Uncover the state of Oregon’s best kept secrets from float rivers, waterfalls, and traveling down Oregon’s south coast of its 363-mile-long coastline. Over 1.3 million visitors per year explore its 5 national parks and multiple state parks, forests, rivers, and trails. Over 2,000 places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with 17 national historic landmarks and 11 national natural landmarks. The list of parks in Oregon is extensive and includes over 190 parks, natural areas, and state trails for you to explore; most are free or at minimal cost. Millions of acres are covered by the 11 national forests that blanket Oregon.
Various States CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s: the greatest mass migration in American history. The California National Historic Trail is over 5,000 miles long and covers portions of 10 states. Step into history along more than 1,000 miles of ruts and traces from travelers and their overland wagons.
Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity: fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and perhaps the most pristine on earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.
Vancouver, OR, WA; 612 E Reserve St, Vancouver, WA 98661
Located on the north bank of the Columbia River, in sight of snowy mountain peaks and a vibrant urban landscape, this park has a rich cultural past. From a frontier fur trading post to a powerful military legacy, the magic of flight, and the origin of the American Pacific Northwest, history is shared at four unique sites. Discover stories of transition, settlement, conflict, and community.
WA, OR, ID, MT; Bellevue Erractic, Willamette Valley, OR
“At the end of the last Ice Age, some 12,000 to 17,000 years ago, a series of cataclysmic floods occurred in what is now the northwest region of the United States, leaving a lasting mark of dramatic and distinguishing features on the landscape of parts of the States of Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.” Public Law 111-11, March 30, 2009
Colorful rock formations at John Day Fossil Beds preserve a world-class record of plant and animal evolution, changing climate, and past ecosystems that span over 40 million years. Exhibits and a working lab at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center as well as scenic drives and hikes at all three units allow visitors to explore the prehistoric past of Oregon and see science in action.
Eleven States: ID, IL, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, ND, OR, SD, WA; one place is Fort Clatsop & Visitor Center, 92345 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103
Between May 1804 and September 1806, 31 men, one woman, and a baby traveled from the plains of the Midwest to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. They called themselves the Corps of Discovery. In their search for a water route to the Pacific Ocean, they opened a window into the west for the young United States. Read the Lewis and Clark Pups blog, the Newfie News!
92343 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103; Long Beach to Cannon Beach, OR, WA
Explore the timeless rainforests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich heritage of the native people. Unfold the dramatic stories of America’s most famous explorers. The park encompasses sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast. Follow in the footsteps of the explorers and have an adventure in history.
83365 Joseph Hwy, Joseph, OR 97846; ID, MT, OR, WA
For thousands of years the valleys, prairies, mountains, and plateaus of the inland northwest have been home to the nimí·pu· (Nez Perce) people. Extremely resilient, they have adapted and survived the settling of the United States. Explore these places. Learn their stories.
Various States ID, KS, MO, NE, OR, WA, WY; one place is the End of the Oregon Trail Museum, 1726 Washington St, Oregon City, OR 97045
Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands and a new beginning lure you to leave home and walk for weeks? More than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen along the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states and serve as reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American settlers.
Deep within the Siskiyou Mountains are dark, twisting passages that await your discovery. Eons of acidic water seeping into marble rock created and decorated the wondrous “Marble Halls of Oregon.” Join a tour, get a taste of what caving is all about, and explore a mountain from the inside and out.
The small state of New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the Mid-Atlantic Region. It is also known, however, for its many forests, parks, and coastal towns. A 72-mile leg of the Appalachian Trail known as the Delaware Water Gap, the East Coast Greenway, and part of the Palisades can also be found here. Over 5 million visitors per year visit the 9 national parks, 7 national rivers and trails, and 1,731 places on the National Register of Historic Places. Fifty-eight national historic landmarks and 11 national natural landmarks can also be found in this compact state. This list of parks in New Jersey includes picturesque mountains, waterfalls, and plenty of trails for the hiking enthusiasts throughout the Garden State.
Maine to Georgia, CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
From the heights of the Palisades at Fort Lee to the shores of the Delaware River at Red Bank Battlefield, the Crossroads of the American Revolution offers an unprecedented opportunity to understand and celebrate New Jersey’s rich history. Historic sites, preservation groups, schools, libraries, and museum work together to tell these unique stories.
HQ in Bushkill PA; the park is along the Delaware River in the states of NJ, PA
Paddlers slip down the river between low forested mountains; anglers wade the trout streams; hikers scan the valley from the ridge or peer into the 1000-foot-deep Water Gap. The valley has known human hand and voice for 10,000 years. Floodplains nourished the Native farmer; waterfalls drew the Victorian vacationer. Today, a 70,000-acre park welcomes those who seek the outdoors close to home.
How far would you travel to find a better life? What if the journey took weeks under difficult conditions? If you answered, “Whatever it takes,” you echo the feelings of the 12 million immigrants who passed through these now quiet halls from 1892 to 1954.
26 Hudson Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732; Brooklyn, Queens & Staten Island, New York and Monmouth County, New Jersey, NY,NJ
There are three geographic units: Sandy Hook, New Jersey; Jamaica Bay and Staten Island, New York City. The NYC units include Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Fort Tilden, Riis Park in Queens, Floyd Bennett Field and Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn. Staten Island has Great Kills Park, Miller Field and Fort Wadsworth. These sites and others make up the 27,000 acres of Gateway, one national park.
