Where to next?
We would like to share some of the places that we have visited during our adventures.
Please leave a comment below to suggest where our next adventure should be.
Acadia National Park
Maine
Acadia National Park is a beautiful natural area that spans nearly 50,000 acres along the Atlantic coastline of Maine. It includes Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and several outer islands. The park features 60 miles of coastline, 33 miles of scenic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, and over 150 miles of hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The majority of the park is situated on Mount Desert Island, which is the largest island off the coast of Maine. The park is divided into two parts by Somes Sound, creating an east and west side. As someone who lived in Maine, I can say that Acadia has everything you could want, from warm beaches to mountains to climb, and endless trails to explore. When you're ready to unwind, head to Bar Harbor, which is just a few minutes away and offers lots of shops and attractions to see.
Mt. Rushmore
South Dakoda
The majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota. They tell the story of the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States of America. Mount Rushmore is a place where visitors can experience face-to-face encounters with the rich heritage, we all share, from the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today.
While you're there, take the time to visit other attractions in the area. Keystone, SD has many shops and attractions to offer, so it's definitely worth checking out.
Devils Tower
Wyoming
The Tower is an impressive geological formation that rises up from the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It holds great significance to Northern Plains Indians and other indigenous communities. Devil's Tower is one of the best crack-climbing spots in North America, with hundreds of parallel cracks. It invites us to explore and learn more about our place in the natural and cultural world. The hiking trail around the tower is mostly accessible for all, but some parts may be a bit challenging for wheelchair users. However, RV and camper parking is available. The information and gift shop here is also worth a visit, as there are plenty of interesting things to see. This place is off the beaten path, so make sure to plan your trip ahead of time. When driving through the park up to the parking lot, be patient, as there is often congestion and traffic stops due to part of the road being too narrow for two-way traffic. However, stoplights are in place to direct traffic.
Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Indiana
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness is a stunning 12,953-acre area situated in the Hoosier National Forest. It boasts 36 miles of trails and offers breathtaking views of the nearby Monroe Lake. Visitors can partake in hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding through scenic hardwood forests and varied terrain. In 1982, the area was designated a wilderness to preserve its natural condition while providing opportunities for solitude.
However, since its designation as a wilderness, visitor use has increased, leading to significant damage. To protect the wilderness character, special restrictions are in place, and visitors are requested to follow these restrictions to reduce their impact and share responsibility for preserving this unique natural resource.
Please note that due to Monroe Lake's purpose of flood control, water levels fluctuate, and some campsites may experience flooding and become unusable for periods of time. Primitive campsites are permitted off the trails, and one excellent location for camping is on the banks of Lake Monroe, where visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets by the fire.
Mount Rainier National Park
Washington State
Mount Rainier National Park is located in southeast Pierce and northeast Lewis County in Washington. It was established in 1899 and is the fourth national park in the US, covering an area of 236,381 acres. The park is home to Mount Rainier, a 14,410-foot stratovolcano, which is situated within the park. The park boasts of valleys, waterfalls, subalpine meadows, old-growth forests, and over 25 glaciers. Mount Rainier is considered the highest point in the Cascade Range.
Longmire is a popular visitor center located 6.5 miles east of the Nisqually Entrance. Here, visitors can enjoy the National Park Inn, the Longmire Museum, and the 1928 National Park Service Administration Building. The National Park Inn is open all year round, making it a great place to stay. Longmire is the second most popular destination for visitors to Mount Rainier National Park after Paradise.
As someone who grew up here, I can say that you will never run out of things to do in the park. But, if you do, then you can check out the city of Leavenworth, which is also a great place to visit.
Saguaro National Park
Arizona
Saguaro National Park, situated in the southeastern part of Arizona, is split into two separate districts: the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. The park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals found in the Sonoran Desert. The Rincon features higher and wetter mountains compared to Tucson, which gives rise to a unique and diverse biodiversity. The two districts were merged in 1994 to form the national park. I visited Saguaro a few years ago and was amazed at how beautiful it is. The rolling hills, decorated with cacti, were simply breathtaking. However, it's important not to touch the cacti since some of them are hundreds of years old. If you're not camping, Tucson is nearby. Make sure you don't miss seeing the desert sunset!
Diablo lake in Washington State