There is no better location in the United States than the South if you are organizing an international outdoor getaway for your clients. Natural beauties abound in the Southern states, including state parks, lakes, beaches, and attractions that are ideal for thrill-seekers. Here are some fantastic outdoor activities in the genuine South, including hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and biking.
South Carolina
Numerous lakes, beaches, and islands in South Carolina can provide tourists from outside with either an educational ecotourism experience or a fun-filled beach vacation.
The South Carolina Midlands are well-known for their fishing in Lake Murray. Every week, thousands of people spend time on Lake Murray, whether they are wakeboarding, fishing, or just enjoying a day on the water. Visit the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise that is Lake Jocassee at Devils Fork State Park. Paddle boarding, fly fishing, hiking, and camping are just a few of the options available at this Upstate mountain escape.
One of the first coastal resorts on the US East Coast is Pawleys Island. Pawleys Island is a South Carolina hidden gem that is just waiting to be discovered. It is located halfway between the busy city of Myrtle Beach and the peaceful, historic Georgetown. And don’t forget to visit Hilton Head Island, one of South Carolina’s most opulent beach resorts with gorgeous beaches and challenging outdoor adventures.
North Carolina
One of the best states in the USA for climbing, according to many climbers, is North Carolina. The state is dotted with magnificent climbing locations, from the classic trad routes at Looking Glass Rock to the well-known boulders in Linville Gorge.
The Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, offers visitors a 360-degree view of Grandfather Mountain. For extreme outdoor adventures, visitors can score a cool high adrenaline rush at the Sliding Rock, a waterfall where people can slide down 18m into the plunge pool below. The Nantahala Outdoor Center additionally provides over 120 land- and river-based itineraries with a variety of outdoor adventures for people of all skill levels.
According to Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina, “North Carolina’s geographic bookends are magnificent, with the highest peaks east of the Rockies in the west and 320 miles of dune-lined beaches in the east.”
Arkansas
Due to its abundance of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, birding, and hiking, Arkansas, also known as The Natural State, is the ideal area to base yourself for an outdoor adventure vacation.
It is renowned for its beautiful settings, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundance of flora and fauna. There are 5 national parks, 3 national forests, and 52 state parks in Arkansas. You must include places like Petit Jean State Park, Lake Chicot State Park, Devil’s Den State Park, and Hot Springs National Park on any client’s list.
The Buffalo National River, the country’s first national river, is also found here. It meanders for almost 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and offers whitewater rapids, easy water, historic homesteads, canoe and kayak outfitters, campsites, hiking, horseback riding trails, and cabin rentals. It is also home to towering limestone bluffs.
Louisiana
Numerous lakes, rivers, and bayous can be found across the state of Louisiana, and there is no better way to experience these breath-taking waterways than by paddling your own kayak or canoe through them. There are trails for every level of paddler, from beginners to experts.
Visit the enigmatic Louisiana swamps that have long fascinated authors, historians, and tourists. Wildlife, ethereal swampy vistas, vibrant flora and fauna, and distinctive culture are all notably abundant in the 14-parish Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. In this outdoor refuge, spring is the best season to observe wildlife, and swamp and airboat trips are wonderful ways to take it all in.
Tennessee
There are some incredible outdoor adventures in Tennessee. With Scenic Helicopter Tours, experience a breath-taking journey over the Smoky Mountains like never before. From short flights over Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Douglas Lake to lengthier excursions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, their seasoned pilots deliver smooth, narrated trips.
The state also has stunning rivers, lakes, and falls that are just begging to be explored. A breathtaking site to view inside Lookout Mountain is Ruby Falls. The highest and deepest underground waterfall that is accessible to the general public in the United States is this magnificent natural feature. One of the remaining free-flowing wild rivers in the nation, the Obed Wild & Scenic River is a free-flowing river in middle Tennessee that is still largely undeveloped. 500-foot deep gorges may be found among its undeveloped, rocky terrain, which makes for amazing photo possibilities.
Kentucky
Kentucky is well-known for more than just its fried chicken; the state is renowned for its extensive background in horse breeding and horse-related activities. Many people believe that the state’s green farms are the greatest in the world for raising and breeding horses. Since the early frontiersmen arrived in Kentucky riding horses via the Cumberland Gap, horses have played a significant role in the state.
In addition to horseback riding in the Appalachian Mountains in Pikeville, tourists can engage in a wide range of horse-related activities. Visit the International Museum of the Horse, which is housed in the Kentucky Horse Park, to learn more about the state’s equine business, or schedule a trip with Horse Country to see the homes of champions. And for the ultimate experience, go to Churchill Downs, the site of the Kentucky Derby, to immerse yourself in the event’s rich history.