Category: Uncategorized (Page 80 of 174)

Experience the unforgettable two-and-a-half-mile journey on an electric cart as you explore the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon and Nature Trail.

This dramatic trail was created to highlight stunning rock formations, waterfalls and views of Table Rock Lake.

Don’t forget to stop at the Bat Bar for a fresh glass of lemonade.

The highlight of this four-story cave is the gorgeous cascading waterfall.

Throughout your journey you will encounter breathtaking views, stunning waterfalls, and rustic old bridges.

From the overlook pavilion, you can see for miles, spanning over Table Rock Lake.

The trail is open daily, from  8:30 to 7:00 pm.

Tickets must be purchased to enter the trail.

Entrance fee includes admission to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.

The trail-head begins at 150 Top Of The Rock Road in Ridgedale Missouri.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.

Robbers Cave State Park

Robbers Cave State Park in Oklahoma is one of the South’s most amazing state parks. From its unique history to its stunning picturesque landscape, this is one fantastic park! There are 86 primitive campsites located along hiking trails. As well as 22 full hookup campsites, complete with sewer, are available as well as another 64 sites that offer hookups for water and electricity. If that wasn’t enough, there is also 26 cabins available for rent, as well as the lodge which sleeps 20. The park has  a fun variety of activities. For more information, click here.

Oklahoma City East KOA

This award-winning KOA offers a quiet, shaded country setting just 15 minutes from the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Enjoy the scavenger hunt, ride the barrel train (weekends in season), roast marshmallows, let your pet run in the Kamp K9 park or stroll the 1-mile nature trail.  Amenities include: 50 Max Amp, 90′ Max Length, free wifi, swimming pool, dog park, a huge playground and snack bar. There are numerous camping options available, including RV sites, Tent sites, and a variety of cabins. For more information, click here.

Twin Fountains RV Resort

Picture is owned by Patricia Adams

This gorgeous campground has a wide variety of attractions including: mini golf, a swimming pool, hot tub, and splash pad. A bar and grill, a large playground, a gift shop and club house and so much more. This is a family friendly campground with extra large RV sites, a fishing pond, and salon and spa. Come find out why Twin Fountains RV Resort is Oklahoma City’s highest rated campground. For more information, click here.

El Reno West KOA Journey

Herds of buffalo once roamed Oklahoma, and some of the shaggy beasts still hang around this KOA. The buffalo (in a pen, of course!) are just one reminder of this region’s frontier heritage. KOA’s paved roads lead to shady or satellite-friendly campsites, a swimming pool, a game room, a fishing pond, pedal karts and an entertaining and unique Jumping Pillow! You’re within walking distance of the Cherokee Trading Post, so take time for an evening stroll and see the 150-foot mural depicting the Cherokee “Trail of Tears” and Native American tepees. Then enjoy a buffalo burger and a piece of homemade pie at the restaurant before retiring to your campsite or scenic Cabin. You can take your pick between, RV site, Tent site or one of more than a dozen cabins. Guests also enjoy,cable TV, free wifi, a dog park,bike rentals, and fishing! For more information, click here.

CHECOTAH / LAKE EUFAULA WEST KOA HOLIDAY

You’ll find no planes or trains in this country setting! You will find plenty of room for your big rig in large Pull-Thru RV Sites. The tent and Cabin areas are just as inviting. Nature trails lead to lovely Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma’s largest reservoir. Rent a canoe or kayak on-site and explore the shore-line. Bird-watch, walk the trails or fish in the catch-and-release pond. The barnyard zoo features chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and the cow, Daisy, and our new editions, Dash and Jasper, are mini donkeys.  Rent one of three heated/air-conditioned meeting rooms with kitchens – perfect for RV groups and family reunions. Nearby, try your luck at casinos, play golf or visit museums to explore Native American and Civil War history. This is a great base for motorcycle day rides. For more information, click here.

For more great lodging options in Oklahoma, click here.

