Delaware Bay.
In Pennsylvania, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the annual migration of raptors as they journey south each fall. Located in the Hawk Mountain area, this sanctuary is recognized as the world’s first protected area dedicated to birds of prey.
Visitors to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary can explore a network of hiking trails that connect to ten different lookout points, providing excellent vantage points for observing the migrating raptors. Knowledgeable observer-interpreters are available to assist visitors in identifying various species of birds.
Among the lookout points, the North Lookout, situated on rocky ledges, offers some of the best views of the migrating raptors. For those seeking an accessible route, the Silhouette Trail provides ADA-accessible access to the South Lookout.
The best days for birdwatching are often windy days, as the strong winds facilitate the birds’ migration, which typically occurs from dawn to dusk. Witnessing the spectacle of thousands of raptors soaring overhead is a truly unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts visiting Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Southwest
In New Mexico, visitors can indulge in the rejuvenating experience of soaking in the warm waters of Jemez Springs. Known as the «Land of Enchantment,» New Mexico boasts numerous thermal springs, including the mineral-rich pools at Jemez Springs Bath House. For those seeking a more rugged experience, Spence Hot Springs offers natural rock pools nestled in a pine forest nearby.
In Arizona, adventurers can seek solitude in the vast desert expanses of the Arizona Strip. Encompassing an area of 7,811 square miles in the northern part of the state, the Arizona Strip is characterized by rugged canyons and desert landscapes, with few paved roads. Exploring this remote region is best done on foot or by four-wheel drive vehicle, as many of the trailheads are located at the end of rough roads. Venturing into the secluded Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon from overlooks such as Whitmore Canyon, Kelly Point, and Twin Point.
Oklahoma: Delve into a bat cave
In Oklahoma, adventurers can explore the unique Alabaster Caverns State Park, which features a cave formed from rare gypsum—the only one of its kind in the United States. Guided tours lead visitors into the depths of the cave, where selenite crystals shimmer like stars and a stream flows through its length. Tours are conducted from April through October to protect hibernating bats. More experienced spelunkers can also explore the park’s four «wild» caves, ranging in length from 550 to 1,600 feet, although permits are required for these excursions.
In Texas, astronomy enthusiasts can enjoy stargazing in one of the state’s designated dark sky areas. Texas is home to six International Dark Sky Parks, two Dark Sky Sanctuaries, and a Dark Sky Community (Dripping Springs). For optimal night sky viewing, visitors can head to Big Bend National Park, where they can take in the breathtaking views from the Hot Springs Canyon Trail overlooking the Chihuahuan Desert, or explore the wheelchair-accessible Rio Grande Village Nature Trail. During the summer months, the Milky Way illuminates the sky, while the Perseid meteor shower dazzles viewers from mid-July to mid-August.
West
Montana: Mountain bike along the Continental Divide
In Montana, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking along the Continental Divide near Helena, the state’s capital. Despite being often overlooked, Helena’s location at an elevation of 3,875 feet on the eastern slope of the Continental Divide offers fantastic biking opportunities. With 75 miles of trails, including the Mount Helena Ridge Trail, bikers can enjoy stunning views of the valley below while potentially encountering wildflowers or even a black bear.
California: Walk among living giants
In California, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring presence of ancient redwood trees at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This park, the northernmost of the four parks that constitute the UNESCO-recognized Redwood National and State Parks, contains seven percent of all the old-growth redwoods remaining in the world. Towering redwoods line the banks of the Smith River, offering a magnificent backdrop for hiking adventures. One notable hike is the Boy Scout Tree Trail, which stretches 2.8 miles one way to Fern Falls. For those seeking a scenic drive, the unpaved Howland Hill Road, a former stagecoach route, provides access to the National Tribute Grove amidst the majestic redwoods.
Washington: Go tide pooling
In Washington state, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of tide pooling at Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary and Salt Creek Recreation Area near Port Angeles. Here, tide pool enthusiasts can observe a diverse array of marine life, including sea stars, urchins, anemones, and mussels. The seaside campground at Salt Creek provides convenient access to explore the tide pools while camping along the coast.
Alaska: Camp on a glacier
In Alaska, adventurers can embark on a truly unforgettable experience by camping on Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier in the United States accessible mostly by car. Guests reach the glacier via helicopter and stay in comfortable, safari-style tents provided by Alpenglow Luxury Camping. Activities include guided hikes across the glacier, ice climbing, and rappelling into deep glacial crevasses, all accompanied by meals prepared by camp staff.
Wyoming: Climb a frozen waterfall
Wyoming offers ice climbers the opportunity to scale frozen waterfalls in the South Fork of the Shoshone River. With the largest concentration of frozen cascades in the country, climbers of all levels can enjoy routes ranging from beginner-friendly to more advanced challenges, taught by schools such as Wyoming Mountain Guides.
