subject: Can You Hear Mother Nature Calling? [print this page] The continental US and its outlying territories are bursting with possibilities in its many mountains, valleys, beaches and forests. Spotting wildlife and melting s'mores over a campfire are only two of the great things you can do. Swimming in hot springs and cool lakes is just one of the ways you can spend your time. In the Great Outdoors you'll see true magnificent beauty.
With the help of the Internet and industry magazines its easy to research campsites around the country to help you plan your getaway. National parks around the country are always popular camping vacation areas. Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains, for example, are two of the most visited national parks. You also have plenty of options when you're ready to travel a little further off the beaten path. If you want to see another amazing canyon besides the Grand, try the Forty Mile Canyon in Utah. In this amazing wonder you can hike in and around the broad canyon walls and cotton-wood trees. For a little playful respite, you can wade or swim in a shimmering pool beneath the canyon's 12-foot waterfall.
One of the biggest attractions to mountain hiking is the view from the top, and the San Gorgonio Mountain in California offers one of the best. On this popular Southern California trail you can hike up 11,000 feet over the sprawling multi-ecozone perch. There will be nothing to hinder your view of the wide blue sky and puffy white clouds from so high up. Though they may be smaller, there are many mountain and hilltop peaks in the eastern US that present unrivaled views.
If you're looking for unique camping opportunities, some campsites are just for you. If youre up for a little skinny-dipping at dusk consider the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan. One of the best attractions there is the spectacular view that becomes visible as the lights start fading at dusk. For optimal stargazing away from the concrete and smog of the city, a great place to camp is Mount Wrightson Wilderness in Arizona. The sky looks rich and amazing from this high perch. If you want to relax on the beach following your hikes, Hawaii is a wonderful place to vacation and camp.
If you enjoy being outdoors, you'll love the limitless options you have for natural adventure. With friends or family or even a few strangers, you'll have plenty of fun whatever you choose to do. From sea to sea, the US is a vast playground waiting for you.
