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15 epic US state parks

People are usually drawn to national parks for their size and splendor or the breadth of activities they offer. This can lead to crowding, traffic, and backlogs at the most popular attractions within those parks.

But many state parks in the US offer just as much, if not more, than dedicated national parks — often with fewer people and for less money. Don’t miss out on amazing hiking opportunities at these fifteen state parks just because they’re not classified as national parks.

1. Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

Photo: Jim Vallee/Shutterstock

Spanning more than 26,000 acres across eastern Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls State Park is the biggest and most visited park in Tennessee. This park is home to Fall Creek Falls, the waterfall that gave the park its name, as well as several other falls, including Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. At 256-feet tall, Fall Creek Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi.

Along with spectacular cascades, Fall Creek Falls State Park also has overlooks, gorges, virgin hardwood forests, and more caves than you’ll find at nearly all other US parks. Some of these caves include Camps Gulf Cove, Lost Creek Cave, and Rumbling Falls Cave, which has the second largest cave chamber in the US.

Beyond all these superlatives, Fall Creek Falls State Park also has a diversity of trail options, ranging from short, moderate hikes on paved trails to overnight hikes on natural hiking trails. Most trails in the 56-mile trail system lead to overlooks with stunning views of the area’s tallest waterfall and surrounding landscape. Add in great rock climbing and fishing, and Falls Creek Falls has myriad activities to engage you.

Highlights: the tallest waterfall in the East, rock climbing

Hours: open 24 hours, every day

Entrance fee: none

Restrictions: none

Best time of year to visit: the year-round temperature is relatively mild in Tennessee.

2. Manatee Springs State Park, Florida

Photo: Robert Whitlach/Shutterstock

The most prominent feature in 2,000-acre Manatee Springs State Park is the Manatee Springs itself. It produces 81,000 gallons of crystal-clear spring water every minute, or 117 million gallons daily. The water comes from rain that falls within 40 miles of the spring. The surrounding land acts as a sponge, and the sand and limestone allow the rainwater to seep into underground caverns that feed the water to the spring.

This water then flows from the spring into the Suwannee River, where it eventually meets the Gulf of Mexico. The spring itself is 25-feet deep and 75-feet across. In addition, over 26,000 feet of underwater cave passageways have been mapped, and these conduits can reach depths of up to 90 feet. Four main entrances give scuba divers access to these passageways. Certified divers can explore several miles of underground caverns that feed into the spring, including the popular Catfish Hotel.

The spring is a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit and serves as a haven for manatees, especially during winter and spring when they calve. Beyond admiring the manatees while diving, snorkeling, and swimming, you can also kayak and canoe. On land, there are hiking and biking trails, as well as boardwalks and floating docks that allow you to get closer to the swamps, swamp vegetation, and up close and personal to the spring.

Highlights: scuba diving, manatee viewing

Hours: 8:00 AM to sundown, every day

Entrance fee: $6 per vehicle for day use

Restrictions: dogs are prohibited on boardwalks but OK in other areas of park.

Best time of year to visit: winter, when water clarity levels are best and manatees are nesting in the springs.

3. Ecola State Park, Oregon

Photo: SimonaKoz/Shutterstock

Ecola State Park stretches along nine miles of dramatic Oregon coastline and offers stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The small state park is perched on Tillamook Head near Cannon Beach, one of the best-known beaches in Oregon. The scenic Ecola Park Road winds through old-growth rainforest and Sitka spruce forest, offering many lookout points to view the rock formations, sea stacks, and headlands of the Oregon coast in both directions.

The park’s main attractions are Indian Beach, a rugged beach cove that’s popular with surfers, and Ecola Point, a lookout point that doubles as the trailhead for the Lighthouse Trail. Ecola State Park has several miles of hiking trails, which offer views of the sea, coves, and rainforest-covered landscape. The park even includes an eight-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT). Besides hiking, Ecola State Park is popular for bird watching, whale watching, surfing, and wildlife photography, as herds of Roosevelt elk, bald eagles, and migrating gray whales are a common sight.

Highlights: whale watching in spring, surfing

Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM every day

Entrance fee: $5 per person for day use

Restrictions: none

Best time of year to visit: spring for whale watching.

4. Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California

Photo: MetasZBABLU/Shutterstock

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a 600,000-acre park in Southern California, is the second largest state park in the country. Its name comes from Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the word borrego, Spanish for bighorn sheep. The park includes 110 miles of hiking trails and 12 wilderness areas, which span an immense area of different ecosystems, including desert badlands, foothills, mountain peaks, and canyons.

The majority of the site’s flora and fauna can be found within these ecosystems from February to April, and Swainson’s Hawks fly overhead as part of their spring migration. Most of the park is only accessible via primitive roads or by foot, making it true desert backcountry. Besides hiking, there are many biking trails, a bike rental shop, and offroading trails.

With its remoteness and dry air, Anza-Borrego is excellent for stargazing and was ranked the second-best International Dark Sky Community in the world. Another unique feature is Ricardo Breceda’s sculpture-art installations, which are placed randomly throughout the state park and the town of Borrego Springs. Breceda has created 130 red, giant-sized, scrap-metal sculptures that depict real-life creatures that once roamed the land. The most famous of these is a 350-foot-long dragon that seems to emerge from the dry ground.

Highlights: stargazing, free backcountry camping

Hours: dawn until dusk, every day

Entrance fee: popular areas have day-use fees between $5 and $10, but most of the park is free.

Restrictions: dogs are allowed in the park but not on hiking trails, no ground fires permitted, no drones permitted.

Best time of year to visit: either spring or fall, with spring being best for wildflower bloom and viewing hawk migrations.

5. Lake Tahoe State Park, Nevada

Photo: BGS_Image/Shutterstock

Lake Tahoe, a beautiful turquoise alpine lake, has been called “the jewel of Nevada.” It’s surrounded by 72 miles of perfect shoreline dotted with pristine beaches and is a recreation heaven, offering kayaking and water opportunities during the summer and skiing and other snow sports during the winter. Four state parks surround Lake Tahoe. The largest and most popular of these is Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, which covers 14,300 acres of land.

