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Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

Located just 3 miles east of Yellow Springs, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve features 268 acres of spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges. The Little Miami River stretches through two-miles of the preserve.  Rushing waters of the Little Miami River flow through remarkable deep and narrow channels and cliff overhangs.  The valley floor is covered with wildflowers that are sure to wow you in warmer months. In Autumn, leaves color the gorge with breathtaking views.  The area is a popular destination, for hiking, kayaking, and cyclists. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is located at 2381 State Route 343 Yellow Springs, Ohio. For more information, click here.

Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills is an amazing place and there is so much to see and do you need to plan an extended visit if you hope to see it all. Within the park are over 25 miles of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, all year round, including holidays.The park contains seven separate hiking areas: Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow, Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, and Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave. There are many activities you can enjoy during your visit. Including, kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, ziplining, and so much more. Cabin rentals are also available. For more information, click here.

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Although a small park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges provides a thrilling experience to visitors with its rugged cliffs and diverse plant life typical of a more northern climate. A day-use park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is popular for picnicking and hiking. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is a 167-acre public recreation area offering trails and picnicking located in Nelson Township, Portage County, Ohio, United States. Within the park are angled rock formations 50 to 60 feet high with ground fissures as deep as 60 feet. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is located at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, Ohio. For more information, click here.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Sri Atluri’s Photography

The winding Cuyahoga (the “Crooked River”) gives way to 33,000 acres of deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. The park is a refuge for flora and fauna, gives a sense of times past, and provides recreation and solitude for Ohio’s residents and visitors. Cuyahoga National Park, established as a national recreation area in 1974 and re-designated as a national park in 2000, has a rich cultural legacy as well. Remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which traveled through the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries, offer a glimpse into the history of how the country was transformed. Sustainable farming ventures help preserve the valley’s agricultural heritage. Cuyahoga offers something for everyone—from hiking, golfing, historic train rides, and kayaking to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Towering Brandywine Falls is one of several waterfalls that are popular attractions within the park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies along the Cuyahoga River between the Ohio cities of Cleveland and Akron. For more information, click here.

Burr Oak State Park

Located in southeast Ohio, quiet and remote Burr Oak State Park has a rustic country charm in its scenery of wooded hills and valley farms. As one of Ohio’s resort parks, Burr Oak offers a wide array of overnight accommodations with its lodge, cottages and campground. Burr Oak blends modern conveniences with the wilderness spirit of Ohio. There are 90 non-electric campsites to accommodate campers. Burr Oak Lodge, overlooking the lake from the east, offers sixty guest rooms, five meeting rooms, a dining room, full-service lounge and gift shop. Facilities for lodge and cottage guests include a swimming beach, tennis courts, playground equipment, boat launch ramp and an indoor swimming pool. Burr Oak State Park is located at 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, Ohio. For more information, click here.

Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area

Norma Davey

One of the most beautiful spots in Kansas is the Deep Creek Waterfall at Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, a few miles southeast of Manhattan, Kansas.  The area is a popular destination, for fishing, hiking, and kayaking, or just relaxing next to the falls. Primitive camping is available at Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, but only by special permit. To get to Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area from I-70, take exit 316 and go north on Deep Creek Road 5 miles. Turn right on Pillsbury Crossing Road approximately 2 miles to Pillsbury Crossing Lane. These are all dirt roads. For more information, click here.

Kanopolis State Park

Kansas Horse Council

The first state park in Kansas, Kanopolis State Park is situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of the state. From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, the park and surrounding area offer rugged beauty and stunning vistas. The park is split into two areas north and south of the dam and there are two federal parks, as well. Kanopolis offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area.  Kanopolis State Park is located at 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS. For more information, click here.

