Category: Uncategorized (Page 79 of 174)

The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek, is one of those hidden gems you only see on Instagram. But it’s totally within reach with just a short hike. The Crack is located at Wet Beaver Creek off of the Bell Trail in Rimrock Arizona. For another amazing swimming hole, click here.

The trail is a 7 mile out and back trail, 3.5 miles each way. That may seem like a long hike to some, especially in this Arizona heat. But the reward at the end of the trail makes it totally worth while.

The Crack is a perfect place for cliff jumping, sunbathing, and just splashing around in the water.

The trail to get to The Crack is called the Bell Trail, and is located near the Wet Beaver Wilderness area. I found the trail easily and for the sake of this article tested out 6 different GPS systems and found if you put in the Bell Trail in Rimrock Arizona into the GPS, it will take you right to the parking area.

From there just follow the trail, 3.5 miles out, I did notice a couple forks in the trail, but if you stay to the left you will find The Crack.

The hike out was amazing in its own right, the trail offers an elevation gain of around 500 feet and has numerous sights of interest.

This is a popular location on hot summer days, my advice is to go during the week day to avoid crowds.

No permits are needed, and there is no fee to swim or hike. Phone service is limited at best, swim at your own risk and please remove all trash when you leave, and don’t forget to tell your friends, that you went swimming at The Crack, in Wet Beaver Creek.

The Crack is located at Wet Beaver Creek off of the Bell Trail in Rimrock Arizona.

For another amazing swimming hole, click here.

If your bucket list includes experiencing the thrill of exploration and enjoying unbelievably beautiful nature, than this is a must-see destination for you. Ruby Falls is located at 1720 South Scenic highway in Chattanooga Tennessee. For more information, or to my your reservation, click here.

Journey deep inside historic Lookout Mountain to see the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States!

Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to explore ancient cave formations along the cavern trail to the thundering falls.

Breathtaking Ruby Falls was accidentally discovered by Leo Lambert in 1928 on an unexpected journey deep within Lookout Mountain in Chattanoooga, TN. Leo named the falls after his wife, Ruby, and opened the iconic Chattanooga attraction to the public in 1929.

Today, Ruby Falls welcomes guests to Lookout Mountain from around the world to enjoy underground cave adventures, spectacular views of the Cumberland Plateau, and soaring zip lines.

At Ruby Falls you can take your pick of 3 fantastic cave tours to embark on.

The new Gentle Walking Tour is a first-of-its-kind experience with senior-level guides leading a slower-pace journey along the cavern trail to the waterfall.  During this early-access tour, guides share stories from Ruby Falls’ fascinating history and explain how science and nature created the cavern’s ancient geological formations.

Discover the hidden beauty inside Lookout Mountain on the Cave Walk Tour to Ruby Falls led by a Ruby Falls guide. Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator into the mountain and explore the cavern trail to the tallest and deepest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States. Learn the story behind the accidental discovery of the cavern, see stunning rock formations, and experience the thundering waterfall!

The Lantern Tour allows guests to experience Ruby Falls in a new light! During this after-hours specialty tour, the cavern and its trail are illuminated only with hand-held lanterns, featuring a laid-back pace led by a senior-level guide, more in-depth content, a limited-sized group and extra time at the waterfall.

No matter which tour you choose, a visit to Ruby Falls is an experience your entire family will remember for years to come!

Ruby Falls is located at 1720 South Scenic highway in Chattanooga Tennessee.

For more information, or to my your reservation, click here.

To see more of Tennessee’s Amazing Locations, click here.

Snake River Falls

Ann White Dieckgrafe

Snake River Falls is a dramatic waterfall that flows into a deep canyon. It is open year-round from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There are many scenic trails around Snake River Falls that are great for exploring and seeing the falls from different viewpoints. The location for the falls is around 23 miles to the southwest of Valentine. There is no address to this location, so just use GPS, it took us right to it.

Fort Falls

chaimann / Flickr

Fort Falls is situated in the beautiful Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, which is located in Valentine. Fort Falls offers a tranquil experience that is great for all levels of hikers. You will follow a path with a bridge and stairs that lead you down into the River Valley; this is where you will experience Fort Falls and all the natural beauty surrounding the cascades. Depending on the season, the trail can be icy and slippery, so take care. There are benches placed throughout the trail for those who need to sit down and relax along the way. The hike is less than one mile long. The Lower Trailhead is located at the Bur Oak Picnic and Parking Area on the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.

Smith Falls

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Smith Falls is located in the charming Smith Falls State Park and the falls are known to be the highest waterfall in all of Nebraska. Smith Falls is a popular place to enjoy during the summer months when many people come to kayak, tube, boat, and camp for a few days. Smith Falls was named after Frederic Smith; he was the first person who filed the smallholding patent on the property surrounding the falls. These falls are great for taking pictures and enjoying a picnic at one of the picnic tables in the park. If you are adventurous, try kayaking while visiting Smith Falls. Smith Falls is located at Smith Falls State Park at 90165 Smith Falls Rd. in Valentine, Nebraska.