The most-visited site in the park is Sand Harbor, a pristine, three-mile stretch of beach known for its white granite boulders, which dot the coastline and provide a stark contrast to the bright blue of the water. Sand Harbor has a boat launch, picnicking areas, Harbor House Bistro, and Lake Tahoe informational center. The Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is also an access point for reaching the 13,000 acres of Marlette/Hobart Backcountry, which features hiking trails, equestrian trails, and mountain biking trails.

Highlights: Sand Harbor beach, kayaking/canoeing/SUPing

Hours: 8:00 AM to one hour after sunset, every day

Entrance fee: $10 USD per vehicle for day use

Restrictions: none

Best time of year to visit: all year long, with different recreation opportunities in summer and winter.

6. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

Photo: Marisa Estivill/Shutterstock

Smith Rock State Park is a 652-acre park in the semi-arid high desert of Central Oregon. Smith Rock is known for its rock-climbing routes and is called the birthplace of modern sport climbing. Despite its small size, it has over 1,800 different rock climbing routes, and 1,000 of them are already bolted.

It’s a popular spot for sport climbing, traditional climbing, bouldering, and multi-pitch climbing. It also contains the first ever climb rated 5.14 (8b+). Even if you don’t come to the park to climb, Smith Rock offers hiking and biking trails, scenic views of canyons, and opportunities to spot wildlife like golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otters, and beavers.

Highlights: rock climbing

Hours: open 24 hours, every day

Entrance fee: $5 USD per vehicle for day use

Restrictions: none

Best time of year to visit: summer, when all climbing routes are open.

7. Baxter State Park, Maine

Photo: Brittany Courville/Shutterstock

Baxter State Park, encompassing 209,644 acres of wilderness in inland Maine, is New England’s grandest state park. Percival Baxter personally acquired and donated all 200,000 acres of Baxter State Park between 1931 and 1962. Percival wanted to keep his beloved home of Maine “forever wild” and dedicated the state park to “those who love nature and are willing to walk and make an effort to get close to nature.”

Because of this, the park was designed to be explored entirely on foot or via kayak, and there is almost no vehicular access to its 46 peaks and 215 miles of hiking trails. The limited road system really just allows people to reach the starting points for their hiking or kayaking treks. There is no WiFi, running water, food, gas, or electricity in the entire park. You’ll need to bring your own water or filter the natural water if staying at one of the park’s many campsites or cabins.

The park contains Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s tallest peak, which is actually a cluster of peaks and the final terminus point for the Appalachian Trail. Baxter also contains rare alpine flowers, unique glacial formations, backcountry trails, ponds and lakes, and waterfalls.

Highlights: whitewater rapids, kayaking, backcountry hiking

Hours: 6:00 AM-8:30 PM every day

Entrance fee: $15 USD per vehicle for day use

Restrictions: limited road access

Best time of year to visit: fall, when the foliage is changing colors.

8. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Photo: Zack Frank/Shutterstock

The second largest canyon in the US lies in the Texas panhandle. Palo Duro Canyon is 120-miles long, 20-miles wide, and 800-feet deep. It looks like the classic rugged landscape of old-time Westerns. With over 1,500 trails specifically dedicated to horseback riding, it’s one of the most horse-friendly state parks in the country. You can bring your own horse to trail ride, or you can take a guided tour from Old West Stables, located inside the park.

Early Native Americans resided in the canyon for around 12,000 years. The nomadic tribes that first arrived were followed by Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa tribes. Early Spanish explorers named the area Palo Duro, which means “hard wood,” for the immense amounts of mesquite and juniper trees in the area. Unfortunately, through US intervention, the Native American tribes were forced out of the area and into Oklahoma. Charles Goodnight was the first white American to move into the area thereafter; the JA Ranch that he set up in what is now state-park land remains a working, albeit smaller, ranch today.

Beyond horseback riding, you can hike, camp, bird watch, and mountain bike in the park. Thanks to its dark night skies, Palo Duro is also a great place to stargaze.

Highlights: trails specifically for horseback riding, stargazing

Hours: 7:00 AM-10:00 PM every day

Entrance fee: $5 per person for day use, overnight fees may differ

Restrictions: no collection of rocks or wild plants

Best time of year to visit: early spring (wildflower bloom) or late fall — the summer months are generally too hot to enjoy the park.

9. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park/Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California

Photo: Shane Myers Photography/Shutterstock

Two different state parks, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, are only seven miles apart. They can, and should, be easily combined as part of the same trip. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located in the Big Sur Valley along scenic Highway 1, the roadway that runs from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific coast. The peaks of Pfeiffer Big Sur loom above Big Sur River Gorge, where Big Sur River runs through the park. This park is famous for its trees, among them redwoods, oaks, and willows. Wildlife includes bobcats, deer, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and dozens of birds species.

This park is extremely popular and trafficked; it’s got a sit-down restaurant, lodge, grocery store, swimming pool, and picnicking areas. However, it’s still beautiful and is one of the few places in California where you can actually camp among old-growth redwood trees.

The 3,7000-acre Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, named after an early-20th-century pioneer, is home to many redwoods that are over 300-feet tall and over 2,500-years old. The main feature of the park is McWay Falls, which drops 80 feet from granite cliffs into the ocean below and can be seen from the half-mile Waterfall Overlook Trail.

The park is excellent for whale watching. Overlook points throughout the park are great for viewing gray-whale migrations in December, January, March, and April. Marine protected areas off the coast of the park help conserve fragile ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems. In addition, the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Underwater Area, which is part of the state park, is an exceptional scuba diving site.

Highlights: vista point, whale watching, scuba diving, redwood trees

Hours: a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset

Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle for day use — the fee covers entrance to both Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns in the same day.

