The Enchanted Circle, New Mexico
The Enchanted Circle, located in northern New Mexico, is a scenic drive that takes about three hours to complete. The route takes you through some of the state’s most stunning scenery, including the Carson National Forest and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You’ll also pass through small towns with fascinating histories and unique cultural experiences.
The Enchanted Circle is the perfect destination for solo travelers who want to experience the beauty of New Mexico. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, this area has something for everyone. The Carson National Forest is a must-visit spot, with over 1.5 million acres of forests, peaks, and canyons. You can hike or bike on the numerous trails that cross through the forest or spend a day fishing in one of the lakes or streams.
Another highlight of the Enchanted Circle is the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which offer breathtaking views and outdoor recreation opportunities. You can explore the mountains on foot, horseback, or mountain bike or take it easy with a scenic drive on the Enchanted Circle.
Lastly, the towns along the route offer a unique glimpse into New Mexico’s rich history and culture. In Taos, you can visit the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. In Eagle Nest, you can experience the Old West with a visit to the town’s saloons and antique shops.
The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
If you’re an adventurous traveler looking for a destination that’s off the beaten path, head to the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. This group of 22 islands on Lake Superior is filled with forests, beaches, and caves to explore. You can hike, kayak, or even scuba dive to discover the natural wonders of the area.
The Apostle Islands are a great destination for solo travelers who enjoy outdoor activities. The islands are home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including bald eagles, black bears, and coyotes. You can experience the natural beauty of the area by hiking on the numerous trails that cross through the islands or kayaking on the clear waters of Lake Superior.
The caves in the area are particularly unique and offer an unforgettable experience. You can explore sea caves at the base of the cliffs or crawl through the ancient sandstone formations in the mainland caves.
Lastly, the small towns near the Apostle Islands offer a range of cultural experiences, including art galleries, museums, and live music venues. You can also enjoy local cuisine, including fresh seafood, cheese, and craft beer.
The Oregon Coast, Oregon
The Oregon Coast is a perfect destination for solo travelers looking to unwind and connect with nature. You can explore the state’s stunning coastline, hike through forests, and discover hidden beaches. Plus, there are charming towns along the way with unique galleries, local breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
The Oregon Coast has something for every traveler, from the rugged coastline and towering sea cliffs to the lush forests and peaceful bays. You can hike on the numerous trails that cross through the forests or relax on one of the secluded beaches. The area is also home to abundant marine life, including whales, sea lions, and otters.
The towns along the coast are equally charming, with unique galleries and shops that sell locally-made crafts and artwork. You can also enjoy farm-to-table cuisine that features fresh seafood, local produce, and artisanal bread and cheese.
The Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia
The Okefenokee Swamp is a unique destination for solo travelers seeking adventure. The swamp is home to alligators, turtles, deer, and many other species of wildlife. You can explore the swamp by kayak or canoe, or hike one of the many trails that cross through the area.
The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States, with over 1000 plant species and numerous animal species, including some that are rare or endangered. You can experience the wildlife up close by taking a guided tour or renting a canoe or kayak to explore the area on your own.
The area is also rich in history, with evidence of prehistoric human habitation dating back over 4,000 years. You can learn about the area’s history and culture by visiting the Okefenokee Heritage Center or exploring the old logging towns that once thrived in the area.
The Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota are a hidden gem for solo travelers who crave rugged outdoor adventures. With miles of hiking and biking trails, you’ll experience breathtaking scenery, including sparkling lakes, towering granite spires, and cascading waterfalls. You can also visit Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Badlands National Park.
The Black Hills offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. You can also enjoy scenic drives, such as the Needles Highway and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. In addition to the natural beauty of the area, the Black Hills are home to numerous historic sites, including Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, which honor some of the country’s greatest leaders and cultural icons.
The area also offers unique cultural experiences, including cowboy cookouts, rodeos, and Native American heritage sites. You can learn about the local Lakota Sioux culture at the Crazy Horse Memorial or visit the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which attracts bikers from around the world.
The Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region of New York State is a great destination for solo travelers who love wine, history, and outdoor recreation. The area has over 100 wineries, numerous hiking trails, and charming small towns with unique shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the local waterfalls, gorges, and nature preserves.
The Finger Lakes region is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and bird watching. You can explore the numerous state parks and nature preserves that offer stunning waterfalls and gorges, such as Taughannock Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park.
The area is also famous for its wineries and vineyards, with over 100 wineries that produce some of the country’s best wines. You can sample wine and learn about the winemaking process by taking a guided tour or attending a tasting event.
Lastly, the towns in the Finger Lakes offer unique cultural experiences, including local art galleries, museums, and artisanal shops. You can also enjoy local cuisine, such as farm-to-table dishes made with locally-grown produce and fresh seafood from nearby lakes and streams.
Katmai National Park, Alaska
Katmai National Park, located in southwestern Alaska, is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a unique wilderness experience. The area is home to brown bears, which you can observe from viewing platforms or on guided tours. You can also explore the area’s volcanoes, glaciers, and wilderness rivers.
Katmai National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of brown bears, which gather in large numbers to feed on salmon during the summer months. You can observe the bears from a safe distance on viewing platforms or on guided tours that take you to the front lines of the bear feeding frenzy.
The area also offers unique outdoor activities, including kayaking and rafting on wilderness rivers or hiking on some of the park’s scenic trails. You can also explore the area’s volcanoes and glaciers, including the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a rugged landscape that was formed by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912.
The Ozarks, Arkansas
The Ozarks of Arkansas is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and water sports. In addition to the natural beauty of the area, you can also explore small towns with rich histories, unique cultural experiences, and local cuisine.
The Ozarks offer some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the country, with miles of hiking and biking trails, crystal-clear lakes for water sports, and towering rock faces for rock climbing. You can also explore the numerous state parks and nature preserves that offer stunning views of the area.
The towns in the Ozarks also offer unique cultural experiences, including live music venues, local art galleries, and museums that showcase the area’s rich history. You can also enjoy local cuisine, such as barbecue, fried chicken, and homemade pies and cakes.
The San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands, located off the coast of Washington State, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. You can explore the islands’ pristine beaches, hike through forests, and kayak through the calm waters. There are also charming towns to visit, with unique galleries, cozy cafes, and farm-to-table restaurants.
The San Juan Islands are a perfect destination for solo travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. You can explore the numerous parks and nature preserves that offer hiking trails and stunning vistas or take it easy by kayaking on the clear waters of the islands.
The towns on the islands also offer unique cultural experiences, including local art galleries, museums, and farmer’s markets. You can also enjoy local cuisine, such as fresh seafood, locally-roasted coffee, and handmade chocolates.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
The Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado, is a unique and surreal destination for solo travelers. The park has the tallest sand dunes in North America, with a backdrop of the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You can hike, sled, or just soak up the stunning views.
The Great Sand Dunes offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, sledging, and sandboarding. You can also explore the area’s wetlands, forests, and alpine tundra by taking a scenic drive or a guided tour.
The park is also home to unique flora and fauna, such as the elusive mountain cottonwood and the swift fox. You can learn about the park’s ecology and history by visiting the Visitor Center or attending a ranger-led program.