The River gradually widens as it picks up the waters of 17 tributaries on its way to Great Egg Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Established by Congress in 1992, nearly all of this 129-mile river system rests within the Pinelands National Reserve. This National Park Service unit is unusual in that local jurisdictions continue to administer the lands.
The largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, the Delaware River runs past forests, farmlands, and villages, and it also links some of the most densely populated regions in America. In 2000, the National Wild and Scenic River System incorporated key segments of the lower Delaware River to form this unit of the National Park System.
Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental army’s winter encampment of December 1779 to June 1780, where they survived through what would be the coldest winter on record. The park also maintains a museum & library collection related to the encampments & George Washington, as well as items relating to pre- and post-Revolutionary America.
This is truly a special place. It’s classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and in 1978 was established by Congress as the country’s first National Reserve. It includes portions of seven southern New Jersey counties, and encompasses over one million acres of farms, forests and wetlands. It contains 56 communities, from hamlets to suburbs, with over 700,000 permanent residents.
Cotton & silk for clothing; locomotives for travel; paper for books & writing letters; airplanes, & more. What do they have in common? They all came from the same place – Paterson, NJ. In 1791, Paterson, America’s first planned industrial city, was established, centered around the Great Falls of the Passaic River. From humble mills would rise industries that changed the face of the United States.
Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory are a step back in time, when machines were run by belts and pulleys and music was played on phonographs. Where to the passerby, the buildings betray little evidence of the industries they once started. Discover where America’s greatest inventor changed our world forever.
MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, DC; one location is 30 Washington Pl, Morristown, NJ 07960
In 1781, General Rochambeau’s French Army joined forces with General Washington’s Continental Army to fight the British Army in Yorktown, Virginia. With the French Navy in support, the allied armies moved hundreds of miles to become the largest troop movement of the American Revolution. The effort and cooperation between the two sides led to a victory at Yorktown and secured American independence.
It’s no secret that Texas is huge. Like with most things, we also go big with their lakes. The state has 5,607 square miles of inland water with almost 7,000 reservoirs/lakes with a normal size of 10 acre-feet or larger. Texas has 188 major lakes that are over 5,000 acres or larger. The great thing about lakes in Texas is that most all are open year-round due to the warmer temperatures. [Nothing says Thanksgiving like 80°F temperatures in Dallas.] Due to the sometimes brutally warm climate, Texans love to go to beaches to cool off in or by the water, bird watch, run by the lake, or just sit under a nearby tree.
Here are 15 of the biggest and best lakes in Texas. There are very few natural lakes in the state so many are reservoirs. However, the ones on the list are open to the public for recreation and (sometimes) adventure.
Located on the eastern edge of Sabine National Forest, Toledo Bend Reservoir is the largest lake in Texas and the fifth largest in the nation. The surface area is over 182,000 acres, making it the largest lake in the south. The lake is located in Sabine, Shelby, and Panola counties in Texas, and parts extend into Sabine and DeSoto parishes in Louisiana. The lake has 1,200 miles of shoreline with both private and public areas for swimming, boating, picnicking, camping, and wildlife sightseeing. This one is cheating a little as most of the best places to access the lakes are in Louisiana along the Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway. However, visiting the Sabine National Forest in Texas, you have plenty of marinas and places to stop along the riverway.
The second largest lake over 114,500 acres is Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Angelina National Forest flanks the lake on the north and the south banks. The reservoir is fed by the Angelina River from the Neches River and is popular for fishing and camping. The lake is about halfway between Beaumont and Longview in East Texas. The shoreline has 600 miles of shoreline (all around the lake) and it is 79 miles long. A popular summer activity for Texans is to rent cabins near the lake or at one of the many lake houses, condos, or bed and breakfasts.
The third largest lake is right on the Rio Grande at Falcon International Reservoir at Falcon State Park. At over 83,654 acres, this reservoir is a great place for fishing and nature watching. Falcon State Park is also nice too, as its 570 acres offer water sports, a short hiking trail, and shelters. It’s also very quiet and not as crowded as most state parks. However, the lake is fairly shallow so while you can fish a little, I wouldn’t recommend getting in a boat. The South Texas heat is brutal, so its recommended that you go during the spring, fall, and winter months. Summer months can also lead to very low water levels, so it can be a rockier terrain. The nights are beautiful, however, with a dazzling array of stars (no big city lights to obscure them).
One of the largest reservoirs in the United States, Lake Texoma stretches from the Texas border near Denison up to Durant, Oklahoma along the Red River. The lake offers 1000 miles of shoreline and over 78,000 acres of lake area. About an hour from the ever-growing Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Lake Texoma attracts around 6 million visitors a year. Along the lake, you can find sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and fifty-four parks. In addition to the local parks, you can also find two state parks, two wildlife refuges and marinas to dock your boat (or park your car). Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and Tishomingo Wildlife Refuges are excellent for bird watching and other wildlife, like deer, squirrels, and occasionally, bobcats.
Another large lake on the U.S.-Mexican border is Amistad Reservoir, an excellent place for water-sports, hiking, camping, hiking, and viewing rock art. The lake itself is 64,900 acres and is an excellent place for swimming and boating. People even use the area for SCUBA diving, as a dive cove is located at Diablo East. Each of the eight areas in the National Recreation Area is equipped with tables, shelters, and grills. Hiking trails can be found at the location or in the Diablo East area. A variety of birds, including desert birds, can be found for some great photography sessions. Over 4,000-year-old Native American paintings can at the park and Panther Cave. Guided tours can be accessed by visiting the Amistad Visitor Information Center in Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site.