Restrictions: drone use not permitted

Best time of year to visit: spring for the whale migration.

10. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

Photo: Elisaveta Ivanova/Shutterstock

Only 32 miles from Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the country’s most spectacular recreation spots. Dead Horse Point is a beautiful lookout point that allows you to see 2,000 feet down to the Colorado River and out towards the surrounding Canyonlands National Park. Millions of years of geologic activity, which formed the rust-colored canyons and spires, have created a masterpiece of natural art.

The park offers 16 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind around the edge of the mesa, giving fantastic lookout points and views into the canyons below. Beyond hiking, Dead Horse Point is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and is one of the best places for stargazing in Utah because of its high-plateau location and distance from light pollution.

Highlights: vista points, stargazing

Hours: 6:00 AM-10:00 PM every day

Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle for day use

Restrictions: none

Best time of year to visit: all year long, but winter and the off-season allow for lower temperatures and fewer crowds.

11. Chugach State Park, Alaska

Photo: Susan R. Serna/Shutterstock

Located near Anchorage, Alaska, Chugach State Park spans 495,000 acres — big enough to contain both Los Angeles and New York. Only Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California (see above) and Wood-Tikchik State Park, also in Alaska, are larger. Its 200 coastal miles stretch from seven miles west of Anchorage to the Canada border. With nine different ecosystems inside the park, every terrestrial mammal that’s found in Alaska can be found in Chugach State Park. These include moose, bears, wolves, lynx, beavers, river otters, and 45 other mammal species.

Even with its remote location in Alaska, Chugach is extremely accessible given its proximity to Anchorage. The 110 trails can be used for hiking, biking, ATV riding, horseback riding, or snowmobiling. Along with these activities, hunting, fishing, gold-panning, and berry picking are also common. The park is also popular for wildlife watching, photography, boating, and kayaking.

Highlights: snowmobiling, wildlife photography, kayaking

Hours: open 24 hours, every day

Entrance fee: none

Restrictions: no motorized boats

Best time of year to visit: summer for the best temperature and longest sunlight hours.

12. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Photo: Edwin Verin/Shutterstock

Named for its dramatic red sandstone formations, Valley of Fire State Park truly looks like it’s ablaze under the rays of the late afternoon sun. The park contains 40,000 acres of iconic Aztec sandstone, as well as gray and tan limestone, petrified trees, and petroglyphs. Samples of petroglyphs left by the Anasazi people can be found throughout the park. Valley of Fire also has many species of desert plants like brush, cactus, and wildflowers. Spring wildflower blooms of desert marigold, indigo bush, and desert mallow make the park look incredible.

The scenic, ten-mile Valley of Fire Road traverses the park and own is worth the trip to park in its own right. You can also take short, quick walks to iconic rock formations or lookouts right off the scenic drive. Of course, there are also hiking trails and camping spots. Valley of Fire is just 50 miles from the Las Vegas strip, making it an easy and accessible day trip from the city.

Highlights: scenic drives, proximity to Las Vegas

Hours: 6:30 AM-7:00 PM every day

Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle for day use

Restrictions: none, dogs allowed

Best time of year to visit: spring or fall to avoid the peak heat of the summer — the wildflower bloom in the spring is especially pretty.

13. Napali Coast State Park, Hawaii

Photo: Jo Ann Snover/Shutterstock

Kaua’i is called the Garden Island because it’s the greenest of the Hawaiian islands. It’s stunning throughout, but its most beautiful asset is the Napali Coast, an 11-mile stretch of extremely sheer cliffs, hidden lava-rock caves, and beaches. Na Pali translates from Hawaiian to “high cliffs,” and the escarpments rise up to 4,000 feet above sea level in some places. There are no roads, vehicles, hotels, or cell-phone signals here. There aren’t many people either.

The Napali Coast State Park is 6,175 acres located along the north side of Kaua’i and was created to protect the Kalalau Valley, where ancient groups of Hawaiians once lived, surviving by fishing and trading with other groups. This state park is completely inaccessible by car or any vehicle. You can enter by sea via kayak or by land via the Kalalau Trail, or you can view it from above via helicopter.

Kayaking tours can either be done as a day trip to one beach or a multi-day excursion along the entire coast. These tours allow you to view the coastline in all its magnificence and enter sea caves not accessible by land. Hiking in via the 11-mile Kalalau Trail allows you to experience the flora and fauna, gives you access to all the campsites and beaches, and brings you past waterfalls. Viewing the park from above instantly reminds you that this is where the movie “Jurassic Park” begins and gives you a unique birds-eye view of this beautiful coastline.

Highlights: dramatic scenery, remote access

Hours: daylight hours, every day

Entrance fee: none

Restrictions: permits required for campgrounds, maximum 5-night stay, no motorized vehicles/road access

Best time of year to visit: summer, as camping is only permitted between May 15 and September 7 for anyone wishing to reach the park via hike or kayak.

14. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California

Photo: EyeLights West/Shutterstock

Twice the size of the city of San Francisco, Humboldt Redwoods State Park spans 53,000 acres — 17,000 of which are old-growth virgin redwood forests. It’s the largest area of old-growth redwoods on the planet, established nearly a century ago by conservationists who purchased it from the Pacific Lumber Company. More than 100 trees over 350-feet tall can be found in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and you’ll drive right through the base of three of these stately trees along the 32-mile Avenue of Giants.

The tallest in the park, and the fourth tallest living redwood on earth, the Stratosphere Giant is 370.5-feet tall. The tallest redwood on record was also located in the park. It was the 372-foot-tall Dyerville Giant, which fell in 1991 at the ripe age of 1,600 years old. Beyond its massive array of redwoods, Humboldt Redwoods also has excellent campgrounds with hot showers, beaches, hiking trails, a horse camp, and equestrian trails. The South Fork Eel River also provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Highlights: redwood trees

Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM from April to October, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM from November to March

Entrance fee: $8 per vehicle for day use

Restrictions: none

Best time of year to visit: summer — rain is extremely common during all other seasons.

