Viewing Oregon’s Crater Lake for the first time may catch you off guard – a massive, impossibly blue expanse of water trapped within the shattered rim of an ancient volcano.. ...... Click photo or title for story.

It seems almost every state lays claim to possession of a mini version of the Grand Canyon, and Georgia is no exception. Providence Canyon State Park near Lumpkin is a jewel amongst Georgia’s 47 state parks. ...... Click photo or title for story.

If towering mounds of sand have never sparked your curiosity, a visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve might change that. Located about two hours from Pueblo, Colorado, this stunning landscape has been sculpted over millennia by wind and water, carrying sand from nearby mountains and depositing it in a massive, shifting 'playground' ...... Click photo or title for story.

With some 2 miles of paths spread over 118 acres, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is a treat for the eyes and the feet any time of the year. ...... Click photo or title for story.

The walk up to Clingmans Dome – now officially known as Kuwohi – in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park may leave you breathless, but the view is worth it. Take your time, enjoy the views, and appreciate the beauty of nature on this short hike..... Click photo or title for story.

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.