Southeast of Corsicana, Texas on U.S. 278 is Richland-Chambers Reservoir, at 41,356 acres. The reservoir is big for boaters and people who enjoy fishing as it is an excellent source of catfish, crappie, and bass. (I don’t fish, but for those who do, it’s a good spot). There is a lot of vegetation around the lake, but it can still be used for swimming in certain areas. About an hour south of Dallas on I-45, Richland-Chambers has 330 miles of shoreline. You can find campsites, cabins, and a lodge at Fisherman’s Point Marina and Resort and at Oak Cove Marina.
Lake Tawakoni State Park. Source: Eastcheap, Wikipedia
Located in East Texas, just 50 miles from the DFW metroplex, is Lake Tawakoni. The 37,879-acre lake boasts 376 acres of oak forest, sandy beaches, and more than five miles of lakeshore. The lake expands into three Texas counties: Hunt, Rains, and Van Zandt. The water is good for swimming or boating and you can easily reserve a campsite for weekend getaways. Lake Tawakoni State Park also has five miles of trails. Take a walk through the forest for bird watching, hiking, or mountain biking.
Another East Texas located just 15 miles west of Athens, Texas, and 90 miles southeast of Dallas, is Cedar Creek Reservoir. You’ll often hear native Texans call it just Cedar Creek or Cedar Creek Lake. With a surface area of 32,623 acres, the lower end of the reservoir is known for having deeper waters and more submerged vegetation than the shallower northern end. The Lake is 18 miles long and has 320 miles of shoreline. Fisherman’s Wharf, in Malakoff, has restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, and other amenities including camping. Additional local information can be found on the lake’s local website.
Hidden within the Piney Woods of East Texas, Lake Livingston has public swimming areas, horse riding trails, biking trails, and walking or running trails. Located about 90 minutes from downtown Houston, the park has over 32,000 acres of water surface. The park also has cabins for rent and camping areas for overnight stays. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes from the park store. Big Thicket National Preserve and Sam Houston National Forest should also be explored as you drive through the park. Texans camp year-round at this lake due to the reasonably warm weather. Watch out for the weird cold fronts in February; however, firewood is usually available at the park store.
Located an hour (in good traffic) north of the DFW Metroplex, Ray Roberts Lake has almost 29,000-acres of fishing, swimming, and relaxing. The lake offers beach areas, a kid’s fishing pond, and boating activities. Explore the 10 miles of hiking and biking trails that are a part of the 20-mile Greenbelt Corridor that runs between the Ray Roberts Dam and Lake Lewisville. Campsites are available for reservations, as is booking a room at the Lone Star Lodge. Most of the park and the lake lies in a hardwood forest that stretches into prairies to the east and west. A variety of wetlands in the park also provide a home for wildlife such as turtles, frogs, and migratory birds. The Isle du Bois unit (located in Pilot Point, Texas) is a favorite among the locals as it has the widest variety of scenery and activities.
To find other lakes, check out this list of Texas National and State Parks. It’s still being updated because frankly, there are a lot of lakes in Texas ya’ll.
Finally, What to Pack?
Disclosure: The links below contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Ready to hit the road? Be sure to pack along some must needed items for your trip.
Home to over 19 national parks and over 3,434 places on the National Register of Historic Places, Pennsylvania plays tribute to the founding of America to over 10 million visitors per year. Visit Independence Hall where the United States Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted and then take a walk down Elfreth’s Alley, a historic street dating back to 1702. Wide stretches of forests and mountains also make the state a nature lover’s paradise. The list of parks in Pennsylvania encompasses over 283,000 acres in 121 state parks, multiple forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. Cook Forest State Park stands some of the last remaining old growth forests in Pennsylvania with trees reaching up to 200 feet into the sky.
The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. “The Portage,” opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.
Various from Maine to Georgia, CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV; one site is Sunfish Pond at Sunfish Pond, Leroy Township, PA 17724
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
Four hundred years ago Englishman John Smith and a small crew of adventurers set out in an open boat to explore the Chesapeake Bay. Between 1607 and 1609 Smith and his crew mapped nearly 3,000 miles of the Bay and rivers and documented American Indian communities. Smith’s map and journals are a remarkable record of the 17th-century Chesapeake. Come join the adventure on the Chesapeake Bay!
Chesapeake Bay Watershed, DC, DE, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV
NPS helps you learn about and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in North America. Here, you can visit major league cities, colonial towns, American Indian landscapes, farms and fishing villages. You can learn to kayak, pick crabs, go fishing, tour a lighthouse, slurp oysters, and slow down to enjoy the natural beauty of the Chesapeake.
Come journey through five Pennsylvania counties bursting with heritage and brimming with outdoor adventure. Follow the D&L Trail, a historic pathway marked with stories about hearty lumberjacks, coal miners, lock tenders, and railroaders. Explore the history of the Corridor at the National Canal Museum or along quiet canal paths, challenging bike trails and the rippling waters of the river.
Paddlers slip down the river between low forested mountains; anglers wade the trout streams; hikers scan the valley from the ridge or peer into the 1000-foot-deep Water Gap. The valley has known human hand and voice for 10,000 years. Floodplains nourished the Native farmer; waterfalls drew the Victorian vacationer. Today, a 70,000-acre park welcomes those who seek the outdoors close to home.
