Being perched on the top of a mountain, gliding on the calm waters of a bayou, racing behind the wheel of a racing car or dreaming aboard a steam train inherited from another time, the American southeast offers a inexhaustible choice of fun and exhilarating activities for any traveler looking for escape and surprise. Immediate departure for adventure in the southern states of the United States.
WEST VIRGINIA
The mountains of West Virginia reveal their rugged landscapes offering a multitude of cascades and waterfalls nestled in the heart of forests whose beauty with their Autumn colors is an enchantment. To enhance its natural wonders, the state aptly nicknamed “Almost Heaven” launched the very first “ Waterfall Trail ” of the United States, a route bringing together 38 waterfalls, sometimes visible from the ” Country Roads » or earned after several kilometers of walking.
The opportunity for an autumn adventure through certain emblematic sites such as the Blackwater Falls And Sandstone Falls, a series of waterfalls and rapids that stretch over 450m wide. The old mill perched above the Glade Creek Grist Mills Falls at the heart of Babcock State Park or Valley Falls, a paradise for lovers of downhill kayaking, complete the list of must-sees on the trail. Visitors are also invited to discover unsuspected gems off the beaten track.
This is the case of Finn’s Fallsnatural wonder nestled in the majestic New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the country’s newest national park. A demanding hike for experienced enthusiasts but rewarded with a spectacular view of the High Falls of the Cheat.
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Summersville Lake State Parklocated just 1h30 drive from the capital Charleston, on the north shore of the state’s largest lake, is West Virginia’s 36th and newest state park. Renowned for its unique rock formations, it became the very first site of its kind focusing on the teaching and practice of rock climbing. Direction then Thorny Mountain Fire Tower for an unforgettable night in a cabin perched 20m high, with breathtaking views in the heart of Seneca State Forest.
NORTH CAROLINA
Autumn and its flamboyant colors cascade down the mountains of eastern North Carolina and the spectacle is particularly marked in the welcoming city of Bryson City, capital of outdoor adventure. Nestled between the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park And Nantahala National Forestit offers a myriad of activities including a very picturesque 4-hour ride aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroada historic steam train that winds through tunnels and forests before reaching Fontana Lakethe deepest lake in the state.
After reaching the very popular viewpoint of Newfound Gapat 1500m above the ground, the thrills increase a notch by taking The Dragon, a section of US Highway 129 on which there are no fewer than 318 turns in 17 km, a delight for enthusiasts of sporty driving on motorcycles or in cars. Near Cherokee begins the sublime Blue Ridge Parkway and its breathtaking views of Cherokee Valley.
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Just a 15-minute drive from the center ofAsheville, Shoji Spa & Retreat is a haven of Japanese-inspired peace surrounded by nature, in the heart of the beautiful Pisgah National Forest. With rustic-style accommodation with fireplace and a full course of hydrotherapy and massage treatments, this mountainside retreat is the guarantee of a colorful and regenerating wellness break.
MISSISSIPPI
The natural beauties of Mississippi are no longer to be demonstrated, starting with the south of the “Magnolia State” with its Gulf Islands National Seashore and barrier islands off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Lovers of preserved nature will choose Horn Islandaccessible only by boat, for its kilometers of virgin spaces of human footprint.
18 km off the coast of Gulfport, Ship Island is another haven of peace, surrounded by deep emerald green waters and blessed with the state’s finest beaches suitable for swimming. It also offers a witness to the American Civil War with the site of Fort Massachusetts. Another curiosity this time from inland, Tanglefoot Trail, at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, is a 70 km route in place of an old railway line. Registered at Mississippi Hills National Heritage Areait covers certain high places of Native American culture Chickasawone of the pre-Columbian nations whose cultural heritage remains very present today.
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After a day of discovering the wild islands of the coast, a night is essential Ocean Springs where the boutique hotel Hemingway awaits the visitor in its refined and warm decor, in a historic building from the end of the 19th century located a stone’s throw from the restaurants and galleries of the city center.
MISSOURI
THE Missouri offers visitors fun activities for all tastes and ages. Opened in 2022, Ozarks International Raceway is located between the towns of St. Louis And Springfieldlinked together by the mythical Road 66. A short detour allows thrill-seekers to try their hand at sporty driving on this circuit of more than 6 km winding through hills and wooded areas and combining paved roads, off-road courses and rally races.
The track also hosts prestigious Lamborghini Super Trofeo and GT World Challenge events. Lovers of gentler adventures will choose Howler Mountain Bike Park And Shepherd Mountain Bike Park, two of the state’s newest mountain biking destinations. Located in the Ozarks Mountains enhanced by fall colors, they offer an exciting playground for families.
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Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located north of Springfield, houses the ruins of a huge European-style stone castle dating from the very beginning of the 20th century. From its imposing cliffs, the view of Lake of the Ozarks is impregnable and no less than 24 km of trails lead through the caves, springs, natural bridges and forests of the park.
LOUISIANA
A stay in Louisiana is synonymous with kayaking or paddleboarding through the bayous, strolling under the cypress canopy and watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from your tent placed directly on the beach. This is what the state parks as Grand Isle where a luxury safari style experience awaits the visitor. Chicot State Parkthe largest in the State, is a haven of peace for nature lovers, located not far from the marshes of the famous Atchafalaya Basin.
Its biodiversity is so rich that it is home to the Louisiana State Arboretum and its many endemic species. Atchafalaya Basin Landing & Swamp Tours, departing from Henderson, offers airboat tours to the gateway to America’s largest river marsh. Very close to the New Orleansa superb in-depth exploration of Louisiana’s ecosystems is also possible with Jean Lafitte Swamp & Airboat Tours.
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Adventure in the great outdoors at the gates of New Orleans is Zip NOLA. A unique treetop and zipline course, in the very heart of a bayou populated by alligators, turtles and other snakes. Sensations guaranteed for young and old in an exceptional tropical setting.
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