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Choose Your Own Adventure
SOUTHEAST OUTDOOR VACATION GUIDE
The Southeast is replete with outdoor activities, and here you’re sure to find all kinds of wild adventures in some of the most pristine and untouched places in the country. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the real world and relax in the great outdoors or fulfill your need for speed on rapids or bike trails, you’ll find it all here. ALABAMA • ARKANSAS • FLORIDA • GEORGIA • KENTUCKY • LOUISIANA • MISSISSIPPI NORTH CAROLINA • SOUTH CAROLINA • TENNESSEE • VIRGINIA • WEST VIRGINIA
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Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org)
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For
a
fun
and
educational
experience, head to the foothills of
ALABAMA
the
Appalachian
Mountains.
Here,
Alabama offers a unique adventure at
THERE’S A REASON THEY CALL IT “ALABAMA THE BEAUTIFUL.”
DeSoto Caverns. The park offers guided tours of the cave, decorated with one of America’s most concentrated collections of formations, as well as myriad other options ranging from
The people here love their outdoor
navigating a giant maze to panning for
adventures, getting out and enjoying
gemstones. Located only 36 miles from
what Mother Nature provided. And it’s
Birmingham, DeSoto Caverns provide
easy to see why, with so many things
a perfect getaway for an afternoon of
to do.
outdoor Alabama adventure.
Head out to Lake Martin, a
The Heart of Dixie is also known
44,000-acre lake that was completed
for its Bass Trail, stretching from the
in 1926. At the time, it was thought
mountains of northern Alabama to the
to be the largest man-made lake in the
coast. Places like Joe Wheeler State Park,
world. It was built as a reservoir, but
on the Tennessee River, and Lakepoint
it also serves as one of the premier
Resort State Park, the “Bass Capital of
outdoor destinations in Alabama, a
the World,” bring anglers to this state
renowned site for boating, fishing,
every year.
water skiing, camping, and a plethora
www.alabama.travel
of other activities. One popular attraction for locals and visitors alike is Chimney Rock, where you can climb to the top and take the 60-foot plunge to the deep water below. Visitors can lodge in cabins around the lake, from palatial homes to log dwellings with just the essentials. Down in Mobile, rent a kayak and paddle out into the delta, where you can explore the waterways that helped shape the area. Much of the delta is conserved through Alabama’s Forever Wild Program, designed to protect
for flight, and the views of the Petit Jean River Valley and the Arkansas
ARKANSaS EXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF THE NATURAL STATE, A LONGTIME HAVEN FOR PEOPLE SEEKING TO GET BACK TO NATURE.
River Valley with the wind beneath you will certainly give you a rush. For a different kind of thrill, hunt for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, the only public diamond mine in the world. A 37-acre field that is the surface of an ancient volcanic pipe, this is the site where a number of large, priceless diamonds
The state’s beautiful landscape
have been unearthed, from the 16-carat
provides the backdrop for many
Amarillo Starlight to the four-carat
activities, each designed to give you
Kahn Canary, worn by Hillary Clinton
a new sensation, from relaxation
during the presidential inaugural balls.
to exhilaration.
Thought you had to head to the
green spaces throughout the state. You
At Mount Magazine, Arkansas’
coast to go scuba diving? Even though
can even make it an overnight trip by
highest point, take flight as you
Arkansas is miles from the beach,
camping on floating docks that sleep
hang glide over the lush terrain. The
divers can explore the crystal-clear
up to 16.
mountain provides excellent conditions
waters at Beaver Lake. Featuring little
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www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com boat traffic, this quiet lake is a diver’s
bored on the shore. The white sands
paradise with abundant marine life and
of the Emerald Coast in places like
crystal water providing an ideal diving
Destin and Panama City will take your
experience. If your idea of outdoor
breath away. And the beaches along the
adventure doesn’t involve scuba, there
Atlantic Coast and South Florida—like
is plenty of activity at Beaver Lake
Jacksonville Beach, Daytona, Miami,
including hiking, camping, and more.