Described as horrifying, mystifying, and brilliant, Poe’s writing has engaged readers all over the globe. The six years Edgar Allan Poe lived in Philadelphia were his happiest and most productive. Yet Poe also struggled with bad luck, personal demons, and his wife’s illness. In Poe’s humble home, reflect on the human spirit surmounting crushing obstacles, and celebrate Poe’s astonishing creativity.
Eisenhower National Historic Site is the home and farm of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a much-needed respite from Washington and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions.
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their lives. Because of the actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard one of the planes, Flight 93, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted.
The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening act of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal of French power from North America. The stage was set for the American Revolution.
Albert Gallatin is best remembered for his thirteen-year tenure as Secretary of the Treasury during the Jefferson and Madison administrations. In that time he reduced the national debt, purchased the Louisiana Territory and funded the Lewis & Clark exploration. Gallatin’s accomplishments and contributions are highlighted at Friendship Hill, his restored country estate.
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee’s second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”, Gettysburg was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address”.
Before Pennsylvania, there was New Sweden. Discover this last historic link to a forgotten past. Visit the church’s pastoral surroundings and its burial ground of patriots and ordinary citizens alike.
Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American industrial landscape from natural resource extraction to enlightened conservation. Operating from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other “iron plantations” laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant. The park’s 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology, and lifestyle of our growing nation.
Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Goods, ideas, and people intermingled in early Philadelphia. In this diverse city, a new republic was born. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall. Nearby sits the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of liberty.
The South Fork dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the “Johnstown sufferers.” The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, “…that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men.”
PA, NJ; In Pennsylvania, follow PA-611 and PA-32 to drive along the river.
The largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, the Delaware River runs past forests, farmlands, and villages, and it also links some of the most densely populated regions in America. In 2000, the National Wild and Scenic River System incorporated key segments of the lower Delaware River to form this unit of the National Park System.
Seven States-New York to North Dakota MI, MN, ND, NY, OH, PA, WI; one site is Allegheny National Forest – North Country National Scenic Trail, Leeper, PA 16233
Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Lakes and streams remain from glaciers that molded the landscape 10,000 years before. Experience clear-flowing water, the red and gold of autumn, a fairyland of snow, tall grass prairies, and distant horizons. From New York to North Dakota, you’re never far from a great outdoor adventure. Experience your America at a walking pace.
Oil Region National Heritage Area in northwestern Pennsylvania tells of the world’s first successful commercial oil well and a legacy of petroleum that continues to shape industry, society, and politics. The Oil Region includes oil artifacts, scenic communities, farmlands and woodlands, and industrial landscapes, and offers visitors heritage attractions and four seasons of outdoor recreation.
The corridor between the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Highlands, DC, MD, PA, VA; on location is Laurel Ridge State Park, 1117 Jim Mt Rd, Rockwood, PA 15557
Linking the tidal Potomac and upper Youghiogheny river basins, the evolving Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network lies within a corridor rich in historic pathways and waterways. You can travel this historic corridor today—on foot, bicycle, and horse and by boat—exploring contrasting landscapes between the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Plateau.
Situated in southwestern Pennsylvania, the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area reveals how one region, in a sustained and thunderous blast of innovation, ambition, and fire, forever changed America and its place in the world. It is the story of the industrialists and the workers who pushed an infant industry to it ultimate limits and in doing so pushed the world into the Age of Steel.
The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is the birthplace of the movements that shaped the nation, fueled its growth, and reclaimed its future. It was along the banks of this river and its tributaries that the American, Industrial, and Environmental Revolutions were born. Explore the stories, visit the places, and experience the region’s vitality by visiting the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.
You’d feel the heat from the firebox, smell hot steam and oil; you’d hear the whistle, feel the ground vibrate, and watch as one-ton drive rods turned steel wheels. Remember the sound of “chuff-chuff” from the smokestack? Today, you can learn the history of steam railroad transportation and the people who built, repaired and rode, as we work to preserve a special era in America’s industrial history!
Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the room where he received notable visitors such as Chief Little Turtle and Thomas Jefferson.
Pike and Wayne (PA) and Delaware, Orange and Sullivan (NY) counties along the Delaware River, NY,PA
Canoe through rapids and quiet pools as the Delaware River winds its way through a valley of swiftly changing scenery or fish amid rolling hills and riverfront villages in one of the finest fishing rivers in the northeastern United States. The clean water of Delaware, the last major undammed river in the eastern United States, supports a healthy ecosystem and offers tranquility and excitement.
Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. The 3,500-acres of monuments, meadows, and woodlands commemorate the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation. The park honors and celebrates the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.
MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, DC; one site is Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406
In 1781, General Rochambeau’s French Army joined forces with General Washington’s Continental Army to fight the British Army in Yorktown, Virginia. With the French Navy in support, the allied armies moved hundreds of miles to become the largest troop movement of the American Revolution. The effort and cooperation between the two sides led to a victory at Yorktown and secured American independence.
For a list of more attractions and historical sites, go to Visit PA.
Thirty miles of coastal towns and pristine beaches help make Delaware an excellent place to get away for the weekend. The small state has one national park, wild river, a national trail, and over 707 sites on the National Register of Historic Sites. Sitting on a peninsula, the first state is closely bordered by Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Here’s a list of parks in Delaware. Happy nature walk!
