Dramatic landscapes, adventurous hikes and pristine wilderness—these National and State Parks are uniquely beautiful with sculpted hills, rugged deep gorges, dry deserts, rusted canyons, lush forests, flowing waterfalls and crystal clear waters. 9 outdoor adventures and sublime natural wonders for the everyday explorer.
Taughannock Falls — Taughannock, NY
Incredible deep gorge with layers of limestone, sandstone and shale—Taughannock Falls at 215-feet is taller than Niagara Falls and highest single-drop waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the spectacular views along the river path and rim trail above. The rim trail is a 3 mile loop with multiple viewing areas and runs along the edge of the gorge. The river path provides a unique experience as the enormous gorge surrounds hikers approaching the falls.
Taughannock Falls State Park on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake has hiking, nature trails, camping and lakeside swimming. The scenic gorge is gateway for those looking to enjoying the Finger Lakes—and its many outdoor activities and vineyards.
San Jacinto Peak — Palm Springs, CA
High altitude wilderness refuge with stunning views of Coachella Valley, Inlet Empire and Salton Sea—San Jacinto steep and spectacular escarpment rises above San Gorgonio Pass and is second highest peak in Southern California. The Cactus to Clouds hiking trail is one of the steepest in the world and greatest single-day hike elevation increases in the country with a net 10,300 feet. It will challenge the most experienced hiker.
Mount San Jacinto Peak State Park is easily accessible by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the largest rotating tramway in the world. At the top enjoy observation deck and over 50-miles of hiking trails. San Jacinto Peak is in the heart of Palm Springs with charming restaurant, boutique shops and outdoor festivals—and only an hour from Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree — Twentynine Palms, CA
Joshua Tree National Park is a nature wonderland with surreal desert landscapes merging the Mojave and Colorado deserts into a distinct ecosystem. The unique terrain, plant life, sculpted landforms and painterly dry wilderness is stunning—Cholla Cactus Garden filled with rich greens, turquoises and orange hues brushed against dark sandy textures—Skull Rock dry stones and dense earthy tones and forms contrast against powder blue sky—Lost Horse Valley with Barker Dam's deep blue calming waters resting against the rustic sandy shoreline.
The 800,000 acres of desert wilderness is full of tranquil hiking experiences and oasis of stunning landscapes. It is easy to get to from Los Angeles or Palm Springs—and one of the greatest scenic hiking adventures.
Natural Bridge — Natural Bridge, VA
The stunning 90-foot natural arch and limestone gorge carved out by the Cedar River surrounded by steep cliffs, beautiful meadows and forests—Natural Bridge is so awe-inspiring it easy to get lost in its rugged form and beauty. It is truly spectacular.
Natural Bridge State Park is near the town of Lexington on the edges of George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. Thomas Jefferson purchased the land from King George III of England in 1774—and called it “the Sublime of natural works”. It became Virginia’s 37th State park in 2016 and has an educational center, 6 miles of hiking trails, Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls—30 foot cascading waterfalls.
Letchworth — Castile, NY
Gorgeous lush forests, deep rugged gorges and flowing fresh waterfalls—Legendary Letchworth State Park. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth is the largest gorge on the East Coast. The 17-mile park follows the Genesee River through a deep canyon with three major waterfalls and as many as 50 waterfalls on adjacent steep tributaries. Its magnificent scenery, canyon views, lush forests, intriguing hiking trails and countless cascading waterfalls makes it New York States best outdoor attraction. For more on Letchworth.
Chimney Bluff — Huron, NY
Dramatic coastal landscape formed from eroded drumlin shaped by wind, waves, snow, rain and glaciers at the last ice age—Chimney Bluff’s uniquely sculpted hills, clay spires and peaks rise from the shorelines of Lake Ontario with its nature beauty and extraordinary power. The sculpted hills cast dark shadows throughout the day—and the beach colorful scenic sunsets in the evening.
Chimney Bluffs State Park is 600-acre with 5-miles of moderate shoreline hiking along a cliff and narrow rocky shoreline. Sodus Bay is the nearest town and largest natural harbor on Lake Ontario. It is also a great summer stop for lunch, fishing, boating and lighthouse lovers with Sodus Bay Lighthouse and Sodus Outer Light.
Mono Lake — Lee Vining, CA
Calming refuge—East of Yosemite National Park near the town of Lee Vining is the natural beauty of Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. Here the crystal blue lake contrasts against the dry Great Basin and rising Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a gorgeous view, capturing the cool crisp colored lake against the dry white rocky shore, painterly sky and snowcapped peaks. Both stunning from a distance and more intriguing hiking along the desert coastline.
Formed over 760,00 years ago, Mono Lake is one of the oldest lakes in the western hemisphere. The soda lake gets it clear blue color from carbonate salt deposits in the endorheic basin. There are no fish due to the high levels of hypersalinity and alkalinity, however brime shrimp are plentiful and unique to the lake. And over 35 species of bird migrate here to eat, nest and rest along the shores, including the second largest population of California gulls. For more on Mono Lake.
Zion — Springdale, UT
Mountainous deep canyons, dramatic landscapes, powder blue skies and winding cliff trails against massive rustic pink and red Navajo sandstone cliffs, Zion National Park is spectacular and easy to enjoy in a day or two.
The two most popular sites are Angles Landing and The Narrows. The Narrows a river path trail through the narrowest part of the canyon beginning at Temple of Sinawava. And at 200-feet deep and sections 20-feet wide the colorful and dramatic rock surfaces engulf hikers wading upstream through the Virgin River. Angles Landing provides one of the best view and dangerous hikes throughout Zion—the short, narrow, yet strenuous trail requires hikers to scale the gorge holding a chain bolted to the cliff side. Its nerve-racking and exciting climbing and clinging above steep drop-offs. There are many more moderate and equally beautiful hikes throughout the park to enjoy.
Zion National Park encompasses 230 miles in Southwestern Utah near the town of St. George and Springdale. Springdale is at the entrance to Zion and overlooked by The Watchman—stunning mountainous peak. The small towns rugged charm and outdoor vibe is full of cafes, restaurants and specialty store.
Catskills Mountains, New York
Beautiful mountainous region, lush wilderness, cavernous gorges, winding trails, whitewater rafting, fishing, historic landmarks, scenic drives and dozens of waterfalls—Catskills is full of discovery and outdoor adventures. Its four distinct regions and 700,000 acres offer hundreds of miles of hiking—with dozens of breathtaking waterfall excursions like Tompkins Falls, Hardenburgh Falls and Nevele Falls. The most captivating, Kaaterskill Falls at 260-feet is the highest cascading waterfalls in New York State—the rejuvenating two-step waterfalls with dramatic concave sculpted cliffs surrounds hikers and popular to visit.
The natural scenic beauty throughout the Catskills is worthy to explore—and incredible colorful fall foliage will bring you back wanting more.
These 9 outdoor adventures are just the beginning—there are many more opportunities to enjoy nature and tranquil hikes throughout the National and State Parks—so get out and explore. Return for future posts the Catskills, Watch Hill and Mystic Seaport.
Sources: Wikipedia, National Parks Service, Virginia Places, Visit Greater Palm Springs, New York State Parks, Zion National Park, California State Parks, Visit The Catskills