and the Keys—provide great spots for
Arkansas is a great place to view diverse wildlife, from the Ivory-billed
fishing, surfing, and boating. If you’ve seen enough of the beaches,
rediscovered
head out to Everglades National Park,
in the Big Woods area to black bears
renowned for its hostile beauty. You
in the Ozark Mountains, as well as
can get a knowledgeable airboat captain
elk, majestic bald eagles, and brightly
to give you a tour, take a guided hike
colored butterflies.
and learn about the protected wetlands,
www.arkansas.com
or paddle out and explore places only
Woodpecker,
recently
accessible by boat.
FLORIDA THE SUNSHINE STATE HAS BEEN A FAVORITE OF TRAVELERS FOR GENERATIONS.
Northwest
Florida
offers
un-
forgettable escapes for those looking to commune with Mother Nature. At Blackwater River in Milton, you can paddle downstream to a serene sandbar, and then set up camp for the gentle giants. Scuba divers can get upnight. On clear nights, the shores of the close-and-personal with these unique
People come here for the amusement
Blackwater River provide the perfect creatures during a dive unlike any
parks, big city nightlife, and beaches.
spot for stargazing and taking in the other they are likely to experience.
But there is also an abundance of
beauty of your natural surroundings.
outdoor activities, sure to give any nature buff a thrill. Of course, the beaches are one of the
For a one-of-a-kind experience, take a manatee tour on the Crystal River,
Guides
will
educate
you
about
interacting with and protecting the endangered manatees.
where you’ll swim alongside these www.visitflorida.com
main attractions in Florida. But that’s because you’d be hard pressed to get
Visit Florida
Visit Florida
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GEORGIA
gold in the site of the country’s first
GEORGIA HAS AS DIVERSE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AS THE PEOPLE WHO INHABIT THE PEACH STATE.
to paddle down. Rent a kayak or canoe
gold rush or find a crystal-clear river and get out on the Toccoa and Cartecay Rivers, to brave rapids, or in the calmer parts, find great places to float and fish. If you want to stay on land, you’ll find great places for camping and horseback
From the coast to the mountains,
riding. The Appalachian Trail, a favorite
you can rest assured you’ll be able to
for hikers and other outdoor buffs that
find an adventure or two.
runs all the way to Maine, begins in this area of Georgia.
Georgia’s Golden Isles have been a popular destination for over 150 years. Here you can lounge on the beach, explore the islands and surrounding waterways in a kayak, or hike through the islands’ sub-tropical forests. There are trails for hiking and biking, and
Celebrate Spring in Pine Mountain, GA
For a mix of the beach and mountains,
Pine
Mountain
offers
something for everyone. Home to the 14,000-acre Callaway Gardens, tourists have been flocking to this retreat for more than half a century. Hike a trail through the Appalachians in
you’ll be able to spot all kinds of birds
the morning, then spend the afternoon
and other wildlife. The weather on the
soaking up the rays at Callaway Garden’s
Golden Isles is almost perfect year-
very own freshwater beach. This retreat
round, so visit any time.
also offers water skiing lessons, ropes
If for you, life isn’t a beach but a
course adventures, and guided excursions
mountain, go north to the Blue Ridge/
for outdoor enthusiasts.
Dahlonega area, where you can pan for
www.exploregeorgia.org
Come visit the friendliest small town in Georgia — with interesting shops, beautiful hikes and the best golf in the south on the grounds of beautiful Callaway Gardens. And we’re located just an hour south of Atlanta. Call for an Experience Book 800-441-3502 ext 28 or check our events calendar at pinemountain.org.
Georgia Department of Economic Development
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www.kentuckytourism.com
www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com what it takes to get to the top.
kentucky THE BLUEGRASS STATE IS A REGION OF HIGHS AND LOWS, AT LEAST FOR THE OUTDOOR TYPES, AND IT’S TRULY A PLACE TO FIND GREAT ADVENTURES. Hiking, biking, water sports, fishing, and hunting are all abundant here.