Various; one place to visit is Seaford Museum, 203 High Street, Seaford, DE 19973
Four hundred years ago Englishman John Smith and a small crew of adventurers set out in an open boat to explore the Chesapeake Bay. Between 1607 and 1609 Smith and his crew mapped nearly 3,000 miles of the Bay and rivers and documented American Indian communities. Smith’s map and journals are a remarkable record of the 17th-century Chesapeake. Come join the adventure on the Chesapeake Bay!
Chesapeake Bay Watershed, DC, DE, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV; visit Chesapeake and Delaware Canal
NPS helps you learn about and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in North America. Here, you can visit major league cities, colonial towns, American Indian landscapes, farms and fishing villages. You can learn to kayak, pick crabs, go fishing, tour a lighthouse, slurp oysters, and slow down to enjoy the natural beauty of the Chesapeake.
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.
In 1781, General Rochambeau’s French Army joined forces with General Washington’s Continental Army to fight the British Army in Yorktown, Virginia. With the French Navy in support, the allied armies moved hundreds of miles to become the largest troop movement of the American Revolution. The effort and cooperation between the two sides led to a victory at Yorktown and secured American independence.
The last and furthest south of the original Thirteen Colonies, Georgia has over 2,000 places on the National Register of Historic Places and almost 50 national historic landmarks. Over 7 million visitors go to Georgia’s national and state parks every year. With 11 national parks, the state also is the site of 3 national heritage areas, 1 national natural landmark, and two national trails. The Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain system, are a hit with hikers and nature lovers every year.
The Appalachian Trail begins in Fannin County on top of Springer Mountain and you can start the 2,000-mile long trek up to Maine’s Mount Katahdin. Interested? Download a Trail Map Guide
The Camp Sumter military prison at Andersonville was one of the largest Confederate military prisons during the Civil War. During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died here. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is a memorial to all American prisoners of war throughout the nation’s history.
Various – Maine to Georgia, CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV; one site is Amicalola Falls State Park, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
For millions of years, granite monadnocks have stood watch over the rivers and forests of Georgia. These breathtaking landscapes are the cornerstones of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, which serves to protect & promote these outcrops and the surrounding region as a recreational wonder and national treasure.
The Augusta Canal helped usher the Industrial Revolution into the American South. Built in 1845 as a source of power, water, and transportation, the canal today is the only fully intact American industrial canal in continuous operation. By 1847 the first mills opened, followed by the massive Civil War era Confederate Powder Works and many more industries in the later decades of the 19th century.
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon. Get Outdoors and experience your Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as you have never done before.
In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chattanooga, known as the “Gateway to the Deep South.” The Confederates were victorious at nearby Chickamauga in September. However, renewed fighting in Chattanooga that November provided Union troops victory and control of the city. After the fighting, a Confederate soldier ominously wrote, “This…is the death-knell of the Confederacy.”
St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.
Georgia’s fate was decided in 1742 when Spanish and British forces clashed on St. Simons Island. Fort Frederica’s troops defeated the Spanish, ensuring Georgia’s future as a British colony. Today, the archeological remnants of Frederica are protected by the National Park Service.
For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority to these forts. The Union army used rifled cannon and compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The siege was a landmark experiment in the history of military science and invention.
2817 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455; Various in FL, GA, NC, SC
Designated by Congress in 2006, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor extends from Wilmington, North Carolina in the north to Jacksonville, Florida in the south. It is home to one of America’s most unique cultures, a tradition first shaped by captive Africans brought to the southern United States from West Africa and continued in later generations by their descendants.
Few U.S. Presidents have had such close ties with where they were born and raised. The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia, that revolves around farming, church, and school, had a large influence in molding the character and in shaping the political policies of the 39th President of the United States.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Opposing forces maneuvered and fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Although most famous as a Civil War battlefield, Kennesaw Mountain has a much richer story.
A young boy grows up in a time of segregation…A dreamer is moved by destiny into leadership of the modern civil rights movement…This was Martin Luther King, Jr. Come hear his story, visit the home of his birth, and where he played as a child. Walk in his footsteps, and hear his voice in the church where he moved hearts and minds. Marvel at how he was an instrument for social change.
Welcome to Ocmulgee National Monument. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site. American Indians first came here during the Paleo-Indian period hunting Ice Age mammals. Many different American Indian cultures occupied this land for thousands of years. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began. They constructed mounds for their elite, which remain today.
Various in AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN; one site is Cedartown Cherokee Removal Camp, 301 Wissahickon Ave., Cedartown, GA 30125
Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from their homelands in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee to live in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat in 1838-1839.
Known for its lush forests and sugar-white beaches, Alabama is also a state home to significant landmarks to the American Civil Rights Movement. Of the nine national parks, five are dedicated to preserving and commemorating the work of the leaders in this movement. Four large national forests and three state forests also cover much of the state, blanketing the Appalachian Mountains and wildlife reserves. The state also has 1,500 miles of river and stream channels for the water enthusiast. Hike up to the highest point in the state, Mount Cheaha at 2,407 feet. Alabama national and state parks are also accessible year-round, making it a great place to visit in the winter months when you just want to get away.
The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is a United States National Monument in Birmingham, Alabama established in 2017 to preserve and commemorate the work of the Civil Rights Movement.
The Freedom Riders National Monument is a United States National Monument in Anniston, Alabama established by President Barack Obama in January 2017 to preserve and commemorate the Freedom Riders during the Civil Rights Movement.
