As hosts to all forms of life on Earth, the health of our planet and its inhabitants directly depends on our ecosystems. To remember this date and actively celebrate it every day of the year, Visit The USA highlights four ideal destinations to practice sports and breathe fresh air.
To roll life
The United States boasts a spectacular network of cycling and mountain biking trails, in both urban and rural settings and on any imaginable terrain. You can rent bikes in almost every city, and in many cases through bike-sharing stations, making it a brilliant alternative for exploring a city (especially in the summer), whether it's for a while or all day. . For example, the Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail in Alton, Illinois is only a 40-minute drive from St Louis, Missouri. It offers panoramic views on a meandering 35-kilometer drive along the banks of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
Very close to the aforementioned Bike Trail -exactly eight minutes by car-, is Pere Marquette State Park, which boasts spectacular views of the Illinois River, forests and steep slopes where you can sit and catch your breath and observe the wildlife. Among the activities that you can do there are horseback riding, hiking, fishing, hunting and canoeing. Between January and February, many ornithology fans come there to observe bald eagles.
This park located in Illinois has well-marked paths for hiking and other specific ones for horseback riding -of almost 19 kilometers-, for both beginners and experienced people. In the Visitor Center, located near one of the entrances, there are 3D maps with the routes and trails of the park. There are also exhibits on the Illinois River and its ecosystem, local fauna, history, and local geology. It should be noted that the archaeologists who have investigated the area described up to six native peoples, who formerly hunted there for a subsistence. Another piece of information: after being closed during the pandemic, his campsite recently reopened and he takes reservations on his website.
I catch up with you in Acadia
Acadia National Park, located near Bar Harbor in Maine, is known for its rocky beaches and mountainous scenery. Five hours northeast of Boston, it also has lush forests and a variety of animal life, including owls, bald eagles, moose and coyotes. For breathtaking views in this 192-square-kilometre park, hike to the top of Cadillac, the highest point on the North Atlantic coast. You can also ride a bike on the park's 92 kilometers of historic road. Another activity that has many fans there is stargazing at night. With no light pollution, the night photos you take will be truly dazzling.
Open all year round, this park has its charm in every season: from the fall of the leaves in autumn, to skiing in winter, fishing in spring or hiking in summer, it is the perfect plan for lovers of life outdoors. free. In the hot months, it usually receives many visitors. If you want to avoid the crowds, enter through the Welcome Center entrance at Rockefeller Hall on the Schoodic Peninsula.
Yellowstone for the little ones
Yellowstone National Park attracts people of all ages, but the little ones definitely tend to have fond memories of observing the region's wildlife. The northeast corner of this national park, the first in the United States and encompassing almost 900,000 hectares of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, generally has little tourist traffic. However, it offers some of the best bear and wolf viewing opportunities. Plus, Yellowstone is one of the few corners of the planet where you can see bison roaming freely. That being said, experts advise booking a tour inside the park since the guides know where to find the packs of wolves and bears. Another remote area of the park is the one facing north, ideal for viewing animal activity.
And if we talk about areas that are not very crowded -an hour's drive from the northeast of Old Faithful- in this park it is a must to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which, being far from the most frequented points by tourists, enjoys great tranquility and unobstructed views for that selfie that will live on your social networks. Sculpted by volcanic activity, melting glaciers and erosion, this 32 kilometer long canyon will amaze young and old alike.
Live the "Smoky" life
Surrounded by forests, rivers and the Great Smoky Mountains, nature lovers will find a paradise in Sevierville -Tennessee- and its surroundings. Close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville is first and foremost a charming southern town. As you walk through its historic center, you will find the old Victorian courthouse and, in its courtyard, the statue honoring local legend, the queen of country music Dolly Parton. Don't miss The Diner with its neon red sign and umbrellas covering the outdoor seating. The menu is packed with American-style dishes, so be sure to try one of the most popular, the Cadillac Burger.
Now yes, you will be ready to disconnect from urban life. Feel the fresh air of the mountains while you drink your coffee in the morning. Unwind after a day of hiking in front of a stone fireplace. All those postcards are possible if you stay in one of the many cabins for rent in Sevierville and its surroundings. You can rent a rustic cabin in the woods on the river's edge, or stay at a resort with amenities, a spa, and more. Be that as it may, it is about being able to appreciate the beauty of one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in that country.
If speed and heights are your thing, visit Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park and ride its famous zip line. If you're looking for excitement on the water, book a whitewater rafting excursion on the Pigeon River. If you come in the fall, you will be able to witness the impressive change of foliage to shades of yellow, orange and red.