Buffalo National River

The Buffalo National River is one of the worlds most special places. This is the first designated national river in the country, and you could easily spend a lifetime down here exploring and still not see all this gorgeous river has to offer. This is a perfect place for float trips, hiking, horseback riding and making memories.

The Old Mill

The Old Mill in Little Rock is one of the states most iconic attractions. The Mill gained this acclaim, from its appearance in the movie Gone With The Wind. The Old Mill is also listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Cosmic Caverns

Cosmic Cavern in Berryville, Arkansas is one of the states’ most beautiful natural attractions! During your tour, you will see some amazing sights, including a 9 foot soda straw, as well as two bottomless lakes. Cosmic Cavern was discovered in 1845, and is Arkansas’s largest privately owned show cave.

Blanchard Springs

This picture is owned by Mike Norton

The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers a rich outdoor experience.  Located in the beautiful Ozark National Forest. The spring starts at the Blanchard Springs Cavern with a cool waterfall, that feeds into the Sylamore Creek, which is a popular swimming hole during the summer months.

Hawksbill Crag

Another Southern Icon, this incredible overlook has become a popular spot to grab the perfect selfie, its also a popular destination for engagement photos. This overlook offers spectacular views as you gaze out over Ozark National Forest. There are countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

For more great outdoor destinations in Arkansas, click here.

This is by far the deepest team I have researched, and I can’t imagine any team even coming close to the level of talent Iowa State has to offer. When doing these articles, I compare a wrestlers entire body of work, not just his time at that particular college.

10 Glen Brand

Glen is a legend in Iowa wrestling history. So much so, that there is an Glen Brand Wrestling Hall Of Fame. At Iowa State he was a 3x NCAA all-american, and his senior year he won the NCAA title. His college record was an incredible 52-3 with 34 pins. One of those wins was over NCAA Champion and future world champion, Verne Gagne of Minnesota. At the 1948 Olympics Glen captured a Gold medal in the Middleweight division.

9 Chris Taylor

Chris was a larger then life type of character, both literally and figuratively. At 6 feet 5 inches and weighing over 400 lbs. Chris is the largest wrestling competitor in Olympic history. What’s amazing about Chris is the fact that he didn’t begin wrestling until he was a junior in high school. That didn’t stop him from winning two state titles thou. His two year career as a Cyclone was nothing short of spectacular. Taylor won individual titles in 1972 and 1973, leading his team to NCAA tournament titles both seasons. The Gentle Giant pinned his way through the NCAA tournament in 1973, becoming only the second wrestler to pin his way through a 32-man bracket. Taylor’s overall career record at Iowa State was 87-0-1 with 70 pins. In the Olympic games he earned a Bronze medal in freestyle and didn’t place in Greco. Being a rare DOUBLE competitor at the Olympics.

8 Tim Krieger 3x

Tim is one of college wrestling’s all-time greats, between high school and college he compiled an incredible 219-9 record! He was a 4x all-american and entered the NCAA tournament as the number 1 seed all 4 years. At the national tournament he finished 5th, 2nd, and was a 2x champion. He was also a national freestyle champion.

7 Chuck Jean

Chuck is in a league of his own, as he is the only college wrestler in history to win 4 individual National titles as well as 4 team national titles. This rare feat may never be duplicated. At Iowa State he would often move up in weight class, to wrestle the toughest competition available. This is something rarely done in today’s college wrestling scene.

6 Kevin Jackson

In High School, Kevin was a 2x Michigan state champion, in college he was a 4x all-american. Finishing 3rd, 3rd, and 7th, at Louisiana State, before finishing 2nd his senior year at Iowa State. After graduating his mat career really took off. He won the World Championship in 1991, an Olympic Gold Medal in 1992, and another World Championship in 1995. He was also a 3x World Cup winner, and a 2x Pan-American Champion. Although he only spend a single season at Iowa State, his credentials rank along side some of the all-time greats.