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is a U.S. national military park managed by the National Park Service that is the site of the last battle of the Creek War on March 27, 1814.
Little River Canyon National Preserve is a United States National Preserve located on top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama, and DeSoto State Park.
The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area includes the Tennessee River basin’s six counties in northwest Alabama. Its sites, buildings, homes, and artifacts tell the story of how the river and the people living alongside it have shaped our nation’s history and heritage.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a National Parkway in the southeastern United States that commemorates the historic Old Natchez Trace and preserves sections of the original trail.
Russell Cave is an archaeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. Thousands of years ago a portion of Russell Cave’s entrance collapsed, creating a shelter that, for more than 10,000 years, was home to prehistoric peoples. Today it provides clues to the daily lifeways of early North American inhabitants dating from 10,000 B.C. to 1650 A.D.
On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which extended equal voting rights for African-Americans. As both White and Black non-violent supporters led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the right to vote in Central Alabama, today, you can trace their march toward freedom on the 54-mile trail and connect with their stories at the Interpretive Centers.
Various in AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN; one site is Waterloo Landing
The Trail of Tears was a series of forced relocations of Native American peoples from their ancestral homelands in the Southeastern United States, to areas to the west that had been designated as Indian Territory.
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, commemorates the contributions of African American airmen in World War II.
In 1881, Booker T. Washington arrived in Alabama and started building Tuskegee Institute both in reputation and literally brick by brick. He recruited the best and the brightest to come and teach here including George Washington Carver who arrived in 1896. Carver’s innovations in agriculture, especially with peanuts, expanded Tuskegee’s standing throughout the country.
Considered the birthplace of blues music, Mississippi is also known for the Mississippi Delta, coastal gulf, and its majestic forests. Eight national parks and three cultural heritage areas can be found in the state along with 1442 national register of historic places. Outside of the Mississippi Delta area, the state is heavily forested and has several national forests and wildlife refuges. Mississippi Blues Trail and Country Music Trail markers are located at key sites within the state. Over 60 miles of Mississippi Gulf Coast shoreline are great places to relax and catch some rays in the white sand beaches.
Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield Site commemorates the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads, in which the Confederate army, under Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest, defeated a much larger Union force on June 10, 1864, to ultimately secure supply lines between Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Gulf Breeze, Florida and Ocean Springs, Mississippi , FL, MS
Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands.
The Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area (MDNHA) is the land where the Blues began, where Rock and Roll was created and where Gospel remains a vibrant art. It is an agricultural region where cotton was once king, and where ‘precision-ag’ rules today. It is a place that saw the struggles of the Civil War and the cultural revolution of the Civil Rights Movement. It is the home of the Great Migration, and a land of rich culinary, religious, artistic and literary heritage.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a culturally, historically, and environmentally distinctive region where many chapters in the national story have been written. The bounties of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s natural resources have brought people to this area from all over the world. The modern culture of the Coast consists of a multi-ethnic gumbo of people and traditions.
See the birthplace where Elvis made his entrance to the world stage … Walk among the nation’s most extensive remaining Civil War earthworks from one of the largest sieges in the Western Hemisphere, at the Crossroads of the Confederacy … There’s so much to see and do in the Mississippi Hills. Faulkner once said he could spend a lifetime writing about it—you could spend a lifetime exploring it.
Discover the history of all the peoples of Natchez, Mississippi, from European settlement, African enslavement, the American cotton economy, to the Civil Rights struggle on the lower Mississippi River.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a National Parkway in the southeastern United States that commemorates the historic Old Natchez Trace and preserves sections of the original trail.
The Natchez Trace Trail is a designated National Scenic Trail in the United States, whose route generally follows sections of the 444-mile (715 km) Natchez Trace Parkway through the states of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Visit the sites of the most epic struggle in the Western Theater of the Civil War. Nearly 110,000 American troops clashed in a bloody contest that resulted in 23,746 casualties; more casualties than in all of America’s previous wars combined. Explore both the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields to discover the impact of this struggle on the soldiers and on the nation.
Tupelo National Battlefield commemorates the American Civil War battle of Tupelo, also known as the Battle of Harrisburg, fought from July 14 to 15, 1864, near Tupelo, Mississippi.
New York needs no introduction. From New York City to Niagara Falls, New York is full of parks, forests, wildernesses, wildlife reserves, and lakes. New York national and state parks are as diverse as the state. Over 19 million visitors a year come to their 24 national parks, 4 national heritage areas, wild and scenic river, three national trails, and over 6,026 places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The state also has over 273 National Natural Landmarks, including Niagara Falls. The Statue of Liberty is a World Heritage Site visited by over four million visitors per year. Journey up into the Adby overs or the Catskills to see the fall colors or journey along the Finger Lakes to the tip of Long Island.
National Parks in New York City? Yes! There are 11 parks with a total of 23 different sites you can visit in all five boroughs and parts of New Jersey. Check them out below.
Big Bend National Park County is stark, isolated, and beautiful. It’s roughly the size of Rhode Island and is a world of contrasts. You have the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande River. It’s a mixture of deep canyons and towering peaks, grassy fields, and sandy slopes, and every type of desert wildlife. It’s a trip everyone should make at least once in their life.
This road trip is going to start in Midland, Texas. Why? One is that I grew up around there and have made the trip multiple times, so I have a good understanding of where to start. Two is that with the big oil boom happening out there, more people are probably going to start from Midland than from Abilene. There’s also the Midland International Air and Space Port, which is one of the largest airports in this region. If you are not living in the Midland-Odessa area, it’s an easy flight where you can rent a car and start driving.