15. Adirondack Park, New York

Photo: Johnathan Esper/Shutterstock

Located in upstate New York, Adirondack Park is six million acres of “forever wild” forest. This converts to 9,375 square miles, nearly the size of the entire state of Vermont. Bigger than both Death Valley and Yellowstone National Parks put together, it has over 3,000 ponds and lakes, 30,000 rivers and streams, and 2,000 miles of hiking trails. It’s the largest protected area in the US and an interesting patchwork of both public and private land. There are 102 towns within the state park, and technically, the state of New York only owns half of the land. The 3.4 million acres that are privately owned are managed by an agency called the Adirondack Park Agency.

The Adirondacks is known for its remoteness and vast array of hiking trails. The 46 tallest peaks in the state park are called the Adirondack High Peaks, and the people who have managed to summit all 46 peaks call themselves the “46ers.” Mt. Marcy is the tallest peak and the highest point in New York at 5,343 feet. Regardless of whether you plan on becoming a 46er, summiting a few peaks, or just walking on relaxed trails, Adirondack State Park has over 2,000 miles of trails that cater to every skill level and can be used for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Highlights: vastness of hiking trails, remoteness

Hours: open 24 hours, every day

Entrance fee: no entry fee

Restrictions: none

Best time of year to visit: summer months for hiking, but the park is accessible all year for alpine and cross-country skiing.


More like this: 5 underrated alternatives to America’s busiest national parks

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7 US caves you can hike through

Exploring the subterranean underworld has always had an allure for intrepid adventurers. Hiking above ground is one thing, but scrambling, climbing, and crawling through mysterious caverns provide an adrenaline rush unlike any you’ll get where the sun shines.

Whether you’re a caver or spelunker, the US has a huge amount of cave systems for exploring. Grab an extra layer of clothing and flashlights to explore these cold, damp, and dark expanses — the seven coolest caves you can hike through in America.

Photo: Zack Frank/Shutterstock

1. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

The Mammoth Cave-Flint Ridge cave system is the largest known cave system in the world, twice as big as the next largest. Over 400 miles have been explored so far, but new caves are constantly being discovered. Entering Mammoth Cave is like being transported to an underground fantasy world reminiscent of the movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

Some of the most famous parts of the cave, like the Frozen Niagara, are lighted. There’s a short Niagara tour or longer ones, such as the four-mile Grand Adventure Tour and the challenging five-mile Wild Cave Tour. If you want to hit the trail independently, more than seven miles of paths weave their way around the visitor’s center. On these paths, you’ll see impressive overlooks into even deeper sections, bubbling springs, and fascinating rock formations.

Photo: Blue Ice/Shutterstock

2. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

The Carlsbad Caverns are known for their spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the 400,000-strong colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. Rather than take an elevator, hikers can choose to trek down to the depths of the caves through a dimly lit path of steep switchbacks. At the end of the trail, a limestone cavern known as “The Big Room,” the largest underground chamber in the world, awaits.

The weird and wonderful rock formations are nothing short of astonishing. Make sure to be outside at dusk, so you can see the bats leaving the caves to hunt for insects for dinner. It’s as extraordinary a sight as the caverns below.

Photo: Zack Frank/Shutterstock

3. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park earned its name because the sound of the wind, which rushes in and out of the natural cave mouth. A sacred place for Native Americans, the park has 146 miles of explored passages, making it one of the longest and most complex in the world. It’s thought to have the largest number of passages per square mile of any cave.

One of the main features is the unusual mineral formation of boxwork, a calcite resembling honeycomb. It also has frostwork, which looks kind of liked stacked snowflakes, made from mineral deposits. You can take a variety of tours depending on your ability level.

Photo: Ready 2 B Framed/Shutterstock

4. Ape Cave, Washington

A hike through the longest continuous lava tube in the US is not for the faint of heart. There are two caves at Ape Cave, the upper cave being the most challenging, as well as the most interesting. Spelunkers should ensure they are well prepared, wearing gloves to protect themselves from the jagged rocks.

The geology within the upper cave changes throughout. Scrambling over rock piles and scaling an eight-foot lavafall (there is a rope — you don’t have to bring your own) are part of the Ape Cave experience. A skylight tells you that the end of the 1.5-mile hike is imminent. The cave is named after sightings of Bigfoot or Sasquatch in the nearby Mount St. Helens area.

Photo: Michael Landrum/Shutterstock

5. Lava River Cave, Arizona

Formed after a volcanic eruption, when the outer flow cooled and the rushing lava continued to advance, the mile-long hike through Lava River Cave is a perfect spelunking adventure for novices.

The cave is 30-feet high in some places and three feet in others, making it tricky in parts but adding to the adventure. “Lavacicles” hang from the ceiling, and occasional shafts of light shine through small holes. You can see the geological effect of the lava traveling through the tunnel in the smooth arch of the rock.

Photo: Alisa_Ch/Shutterstock

6. Balconies Cave, Pinnacles National Park, California

Balconies Cave is a talus cave, meaning that it originated when boulders fell into a canyon rather than being produced by a lava flow. Over time, earthquakes and erosion created a cave roof. Several trails in the park, which range from 2.5-miles to nine-miles long, take you through the Balconies Cave and out the other side. While not as grand as some of the other caves on this list, the Balconies Cave is fun, precisely because entering (or leaving, depending on which side you’re coming from) requires you to scramble over serious boulders in the dark. You really can’t enter this one without a flashlight or headlamp.

If you prefer a cave that’s easier to get into, the Bear Gulch Cave — also a talus cave — has stairs and railings set in the rocks, making it easier to get through. It’s still a tight squeeze to get inside and, like Balconies, it may be wet on the ground in winter. It will be a cool, welcome break from the heat in late summer, though. Both caves close between mid-May and mid-July to accommodate the nesting season of the resident Townsend’s big-eared bats.