Stair Step Falls

John Coffey

Stair Step Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Nebraska. It is located along the Niobrara River and is a part of the Nature Conservancy. Floating or kayaking down the is the best way to reach Stair Step Falls, and will grant you the best views. If you are floating down the river, make sure to use caution and pack a waterproof camera. Since Stair Step Falls is private property, you will have to treat this place with respect and be careful when entering the area. Stair Step Falls is located at 42269 Morel Road, in Johnstown, Nebraska.

Little Cedar Falls

for illustrative purposes

Little Cedar Falls is located in Sparks, which is situated in Cherry County, Nebraska. The falls flow from Brewer Bridge Creek and the height of the falls is 10 feet. Little Cedar Falls is off the beaten path but is a romantic place to visit, as not too many people venture out this way. Waterfalls in Nebraska are different than other waterfalls located throughout the states because Nebraska is flat, therefore the waterfalls are more cherished and considerably smaller. Located near Valentine Nebraska, I suggest using GPS to find this one, as I can’t find an address.

For more outdoor destinations in Nebraska, click here.

Off Shore Resort is situated on the most scenic Mississippi Riverfront property in the upper Midwest and features a hotel, campground, state of the art outdoor pool an aquatics center, bar and restaurant and an event center. Off Shore Resort is located at 4115 N Riverview in Bellevue Iowa. For more information, click here.

This amazing resort is located just two-miles north of the beautiful, quaint riverside village of Bellevue, Iowa. Patrons may visit the resort by road as well as the mighty Mississippi to enjoy the hospitality.

During the 2021 season, the resort underwent extensive renovations across the entire property to provide a true Mississippi riverfront destination resort. Come check it out!

If you need a little adult time being pampered for a few nights in a luxury riverfront suite at the beautiful hotel, or  your looking for a family vacation destination, this is the perfect place for you.

Whether you enjoy, making smores while sitting around a campfire, or getting massaged at the luxury resort, this is the place for you.

And for those who are already familiar with Off Shore Resort, the new aquatics center and remodeled restaurant should bring you back for an all new fun-in-the-sun experience.

This gorgeous resort is located along the Mississippi River in Bellevue Iowa.

The resort came under new ownership in 2020, and the new owners have completely renovated everything. So much so that it feels like a brand new resort!

Our favorite addition to the Off Shore Hotel & Resort is the amazing aquatics center. The area includes a 1-acre lake, the Aqua Park on the lake, a beach, a 6,000-square-foot outdoor pool, a playground with a jumping pad, a tiki bar, a clubhouse, and more.

They also added over 100 new camping spots, near the river.

The Off Shore Resort is a hidden gem summer paradise, you need to see to believe.

For more great campgrounds and lodging options in Iowa, click here. For a list of the best family activities in the area, click here. For the best parks and amazing locations in Iowa, click here.

Twin Falls

Robert D. Howell / shutterstock

This is two for the price of one on Reedy Creek. The creek splits into two, with the higher of the cascades measuring 75 feet as it falls off a huge slab of granite. The second is not so high but still makes an impressive sight as it sends water at 45 degrees to the larger falls. It is a very easy walk of mere minutes to reach the falls and the views are excellent. You can get closer than the trail but, in fact, the views don’t get much better and the rocks are slippery – even dangerous. If you want to cool off in the creek, it is best to do it elsewhere.

Laurel Fork Falls

anthony heflin / shutterstock

You have to enjoy hiking to see these falls because you can expect to be walking for more than five hours along the Foothills Trail to reach them. The trail involves several sets of wooden steps, both up and down. You are talking overnight camping to see them this way. The alternative is much more relaxing – see them from a boat on Jocasse Lake. You will enjoy the crescent-shaped grotto and the water that falls 80 feet directly into the lake. They are at their best after periods of heavy rain.

Falls Creek Falls

Denton Rumsey / shutterstock

At 125 feet high, these falls are among the very best in South Carolina. Access is not straightforward and you will have to make a real effort whichever trail you select. The Falls Creek Trail is the shorter of the two, under a couple of miles long but with several steep portions and a 600 foot ascent in all. Hospital Rock Trail is just over five miles of rugged hiking which ends up at the other side of the falls. A number of flat rock ledges offer great views of the falls and the chance of memorable photographs.

Opossum Creek Falls

Karen and Scott Wightwick / shutterstock

The trail that allows you to see Opossum Creek Falls is four miles long and family-friendly if the kids don’t mind walking. You can take your dog on a leash. In hot weather, the creek is a great place to cool off, though don’t swim during the winter – it is cold! You have to cross the creek twice on the way to the falls, which drop around 50 feet in a series of cascades. The trail actually takes you down to the creek, which is regularly used by kayakers. Continue and you will get to the base of the falls.

Licklog Falls

Scottie Fulbright / Facebook

Licklog Falls are a series of cascades dropping down in two tiers. If you continue on the trail beyond Pigpen Falls, you will reach the top of Licklog Falls very quickly. The top tier is around 30 feet, with the water dropping into a basin; the second is larger, with the flow going directly into the Chattooga River. You can get down to the base of the falls, although the descent is fairly steep. Armed with a wide-angle lens, you should be able to capture the whole cascade in a single photograph.

For more of South Carolina’s Amazing Locations click here.