Midland to Balmorhea State Park, located in what some call the entrance to the Big Bend Region, is a good two-and-a-half hour of driving. Most of it through remote rural towns and some ghost towns. It’s not your typical drive through forested hills and multiple exits for McDonald’s. So, I’m going to give some helpful tips from a native desert dweller before you hit the road.
Tips Before You Hit the Road
Do some basic car maintenance. If it is a rental car, you should be fine but still double check. Why? You are driving into some remote areas where cell phone signal is nil. This is especially with some providers. I never had luck with Sprint and had to switch to AT&T, which can still have spotty coverage. You may also be an hour between shops that offer mechanic services. Be prepared.
Get gas and get gas often. As someone who grew up near this area, my biggest suggestion is always to stop and get gas when you see a (reputable) gas station. There are stretches where you can quickly go 60 miles without a single gas station. That doesn’t sound bad until you realize it’s through steep grades and windy mountain passes.
Bring water and lots of it. You are driving through the majestic Big Bend and up into the mountains, but you are still in the Chihuahuan desert. You will get dehydrated faster than you think you will. Throw a 12-pack of bottled water (per person) in the back seat or the trunk, and you’ll feel better later. One gallon per person also works. It gets seriously hot ya’ll.
Expect to lose cell phone coverage. If you are addicted to your cell phone, this might be a good time to decompress. Coverage is spotty in some regions, especially where you drop behind a mountain or in a canyon. In the park itself? Almost no coverage. Luckily, there are ranger stations and people always searching for the area. West Texas is also full of some really friendly people, and most are more than willing to let you borrow their landline if you need it. Just tell people before you leave that you will be not available via cell for a few hours.
Print out or write down this itinerary. Also, get an Atlas. You can keep it on your phone or put a plan on Google Maps, but again, you will lose service. Then what? Keep an Atlas in the car and also print out this road trip. The Atlas won’t help you with gas stations, so I’m going to try and keep you as full as possible.
How long? About 588 miles or 10 hours, without stops. As I said, this is a weekend trip (because you have to turn around and drive back). A three-day weekend would be perfect to explore and enjoy this vast area. If you genuinely want to white-water raft and go on an outdoor adventure, a full week is perfect!
Time of Year? Spring and the fall are the best times of the year for this trip. You can do it in the summer but check the weather forecast. Some areas near Alpine are noticeably cooler than other parts of West Texas but down in the canyons? It’s hot. However, plenty of people who grew up in West Texas make the trip during the summer months so as long as you take precautions (fuel up often and take water), you’ll be fine.
Midland, Texas, is halfway between Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso, conveniently located on Interstate 20. It’s a great place to start the somewhat isolated tour as you can find everything that you need in this large (and ever-growing) town.
I’m going to start off this road trip a little differently. Rather than listing places to see, I’m going to start with a list of gas stations near the start of the route at the Midland Airpark. If you already live in Midland, you know where to go and get gas. However, if you flew in and rented a car, you should be good to go. Just stop and get some snacks and water. As you go through the itinerary, you’ll see this little gas icon every time there is an opportunity to get gas.
The drive from Midland to Balmorhea State Park is a long and isolated one once you get past Monahans or Pecos. It can also be beautiful in its simplicity and very peaceful.
Over 3,800 acres of white sand dunes can be found off I-20 near Monahans in the Monahans Sandhills State Park. It’s very similar to the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico and is an excellent place to stop and take pictures.
The drive from Midland International Airport is a little under two and a half hours or 129 miles.
Balmorhea State Park is a welcoming oasis on your drive through the desert. Swimming at the two-acre concrete swimming pool formed by the waters of the San Solomon Springs is a West Texas summer tradition. Locals often learn to swim in a shallow stream that runs down to the pool before moving to the deeper waters with its sand, rock, and native aquatic plant-covered bottom. [As a kid, I thought it was slime. Too much Nickelodeon.] You’ll also be swimming with the fishes as different kinds inhabit the waters. The pool is undergoing renovations in the early part of Summer 2018, but you can always view the area and the springs themselves. It should be open by Spring 2019.
Established in 1854 on the San Antonio-El Paso Road, Fort Davis is located on the bank of Limpia Creek. The fort’s restored buildings include twenty-four roofed buildings and over 100 ruins and foundations. Silhouetted against the red-rock walls of Hospital Canyon and the Fort Davis Mountains, Fort Davis itself is a charming little town. While here, visit the McDonald Observatory [3640 Dark Sky Drive, Fort Davis, TX 79734 ] outside of town to view some stunning views of both the land and the sky. If you like historical downtowns, visit the Hotel Limpia and Masonic Lodge. I stayed at the Hotel Limpia back when doing an article on Prude Ranch (another great stay!) and it was well worth it. The whole town is a little mountain town with historical roots and a peaceful vibe. Also, there is limited cell phone service through the entire town.
Alpine is one of the highest towns in Texas atop several mountains which top 6,000 feet. It’s a perfect spot for getting a bite to eat, viewing the beautiful murals painted around town, or visiting the Museum of the Big Bend, located at Sul Ross State University. Alpine and the surrounding area is a well-known watering hole in the summer as the temperature can be lower by ten degrees or more than the desert around it.