In Bayou Lafourche, you can get in
Once you’ve been on top of the
a canoe and paddle a 54-mile, three-day
world, see what it’s like underground
trip and learn all about the valuable and
in Mammoth Cave National Park,
fragile ecosystem. From the waterways,
home to the longest cave system in the
you’ll take in the gorgeous terrain and
world. Discover the magnificent beauty
species indigenous to the land and be
of the caverns, and learn about their
educated you on what’s being done to
history and geology.
protect them.
Ready to ride? Since Kentucky is
Louisiana is home to one of the
known for its horse population and
country’s largest game preserves and
unbridled spirit, there are numerous
boasts an eight-month hunting season,
places for horseback riding, especially
so you’ll have plenty of chances to bag
in the Bluegrass Region. Hop on and
the big one.
take a ride either along wild trails or
Head to western Louisiana and
open fields. Turkey, deer, and waterfowl
experience the famed Creole Nature
make their homes along these trails,
Trail. Featuring 180 miles of roads
providing animated scenery for you to
winding through bayous, marshlands,
enjoy during your ride. Bikers also have
and along the Gulf of Mexico, this
their pick of terrain with numerous
remarkable trail was featured as a
biking trails throughout the state.
must-see attraction on the Today
Whether you’re a beginner or looking
Show. Get up-close-and-personal with
for a challenge, Kentucky is home to
turtles that make their home along
scenic back roads perfect for the cyclist
the trail, or watch an alligator in its
and rugged mountain traces ideal for
natural environment Birdwatchers will
the mountain biker.
be impressed with the array of fowl
www.kentuckytourism.com
indigenous to Louisiana.
LOUISIANA KNOWN THE WORLD OVER AS A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE, THE BAYOU STATE IS FULL OF WILD ADVENTURES.
If you’re looking for a new high,
Hunting and fishing are popular
check out Red River Gorge, where you
attractions here. In recent years, some
can test your mettle by climbing cliffs
of the area’s wetlands have been in
that attract climbers from around the
danger of being lost, but there are
world. If it’s your first time up, don’t
people taking steps to ensure this
worry. Expert guides will show you
doesn’t happen.
Of course, Louisiana’s other bayous and swamps are begging to be explored, too. Hop on an airboat for a swamp tour, where a guide will take you into the back waters where nature has truly been untouched. www.louisianatravel.com Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
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the Gulf is more your speed, point your craft toward the barrier islands, like
MISSISSIPPI THEY CALL MISSISSIPPI THE HOSPITALITY STATE FOR OBVIOUS REASONS. The people here are friendly and
Horn Island and Gulf Island National Seashore Park. The Delta Region is steeped in history, much of it shaped by the majestic Mississippi River. Here you’ll find wildlife refuges and nature trails, great places for horseback riding, hunting, and fishing.
the outdoors are just as inviting and
Mississippi has 46 National Wildlife
looking for intense outdoor excitement.
welcoming. There’s always something
Management areas, as well as 14
Get a new view of Mississippi from
exciting to do.
National Refuges, making this state
high above—you’ll never forget this
In southern Mississippi, canoeing
a great place for watching wildlife.
breathtaking sight or experience. If
and kayaking on the area rivers are
Hundreds of species of animal live here,
you prefer an unhurried pace, slow
popular pastimes. Wolf River is one
from woodpeckers to black bears.
down and hike the scenic trails across the
state.
Whatever
your
style,
such waterway. It’s relatively wide and
Looking for extreme adventure?
deep, and it meanders along the coast,
Mississippi has that too! You might
Mississippi’s great outdoors offer what
so it’s perfect for paddlers of all skill
not expect to find it, but sky diving and
you’re looking for.
levels. If getting into the open waters of
rock climbing are available for those
www.visitmississippi.org
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NORTH CAROLINA TRYING TO DECIDE BETWEEN A VACATION IN THE MOUNTAINS OR ON THE BEACH? DON’T DECIDE — YOU CAN HAVE BOTH.
