Author: marklongmainstream (Page 46 of 174)

Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens welcomes the public to explore the longest canopy walk in the nation and 54 acres of woodlands, ponds, apple orchard, meadows, stream, and playground. The canopy walk provides guests with stunning views of the pristine forest below. Dow Gardens is located at 1809 Eastman Avenue in Midland, Michigan. For more information, click here.

This is a forest like no other, and has a wide variety of features throughout. Whiting Forest has, woodlands, ponds, meadows, streams, wetlands, and even an apple orchard. Within the Dow Garden there is a cafe, and playground.

The highlight at Dow Gardens has got to be the nation’s longest canopy walk! This 1,440 feet long canopy walk is perfect for guests of all ages and abilities. This incredible walk takes guests soaring up to 40 feet above ground. This unique trail gives nature enthusiasts  a different perspective on the forest and their surroundings.

The canopy trail has 1.5 miles that are completely ADA Accessible hard-surface pathways within the forest. The canopy walk was designed to be open in every season of the year.

The Canopy Walk has three arms, each end at a unique viewing platform, including views of a forest pond from 25 feet up, a large cargo net in a grove of spruce trees at 25 feet high, and an orchard view which includes a viewing platform with a glass floor and railings at 40 feet high.

Besides, the canopy walk, Dow Gardens also has a playground, a cafe, an education center, walking bridges, paved forest trails and stunning views of  snake creek. If you love beautiful scenery, nature, or even just a walk in the forest, then this is a place you will love!

Pictures used in this article are from the Dow Gardens Facebook page. For more great activities in Michigan, click here.

Elephant Rock State Park

The southeastern corner of Missouri, is a perfect destination for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Nowhere is this more true than at Elephant Rocks State Park in Belleview, Missouri. Elephant Rocks is a fairly small State Park with only about 150 acres to explore. However, there is so much to see and do you could spend an entire day hiking, climbing, and playing within the park. A favorite attraction in the park are the Elephant Rocks for which the park is named after. The Elephant Rocks are a series of boulders that look just like elephants lined up in a circus train. Visitors to Elephant Rocks State Park can easily view the granite boulders from the one-mile Braille Trail, designed to accommodate people with visual or physical disabilities. The trail passes by a quarry pond, which supports a variety of animal life and offers breathtaking views. For more information, click here.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

This picture is owned by Katie Isom/Wild Fern Images

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most amazing state parks you will find in the Midwest.  The park rests on more than 3,700 acres of rough, hilly, Ozark terrain.  Ha Ha Tonka is a popular destination for hikers looking to enjoy the 15 miles of pristine hiking trails.  The park is easy to navigate with a series of trails and boardwalks. The park has been referred to as a geological wonderland, with sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, and one of the largest natural springs in the state, it’s easy to see why. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the ruins of a turn of the century stone castle. Ha Ha Tonka is located at 1491 Missouri D, in Camdenton, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Roaring River State Park

The Roaring River at Roaring River State Park in Barry County is a wildly popular spot for outdoor recreation. The gorgeous river is nearly opaque blue in places, and in other spots the water is so clear you can easily see the scores of giant trout swimming past.  This is a great spot for hiking, camping, fly fishing, and sight seeing. The gorgeous blue spring is more than 220 feet in depth.  An average of 20 million gallons of water are fed into the Roaring River every single day by this incredible spring. Roaring River State Park is located at 12716 Farm Rd 2239, in Cassville, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Johnson’s Shut Ins State Park

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is one of the most unique state parks in the region. Not only is it an excellent spot for hiking and camping,but its most famous for its epic natural water-park! During the summer months, the Shut-Ins transforms into a tropical oasis that is perfect for swimming, and even has a natural rock waterslide. Visitors come from miles around to splash, and swim in the cool clear water that this swimming hole is known for. The Johnson’s Shut-Ins Trail is the most popular hiking trail in the park. This is a 2.5 mile moderately rated loop trail. An off chute from the trail leads you to an observation platform over the clear waters of the Shut-Ins. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is also a great place to camp with both basic and electric sites available. Johnson’s Shut Ins is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail, in Middle Brook, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Echo Bluff State Park

Echo Bluff Facebook

This beautiful park is literally jam packed with astonishing sights. Visitors of all ages can fill their days floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. While the park has a spectacular natural setting, the modern amenities enhance the experience and make it welcoming for everyone. An impressive, iconic lodge features guest rooms, indoor and outdoor casual dining and meeting rooms. Nine full-service cabins with 13 units are a great option for families and groups. Camping opportunities range from primitive to full-service campsites. Echo Bluff is located in Eminence just a few miles from the Current River. The park is surrounded with towering bluffs, a dense forest and the Sinking Creek. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a beautiful natural spring hiding within the park. If your planning to spend the night, there are quite a few options to choose from.  The Timbuktu campground features 12 walk-in sites and 60 full service sites. If you plan on bringing an RV, there’s water, electric and pump-out services at all of the 60 full service campsites. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 34489 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence, Missouri. For more information, click here.

For more great locations in Missouri, click here.

