outdoor adventures

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Choose Your Own AdventureSOUTHEAST OUTDOOR VACATION GUIDE

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The Southeast is replete with outdoor activities, and here you’re sure to fi nd 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 fulfi ll your need for speed on rapids or bike trails, you’ll fi nd it all here.

ALABAMA • ARKANSAS • FLORIDA • GEORGIA • KENTUCKY • LOUISIANA • MISSISSIPPINORTH CAROLINA • SOUTH CAROLINA • TENNESSEE • VIRGINIA • WEST VIRGINIA

www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com

Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org)

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ALABAMATHERE’S A REASON

THEY CALL IT “ALABAMA

THE BEAUTIFUL.”The people here love their outdoor

adventures, getting out and enjoying

what Mother Nature provided. And it’s

easy to see why, with so many things

to do.

Head out to Lake Martin, a

44,000-acre lake that was completed

in 1926. At the time, it was thought

to be the largest man-made lake in the

world. It was built as a reservoir, but

it also serves as one of the premier

outdoor destinations in Alabama, a

renowned site for boating, fi shing,

water skiing, camping, and a plethora

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

green spaces throughout the state. You

can even make it an overnight trip by

camping on fl oating docks that sleep

up to 16.

For a fun and educational

experience, head to the foothills of

the Appalachian Mountains. Here,

Alabama offers a unique adventure at

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

navigating a giant maze to panning for

gemstones. Located only 36 miles from

Birmingham, DeSoto Caverns provide

a perfect getaway for an afternoon of

outdoor Alabama adventure.

The Heart of Dixie is also known

for its Bass Trail, stretching from the

mountains of northern Alabama to the

coast. Places like Joe Wheeler State Park,

on the Tennessee River, and Lakepoint

Resort State Park, the “Bass Capital of

the World,” bring anglers to this state

every year.

www.alabama.travel

ARKANSaSEXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF THE NATURAL STATE, A LONGTIME HAVEN FOR PEOPLE SEEKING TO GET BACK TO NATURE.

The state’s beautiful landscape

provides the backdrop for many

activities, each designed to give you

a new sensation, from relaxation

to exhilaration.

At Mount Magazine, Arkansas’

highest point, take fl ight as you

hang glide over the lush terrain. The

mountain provides excellent conditions

for fl ight, and the views of the Petit

Jean River Valley and the Arkansas

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

fi eld that is the surface of an ancient

volcanic pipe, this is the site where a

number of large, priceless diamonds

have been unearthed, from the 16-carat

Amarillo Starlight to the four-carat

Kahn Canary, worn by Hillary Clinton

during the presidential inaugural balls.

Thought you had to head to the

coast to go scuba diving? Even though

Arkansas is miles from the beach,

divers can explore the crystal-clear

waters at Beaver Lake. Featuring little



Visit Florida

boat traffi c, this quiet lake is a diver’s

paradise with abundant marine life and

crystal water providing an ideal diving

experience. If your idea of outdoor

adventure doesn’t involve scuba, there

is plenty of activity at Beaver Lake

including hiking, camping, and more.

Arkansas is a great place to view

diverse wildlife, from the Ivory-billed

Woodpecker, recently rediscovered

in the Big Woods area to black bears

in the Ozark Mountains, as well as

elk, majestic bald eagles, and brightly

colored butterfl ies.

www.arkansas.com

FLORIDATHE SUNSHINE STATE HAS BEEN A FAVORITE OF TRAVELERS FOR GENERATIONS.

People come here for the amusement

parks, big city nightlife, and beaches.

But there is also an abundance of

outdoor activities, sure to give any

nature buff a thrill.

Of course, the beaches are one of the

main attractions in Florida. But that’s

because you’d be hard pressed to get

bored on the shore. The white sands

of the Emerald Coast in places like

Destin and Panama City will take your

breath away. And the beaches along the

Atlantic Coast and South Florida—like

Jacksonville Beach, Daytona, Miami,

and the Keys—provide great spots for

fi shing, surfi ng, and boating.

If you’ve seen enough of the beaches,

head out to Everglades National Park,

renowned for its hostile beauty. You

can get a knowledgeable airboat captain

to give you a tour, take a guided hike

and learn about the protected wetlands,

or paddle out and explore places only

accessible by boat.

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

night. On clear nights, the shores of the

Blackwater River provide the perfect

spot for stargazing and taking in the

beauty of your natural surroundings.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, take

a manatee tour on the Crystal River,

where you’ll swim alongside these

gentle giants. Scuba divers can get up-

close-and-personal with these unique

creatures during a dive unlike any

other they are likely to experience.

Guides will educate you about

interacting with and protecting the

endangered manatees.

www.visitfl orida.com

Visit Florida


GEORGIA GEORGIA HAS AS DIVERSE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AS THE PEOPLE WHO INHABIT THE PEACH STATE.