Photo: Jason L. Price/Shutterstock

7. Blanchard Springs Caverns, Arkansas

Blanchard Springs Caverns has eight miles of surveyed passages. While you can hike most of the caves on this list on your own, you need to view Blanchard Springs with a guided tour. On the Wild Cave tour, you’ll crawl through narrow spaces and slither along mudslides in underdeveloped parts of the cave.

Although the Dripstone Tour is easy, it’s spectacular. Passing through two huge caverns with an array of sparkling crystalline formations, columns, flowstones, and a natural bridge, the rocks are accentuated with illuminations. The Discovery Tour is more strenuous, descending into the depths to follow the cave stream to the natural entrance, which was discovered by the original explorers.

Although many caves in the southeast have been closed to protect resident bat populations from the white-nose syndrome, Blanchard Springs remains open.


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The 6 best outdoor bars in Chicago

We deal with some pretty brutal winters in the Windy City, so when it finally gets warm enough to do something outdoors, we like to go all out. Nothing pairs better with warm weather in this city than eating and drinking at a Chicago rooftop bar or patio. Here are our top outdoor food and drink places in the Chi, including swanky downtown spots, beach-drinking bars, and locals-only neighborhood joints.

1. Cindy’s Rooftop

Photo: Cindy’s Rooftop

Even though it’s fairly new, Millennium Park is already one of Chicago’s most iconic spots. It’s a cool enough place that even us jaded locals are (secretly) happy to make it down there once in a while. But boy is it touristy. After you’ve worked up a thirst taking pictures of “The Bean,” head across the street to Cindy’s Rooftop, the place with Chicago’s best rooftop bar views. Cindy’s is located on the roof of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel right across Michigan Avenue from the park.

The food at Cindy’s is good, and they serve it up in Chicago-sized portions, so be sure to share. The rotating cocktail list always has some innovative creations, and the beer taps are reserved for local drafts. Cindy’s isn’t cheap, but the views out over the park, “The Bean,” the Frank Gehry-designed bandshell, and the lake definitely get you your money’s worth.

2. Big Star

Photo: Big Star Chicago

Seeing the way local people interact and go about their days is one of the best ways to get to know a new city, and when you can do that with a drink in your hand, all the better. Big Star in Chicago’s hip Wicker Park neighborhood is one of the best spots around to do that. This taco and whiskey joint is crazy popular with locals, and its huge patio along Damen Avenue is full pretty much any day the weather is even remotely good.

The creative tacos and other Mexican dishes here are excellent, and the whiskey and mezcal-based cocktails are made to be enjoyed on a warm day on the patio. Big Star also does a great Michelada — a cold can of Tecate beer with a salted rim, lime wedge, and spicy hot sauce added to it. To do it the proper Chicago way, be sure to order a cheap shot of bourbon on your first round.

3. The Dock at Montrose Beach

Photo: The Dock at Montrose Beach

People not from Chicago are usually shocked that we actually have beaches here. It’s understandable considering we’re in the heart of the Midwest, but it’s true. Eating and drinking at the beach in the summer is about as Chicago as it gets, and there’s no better spot to do it at than The Dock at Montrose Beach. The Dock is far enough from downtown that it’s a mostly-locals kind of place, and that means it has some really great prices.

Beers at The Dock start at just $5 and wine and cocktails go from $7. The best part of this Chicago outdoor bar on the beach, though, is the live music every night, all summer long. They have three solid house bands that play regular nights, and a rotating bill of guest bands every other night. Come late afternoon to get in some beach time, then rock out when the tunes start. Open every day until 10:00 PM.

4. Raised

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Chicagoans know we have the best skyline in the world, and the wide-angle views of it from the surrounding neighborhoods and the Museum Campus are spectacular. But the Chicago River cutting through it all creates an opening that lets you experience it from the inside. There’s one Chicago rooftop bar that gets you this view, and some tasty food and drinks to go along with it. Raised is a hotspot on the third floor of the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel right along the river, with amazing views of the city’s iconic drawbridges and its buildings, both old and new. Raised has a great menu that’s made to be shared. The cocktails are all good and can even be shared when ordered in a six-serving decanter. After strolling along the Riverwalk, this is the perfect place to stop and refortify.

5. Parson’s Chicken and Fish

Photo: Parson’s Chicken & Fish

If you really want to get away from downtown and get out into the neighborhoods, you need to get yourself to Parson’s Chicken and Fish. Located west of Wicker Park and between the hot new neighborhoods of Logan Square and Humboldt Park, Parson’s is the spot for hipsters looking for an outdoor bar in Chicago with great food and drinks. Back behind a few converted shipping containers, a huge patio with simple picnic tables is full on any summer day.

As the name suggests, this place is about fried chicken and fried fish, plus some simple sides that pair well with both. There are some really innovative cocktails here, plus a solid menu of craft beers with plenty of local options. The real star of Parson’s, though, is the Negroni Slushy — basically a big batch of well-made Negroni cocktail added to a slushy machine and poured to order. It’s insanely good and unbelievably addictive. As a neighborhood joint, there are some good budget options too like a daily cheap beer for just $3.

6. Cerise

Photo: Cerise Rooftop

Cerise is a hot new downtown rooftop bar in Chicago serving up great food, drinks, and views. The menu and drink lists take inspiration from Japan with Izakaya-inspired small bites, sashimi, and a good sake list. Cerise is on the rooftop of the 26-story Chicago Virgin Hotel. You’ll want to dress to impress here, which contrary to what some people think, we Chicagoans do like doing from time to time.

Be sure to head down a floor from the rooftop and enter through the door with a painted lock to get into the “secret” bar. Every night, DJs spin tunes in there as the fashionable crowd gets down to the Chi Town sounds.