Oregon: Explore a ghost forest on the Tillamook coast
Explorers visiting Oregon’s Tillamook Coast can discover the eerie beauty of the Neskowin Ghost Forest, where hundreds of petrified tree stumps dating back 2,000 years were exposed by powerful winter storms in the 1990s. At low tide, visitors can explore the ghostly remnants encrusted with barnacles, sea stars, and sea anemones, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
Nevada: Camp amid geological marvels
In Nevada’s Cathedral Gorge State Park, visitors can camp amidst geological marvels, including carved bentonite clay spires formed by erosion millions of years ago. With hiking trails, slot canyons, and 22 campsites available, the park provides opportunities to witness the unique landscape and wildlife, including birds of prey and nocturnal animals like foxes and kangaroo rats.
Colorado: Soak in the hot springs
Colorado’s abundance of natural hot springs offers visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate amidst stunning mountain scenery. The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, a 720-mile road trip from Denver to Pagosa Springs to Steamboat Springs, highlights 17 thermal destinations, including Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. These hot springs are believed to offer various health benefits, from improving circulation to reducing stress.
Hawaii: Glimpse the cosmos
In Hawaii, visitors can experience the breathtaking beauty of the cosmos from the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the state. With its high elevation and minimal light pollution, Mauna Kea offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Visitors can reach the summit by their own vehicle, guided tours, or hiking trails, and can participate in nightly stargazing programs organized by the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy.
Utah: Sandboard down pink-hued dunes
In Utah’s Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, thrill-seekers can sandboard down dunes ranging in color from pink to orange and ocher. Sandboarders can rent boards and sleds from the visitor center or purchase their own for a memorable adventure in the desert landscape.
Southeast
Florida: Become a shrimper for a day
In Florida, visitors can experience the life of a shrimper for a day in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Guided ecotours with local experts like Amelia River Cruises offer interactive experiences where participants learn how to deploy and retrieve a shrimp net, identify various species caught, and release them back into the ocean.
North Carolina: Make waves along the Outer Banks
North Carolina’s Outer Banks offer over a hundred miles of shoreline ideal for surfing, whether it’s body surfing or board surfing. Outer Banks Surf School provides lessons for beginners, while kayaking rentals are available for those looking for a more serene water adventure.
West Virginia: Hike part of a coast-to-coast trail
In West Virginia, hikers can traverse sections of the American Discovery Trail, which spans 6,800 miles coast-to-coast. The final leg of the trail takes trekkers through the tunnels and bridges of the North Bend Rail Trail, offering scenic views of the Appalachian valley and historical sites related to the Civil War.
Kentucky: Find the end of a “moonbow”
Kentucky’s Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers a rare natural phenomenon known as a «moonbow,» a lunar rainbow created by the mist at the base of the waterfall during a full moon on a clear night. Visitors can capture stunning photographs of this phenomenon using slow shutter speeds, especially during the winter months when the night sky darkens earlier.
Louisiana: Paddle through an otherworldly swamp
Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin, larger than the Florida Everglades, provides a surreal kayaking experience through its cypress forests and swamp habitats. Adventurers can embark on guided tours with companies like McGee’s Swamp Tours or explore independently from Bayou Benoit.
Alabama: See a dazzling light show
Alabama’s Dismals Canyon is home to unique glowworms called «dismalites,» which emit a faint luminescence against the canyon walls at night. Guided night tours offer visitors the opportunity to witness this natural light show and explore the lush grottos of the canyon.
South Carolina: Cycle a Gullah history trail
Daufuskie Island in South Carolina offers a serene cycling experience along the Rob Kennedy Trail, passing by 20 historic landmarks related to Indigenous and Gullah-Geechee inhabitants. Visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty.
Virginia: Hike to a jaw-dropping natural bridge
In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Natural Bridge State Park features a stunning 215-foot-tall natural bridge estimated to be 500 million years old. Hikers can explore the area via seven miles of trails, including the ADA-accessible Cedar Creek Trail, which passes beneath the arch and showcases Monacan Village, a recreation of Indigenous life in the late 17th century.
Georgia: Dip into a dramatic gorge
Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge State Park offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and experienced climbers to descend to the gorge floor for up-close views of Bridal Veil Falls. With stunning vistas and challenging trails, the park provides outdoor adventures for all skill levels.
Maryland: Look for fossils beside the Chesapeake
Maryland’s Calvert Cliffs State Park is a fossil hunter’s paradise, offering opportunities to search for prehistoric fossils along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. Visitors can discover ancient relics of crocodiles, mastodons, and megalodon sharks embedded in the cliffs.