From the coast to the mountains,

you can rest assured you’ll be able to

fi nd an adventure or two.

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

you’ll be able to spot all kinds of birds

and other wildlife. The weather on the

Golden Isles is almost perfect year-

round, so visit any time.

If for you, life isn’t a beach but a

mountain, go north to the Blue Ridge/

Dahlonega area, where you can pan for

gold in the site of the country’s fi rst

gold rush or fi nd a crystal-clear river

to paddle down. Rent a kayak or canoe

and get out on the Toccoa and Cartecay

Rivers, to brave rapids, or in the calmer

parts, fi nd great places to fl oat and fi sh.

If you want to stay on land, you’ll fi nd

great places for camping and horseback

riding. The Appalachian Trail, a favorite

for hikers and other outdoor buffs that

runs all the way to Maine, begins in

this area of Georgia.

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 fl ocking to this

retreat for more than half a century.

Hike a trail through the Appalachians in

the morning, then spend the afternoon

soaking up the rays at Callaway Garden’s

very own freshwater beach. This retreat

also offers water skiing lessons, ropes

course adventures, and guided excursions

for outdoor enthusiasts.

www.exploregeorgia.org

Celebrate Springin Pine Mountain, GA

Come visit the friendliest small town inGeorgia — with interesting shops, beautiful hikesand the best golf in the south on the grounds ofbeautiful Callaway Gardens. And we’re locatedjust an hour south of Atlanta.

Call for an Experience Book 800-441-3502 ext 28or check our events calendar at pinemountain.org.

Georgia Department of Economic Development



kentuckyTHE 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, fi shing,

and hunting are all abundant here.

If you’re looking for a new high,

check out Red River Gorge, where you

can test your mettle by climbing cliffs

that attract climbers from around the

world. If it’s your fi rst time up, don’t

worry. Expert guides will show you

what it takes to get to the top.

Once you’ve been on top of the

world, see what it’s like underground

in Mammoth Cave National Park,

home to the longest cave system in the

world. Discover the magnifi cent beauty

of the caverns, and learn about their

history and geology.

Ready to ride? Since Kentucky is

known for its horse population and

unbridled spirit, there are numerous

places for horseback riding, especially

in the Bluegrass Region. Hop on and

take a ride either along wild trails or

open fi elds. Turkey, deer, and waterfowl

make their homes along these trails,

providing animated scenery for you to

enjoy during your ride. Bikers also have

their pick of terrain with numerous

biking trails throughout the state.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking

for a challenge, Kentucky is home to

scenic back roads perfect for the cyclist

and rugged mountain traces ideal for

the mountain biker.

www.kentuckytourism.com

LOUISIANAKNOWN THE WORLD OVER AS A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE, THE BAYOU STATE IS FULL OF WILD ADVENTURES.

Hunting and fi shing are popular

attractions here. In recent years, some

of the area’s wetlands have been in

danger of being lost, but there are

people taking steps to ensure this

doesn’t happen.

In Bayou Lafourche, you can get in

a canoe and paddle a 54-mile, three-day

trip and learn all about the valuable and

fragile ecosystem. From the waterways,

you’ll take in the gorgeous terrain and

species indigenous to the land and be

educated you on what’s being done to

protect them.

Louisiana is home to one of the

country’s largest game preserves and

boasts an eight-month hunting season,

so you’ll have plenty of chances to bag

the big one.

Head to western Louisiana and

experience the famed Creole Nature

Trail. Featuring 180 miles of roads

winding through bayous, marshlands,

and along the Gulf of Mexico, this

remarkable trail was featured as a

must-see attraction on the Today

Show. Get up-close-and-personal with

turtles that make their home along

the trail, or watch an alligator in its

natural environment Birdwatchers will

be impressed with the array of fowl

indigenous to Louisiana.

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

www.kentuckytourism.com

Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitor’s Bureau


MISSISSIPPI THEY CALL MISSISSIPPI

THE HOSPITALITYSTATE FOR OBVIOUS

REASONS.The people here are friendly and

the outdoors are just as inviting and

welcoming. There’s always something

exciting to do.

In southern Mississippi, canoeing

and kayaking on the area rivers are

popular pastimes. Wolf River is one

such waterway. It’s relatively wide and

deep, and it meanders along the coast,

so it’s perfect for paddlers of all skill

levels. If getting into the open waters of

the Gulf is more your speed, point your

craft toward the barrier islands, like

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

fi nd wildlife refuges and nature trails,

great places for horseback riding,

hunting, and fi shing.

Mississippi has 46 National Wildlife

Management areas, as well as 14

National Refuges, making this state

a great place for watching wildlife.

Hundreds of species of animal live here,

from woodpeckers to black bears.