More like this: 10 totally free things to do in Chicago this summer

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The best islands in the Great Lakes

Stand at the edge of any of the Great Lakes, and it seems almost as if North America has five more oceans right in the middle of the continent. The cold blue waters are as relaxing and exciting as any coastal destination during the summer with the added bonus of hundreds of populated islands just a short ferry ride away, each with its own special character. Most are heavenly for hiking, watersports, hunting, and fishing. But others have wild parties, wineries, and magical ice caves. Whatever your pleasure, here are the nine coolest islands in the Great Lakes.

Photo: Luke.Travel/Shutterstock

1. South Bass Island, Ohio — Lake Erie

They call South Bass the “Key West of the North,” which might seem like it’s setting the party bar pretty high. But spend a weekend at Put-in-Bay and you’ll feel like you need a vacation from your vacation. Hit up an epic daytime pool party at spots like The Islander Inn and MIST, then stay out all night at the bars along the waterfront. If drinking your body weight in well vodka isn’t on your preferred itinerary, the island is also home to the world’s largest geode at the Heineman Winery, which also makes some pretty solid red and white blends. South Bass is popular among day-trippers from northern Ohio, so lodging can be tricky. But it’s the best island party you’ll find in the Great Lakes.

Photo: Michael Deemer/Shutterstock

2. Mackinac Island, Michigan — Lake Michigan

The Grand Dame of Great Lakes islands is Mackinac (pronounced exactly the same as Mackinaw) where no cars are allowed and horse-drawn carriages are still a legitimate mode of transportation. The centerpiece of the island is the stately Grand Hotel, where the longest outdoor porch in the world serves as the perfect place for sipping an evening cordial at twilight. The rest of the island is a time warp to a different century, with pastel Victorian homes lining the streets. Plus it’s home to the iconic Pink Pony bar, so even though the nightlife is minimal, it’s still got a ton of character.

Photo: Mark Baldwin/Shutterstock

3. Isle Royale, Michigan — Lake Superior

One of the least-visited national parks in America, this big rock of wilderness hosted a hair over 28,000 visitors last year — for good reason. Getting here requires a three-hour boat ride or 45-minute seaplane flight, which sounds simple until you look up the pricing. But if you’re into untamed northern wilderness, it’s worth every penny. Moose are aplenty here as the Isle Royale is home to the longest-running predator-prey study in America, examining involvement with the island’s wolves. It also has almost-deserted trails through dense fir and spruce trees where visions of the water can be seen through the branches. There’s one lodge here — the Rock Harbor Lodge — and though again not cheap, it’s worth it if isolation makes your vacation.

Photo: Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock

4. Beaver Island, Michigan — Lake Michigan

Nicknamed “America’s Emerald Isle,” the largest island in Lake Michigan sits a short ferry ride from Charlevoix and is known for its abundance of nature and wildlife. The name doesn’t refer to the green trees that cover the island but rather refers to the massive amount of Irish immigrants who chose to settle here. Its most fascinating aspect, however, is its earlier history when it was home to a Mormon set known as the Strangites. This sect of followers of Joseph Strang had a sort of religious monarchy here for about eight years until Strang was killed by said followers, and other communities pushed them out. Make a stop at the Old Mormon Print Shop Museum to learn the whole bizarre story. Beyond that, wildlife conservationists have kept this island pretty untouched, and it’s become one of the top hunting and fishing destinations in wilderness-heavy Michigan.

Photo: John McCormick/Shutterstock

5. Grand Island, Michigan — Lake Superior

It seems odd to suggest that anyone go to Michigan in the winter for anything other than a hockey game or a Bob Seger concert, but the ice caves along the shore of Grand Island are some of the most spectacular feats of nature one can see in colder months. The blue-and-green crystalline caves seem almost artificial in their precision and require a treacherous journey across a bay in Superior to reach. Even if you’re not into frozen fun, Grand Island can be just as beautiful in the summer, full of pebble-lined beaches along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you want to go, though, plan ahead. This slice of mild-weathered paradise only allows 10,000 visitors per year.

Photo: Antler Photography/Shutterstock

6. Manitoulin Island, Ontario — Lake Huron

This massive island covers over 1,000-square miles and is one of the world’s largest islands situated in a lake. It’s like its own geographical region, with four rivers and 100 lakes, which have islands within an island. The best view of it all is on the Cup and Saucer trail, where seven miles of trail roll along 200-foot cliffs with sweeping vistas of the island. Manitoulin is also full of beaches and lakes, with plenty of deep wilderness kayaking and wildlife encounters. Getting here can be part of the adventure, as well, given that along with ferry and airplane service you can reach the island via the historic Little Current Swing Bridge.

Photo: SF photo/Shutterstock

7. Pelee Island, Ontario — Lake Erie

Here’s some bar trivia: Over half of the states in the US lie north of this island, the southernmost populated point in Canada. You’ll pass it on a ferry ride from Sandusky, Ohio, to South Bass Island; it’s hard to miss since it’s the largest island in the lake. The weather here is very un-Canadian, though, and the warm weather has made it a surprising destination for wine tasting. It sits at a similar latitude as Rioja, Porto, and Tuscany, and the largest estate winery in Canada is located here at the 550-acre Pelee Island Winery. Its mid-continental location also makes it a popular spot for migratory birds, and the birders who love them. Fall and winter bring loads of pheasant hunters, as well.

Photo: Jean Faucett/Shutterstock

8. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin — Lake Superior

It’s hard to nail down just one of the 22 islands that make up the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, though the largest one — Madeline — makes a good jumping off point to explore the others, full of golden-sand beaches backed by deep-green forests. But any trip to the Apostle Islands has to include boat trips to the sea caves. These stone cliffs are some of the most fascinating formations in America, and nearby you’ll find the lakes’ best scuba diving in caves underwater. If you’re into thick wetsuit diving, the Apostle Islands also have some notable shipwreck dives, plus eight lighthouses and 240 species of migratory birds.

