7 of the best adventure destinations in the US /

With its diverse landscape, long and mighty rivers, magnificent peaks and extensive coastline, the United States offers endless opportunities for adventure.

But it’s not just about strenuous activity and roughing it up. It’s more about daring to step outside your comfort zone to discover exotic locations and experience new things. At the end of a fulfilling day, unwind with an unbridled sunset and rest in luxurious accommodations in 7 of the best adventure destinations in the US.

Kayaking with alligators

You may be thinking, why should I even? But imagine the unique experience of being up close with some of America’s famous reptiles. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has been described as one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.” It provides a home for endangered and endangered species such as red rooster woodpeckers, storks and eastern indigo snakes. Not to mention the 600 plant species identified in the area.

It is a wild, swampy reserve, with ancient cypress forests and about 15,000 American alligators. This is one of those adventures where you have to join an expert led kayak tour. You will be guided through the swamp to safely view alligators, turtles, salamanders and more.

Climb snowy peaks

Ouray has been appropriately dubbed both the “Recreation Capital of Colorado” and “America’s Switzerland.” Nestled in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 2,378 feet and surrounded by creeks, valleys, and gorges. It is the perfect destination for canyoning, climbing and canoeing.

In the summer, mountain bikers and hikers pass beautiful wildflowers and waterfalls on winding trails to the peaks. Winter brings a different landscape. Intrepid climbers flock to Ouray Ice Park, which offers more than 200 climbs just a 10-minute walk from Main Street. After a day of exploring, soak your tired muscles in the Ouray Hotsprings.

underground enterprise

Deep beneath the forests and prairies of Kentucky, a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns forms the longest known cave network on Earth. Mammoth Cave National Park, a World Heritage Site nestled between hills and rivers, has more than 400 miles of explored passageways. It offers a range of cave tours, nature trails and canoeing along the Green River.

People have been looking at the night sky for centuries and have been both amazed and awed by the wonders of the universe. Humans have used the stars and globes to navigate, keep track of time, and connect with other societies. Whatever you think about, Mammoth Cave National Park offers an ideal spot for stargazing. After a day of hiking, kayaking and exploring, relax your mind with your gaze fixed on the stars.

Explore beneath the waves

Divers will find plenty of adventures beneath the waves of the East or West Coast – chasing a giant Pacific octopus off Whidbey Island, Washington; swim with manta rays on the Big Island, Hawaii; and exploring sunken wrecks off the Florida Keys. Located north of Puget Sound and south of the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island lays claim to some of Washington State’s best diving. Unlock some of the most colorful and exciting dives in the Pacific Northwest.

There are three great spots to snorkel or dive with manta rays on the Big Island: Manta Point, Manta Heaven, and Manta Village (Keauhou). These spots have such a high chance of seeing manta ray shafts because night after night they constantly show up to feed.

There is a trail of significant shipwrecks in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary scattered along the coral reefs and buried in the sandy shallows. The nine ships along the Shipwreck Trail each have a story to tell and carry with them the histories of those who came before us.

Conditions at the Shipwreck Trail spots range from easy dives in shallow water to deeper dives where fast currents can occur. An underwater guide is available for each location on the Shipwreck Trail, with shipwreck and mooring buoy positions, site history, and a map.

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zip it up

If you’ve been ziplining and feel like you’ve done and seen it all, think again. There is no end to thrilling zipline combinations in the United States. Try a combination of zipping and sipping at a winery in California’s Santa Margarita. Considered the gateway to the northern parts of Slo Cal, this small town is a hidden gem for those looking for the finer things in life.

Humble in nature, there’s plenty of adventure to be had here, from ziplining the lush vineyards to boating or kayaking the lake to enjoying farm-to-table dining, craft beer and, of course, world-class wine tasting. If you’re looking for more thrills, whiz over waterfalls in Hawaii’s Garden Isle of Kauai or soar over sweeping canyons in Florida’s Ocala.

Mountain biking

Mountain bikers will find miles of easy to challenging trails in every state from Idaho to Park City, Utah. A great mountain biking destination, it has a variety of courses for all levels of experience, beautiful scenery, a good climate, exciting restaurants and bars, and luxury accommodations nearby. The top five mountain biking places in the United States might just be Moab, Utah; Sedona, Arizona; Bentonville, Arkansas; Grand Valley, Colorado; and Crested Butte, Colorado.

Put on the hiking boots

As far as adventure destinations go, Asheville, North Carolina is a serious gem that has yet to be fully discovered. The hiking in Asheville is some of the best the United States has to offer. When it comes to the great outdoors, Asheville is unbeatable. One of the best routes is the Black Balsam Knob. The hike is challenging due to the distance and incline, but the sensational views of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains are worth it.

From the rugged mountains of Colorado to the roaring waterfalls of Yosemite National Park, the United States offers adventure vacation destinations for every adventure enthusiast. The canyons, steaming hot springs, snowy slopes and lush forests in between provide endless enjoyment.

Be it a journey through the mountains, a bike ride along winding rivers or a climb to majestic peaks, an active adventure can liberate the soul and improve your physical, internal and emotional state.

There’s a reason why a smile appears on your face after you return from an active adventure – because it makes you happier! All the stresses of life are sure to vanish as you explore these spectacular adventure destinations in the United States.

Andrew Morten is the founder of Little America. Little America makes tailor-made trips to the United States and Canada.

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