Tennessee: Paddle in the birthplace of free-style kayaking
Tennessee’s Ocoee River is a world-renowned white-water destination, attracting kayakers and rafters to its challenging rapids. With rapids like Grumpy’s, Table Saw, and Godzilla, adventurers can tackle thrilling white-water experiences with outfitters such as Ocoee Rafting.
Arkansas: Birdwatch in a watery wonderland
In Arkansas, birdwatchers can explore the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, a vast wetland habitat along the Mississippi Flyway. Home to diverse bird species, including endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, the refuge offers paddling trails for visitors to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Mississippi: Hike a miniature Grand Canyon
Mississippi’s Red Bluff offers a miniature Grand Canyon experience with its red-orange rocky landscape near Foxworth. Hikers can embark on a challenging but rewarding trek into the ravine, where lookout points provide panoramic views of the Pearl River.
Midwest
South Dakota: Bike the rugged Black Hills
In South Dakota, adventurers can bike the rugged Centennial Trail, which spans 111 miles through the heart of the Black Hills from Sturgis to Wind Cave National Park. This challenging trail features rugged climbs, tight switchbacks, and scenic stream crossings, offering mountain bikers an exhilarating experience amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Ohio: Go where the buffalo roam near the city
Ohio’s Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park provides a unique opportunity to observe American bison in their natural habitat, just a short drive from Columbus. Visitors can hike along the Darby Creek Greenway Trail and may encounter these majestic creatures roaming near the trail or at the Nature Center observation deck.
Idaho: Discover the best place to stargaze in the U.S.
Central Idaho boasts some of the clearest night skies in North America, making it the perfect destination for stargazing. Designated as the first Dark Sky Reserve in the U.S., this region offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way and annual meteor showers, especially during new moons or summer months
Illinois: Paddle amid the cypress trees.
Illinois’ Cache River State Park is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring ancient cypress trees and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the park’s wetlands by hiking or paddling, immersing themselves in a serene environment teeming with wildlife, particularly during migratory seasons.
Wisconsin: Cross-country ski by candlelight
During winter, Black River State Forest in Wisconsin transforms into a winter wonderland, offering candlelit cross-country skiing trails amidst scenic landscapes. With opportunities for wildlife sightings, including elk, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing in a tranquil setting.
Kansas: Kitesurf on Cheney Lake
Kansas’ Cheney Lake, located in Cheney State Park, provides an ideal spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. With shallow waters and reliable winds, beginners can learn the sport with ease, while experienced enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of riding the waves in this picturesque setting.
North Dakota: Look for bison and birds in the badlands
Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota offers breathtaking views of the state’s scenic badlands and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, spotting elk, prairie dogs, and American bison along the way, and enjoy spectacular sunset vistas from Wind Canyon Trail.
Indiana: Kayak on an underground river
Indiana’s Bluespring Caverns provides a unique kayaking experience on the Myst’ry River, the longest known navigable underground river in the U.S. Kayakers can paddle through dripstone passageways, marveling at dramatic formations and spotting albino salamanders and crayfish in the subterranean environment.
Michigan: Snowshoe to Tahquamenon Falls
Michigan’s Tahquamenon Falls, located in the Upper Peninsula, offer a mesmerizing winter spectacle with natural ice sculptures surrounding the roaring falls. Snowshoers can explore lantern-lit paths to witness the frozen beauty of the falls, creating a magical winter adventure.
Nebraska: Get a crane’s-eye view
Nebraska’s Platte River hosts one of the world’s largest gatherings of sandhill cranes during late February to early April. Visitors can observe these majestic birds at the Iain Nicholson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, offering viewing stations perched above the river for a unique crane’s-eye view of the spectacle.
Minnesota: Houseboat in Voyageurs National Park
Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park provides a unique houseboating experience amidst its expansive lakes and pristine wilderness. Visitors can rent houseboats and explore the park’s waterways, enjoying outdoor sleeping spaces and opportunities for stargazing in the designated International Dark Sky Park.
Iowa: Join the world’s oldest cycling tour
Every July, cyclists from around the world participate in Iowa’s RAGBRAI, the oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycle tour. Covering over 450 miles across Iowa, the tour offers riders a unique way to experience the state’s diverse landscapes and hospitality, beginning along the western border and ending along the eastern border on the Mississippi River.
Missouri: Spelunk into a literary legend
Missouri’s Mark Twain Cave, located near Hannibal, inspired scenes in Mark Twain’s famous novel «The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.» Guided tours take visitors through the caverns, showcasing rock formations and historic graffiti, including Twain’s signature, providing a glimpse into the literary legend’s world.