5 Jake Varner

The Cyclone ended his collegiate career as the best in the country, winning the 197-pound title in 2010.  Varner posted a 31-0 record as a senior and was 121-10 over the course of his career.  The NCAA title he won as a senior was his second, having won his first as a junior in 2009.  Varner was the 184-pound NCAA finalist as a sophomore and freshman.  One of Iowa State’s all-time greats, Varner was a four-time All-American, four-time NCAA finalist and two-time NCAA Champion.  On the world stage as a freestyle wrestler, Varner reached the sport’s pinnacle by claiming the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal at 96kg in London.  His performance in the Olympics capped off a stellar 2012 that also saw him win the Pan American Games Gold and the Yarygan Bronze.  He also claimed a World Bronze in 2011 in Istanbul.

4 Nate Carr

Carr was a state champion in high school. Winning one of the toughest high school weight classes in the country. During his prep career he amassed a 115-7 record. At Iowa state he claimed 3 NCAA titles, and was a 2x Big 8 champion. After graduating, he won Gold Medals at the World Cup, the Pan American games, and the Goodwill Games. He also won a bronze medal at the 1988 Olympic Games.

3 Ben Peterson

Ben is considered one of the best Iowa State wrestlers of all-time by his peers, and was also one of America’s best wrestlers of his time. He was a 3x all-american, and 2x NCAA champion while competing at 190 lbs. His collegiate record stands at 74-4 with 24 pins. At the world championships he won a bronze and Gold medal.  He also won a Gold Medal at the 1972 Olympic Games.At the 1976 Olympics he captured a silver medal. His brother John was also an Olympic Gold Medalist.

2 Dan Gable

What can i really say about Dan Gable. The guy is a legend, actually legend isn’t a strong enough word. I’m not sure any label can truly define the man generally recognized as the greatest amateur wrestler this country has ever produced. During his prep and college wrestling careers, Gable compiled the unbelievable record of 182-1-0. Dan was undefeated in 64 prep matches and was 118-1-0 in three years at Iowa State. He won 181 consecutive matches. The only defeat came in the NCAA finals in his senior year. Dan earned national fame at the 1972 Olympic Games, when he won a Gold Medal without surrendering a single point the entire tournament. He also had 3 Pan-American titles, the highly regarded Tbilisi title, and a Gold Medal at the World Championship.

1 Cael Sanderson

I don’t even know where to start. Cael is the GOAT of college wrestling hands down. He won every college tournament he entered, posting a 39-0 freshman season at 184, and going 40-0 the next 3 seasons at 197. He is the first wrestler to win 4 Most Outstanding Wrestler awards at the NCAA Championship. His win in the 2002 NCAA finals made him the second 4x NCAA Champion ever, and he is the only one to go undefeated with a perfect 159-0 record. Cael is also the first wrestler to win the prestigious Hodge Trophy 3x. After graduation Cael decided to test his skills on the world stage after failing to place at the 2001 and 2002 World Championships, he earned his first world medal at the 2003 championships, winning the Silver medal at the 185 lb weight class. Yet it was at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, that Sanderson reached the highest pinnacle of the sport, defeating Eau Jae Moon of South Korea to win an Olympic gold medal. He has since moved into coaching and is shattering records their as well.

Honorable Mention:

Ron Gray

Ron was one of Iowa State’s first elite wrestlers. He burst onto the scene his sophomore year, and had a perfect season going into the NCAA finals before dropping a close match to Iowa’s Simone Roberts. He followed that up by winning NCAA titles the following 2 years, becoming a 3x all-american. His collegiate record  was 53-2.

Larry Hayes

Larry will go down in history for being Iowa State’s first 3x NCAA champion. His college record was an impressive 51-4. He was also named Iowa’s most outstanding wrestler in 1961.

Dwight Hinson 

Dwight was a 4x conference champion, and a 4x all-american, finishing 3rd, 2nd, 4th, and 3rd. He ranks 4th on Iowa States all time win list. After college he was a 2x world team member.