Photo: Wolfe Island Music Festival

9. Wolfe Island, Ontario — Lake Ontario

Though it is sadly not awash in cream-based spicy condiments, the largest of the Thousand Islands is home to the Big Sandy Bay Management Area where sand dunes and marshes play host to dozens of protected species of plants and animals. No cars are allowed in the area, meaning nature walks here feel like a step into the wild with a big, sandy lake beach at the end. The island is also home to one of Canada’s most popular corn mazes in the charming little town of Marysville, and it hosts the annual Wolfe Island Music Festival during summer.


More like this: 12 cool things to do in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region

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Mindoro is an untouched paradise

If you’re really looking for a true escape to an island nearly untouched by humans, look no further than Mindoro, just a few hours from the capital city of Manila in the Philippines. The mango-shaped island has idyllic beaches, but it’s the rest of its geographic features that really set it apart from other remote islands.

Mindoro has rivers, lakes, mountains, and the nearby Apo Reef, one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. It’s the largest reef system in the Philippines, a protected natural park spanning 106 square miles, and a center of marine biodiversity.

If diving’s not your thing, there are plenty of hiking opportunities around Mindoro as well. Mount Halcon is the highest peak on the island, at 8,400 feet above sea level. Trekking to the summit would involve a multi-day camping expedition, though many choose to hike around the mountain instead. This will allow you to see the area’s rich wildlife, including several species of local and migratory birds.

If you’d rather leave the diving and hiking to the more ambitious, and simply relax on the beach, you’ll find a number of hotels and restaurants along the White Beach strip in Puerto Galera. Some resorts even have their own built-in islands and coves.

Since June to December is monsoon season, you might want to visit between January and March instead. Weather is probably best during the April and May holiday season, though this is also when the island becomes the most crowded.

H/T: Travel Authentic Philippines

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9 abilities people from Maine have

Years of living in Maine have given you a specific set of skills that sets you apart from others. Generally speaking, we are not a boastful bunch, but there are certain abilities we have nailed after growing up in the state. From having a strong connection with nature to making flannel stylish to navigating L.L.Bean with ease, here are a few bragging rights of those from Maine.

1. You can smell when it’s about to rain.

The rain of Maine has a distinctive yet hard to describe scent. We can smell a downpour even before a droplet has hit the ground. It’s nature’s way of letting us know that you have around three minutes, just enough time to grab the washing, pull in outdoor cushions, and make it inside before the skies open up. Chances are this superpower is limited to the state and you don’t get a weather warning elsewhere.

2. You know how to get every last bit of meat out of a lobster.

Yeah getting the meat out of the tail is easy, but you know how to get all of that precious meat out of the legs, and you know how to extract the meat from the claws so that it stays intact. Your table manners might be brought into question, but you don’t waste a darn drop.

3. You can shuck an oyster with ease.

Picking lobster meat is easy compared to shucking oysters, but over time you mastered the skill. You perhaps learned the hard way how to hold the oyster so that you won’t accidentally stab yourself. And you know just how much pressure to use, and how to twist the knife to be able to shuck through a pot in no time.

4. You can make flannel look formal.

Most folk in the US reserve their flannel shirts for lazy weekends, but Mainers know how to dress flannel on any occasion. You’ll find us wearing our fancy flannels at Christmas dinner, buttoned up with a nice skirt, or under a sweater. It’s an effortless style that won’t be going out of fashion anytime soon in the state.

5. You know your way around the L.L.Bean stores in Freeport.

You know which store has classic boots and which store sells life jackets. You know where you should park, and you’re able to find what you’re looking for without asking for help. And you know all about the updated return policy.

6. You can eat fries drowned in malt vinegar.

Now here’s a skill. You love the taste and you won’t get a tummy ache. While the love of adding salt and vinegar to fries and potato chips has caught on across the country, it’s a staple in Maine. And you know there’s no better way of practicing this ability than by dousing Old Orchard Beach Pier fries in a serious amount of malt vinegar.

7. You can fix anything with duct tape.

Leaky shower head? No problem. The strap of your sandal? Easy. You probably even have multiple colors of duct tape available, so you can color match.

8. You know how to tie anything to the top of your car.

You can successfully tie a canoe, kayak, Christmas tree, or anything else to the top of your car, and it will stay put until you get to where you’re going.

9. You can navigate the back roads to avoid traffic during tourist season.

Summer traffic is the worst, but you know the secret routes to skip the traffic. This skill is only learned by living in Maine for years and these secrets will never, ever be shared with out-of-towners.


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Rolls-Royce developing a flying taxi

The flying car might not be a reality yet, but we’re getting one step closer. Most people know Rolls-Royce for their luxury cars, but they’re also one of the largest manufacturers of airplane engines in the world. The company announced this week that it’s been developing an “electric vertical take-off and landing” vehicle (EVTOL), which will carry four to five people, reach 250 miles per hour, have a range of 500 miles, and offer a solution for cities congested with traffic. Rolls-Royce insists that most of the technology to make the vehicle already exists, and projects a launch date in the early 2020s.

EVTOL would enter the skies by tilting its wings 90 degrees, allowing for take-off and landing, with four of the six propellers folding away into the wings once cruising altitude has been reached, to minimize drag and noise in the cabin. Although the technology might be ready by the 2020, Rolls-Royce says it’s still looking for partners in the airframe business, since the company’s specialty is usually limited to engine manufacturing. They hope to eventually compete with major aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Uber, both of which are developing their own versions of the flying taxi.

The most progress in the field, however, is being made by a little-known company in Dubai. Last September, the Dubai Roads and Transportation Association, partnering with German company Volocopter, successfully tested a two-seater drone taxi. They hope to have the drone taxies up-and-running within the next five years.

Flying cars have always been associated with the technological advances of a distant future, but now it seems that future might be closer than we thought.

