Popular U.S. Nature Spots (Wild Adventures Galore!)

•Tongass National Forest, Alaska.  Without question, this place is simply breath taking.  It is the granddaddy of all America's 155 national forests.  Nearly the size of Maine, Tongass is ideally situated in an inlet bay whose warm water allows for a wide band of virgin temperate rain forests dominated by old-growth cone-bearing trees(Conifers), such as the western red cedar,mountain hemlock, spruce, and shore pine.  Imposing fjords act as giant entrances into a labyrinth of ice-blue water veins that deepens into the forest's remote and rugged interior.  Fish and Bear abound in this God-given paradise.  Ample outdoors adventures for the physically fit.

•Caribbean National Forest, Puerto Rico.  As the only tropical rain forest in our national forest system, the Caribbean National Forest is a botanical oasis that simply is in a class of its own.  It is by far the deepest and lushest haven for greenery and tropical birds. Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

•Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington   One of the world’s best collections of craters, volcanic caves, lava fields, and pumice pits making this the premiere destination for cavers and spelunkers.  The Gifford Pinchot National Forest sits at the very center of the Pacific Northwest's vast seismological treasures.  This surreal landscape invites visitors to walk through a subterranean world that was abruptly brought to the surface, revealing the earth's geologic core.

• Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado.“  Uncompahgre” means unforgiving in Spanish, and these treacherously steep mountain passes present some of the most challenging paths for hiking.

•Superior National Forest, Minnesota.  boasts thousands of lakes, rivers,and streams making Superior the best place for kayaking and canoeing.

•Kaibab National Forest, Arizona. The Kaibab sits precariously on the edge of the Grand Canyon; and part of this forest actually straddles the vast canyon.  The Kaibab acts as the perfect base camp for mountain bike rides on the canyon rim and hiking expeditions.

•White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire & Maine Its acclaimed rugged and dangerous mountain terrain includes Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. At White Mountain, winters are harsh and fierce, putting this forest in high demand for seasoned skiers.

•Nantahala National Forest.  The Nantahala River is a zigzag course that rips through gorges that can barely contain this racing stream of boiling-fast water.  The river brings white water kayakers from all over the globe, with explosive Class II and III rapids such as Patton's Run, Tumble Dry, Whirlpool Rapid, Surfing Rapid, and the Nantahala Falls. The forest also offers easy access to no holds barred paddling on nasty rivers such as the Chattanooga River.

•Sierra National Forest, California. Located on the western slope of the central Sierras in Nevada; this park is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources.  The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes, and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra.  Abundant fish,wildlife,varied mountain flora and fauna and numerous recreational opportunities make the Sierra National Forest an outdoorsmen's paradise.  Our intrepid outdoors guys vouch that this is the best place to go for solitude.

•Black Hills National Park, North Dakota This is by far the greatest of the Great Plains forests due to its intense concentration of canyons, caves, buttes, granite crags, and volcanic geologic oddities.  This awe-inspiring terrain gives hikers and climbers unbelievable choices.  The mountain forest is a welcomed change from the ocean of grass that is common in this region, signified by the Badlands National Park as well as the willowy grasslands of Thunder Basin.  According to “Outside Magazine,” Black Hills, has the best camping of all U.S. Forests.

•Glacier National Park, is located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. For those coming by plane, the Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana is 25 miles west of the Park Headquarters in West Glacier, Montana. Our Outdoor Adventurers report that Glacier has the most spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and excellent lodging.

•Big Bend National Park, is located in southwest Texas hundreds of miles from the nearest cities and transportation hubs. There are no stores or public transportation to or in Big Bend National Park. This seldom-visited park is imbued with outstanding river scenery; where the dry arid environ of the desert meets the greenery of moist mountain summits.
  (Open in winter)

•Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, is 24 miles southeast of Panguitch The road north through Cedar City, UT involves travel over steep twisting mountainous roads with summits reaching up to 9,200 feet. Bryce's towering rock formations, unusual sandstone “hoodoos,” and awesome backpacking scenery leave people stunned.  (The North & East areas are open in winter; southern most portions may be closed during winter)

•Yellowstone National Park , near Gardiner, Wyoming, is 123 miles north from Jackson, Wyoming.  However, the main entrance to Yellowstone, near Gardiner in the northwest corner of the park, is the only entrance open year round. Known for its steaming geysers and mammoth hot springs, this is our nation’s first and most visited national park.

•Zion National Park, near Springdale, Utah .Known for its extensive canyons, gorges, and stratified rock formations, backpackers and hikers claim this park has an almost "heaven-like" feeling. The Park's unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. These peaks have been described as sand castles which "crown" the desert canyons. Kolob Arch, the largest arch in the Western Hemisphere is located in the Kolob Canyons of Zion. The trail to the Arch is only 14 miles. Kolob Arch is the crown jewel in Zion's Backcountry. We also recommend trekking down to Angel's Landing or over to the Narrows, for a truly sublime journey.

•Acadia National Park, Maine, is located along the rugged, rocky coast of "Downeast" Maine.  Most of the park is located on Mount Desert Island, which is accessible by vehicle.  The park is approximately six hours north of Boston.  The best time to visit is after August where you can witness outstanding fall vistas, particularly on the western side of the island. The Acadia Park is known for its exceptional mountain top views of the ocean and surrounding beaches.

•Sequoia National Park, near Fresno, CA, is 75 miles to the east, and connects to Kings Canyon National Park on the General’s Highway. The main road is on very rugged mountain terrain with giant Sequoia trees.  There are no stores or gas stations nearby, and phone service is limited.  We understand that the Sequoia has tremendous backpacking country and encounters with bear are common.  (Open in winter)

•Grand Teton National Park, is 12 miles north from Moose, Wyoming. With the grandeur of Cathedral like peaks, this Mountain Range is world renown. Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves this endowed blessing with its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range contrasts with the horizontal sage-covered valley and glacial lakes at their base, creating near perfect sanctuary that attracts four million visitors per year. Travelers say Grand Teton has outstanding guest services in the fall.

• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, has the highest paved roads of any National Park in the United States. The Main Entrance, on Trail Ridge Road, crests at 12,183 feet.  Due to its high elevations and exposure, park roads are subject to strong winds and rapid weather changes.  Rocky Mountain is 67 miles from the Denver Airport. With well-maintained trails and endless peaks, its no surprise that our experts say it is clearly worthwhile for avid nature lovers and backpackers. Oftentimes crowded, our valiant scouts encourage folks to journey to the lesser-known trails to truly enjoy the experience. (Not easily accessible during winter.)

•Denali National Park, Alaska, is located approximately 240 miles north of Anchorage, AK. Denali Park's mountaineering headquarters is located in Talkeetna,AK, approximately 100 miles north of Anchorage, AK. It is no surprise that visitors come away from here overwhelmed. With Denali’s remote location, this park's untamed quality is beguilingly attractive. If you want "raw" wilderness, you are in for a treat in this Alaskan park. Limited lodging facilities highlight Denali’s isolation. (This park is not easily accessible during the winter.)

Sources:

National Park Service

U.S. Forest Service

www.gorp.away.com

The U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

www.stateparks.com

www.adventure-crew.com

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