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
before camping out under the stars or
fishing and water sports. Dragon
renting a quaint log cabin.
boating, a trend that draws on ancient
A getaway to North Carolina offers
If the coast is more your style,
the crisp air of the Highland Mountains
North Carolina has that in spades as
just a few hours from the scenic shores
well. The Outer Banks offer a gorgeous
of the Atlantic.
coastal getaway with options ranging
No matter the time of year, North Carolina’s mountains offer endless opportunity for outdoor exploration. Hiking the Highlands offers stunning
from shelling to water sports, like kayaking and recreational boating. The mild climate invites vacationers to the shores of North Carolina year round.
views of the Tarheel State. You can go
Inland, North Carolina features
mountain biking, hiking, and horseback
3,500 square miles of fresh water,
riding in the state parks and resorts,
offering opportunities for world-class
roots, is making a comeback in Charlotte. This exciting sport, famous in China for thousands of years, involves teams racing paddleboats throughout the lakes of North Carolina. Be sure to check out the Charlotte Dragonboat Festival in June. In North Carolina, any landscape serves as the ideal backdrop for your perfect vacation. www.visitnc.com
Look closely at Charlotte and you’ll discover a lot. A lot of excitement at Carowinds. A lot to learn and experience at our museums and galleries. And a lot of family bonding time at our parks. Find a lot more at 800-231-4636 or charlottesgotalot.com.
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SOUTH CAROLINA TRAVELING THROUGH THE PALMETTO STATE, LICENSE PLATES READ “SMILING FACES. BEAUTIFUL PLACES.” It’s true; you can’t help but smile during a trip to the coastal gem of South Carolina. The beaches are just the beginning of the destinations for those travel plans. For
freshwater
for paddling, as do the marshes and swamplands, all begging to be explored. South Carolina is home to a wide variety of habitats, enabling an immense array of wildlife. Outdoor adventures bring you up close and personal with the creatures that call South Carolina home any time of year. Take a safari-style jeep tour through a wildlife refuge, brave the swamps during a search for alligators, or coast alongside Flipper and his friends during a dolphin cruise.
activities,
check
out the area lakes, like the 50,000acre Lake Murray, with the world’s largest earthen dam; and 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell, on the border of South
Head upstate into the foothills of
the
Blue
Ridge
Mountains
for enchanting views and highelevation relaxation. Wherever you
Carolina and Georgia, that hosted the
are in South Carolina, you’re sure
2008 Bassmasters Classic. The scenic
to have a smile on your face.
mountain rivers provide great spots
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Having your breath taken away has never been more affordable.
Cool Stuff In Asheville That Won’t Cost You A Penny Free Outdoor Adventures Walk or bike trails for all skill levels or enjoy waterfalls and swimming holes found throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The economy isn’t exactly at its best. We get it, and we want to help in a way that only Mother Nature’s hometown can. Right now you can escape the stresses of your daily life in a setting that’s not only soothing to your soul but also comforting to your pocketbook. In fact, there’s plenty to do here that’s absolutely free.
Free Asheville Urban Trail Take a stroll through Asheville’s outdoor art and history museum without walls.
So, if you’d like to spend some time in a place where the view is breathtaking and the unexpected is waiting around every corner, hit the road and head to the mountains of Asheville.
Free Inspiration for Art Lovers Asheville is one of the top arts destinations in the Southeast, featuring hundreds of art galleries and working art studios.
Free Asheville Drum Circle The drum circle downtown has become a unique tradition each warm-weather Friday evening.
Free Entertainment Watch street theater, enjoy traditional mountain music and dance, or catch a live show at one of the many area festivals.
