4 Outdoor Adventures in the Southeastern US You Can't Miss

December 20, 2022

If you're looking to go on a unique adventure that's as close as a five-hour plane ride, then you have to check out the Southeastern US. With epic landscapes and fascinating outdoor attractions, the Southeastern US holds more than just sweet tea and creaky old plantations. The weather is generally mild for most of the year, and you can experience the best of all four seasons, making the Southeast a truly top-tier destination for thrill seekers and nature lovers. Read on to find out about the four outdoor adventures in the Southeastern US that you can't miss. 

1. Paddle the Congaree River, South Carolina

Paddling the Congaree River is a unique experience because it combines so many things that you'll love in terms of outdoor adventures while also giving you a chance to explore an urban environment. With fifty miles of river to travel on, you will start in the capital of South Carolina and work your way to Congaree National Park. There are a number of Hampton Inns in Columbia SC, so you won't have to worry about accommodation before you begin your journey. 

Some of the sights you'll see while paddling the river include: 

• Sandbars 
• Historic Native American sites
• Floodplain habitats 
• Wild birds 
• Bluffs

Your adventure doesn't have to stop once you reach the national park. You can extend your stay by camping, hiking, and learning about the environment and wildlife of this important ecological area. 

2. Take an Airboat Tour in the Everglades, Florida

The Everglades should top your list of outdoor destinations in the continental US. With flooded forests, a huge array of wild animals, and tons of ways to explore, this national park in Florida is one of the most unique nature preserves in the world. 

One of the best ways to explore the Everglades is in an airboat. You can book an airboat tour easily, and it will allow you to enter waterways that are otherwise inaccessible for most. That way, you can get up close and personal with nature and wildlife. This option is especially appropriate if you love wildlife photography or if you are bringing your little ones. Children will definitely get a thrill while riding the airboat in the Everglades. 

3. Bike Through Louisville's Mega Cavern, Kentucky

When you're passing through Louisville, you may never guess that there is an attraction you can bike called the Mega Cavern. An underground complex created by decades of mining excavation, you can explore America's largest building by booking a two-hour bike tour that will take you over sand, gravel, paved roads, and a bit of mud. 

The Mega Cavern is unlike anything you are likely to see anywhere else in the US. Used now for recycling, storage, and education, the best way to visit the space is by bike. You will certainly take away memories from this unique outdoor adventure.

4. Hike the Walls of Jericho, Alabama

If you want a challenging outdoor experience that combines hiking, bird watching, and wading and swimming in clear, cool waters, then you have to hike the Walls of Jericho in Alabama. A new and unexpected way to explore Alabama, this trail is not for the faint of heart. It descends steeply and takes about six hours or more to complete. It's well worth the time and effort as you explore enchanting waterfalls and gorgeous scenery. You can even camp if you want to extend your stay in the area. 

This list is just the beginning of amazing adventures you can have in the Southeastern US. Whether you love to bike, hike, dive, kayak, or swim, you can fulfill all of your wildest outdoor wishes when you visit the Southeast.