After Alpine, the tour begins going into the mountains of the Big Bend National Park, so if you are even less than a quarter of a tank from full, stop and get gas.
As you head past Alpine, you’ll enter the Big Bend National Park through the Persimmon Gap, a large mountain pass at the north end of the park. Desert blankets the 800,000-acre park in 98% of it. Over 1,200 different species of plants exist in the vast park as do all types of wildlife, including 400 different types of birds. The diversity of species is the higher than any found at any of the national parks. South of Persimmon Gap are the Chisos Mountains, with its 7,835-foot Emory Peak. These mountains are covered with high-country trees such as Douglas firs and Ponderosa pines.
Follow the Rio Grande River through Big Bend National Park
As the road heads from the entrance towards the Rio Grande Village Visitor’s Center, two of the park’s most prominent peaks can be seen off in the vista. The Elephant Tusk if off in the distance to the south and the Chilicotal Mountains are closer to the road. In the Rio Grande Village area, you can take a short nature trail that loops around the floodplain before climbing to an overlook that looks over the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico and the Rio Grande. The view from this overlook is fantastic at sunset. The river allows easy access to canoeing and kayaking. There are also plenty of bird-watching trails. FYI, the “village” is a campground; you may find it on your map as Rio Grande Village Campground.
Rio Grande Village Store, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
This store is an excellent place to stop for gas, food, and if you need it, a shower.
Follow the six-mile Chisos Basin Road, which winds over two thousand feet above the desert floor. Not recommended for RVs over 24 feet or trailers longer than 20 feet, the road has steep grades (as much as 15%). Go to the Basin Visitor Center, about 100 yards east of the Chisos Mountains, to view exhibits on native plants, animals, and birds. Permits for visitor’s use are issued during regular business hours, and entrance fees can be paid at the visitor center. If you feel like getting out and walking a trail or two, the Window Trail is a leisurely stroll that gives beautiful vistas through a break in the basin wall.
Heading on Route 188, a turnoff leads south onto the thirty-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The road winds along the Rio Grande with some of the historical and geologic features that Big Bend National Park is best known. The Chisos Mountains loom in the eastern horizon while the Burro Mesa is in the West. The so-called Window is a V-shaped cleft that is a striking view at sunset. The road then takes some sharp curves, and steep turns with a look at Mule Ears Peake. The 1,000-foot-tall Cerro Castellan looms overhead as you near Castolon Historic District, an old army post. Continue driving about eight miles farther to the west to Santa Elena Canyon.
Famous for its white-water rapids trips, Santa Elena Canyon is also known for its dramatically beautiful canyon walls. The Santa Elena’s tall cliffs go up to 1,500 feet. You can arrange white-water trips in nearby towns such as Lajitas. Park and you can wade through the mud into the other side of the canyon but be sure that you have some water to wash off your feet. It’s a short hike to get into the canyon, and the view is gorgeous. Wear hiking shoes. [Side note: if you are at all claustrophobic, skip this venture and move on to Terlingua.]
The Barton Warnock Visitor Center is the eastern visitor center for the Big Bend Ranch State Park near Lajitas and Terlingua. The center offers an archeological, historical, and natural history profile of the region. It also provides a two-acre desert garden and an interpretive center. Terlingua is a popular tourist destination and is known for its popular chili cookoffs held throughout the year. The “proper” part of the town is a ghost town with old buildings and historic sites. If you go into the part of the area that extends into Study Butte has some local dining spots and area shopping.
One of Texas’ best scenic routes, El Camino del Rio follows the twists and turns of the Rio Grande between Lajitas and Presidio. After you leave the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, you’ll drive down Farm Road 170 to the town of Lajitas, an old west town that has unique shops and is popular with tourists. As you traverse around the road, the views of rugged mountains and dark, lava flows capped with hardened ask are a photographer’s dream. You’ll pass by Madera Canyon, climb a steep grade to the top of Santana and down into Tapado Canyon and Fort Leaton State Historic Park. Note that this road can be a challenge for motorhomes, trailers, and motor coaches. Also, slow down.
Fort Leaton is at the western edge of the Big Bend Ranch State Park. If you love adobe architecture, you will want to stop and view this old pioneer trading post, built in 1848. Plants in the park range from cacti to cottonwoods. There is also a picnic area and public bathrooms. Presidio is also a great little town on the Texas/Mexico border where you can spend the night, eat, and get gas. It also has an airport if you wanted to fly directly into this area.
Twenty miles north of Presidio on Highway 67 is the ghost town of Shafter and the Rio Grande Mining Company. Shafter used to be called “the richest acre in Texas” due to the millions of dollars’ worth of silver from the local mines. Little remains of the town today except for the crumbling ruins.
Known for the mysterious orbs known as the “Marfa Lights,” Marfa is a small city that is currently known as an artist’s hubs. I used to frequent the town in the late 90s, and it has grown exponentially since that time (there’s traffic now!). There is a viewing station 9 miles east of town on Highway 90 towards Alpine where you can see if you can spot the Marfa Ghost Lights on the foothills of the Chinati Mountains. (For the record, I’ve never seen them, so I can’t say too much.) Spend the night at the Hotel Paisano for a little Spanish flair or one of the other hotels in the area. Before you head back, visit the Marfa and Presidio County Museum at the intersection of Highway 67 and San Antonio Road. It’s a museum about local settlers and military history in a 1880s adobe home.
You must be logged in to post a comment.