Looking for extreme adventure?

Mississippi has that too! You might

not expect to fi nd it, but sky diving and

rock climbing are available for those

looking for intense outdoor excitement.

Get a new view of Mississippi from

high above—you’ll never forget this

breathtaking sight or experience. If

you prefer an unhurried pace, slow

down and hike the scenic trails across

the state. Whatever your style,

Mississippi’s great outdoors offer what

you’re looking for.

www.visitmississippi.org



NORTH CAROLINATRYING TO DECIDE BETWEEN A VACATIONIN THE MOUNTAINSOR ON THE BEACH?DON’T DECIDE — YOU CAN HAVE BOTH.

A getaway to North Carolina offers

the crisp air of the Highland Mountains

just a few hours from the scenic shores

of the Atlantic.

No matter the time of year, North

Carolina’s mountains offer endless

opportunity for outdoor exploration.

Hiking the Highlands offers stunning

views of the Tarheel State. You can go

mountain biking, hiking, and horseback

riding in the state parks and resorts,

before camping out under the stars or

renting a quaint log cabin.

If the coast is more your style,

North Carolina has that in spades as

well. The Outer Banks offer a gorgeous

coastal getaway with options ranging

from shelling to water sports, like

kayaking and recreational boating. The

mild climate invites vacationers to the

shores of North Carolina year round.

Inland, North Carolina features

3,500 square miles of fresh water,

offering opportunities for world-class

fi shing and water sports. Dragon

boating, a trend that draws on ancient

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.

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce


SOUTH CAROLINATRAVELING 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 activities, check

out the area lakes, like the 50,000-

acre Lake Murray, with the world’s

largest earthen dam; and 56,000-acre

Lake Hartwell, on the border of South

Carolina and Georgia, that hosted the

2008 Bassmasters Classic. The scenic

mountain rivers provide great spots

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.

Head upstate into the foothills

of the Blue Ridge Mountains

for enchanting views and high-

elevation relaxation. Wherever you

are in South Carolina, you’re sure

to have a smile on your face.

www.discoversouthcarolina.com


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.

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.

Decompress for less. Go to CoolAshevilleSavings.com

Having your breath taken away has never been more affordable.

Cool Stuff In Asheville That Won’t Cost You A Penny

Free Outdoor AdventuresWalk or bike trails for all skill levels or enjoy waterfalls and swimming holes found throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Free Asheville Urban TrailTake a stroll through Asheville’s outdoor art and history museum without walls.

Free Asheville Drum CircleThe drum circle downtown has become a unique tradition each warm-weather Friday evening.

Free Inspiration for Art LoversAsheville is one of the top arts destinations in the Southeast, featuring hundreds of art galleries and working art studios.

Free EntertainmentWatch street theater, enjoy traditional mountain music and dance, or catch a live show at one of the many area festivals.

ACV-900 (76205).indd 1 12/31/08 3:19:30 PM



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.

The Volunteer State has 54 parks

and more than 1000 miles of trails.

Hit the world-class rapids for

rafting on the Ocoee River, renowned

for its challenging and exhilarating

white water. This is the river Olympic

kayakers paddled when the 1996

Summer Games were in Atlanta. But

you don’t have to be going for the

gold to brave this thrilling outdoor

adventure. 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

ranging from challenging mountain

walls to scenic hilly landscapes. After

this experience, you’re guaranteed

to have a whole new outlook of this

scenic mountain escape you won’t

soon forget.

Great Smoky Mountains National

Park is the perfect spot for hikers and

campers, with 800 miles of maintained

trails. Here you can spot abundant

wildlife, like bears, elk, and deer. To

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 fi nest.

www.tnvacation.com

Gatlinburg Department of Tourism


VIRGINIAOLD 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 fi rst 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

fi shing or rent a canoe and paddle the

waterways. If you want to escape

from it all, the beaches provide ideal

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

Chimneys are a must see in this area.

Rising 120 feet above the pastoral

terrain, onlookers can experience

unparalleled views of 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

fl ight on a hang glider in Amherst. No

matter what your experience, you can

experience the exhilaration, fi rst from

a training hill and then on to the big

mountain fl ights.

www.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 fi shing.

You can also fi nd great places for hiking,

camping, and much more.

With a wide variety of terrain across

the state, West Virginia is known for

its biking. Casual rides along the lakes

and rivers, fast-paced cycling across

the fl at terrain, or extreme journeys

throughout the mountains, biking is

one of this state’s most exciting outdoor

adventures. Plan a guided tour along the

Greenbrier River Trail or take a group

ride to Berkeley Springs. Enjoy the

scenic vistas of West Virginia during a

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

numerous places on the river to take it

slow and swim, and even explore ghost

towns along the waterway.

www.wvtourism.com

Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org)

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