Monument Rocks and Castle Rock

This picture is owned by Frank Delargy Photography

Monument Rocks and Castle Rock are an 8 Wonder of Kansas as a duo entry because of the scientifically significant fossils these ancient chalk beds have produced and because they have been highly eroded into unusual spires and shapes, making them spectacular landmarks on the plains of western Kansas! Both places are on private property but the landowners are amenable to visitors and no special permission is required. Please be respectful! Monument Rocks and Castle Rock are located at 20 miles south of Oakley on U.S. 83, then 4 miles east on Jayhawk Road. For more information, click here.

Mushroom Rock State Park

Cherish Kansas

One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography, Mushroom Rock is the smallest, but one of the most unique, state parks in Kansas. The park is only 5 acres but boasts some of the most unusual rock formations anywhere. The rocks served as meeting places and landmarks for Native Americans and early pioneers such as John C. Fremont and Kit Carson. Resembling giant mushrooms rising above the horizon, the Dakota formations of Mushroom Rock State Park are the remains of beach sands and sediments of the Cretaceous Period, the interval of geologic time from about 144 to 66 million years ago. Mushroom Rock is located at Ave K, Brookville, KS. For more information, click here.

Cedar Creek Falls

Tramp Photography & Images / W.D. Nesbitt

Cedar Creek Falls is formed by an overflow dam on Cedar Creek in southwest Olathe, Kansas just above Lake Olathe. There is a flow of water year around, but Cedar Creek Falls is most impressive in the spring or after a heavy rain. Lake Olathe is a 170 acre lake surrounded by a 208 acre community park. Olathe Lake has fishing for bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, flathead catfish, green sunfish, largemouth bass, saugeye and wiper – this spot just below the falls is just one of the popular fishing spots on the lake. Cedar Creek Falls is located at 143rd street Olathe Kansas. For more information, click here.

Palisades State Park

Photo by @k.e.moni (Instagram)

Located just northeast of Sioux Falls sits the gorgeous Palisades State Park, one of the most unique areas in all of South Dakota! The park is popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers. Palisades State Park campground is next to the beautiful Split Rock Creek and has 34 single-family campsites and 6 cabins. There’s also a playground, picnic area, biking trails and an amphitheater. Scenic overlooks and rushing water make Palisades a popular getaway.  The park is located just south of Garretson, 10 miles off Interstate 90. For more information, click here.

Custer State Park

Custer State Park is considered one of the best state parks in America. The granite peaks and rolling plains are calling. The clear mountain waters are inviting and the open ranges are waiting to be discovered.  Encompassing 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is home to abundant wildlife and adventure; camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or relaxing, there’s something here for everyone. Any Black Hills vacation would not be complete without a day spent exploring and enjoying all that this  amazing park has to offer. Custer State Park is located at 13329 US Highway 16A Custer, SD. For more information, click here.

Badlands National Park

Seattle Trekker

Badlands National Park is in South Dakota. Its dramatic landscapes span layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs inhabit its sprawling grasslands. The park’s 244,000 acres of rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. Badlands National Park is a popular destination for hiking, and camping, and is a hot spot for photography enthusiasts. For more information, click here.

Bear Butte State Park

Angela Scott

Mato Paha or “Bear Mountain” is the Lakota name given to this site. To the Cheyenne, it is “Noahvose.” This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. Activities include: boating, fishing, hiking, and horse back riding. Camping is also available. Bear Butte State Park is located 6 miles northeast of Sturgis off SD Highway 79. For more information, click here.

Wind Cave National Park

Deborah Johnson Photography

Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America’s oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Elk Mountain Campground, which straddles the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and open prairie, offers unique opportunities to view the diverse flora and fauna of the southern Black Hills. This 62-site campground is open all year with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s a lot to see and do at Wind Cave National Park, even without setting foot in the cave. Whether it’s going for a hike, watching wildlife, or pitching a tent in the backcountry, Wind Cave offers something for everyone. For more information, click here.

Yosemite National Park’s ‘firefall’ returns in February 2023 but with some new rules for visitors. For everything you need to know about the 2023 firefall season, click here.

This picture is owned by Darvin Atkeson.

