Luxury Vacation Rentals at Lesser Known Adventure Destinations
February 20, 2007. Everyone's heard of the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon, but what about the Black Hills and the Red River Gorge? For many adventure travelers, choosing the trail less taken can be very enticing, so we wanted to highlight some lesser known outdoors destinations in the United States.
Many people have heard of Mount Rushmore, but few know this monument sits among the Black Hills of South Dakota. This mountain chain drew gold miners in the days of the Wild West, and the old towns here still pay homage to that era. While some of the historical sites can be a little crowded, you're far less likely to see other people in the Black Hills National Forest than in most of the country's popular national parks.
Up north, the Wisconsin River flows through a beautiful canyon called the Wisconsin Dells. Also the name of a region for summer getaways, this fun area has long been popular with locals. Rent some kayaks and paddle among the bluffs, or go for a hike on the Ice Age National Trail.
Down south, the Red River Gorge of Kentucky features giant rock arches, tall rock shelters and sinuous canyons. Think of Utah, with lush eastern forests instead of desert landscape. The sandstone cliffs are ideal for learning to rock climb with one of the local guide services. Local shops carry hiking books and maps.