Les Anderson 3x NCAA finalist, and a 2x NCAA Champion.

Tom Peckham 3x all-american, and 2x NCAA Champion.

Eric Voelker 3x all-american, 2x NCAA Champion.

Joe Heskett

Heskett was an NCAA champion and a four-time All-American (1999-2002) for Iowa State. He placed third at the NCAA tournament as a freshman, second as a sophomore and junior and first as a senior. The former Cyclone compiled a 143-9 college record with 58 pins. He also placed fifth at the 2007 World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Chris Bono

Chris Bono was an NCAA champion, three-time All-American, and a two-time Big 12 champion for Iowa State with a career college record of 128-34. He placed fifth at the NCAA championships as a sophomore in 1995 before winning the 150-pound crown in 1996 and placing second in 1997. Bono was a member of U.S. freestyle World championships teams in 2001, 2002 and 2005 and was a four-time freestyle national champion. He was a three-time state wrestling champion in Florida.

Compare this team to the Iowa Hawkeyes, Penn State, Oklahoma State, Ohio State, and the University of Illinois.

Fossil Creek Falls

Glanduin / shutterstock

Fossil Creek Falls is near Pine, Arizona. Hikers will need to find Fossil Creek Waterfall Trailhead. The height of the falls is 25 feet, with a deep pool beneath. Cliff jumping is permitted at the falls, but always be aware of the water level before attempting to jump. There are multiple swimming areas. Fossil Creek is not in a park, so there are no fees to visit the area. The hike is 1.5 miles and is easy enough for the whole family.

Cibecue Falls

Jon Manjeot / shutterstock

Cibecue Falls can be an amazing hike all on its own, or for an extended workout, combine it with another waterfall in the area. To hike to Cibecue Falls, you’ll need to go to the Cibecue Creek Falls Trailhead in Gila County, Arizona. The hike is 4 miles, with a 220 elevation gain and an intermediate difficulty level. There is a dirt road leading to the trailhead, which is found along the Salt River Canyon area. The waterfall is 30 feet high.

Pacheta Falls

Coletta Terry Squires / Facebook

Pacheta Falls is found near Whiteriver, Arizona, although there are a couple of different entrances to the hiking area. The falls are part of the White Mountains region. Hikers to the area will enter White Mountain Apache Reservation, and require a special permit to drive to the hiking area. No swimming is permitted at this waterfall. It is an off-road experience, so only high-profile vehicles are permitted. The waterfall height is unknown; however, there is no elevation gain for the trip. The distance is 2.5 miles and the falls can be accessed in all seasons except winter.

Hidden Falls

Jon Manjeot / shutterstock

Hidden Falls is part of the Havasupai Reservation and can be accessed via Havasu Campground in Supai, Arizona. Hidden Falls is a fifty-foot drop and cliff jumping is allowed for those brave enough to take the leap. There is a short trail from Navajo at the campground that enables hikers to reach the falls via a bridge. When the picnic area is in sight, it is just a short distance from that point to the falls. As for the cascades, there are three points where the falls go over cliffs at 30, 40, and 50 feet. The hiking distance from the campground to the falls is one mile, one-way. It is an easy hike, available all year – although the rainy season obviously offers more water.

Navajo Falls

Jimmy W / shutterstock

Navajo Falls in Supai, Arizona is one of the most popular falls in the state. The location near Havasu Falls makes it enjoyable and accessible for visitors during any time of the year. It is important to remember that flooding can happen during monsoon season, as it did in August 2008, which is when Navajo Falls was created. The falls are closest to the Havasupai Campground. The waterfall is tall, with a deep pool at the bottom, so people can jump from the cliffs and swim. The hiking distance is a total of 1.2 miles and hikers will see an elevation gain of 500 feet. It is best to hike the area during spring, summer, and fall. The trail is suitable for beginners.

Love the Arizona outdoors? Click here.