The story of Lewis and Clark is well-known, yet few realize that it is about so much more than just two phrazle intrepid explorers. Those interested in following in the footsteps of explorers, soldiers, scientists, and Native Americans through the northern and western parts of the United States on their way to the Pacific Ocean may consider visiting the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Many roads run alongside to the path and are well signposted so that hikers, bikers, and boaters can easily find their way to and from the trailhead.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some time in nature close to Cleveland and Akron. This park has stunning woods, winding rivers, rolling hills, and farms, all of which are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Enjoy a historic train trip with the kids on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, or explore the park's 125 miles of trails on foot through a flower-filled meadow.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma is a fantastic destination for anglers, boaters, and swimmers. Almost ten thousand acres make up Chickasaw, which is nestled at the base of the Arbuckle Mountains. There are several options for visitors to cool down in the park's natural springs, streams, and lakes. Little Niagara is a popular and often crowded swimming site, but it's well worth the wait.
Over thousands of years, precipitation and runoff have fed this active volcano's crater with deep, inky blue waters. Since there are no inlets or exits, Crater Lake in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park is not only the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet, but also one of the cleanest. East and West Rim Drive, as well as several sites attainable by day hikes, provide some of the greatest vantage points across the lake. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers won't find a more peaceful place to enjoy the winter months than this park.
Located in central Pennsylvania, Gettysburg National Military Park commemorates what many consider to be the Civil War's most pivotal engagement. General Lee of the Confederate Army had great success in the Shenandoah Valley but was halted in his tracks at Gettysburg. Today, visitors to the maintained battlefields may almost hear the eerie shouts of troops battling. Attend a recreation of the fight or an informative tour of the park. You may teach your children about our country's past by taking them here.
The Blackstone River near Pawtucket, Rhode Island, provided the energy to run America's first successful cotton mill, marking the beginning of the country's march toward industrialisation and earning the area its designation as a National Heritage Corridor. The valley's quaint cities and towns provide plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and other forms of outdoor enjoyment. There are several mills and mill towns along the river that you may learn about by taking a trip of the Blackstone Canal.
The biggest remaining old-growth forest in the Southeast may be found at South Carolina's 26,500-acre Congaree National Park. One of the world's tallest canopies of deciduous trees is found in this park, which is made possible by the presence of the Congaree and Wateree rivers. Half of the park is protected wilderness, so outdoor enthusiasts may easily access remote regions. Camping, hiking, canoeing, and bird viewing spots abound.
South Dakota is sometimes neglected as a travel destination, but the state is home to more than just Mt. Rushmore. The Badlands are a geologic feature that rise out of an otherwise flat area, the product of millions of years of deposition and erosion. Day hikers and photographers both like the Badlands Loop Road as a convenient starting place. Bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison, and even black-footed ferrets are all possible sightings for park visitors. There are plenty of isolated spots to enjoy nature in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area.