Author: marklongmainstream (Page 171 of 339)

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Ferne Clyffe Falls is said to be the most visited waterfall in Illinois, and for good reason; you can actually walk behind this waterfall! This 2400 acre park has incredible geological features that people have taken notice of for at least the past 100 years.  To visit Ferne Clyffe State Park, drive south on IL-37 from Downtown Goreville. In just 2 minutes, you will arrive at the entrance to the park. For more information, click here.

Apple River Canyon State Park

Apple River Canyon State Park is in the hilly northwest corner of Illinois in Jo Daviess County near the Wisconsin border. Limestone bluffs, deep ravines, springs, streams and wildlife characterize this area. Apple River Canyon State Park is located at 8763 E. Canyon Road in Apple River Illinois. For more information, click here. My favorite activity to enjoy at Apple River Canyon State Park is hiking. The park has five named hiking trails, each varying in in length, and difficulty.  The park was established by the State of Illinois in 1932, and today consisting of 1,907 acres.

Cache River State Natural Area

The Cache River State Natural Area holds onto some of the highest quality aquatic and terrestrial natural communities remaining in Illinois. Wetlands within this area are so important to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds that in 1996 the Ramsar Convention collectively designated them a Wetland of International Importance, only the 19th wetland in the United States to receive the distinction. The site offers a wide array of recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and seasonal hunting programs. For more information, click here.

Jackson Falls

Jackson Falls is one of the best waterfalls in all of Illinois.  During the 5 mile hike to get to the base of the falls, you can also see two other waterfalls, along a beautiful canyon. During the summer months, Jackson Falls is one of the most popular swimming holes in the state.  But what’s even more stunning is the rocks that surround this area. There are numerous sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders. The area is also a popular place for rock climbing.  In fact, there are 60 climbing locations to choose from, each about 50-60 feet in height. Jackson Falls is located in Shawnee National Forest at Glen St Falls Rd, Simpson, IL 62985. For more information, click here.

Sylvan Island

Sylvan Island Recreational Park is located on the Mississippi River just off the shore of Moline Illinois. The Island is connected to the mainland and is accessible by a walking bridge! The park is a converted abandoned industrial site, that is still riddled with the remains of the long forgotten Sylvan Steel plant.  While lots of evidence of the plants existence still exists, nature is slowly devouring the remaining ruins. The park is located on 2nd street and 1st avenue in Moline. For years the Island sat abandoned, and was a popular spot for fishermen, and bird watchers. Now the island is officially open to the public, and is once again making a big impact in the community. Sylvan Island has a total acreage of 37 acres, with 1.24 miles of trails both circling the Island and winding throughout. The park is open daily, year round from 6 am until sunset. For more information, click here.

For more of the best parks and amazing locations in Illinois, click here. For the best lodging and campgrounds, click here. For nearby family activities, click here.

Enjoy an incredible SUP adventure in beautiful Eureka Springs Arkansas. For more information or to book your tour, click here.

Get ready for a day of summer fun on the water in Eureka Springs.  The adventure takes place on the scenic Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas.

This is a perfect adventure the entire family will love! Tours last approximately two hours of paddling and swimming and will take you past limestone bluffs, waterfalls, and through waterways to become one with nature. This is a great family-friendly activity that doesn’t require any prior SUP experience to join.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love this family friendly experience! This is a great way to reconnect and enjoy the great outdoors. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more great family activities in the area, click here. For nearby lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best parks and amazing locations, click here.

This epic kayak adventure is one of the top rated tours in all of Tennessee according to trip advisor! This adventure takes guests out on beautiful Nickajack Lake in South Pittsburg Tennessee. For more information or to book this amazing experience, click here.

This epic kayak trip last two hours and starts at 7:30 pm. The trip is a 3-mile leisurely paddle around the lake, and no experience is necessary. All guests must be at least 7 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds.

The highlight of the tour is the arrival at the Nickajack Bat Cave. Just in time to take in the thrill as thousands of bats leave the cave at dusk. Join us to see endangered grey bats begin their nightly hunt for insects! The Nickajack Bat Cave and Wildlife Refuge in the Tennessee River is the summer roost for up to 100,000 of these animals.

These tours run from March through the second week in October. During the paddle you may see a variety of osprey and bald eagles.

Bring your binoculars and enjoy the sights on this bat cave kayak tour. This trip is a fun way to meet new friends or get your old friends off of the couch to try something new. Tours are as much educational as they are adventurous.

This is fun the entire family will enjoy! The kayak trip takes place lakeside on Mapleview Road in  South Pittsburg Tennessee. You can view the location on Goggle Maps right here.

For more great family activities in the area, click here. For nearby lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best parks and amazing locations, click here.

Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy year-round. Willow River State Park is located at 1034 Co Hwy A, in Hudson, Wisconsin. For more information, click here. The highlight of the park is no doubt the impressive Willow River Gorge, and the stunning Willow Falls. This area is one of the most gorgeous spots in the entire Midwest. Its also a popular destination during the summer months, as the area around the falls is a fun spot to get wet and cool off in the water. Willow River State Park is open year round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Devil’s Lake State Park

Devil’s Lake is a 10,000 acre state park, that stands out high above the rest!  The lake is the center attraction at Devil’s Lake State Park, which has over 3 million visitors each year.  While the park is most known for its gorgeous lake, its also a well sought out location for hiking enthusiasts.   The park boasts, an incredible 29 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging.  Many of the trails offer unforgettable views of the lake. Devil’s Lake State Park at S5975 Park Rd in Baraboo, Wisconsin offers some of the best rock climbing in the Midwest. This park is truly gorgeous, offering unique views and some of the most interesting topography in the state. For more information, click here.

Governor Dodge State Park

Julian Kegel

One of most well kept State Parks in the Midwest. With well marked hiking trails, a beautiful campground, and sand beaches, next to both lakes, it’s easy to see why Governor Dodge State Park is such a popular destination. The park has nearly 40 miles of hiking, spread out on 10 different trails.  Many of them are open to cross-country skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.  To make it easier, many of the trails are looping, leading you right back to where you started. One of the most popular trails is the Stephens’ Falls Trail, this is a 0.5-mile picturesque trail that takes hikers past Stephens’ Falls, rock outcroppings and lush ferns as you walk beside a refreshing stream. The park is located at 4175 State Highway 23 N Dodgeville, WI.  More information can be found by clicking here.

Copper Falls State Park

Jason Paul/Facebook

Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. The park offers multiple opportunities for a little adventure, there is camping, hiking, bicycling, picnic areas, fishing, and even swimming in Loon Lake. The primary attraction at the park however, is the two spectacular waterfalls.  There are also more than 50 campsites, and even an observation tower overlooking all the gorgeous nature! Copper Falls State Park is located at 36664 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI. For more information, click here.

Wyalusing State Park

Kaz Conrad

Wyalusing State Park is a hidden gem in the Wisconsin parks system! This  2,628-acre park is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers in the town of Wyalusing, just south of Prairie du Chien.  The park is located in the far southwest corner of the state has some of the best views anywhere in the state. The park has both land and water activities, as well as some of the most picturesque campsites you’ll find anywhere! Wyalusing State Park is located at 13295 State Park Ln, Bagley, WI 53801. For more information, click here.

Chewacla State Park

Caitlyn White

Chewacla State Park’s 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation, just a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika area. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails. Chewacla State Park is located at 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, in Auburn, Alabama. For more information, click here. Lake Chewacla is perfect for reeling in bream, bass, crappie and catfish or taking a dip off the beach area. Chewacla State Park is a gorgeous place to visit and explore, the team from CAMP have done an outstanding job on the trails and the lake is always beautiful. A visit to Chewacla State Park is worth the trip from anywhere.

Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument is nothing short of an archaeological wonder! This gorgeous cave, is located at 3729 County Road 98 in Bridgeport Alabama. For more information on the park, click here.  Russell Cave is an archaeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. No matter what day of the week that you come to visit Russell Cave, you can always participate in the self-guided tour out to the cave shelter. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, you can sidestep onto our 1.2-mile hiking trail just off the boardwalk on your way out to the cave shelter. This mossy and sometimes broken in places, asphalt loop offers an escape to nature as you walk among the native trees and plants that line the path. This trail is steep and can be strenuous for some, so be prepared with proper shoes and water. Picnic benches can be found around the parking area of Russell Cave.

Rickwood Cavern State Park

What makes Rickwood Caverns State Park unique is the massive cave that contains 260-million-year-old formations that were created by water and reveal evidence that the cave was carved from an ocean bed. If you’re looking to cool off from the sweltering summer temperatures or warm up during those cold winter months, this underground wonder maintains a constant 58-62 degree temperature year round as you travel 175 feet beneath the earth.  Visit anytime of year to experience the wonder of Rickwood Caverns Cave Tours. Rickwood Caverns State Park is located at 370 Rickwood Park Rd, in Warrior, Alabama. For more information, click here. 

DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park is nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in scenic Northeast Alabama and accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers that will simply take your breath away. DeSoto State Park is located at 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, in Fort Payne, Alabama. For more information, click here. Whether a nature hobbyist, outdoor enthusiast, or sporting fanatic – DeSoto State Park has plenty to do to keep you pleasantly entertained. Kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, cycling, rappelling, bouldering, picnicking, wildflower expeditions, and just exploring nature – they literally have it all! There is a plethora of outdoor activities you can enjoy at DeSoto State Park, including swimming, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and chasing waterfalls!

Little River Canyon

NPS / Matt Switzer

Beautiful waterfalls, breath-taking overlooks, wooded trails, and peaceful picnic areas – Little River Canyon has something for everyone. The Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. The 15,288 acre preserve spans from Fort Payne, Alabama down to Cedar Bluff, Alabama. The Visitor Center is located on AL Hwy 35. The entrance is located on the left just before you cross the AL Hwy 35 Bridge (Fort Payne side). For more information, click here. Little River Canyon is made up of forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer settings for a variety of recreational activities. Little River Canyon is open year-round from sunrise to sunset! This is a day use only park and camping is prohibited.