11 Tiny U.S. Towns With Incredible Outdoor Adventures
As America is so vast, there are tiny towns where adventure waits to be found among its bustling cities and sprawling suburbs. If you’re looking for some escape from the hustle and bustle and want to go to lesser-known places, nature’s playground awaits those eager to explore these locales.
These small towns are gateways to some of the most beautiful landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities the country has to offer — whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking.
Elfin Cove, Alaska
Elfin Cove is treasure trove of outdoor activities among the wilds of Alaska set against a backdrop of stunning coastal scenery. This secluded village can only be reached by boat or seaplane, and provides unparalleled fishing, wildlife watching and kayaking. Life abounds nearby, so it’s a great place to catch halibut or see whales at play.
McCarthy, Alaska
Entering McCarthy is like going back in time. This town, perched in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, offers a special place to situate yourself to explore America’s largest national park. There are glacier hikes, river rafting and the views of the surrounding peaks are nothing short of epic from McCarthy.
Talkeetna, Alaska
Those who dare to climb Denali, North America’s tallest peak, pass through Talkeetna. However, you don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy this area. Flightseeing trips, leisurely hikes, and riverboat tours are on the agenda. Add quirky shops and a roadhouse and the town invites the traveler to linger a while longer under the midnight sun.
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Haleiwa is a surfers and beach lovers haven on Oahu’s North Shore. But there’s more to do than ride the waves including exploring nearby hiking trails, skydiving, or paddling on the calm Anahulu River. The town is so laid back and a visit here makes for a relaxing time in the sun.
Marfa, Texas
An unexpected hub in the southwestern desert, Marfa is a small desert town in West Texas. With art, mysterious lights, and ruggedly beautiful but solitary deserts, there is so much to experience. Just off of I-70, mountain biking, and rock climbing are popular pastimes, and with clear desert skies, the conditions for stargazing are stellar after exploring.
Lanesboro, Minnesota
Lanesboro is nestled in the Root River Valley with a Midwestern feel. Over 60 miles of biking and hiking paths are available on the Root River State Trail, and the river itself can be enjoyed on a canoe or tube. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away in nature; with the town’s quaint bed and breakfasts and friendly locals.
Nederland, Colorado
Nederland, a quirky mountain town 30 minutes outside of Boulder is all about community and the outdoors. Eldora Mountain Resort draws powder hounds in the winter and anglers and hikers in the summer. It’s quirky, with its Frozen Dead Guy Days festival, a celebration of a cryogenically frozen man.
Phoenicia, New York
Phoenicia is an action-packed Catskill Mountains town that provides tubing down the Esopus Creek, hiking the challenging trails of the nearby peaks, and more activities than you can imagine! This town boasts cozy diners and small shops lining its streets, offering a warm welcome to all.
Ely, Minnesota
This wooded labyrinth of natural beauty in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a gateway to Ely. Here canoeing is a peaceful retreat from the outside world and the chance to see northern lights at night. It is a special place for nature lovers because the town maintains the wild surroundings.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe is a Victorian-era gem in the Lehigh Gorge. It has a rich history as a coal mining town, contributing to its modern-day pull. Visitors can get their adrenaline fix on the Switchback Railroad Trail and the Lehigh River by whitewater rafting or mountain biking.
Bishop, California
Bishop is a climber’s paradise, with world class bouldering and climbing spots nearby. The adventure doesn’t end here however, hiking, fishing, and some of the most breathtaking photography opportunities in this part of the Eastern Sierra await. If you’ve had a day of intense outdoor activity, the town’s laid back atmosphere is just what you need to unwind.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