H/T: Condé Nast Traveler

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World's longest bouncy course

Who says bouncy houses are just for kids? With the stress of work, school, family, taxes, etc., no one needs to let off a little steam more than adults do. And now they can, at the world’s longest inflatable obstacle course. At 300 meters, the Monster Obstacle Course in the UK features 42 obstacles, including an 18 meter-long Mega Slide, a Tunnel of Love, and a Bouncy Cage of Doom. Nick and Joe, creators of the event, believe that “people want more real, immersive, memorable experiences, particularly nostalgic experiences where they can behave like a big kid again.”

Photo: The Monster UK/Facebook

Photo: The Monster UK/Facebook

The bouncy house will be touring the United Kingdom for the entire summer, stopping in Manchester, Cardiff, Nottingham, London, and Birmingham. Once guests finish the obstacle course — which takes approximately 30 minutes — they might want to stick around. In a true blend of adulthood and childhood nostalgia, the venue will also offer a live DJ, dance floor, light shows, craft beer and cocktails, street food, and two ball pits.

Photo: The Monster UK/Facebook

The course was designed to accommodate adults of all physical fitness levels. However, if you find yourself struggling with a particular obstacle, the staff is always on hand to help you out. And adults aren’t the only ones allowed to enjoy the course. Kids can also join the fun, with certain morning sessions designated for children only.

Tickets to the Monster Obstacle Course can be purchased through their website.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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Black food is now banned in NYC

While black might not be the first color we associate with appetizing foods, it’s actually used in many restaurants to intentionally alter a dish’s aesthetic. Activated charcoal is a black powder made from carbon-containing material, like wood or coconut shells, that is heated at high temperatures to create charcoal, then oxidized or “activated,” explains the BBC. The ingredient is often used to blacken food like ice cream, pizza crusts, bagels, and cocktails, and it’s become quite popular to share photos of black foods on Instagram. Now, however, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is deeming the ingredient illegal, following a new rule by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Une publication partagée par Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream (@morgensternsnyc) le 25 Janv. 2018 à 2 :50 PST

Une publication partagée par Inspiration (@inspiration_de_luxe) le 7 Juil. 2018 à 4 :33 PDT

“Restaurants in New York City are not permitted to use activated charcoal in food because it is prohibited by the US Food and Drug Administration as a food additive,” Carolina Rodrigues, spokeswoman for the DOHMH, told the Observer in a statement. While the agency has been urging restaurants to cease using activated charcoal for some time, now it’s official.

The ban will hit especially hard at popular NYC establishments known for their blackened treats. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, for example, is famous for its black ice cream, and recently had to dump $3,000 worth of inventory during an inspection.

Although restaurants will certainly devise an equally photogenic replacement for activated charcoal, for now, NYC Instagrammers will have to get a little more creative with their food pictures.

H/T: Observer

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Sumidero Canyon, a Mexican wonder

Less than 20 minutes from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital of Chiapas, is one of Mexico’s most impressive natural attractions: the Sumidero Canyon. The Grijalva River runs through the canyon gorge, where local flora and fauna abound, including crocodiles, ocelots, spider monkeys, white-tailed deer, and a great variety of waterfowls. Here are some photos that will make you want to add the Sumidero Canyon to your bucket list.




1

To get to Sumidero, you need to take a boat at the piers in Chiapa de Corzo or at Cahuaré, just next to the canyon. Private boats go for $3,500 pesos (around $180 USD) and can fit up to eight people. Collective boats charge $230 pesos ($12 USD) per person. The whole trip throughout the canyon lasts a couple hours. There, you’re given a bracelet from the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), which also allows you to check out the lookouts around the canyon on that same day.

2

Right after crossing the Belisario Domnínguez bridge, you’ll see the impressive rock walls that extend for more than eight miles. The gorge is pretty wide, but the height of its walls make it feel quite narrow. The canyon is 35 million years old, more or less the same age as the Grand Canyon.

3

It won’t be long until you spot your first crocodile sunbathing on the river bank. The Sumidero became a National Park in 1980 and is one of the 142 Ramsar sites - wetlands of international importance for conserving biological diversity - in Mexico.

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4

If you want to bring back beautiful images of the canyon, I’d recommend starting your visit around 10:30 AM in the morning. At this time, you’ll catch the sun rays as they start entering the gorge. It can get a little hazy down here, but it helps to set the mood. Coming in early will also give you a chance to take photos of the river without too many visitors around.

5

At the deepest part of the gorge, the rock walls rise 3,000 feet above the river. It’s difficult to transmit a true sense of the size of such a place in one photograph. To put things into perspective, the “little” boat you can see near the bottom has around 30 people on board.

6

We were lucky enough to spot some spider monkeys near the river. Sadly, it was clear that these creatures are getting used to tourists and the food that comes with them. If you’re ever in a protected natural area and find native fauna, don’t feed it. By giving wild animals food, you are habituating them to human contact and putting their health at risk.

7

The Cave of Colors is one of the many caverns that can be found along the canyon. Its name is a reference to the pink and yellow tones you can spot on the walls, produced by the filtration of different minerals. Inside the cave, there’s an altar to the Virgin of Guadalupe and a plaque in memory of Miguel Alvarez del Toro, who was in charge of the Natural History and Ecology Institute of Chiapas for more than 50 years, and a major actor in the local conservation efforts throughout his life.

8

This quirky rock formation, nicknamed “the Christmas Tree,” has been shaped by one of the many seasonal waterfalls around the canyon. During the rain season, moss takes over the “tree branches” and the water falling around it gives it a unique appearance.

9

After the boat ride, head to the lookouts. There are five different ones that grant impressive views of the canyon: La Ceiba, La Coyota, El Roblar, El Tepehuaje, and Los Chiapa. If you want to go through them all, it’s better to plan ahead and save some time, since they’re not close to one another and the round trip from Tuxtla Gutiérrez can take more than two hours.

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