Located in Mountain View Arkansas sits the 87 Getaway Treehouse! The treehouse is nestled atop the trees of the Ozark Forest and provides guests with an unforgettable vacation experience.  For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

Mountain View Arkansas is a vacation destination all in itself, as the area is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact some of the most beautiful locations in the South are located just a short drive from the Treehouse. Blanchard Springs and Blanchard Springs Cavern are world class attractions and are worth a visit from anywhere.

The 87 Getaway can accommodate 4 guests and has one bedroom with a king size bed, however there also is a sofa bed in the living room. The Treehouse has one bathroom, and has a 4.91 star rating out of a possible 5 stars.

The 87 Getaway is a truly awe inspiring experience awaiting guests. While inside, a Jacuzzi tub and TV provide you with both comfort and entertainment. Inside is a stocked kitchen, king sized bed, TV (with Netflix), a Jacuzzi tub, and plenty of seating for all guests.

Outside, on the top level, is all about the atmosphere, surrounded by trees on the same level as you, fully furnished and extremely comfortable. There is a deck that surrounds the entire top level, complete with seating, so that you may enjoy being amongst the many trees that surround the Treehouse.

On the lower level there is all the patio furnishings you could want, complete with a hammock for relaxing. Ceiling fans provide plenty of airflow during the hot summer months. Close to the covered area is a fire pit and grill with rock wall seating. Grill some burgers or hotdogs and you are only steps away from serving the food on the lower patio. Perfect for cookouts!

If you are looking for an amazing place to getaway and relax in nature, then the  87 Getaway Treehouse is the perfect place for your next family vacation. This is also a great spot for a romantic weekend away.

For more great lodging options in Arkansas, click here. For the best parks and amzaing locations in Arkansas, click here. For the best family activities in the area, click here.

Although smaller in size than many commercial caverns, Linville Caverns offers a unique perspective of the intricate workings that have taken place under the ground surface. The cave is located at 19929 US 221 North in Marion, North Carolina. For more information, click here.

All tours are guided & last approximately 35-40 minutes in length…not too tiring for any visitor.  Because of the confined space & some low hanging rocks tours are limited to no more then 15 at a time. 

Generally, tours depart every 10-15 minutes during normal operating hours but will be spaced closer together during the peak season. On rare occasions there me be a bit of a wait before the next tour starts, but trust me its worth the wait.

Linville Caverns is a geological education experience, that is as much educational as it is exciting. The guides love explaining all the details of the caves creation and its formations.

Linville Caverns is a seasonal operation.  During March – November they are open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, & Mondays. For pricing information, click here.

Linville Caverns is one of a few caverns that is partially wheelchair accessible.  Please note that there is one step onto the covered porch where tours begin & there is a concrete ramp with approximately 30 degree slope down to the cave door.  Once inside the caverns the concrete walkway is fairly smooth & level.

For more great activities in North Carolina, click here.

Ohiopyle State Park is located on the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, The park spans approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. With and excellent location close to to metropolitan areas, and a wide variety of activities the entire family can enjoy. Ohiopyle State Park is one of the most popular in the region attracting millions annually. The park is located at 124 Main St, in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. For more information, click here. 

Midwest Hiking

The big attraction at the park is the  mighty Youghiogheny River Gorge. Thrillseekers enjoy riding one of two natural water slides at Meadow Run. The park is also a popular spot for fishing, biking, camping, chasing waterfalls, and hiking.

Midwest Hiking

Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle. The “Yough” [yawk] provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States, as well as spectacular scenery.

Midwest Hiking

Ohiopyle State Park is the southern gateway into the Laurel Highlands and represents the beautiful natural resources and unique sense of community that visitors can find throughout the region. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk.

Kentuck Campground has about 200 campsites and is open from April to mid-December. The campground has 27 walk-to sites that require a short hike from the vehicle to the campsite. Kentuck Campground also has three multi-sites. all campgrounds have picnic tables and fire rings, and plenty of parking.

Midwest Hiking

The park boasts an impressive 79 miles of pristine hiking trails. My favorite My favorite trail within the park is The Cumberland Falls Trail This trail leads from Ohiopyle to Cucumber Falls, travelling along the river. This scenic, yet difficult trail travels along Entrance Rapid, giving a great view of the river and boaters. The trail then leads through a mature hemlock forest, hiking over some natural rock terrain on the way to Cucumber Falls.

While many come to enjoy the parks natural beauty, thrill-seekers may enjoy running the rapids! The Youghiogheny River has exciting whitewater boating for all experience levels. Only sturdily constructed rafts, kayaks, and closed-deck canoes intended for whitewater use may be used in the river. River levels can change the difficulty of rapids. Check at the launch area or contact the park office for current water levels. The famous Lower Yough begins after the Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream to the Bruner Run Take-out. This is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River. The numerous class III and IV rapids make for exciting rafting that should only be attempted by experienced whitewater boaters. Inexperienced whitewater boaters should run this section of the river on a guided raft trip with an authorized concessionaire. The natural river environment contains undercut rocks, ledges, and swift currents.

Midwest Hiking

There is also mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, sledding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, numerous picnic areas and so much more. This park really has something for everyone. If your in the area, do yourself a favor and swing by this park.

Midwest Hiking

For more great locations in Pennsylvania, click here. Pictures used in this article are owned by our friends at Midwest Hiking, to see more of their amazing pictures follow them on Facebook.

Midwest Hiking