Strolling along the footpath on the east side of Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, it’s easy to forget you’re in a National Park. Cross the street, and you’ve officially stepped out of Hot Springs National Park and into the city of Hot Springs that’s surrounded by the park’s more than 5,500-acres, established by Congress in 1921...... Click photo or title for story.

Don’t let the ‘mountain’ designation concern you. Named a National Heritage Area in 2006 to help preserve the pristine region, Arabia Mountain's barren summit is quite accessible despite projecting some 950 feet above sea level – the elevation gain is actually only around 200 feet starting at the Nature Center trailhead on Klondike Road, just a few miles out of Atlanta..... Click photo or title for story.

More than five dozen lighthouses dot the Maine coastline. Here are our 5 favorites – a list, of course, that is highly subjective. These, and many others along the Maine coast, remain active and automated often with museums, visitor centers, gift shops, and/or walking trails for visitors to explore. ...... Click photo or title for story.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge remains a serene destination for nature enthusiasts exploring Western Oklahoma. The diverse picturesque landscape boasts rugged ancient granite peaks surrounded by rolling hills, vast prairies, and numerous pristine lakes that provide a peaceful retreat for campers, anglers, and kayakers alike. For hikers, some fifteen miles of designated trails cater to both novice and seasoned trekkers. So let's take a hike along the Johnson Tower Trail ...... Click photo or title for story.

Noisette Creek Pedestrian Bridge in North Charleston was listed in Architectural Digest as one of the “11 Most Beautiful Elevated Walkways Through Nature.” It leads to Riverfront Park and a gorgeous short walk along the Cooper River ….... Click photo or title for story (on p28) of South Carolina Currents in Jan 2025.

Considering its vast area, it might be surprising that Texas is home to just two National Parks. If the U.S. National Park Service ever expressed interest in adding a third, Palo Duro Canyon could be a compelling candidate.  As the second largest canyon system in the United States, it’s no surprise this spectacular natural wonder is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Lone Star State. ….... Click photo or title for story.

Stretching to almost 200,000 acres in northeastern Arizona, roughly midway between Phoenix and Albuquerque, Petrified Forest National Park is a geological wonder where deposits of colorful petrified wood litter the vivid “badlands” landscape. Several short hikes make this park a must visit site when traveling out West ….... Click photo or title for story.

Burying some two dozen vintage American automobiles from the 50s, 60s, and 70s on a remote patch of Nebraskan farmland might be an act that could provoke a visit from the ‘men in white coats’ squad. But for Jim Reinders’ creation of Carhenge in 1987 would eventually draw thousands of visitors – and their tourist dollars – to the nearby town of Alliance every year.  While the large Carhenge property is great for a stroll, check out nearby Central Park in Alliance for a long walk in this beautiful town ….... Click photo or title for story.

With over 90 miles of trails weaving through the area, Oklahoma City’s numerous parks are a haven for walkers, joggers, and hikers alike. While the green urban spaces invite exploration of the hidden gems and points of interest throughout the city, one must-see landmark for visitors – day or night – is the iconic Skydance Bridge. We don't think you'll be disappointed by this beautiful structure .......... Click photo or title for story.

No, you won't find soaring mountains, deep canyons, or herds of roaming bison at Congaree. But the easy two and a half mile boardwalk provides views of its distinctive blend of ecological richness. This includes one of the largest remaining tracts of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States – some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S.  And if you’re lucky enough to see them, synchronous fireflies provide visitors with a rare natural light show in the late spring. Congaree is definitely worth a visit. Oh, and entry is free......... Click photo or title for story.

After navigating primitive forest trails, hikers generally don’t expect to encounter a multimillion-dollar science museum at the end of their trek. However, this unique reward awaits visitors who complete the fairly easy mile-and-a-half nature trail through LeFleur’s Bluff State Park and reach the state-of-the-art Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson ........ Click photo or title for story on page 10.

A hike through Rainbow Springs State Park offers beautilful clear blue waters and lush gardens - you feel like you've walked into a tropical paradise ........ Click photo or title for story.