Decompress for less. Go to CoolAshevilleSavings.com
ACV-900 (76205).indd 1
12/31/08 3:19:30 PM
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www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com The Volunteer State has 54 parks and more than 1000 miles of trails.
walls to scenic hilly landscapes. After
Hit the world-class rapids for
Gatlinburg Department of Tourism
TENNESSEE
THE TRANQUILITY OF THE CRISP MOUNTAIN AIR IN EASTERN TENNESSEE IS A FAR CRY FROM THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF BIG CITIES LIKE NASHVILLE AND MEMPHIS, BUT IT CAN BE EVERY BIT AS ENTERTAINING.
ranging from challenging mountain this
experience,
you’re
guaranteed
rafting on the Ocoee River, renowned
to have a whole new outlook of this
for its challenging and exhilarating
scenic mountain escape you won’t
white water. This is the river Olympic
soon forget.
kayakers paddled when the 1996
Great Smoky Mountains National
Summer Games were in Atlanta. But
Park is the perfect spot for hikers and
you don’t have to be going for the
campers, with 800 miles of maintained
gold to brave this thrilling outdoor
trails. Here you can spot abundant
adventure.
wildlife, like bears, elk, and deer. To
Guides
offer
all
the
instruction you need to make your way through the rapids. Take things to new heights in the mountains of Tennessee during a rock climbing adventure. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before; numerous companies provide education in a safe yet challenging atmosphere. Those who need no training have their choice of crags to climb throughout the state
learn even more about the park’s environment, a ranger will be more than happy to assist you. The Appalachian Trail cuts through the park on its way to Maine, and hikers will delight in the miles of pristine beauty, a perfect setting for enjoying nature at its finest. www.tnvacation.com
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Chimneys are a must see in this area. Rising 120 feet above the pastoral
VIRGINIA
OLD DOMINION’S ROLLING HILLS AND LUSH, SWEEPING VIEWS WERE HOME TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. WHEN YOU’RE HERE, YOU’LL SEE WHY HE LOVED THE OUTDOORS SO MUCH. The first president was born on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, and you can experience the outdoors just as he did. Much of the area is still pristine and unspoiled, and you’re sure to have a wild time. Charter a boat for fishing or rent a canoe and paddle the
terrain,
onlookers
unparalleled
views
can of
experience this
scenic
panorama. There are plenty of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Head to Grottoes and experience Grand Caverns. This majestic beauty is the place to see Cathedral Hall, one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the eastern United States measuring 280 feet long and more than 70 feet high. Grand Caverns also offers hiking, biking, and even miniature golf. If you’re looking for thrills, take flight on a hang glider in Amherst. No matter what your experience, you can experience the exhilaration, first from a training hill and then on to the big
places for rest and relaxation. Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise. Wonders like the 100-million-year-old Natural Bridge make this area a prime spot for exploration. And the Natural
the flat terrain, or extreme journeys throughout the mountains, biking is one of this state’s most exciting outdoor adventures. Plan a guided tour along the
mountain flights.
Greenbrier River Trail or take a group
www.virginia.org
ride to Berkeley Springs. Enjoy the scenic vistas of West Virginia during a
waterways. If you want to escape from it all, the beaches provide ideal
Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org)
WEST VIRGINIA
THE MOUNTAIN STATE IS ONE OF THE PREMIER SPOTS FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN THE COUNTRY, WITH SO MANY ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE STATE. There is an abundance of rivers and lakes, perfect for boating and fishing. You can also find great places for hiking, camping, and much more.
recreational trip throughout the state. The lush, untouched terrain of West Virginia will entice you to get out, explore, and experience all Mother Nature has to offer, from horseback riding in the Greenbrier Valley to bird watching in the Potomac Highlands. The Mountaineer Region is another ideal spot for outdoor adventures just like the miners and frontiersman in the state’s infancy found, from rock climbing to hunting. For the thrill of a lifetime, the famous Gauley River is idyllic for white water rafting, with rapids of all classes, so it’s perfect for all skill levels. There are also
With a wide variety of terrain across
numerous places on the river to take it
the state, West Virginia is known for
slow and swim, and even explore ghost
its biking. Casual rides along the lakes
towns along the waterway.
and rivers, fast-paced cycling across
www.wvtourism.com