Outdoor Adventures

Amp up your adrenaline, whether you want to paddle down a raging river or take a walk hundreds of feet in the air. If you want to escape into the woods, head out on a hike on of our nation’s national parks or the multitude of state parks that span forests, mountains, gorges and caves.

Stand-up paddleboarders on Summersville Lake in Summersville, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Visit Southern West Virginia)

Chock full of recreation, from rock climbing to scuba diving to swimming, this Summersville, West Virginia, offers plenty of adventure. 

Boats docked at marina on Cave Run Lake in Winchester, Kentucky (photo by Sherman Cahal)

This expansive body of water in Winchester, Kentucky, comes alive in the summer with opportunities for recreation. 

Boats docked on Middle Bass Island in Ohio (photo by Laura Watilo Blake)

The Lake Erie Islands of Ohio are a popular destination in the summer, especially this quiet haven just north of South Bass Island. 

View from the Muddy Boots Horseback Tour in Pikeville, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Tour Pike County)

This scenic tour has riders saddling up in Pikeville, Kentucky, for views of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Family at Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Greenbrier County CVB)

Larger-than-life rock formations are plentiful in Lewisburg, West Virginia, at this destination for adventurers and families alike. 

View from Spruce Knob in Riverton, West Virginia (photo by Kelly Bridges)

The highest point in the Mountain State is found in Riverton, West Virginia, and showcases natural beauty as far as the eye can see.  

Boat on Patoka Lake in Birdseye, Indiana (photo courtesy of Patoka Lake Marina)

Head to this lake in Birdseye, Indiana, for a stay aboard a fully equipped houseboat and other on-the-water recreation.  

Family at Howe Caverns in Howes Cave, New York (photo courtesy of Visit Schoharie County)

Go underground in Howes Cave, New York, for an exploration of nature located 156 feet below the surface of Schoharie County.

Fall color at Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen, New York (photo by iStock)

Carved by glaciers that moved through the area nearly 10,000 years ago, this park in Watkins Glen, New York, is known for its famous gorge. 

Kayaking is one of the experiences available at Goldberry Woods in Union Pier, Michigan (photo courtesy of destination)

This Union Pier, Michigan, spot not far from the trendy beach towns along Lake Michigan offers an oasis of forests, gardens and orchards on a curve of the Galien River.