The annual ‘Firefall’ at Horsetail falls is one of the Parks’ most amazing spectacles and brings out thousands of visitors each year.

It happens each year in mid to late February when the setting sun hits the waterfall at just at the right angle to create a glowing orange and red sight, like a waterfall of fire.

But because of its popularity, the park has implemented new rules this year to reduce traffic jams.

No reservations will be required, but guests are being asked to park at Yosemite Falls Parking and walk 1.5 miles to a viewing area near the El Capitan Picnic area.

If that parking lot is full, park officials say that people can park at any of the other parking lots and take the free shuttle to the Yosemite Falls Parking lot.There will also be several road closures to accommodate the additional foot traffic and new rules for dropping off passengers.

All visitors will also be required to wear a mask.

The full list of rules can be found by clicking here.

The park says the tentative dates for the next Firefall are February 10 to February 28.

What is Firefall?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It’s a glorious, orange-tinged nature show called “Firefall.” The lava-lookalike spectacle happens at Horsetail Fall, which flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley.  It’s a small waterfall, and it normally flows only during winter. But it can make a big visual impact if waterfall flow and sunlight come together in the right mix.

For more great pictures, visit Yosemitelandscapes.com 

Onondaga Cave State Park

Cave tours descend deep into the depths of Onondaga Cave State Park and drop into a world of wonder: towering stalagmites, dripping stalactites, and active flowstones help make the cave a National Natural Landmark and illustrate why Missouri is often called “The Cave State.”  Tours depart hourly from the visitor center about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cave has a year round temperature of 57ºF year-round. A light jacket and comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Onondaga Cave State Park is located at 7556 Hwy H, Leasburg, MO 65535, for more information or to make a reservation click here.

Crystal Lake Cave

The beautiful rock formations found inside Crystal Lake Cave are literally two million years in the making. The cave system has been described as an underground labyrinth of wondrous mineral formations. The cave tour is a 45 minute guided tour, on flat paved walk ways. This tour takes you past some amazing formations, including; the Swiss Cottage Roof, the Lop-Eared Dog, The Cliff Dwellers, and the gorgeous Lost Gardens! The tour is well lit, and is ran by friendly, expert guides. Crystal Lake Cave Is located at 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd Dubuque, IA. For more information, click here.

Meramec Cavern

This amazing cave system draws more than 100,000 visitors a year from all corners of the Earth.  The cave dates back 100’s of millions of years and has quite an interesting history.  Meramec Caverns has been featured on the Flinstones, and has also been linked to the legendary Jesse James. Cave tours take place year round, and are led by expert rangers.  The tour covers a 1.25 mile path and takes you past some of the most beautiful rock formations you will ever see! Cave tours lasts about an hour and a half, and take place on a lighted walkway. Meramec Cavern is located at 1135 MO-W Sullivan, MO 63080. For more information, click here.

Cave Of The Mounds

Cave of the Mounds, was discovered in 1939, in Blue Mound Wisconsin, and has been open for cave tours for over 75 years. Since then Cave of the Mounds has become recognized as the premier cave in the upper Midwest, often referred to as the jewel box of America’s show caves.  A trip to Cave of the Mounds is an opportunity to create memories which will last a lifetime. Guided tours of this underground wonderland follow paved, lighted walkways everyday of the year.  Cave of the Mounds is located at 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.

Ohio Caverns

Ohio Caverns is a rare gem with a long rich history in the area, dating back to 1897! The caverns are the largest in the state, with over 2 miles of surveyed passageways ranging in depth from 30 feet to 103 feet. In the Summer, two different tours take guests through different parts of the caverns. During the Winter, months, only one tour is available. This incredible show cave is located just 30 miles from Dayton Ohio, and is one of the most beautiful sites in the state! This is an all-weather attraction and is open year round. Each tour is guided and is a comfortable walk through the cavern.  The temperature remains a constant 54 degrees throughout the year. For more information, click here.