Life below the Mason-Dixon Line may inspire visions of leisurely, front porch living, but we Southerners know better. The Southeast offers no shortage of adventure, from hiking and rock climbing to cave tours, sky diving, and other thrilling activities. Whether you are a self-proclaimed daredevil or looking to embrace your inner adrenaline junkie, these Southern destinations are sure to get your heart pumping.
Grandfather Mountain Trail
State: North Carolina
More Info: grandfather.com
The “Grandfather Trail” is the most challenging section on Grandfather Mountain, so it is certainly not for beginners! While it is only 4.8 miles round trip, hikers should allow at least five hours to complete this upper mountain ridge trail. It requires climbing across the MacRae, Attic Window, and Calloway peaks and includes some incredibly steep sections.
Be prepared to use the in-place cables and ladders, and expect a breathtaking variety of scenery, from lush greenery to large rocky structures. The mountain-top views are certainly worth the climb!
Pillow Rock Rapids
State: West Virginia
More Info: gauleyriverrapids.com
If you’re looking for an unforgettable river adventure, the Pillow Rapids don’t disappoint. This section of the Gauley River includes a whopping 30-foot drop, so be prepared to conquer your fear of heights! The Pillow Rock Rapids are a “Class V Rapid,” meaning they can be quite violent.
Spectators hike along a cliff 700 feet above the river’s gorge to watch rafters fly down the rapids. This unique section of whitewater makes for an unforgettable experience.
Devil’s Den Spring
State: Florida
More Info: devilsden.com
If you prefer an aquatic adventure, try snorkeling or scuba diving in Devil’s Den, a pre-historic underground spring tucked inside a dry cave. On cold mornings, steam rises through the top of the cave like smoke, hence the name “Devil’s Den.” Fossils dating all the way back to the Pleistocene Age have been found in the Devil’s Den, and today, swimmers can explore the spring for themselves. Definitely not for the claustrophobic!
Not only is this a fascinating natural wonder, but the ethereal Devil’s Den spring makes for a stellar photo op.
Mammoth Cave National Park
State: Kentucky
More Info: nps.gov
Home to the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park deserves a spot at the top of your bucket list. Visitors can explore breathtaking cave formations on the infamous “Domes and Dripstones” tour, climb through tunnel passageways in the “Violet City Lantern Tour,” or learn about 19th-century tourism in the “Gothic Avenue Tour.”
If you’re up for an all-day adventure of crawling through tight spaces and climbing through steep passageways, the expert-level “Wild Cave Tour” may be for you. Mammoth Cave has tours of various lengths, difficulties, and views. From wheelchair-accessible and walking tours to lantern or crawling tours, there is something for every “spelunker.”
Red Bluff
State: Mississippi
More Info: visitmississippi.org
Did you know Mississippi has a Grand Canyon of its very own? Locals refer to Red Bluff as the “Little Grand Canyon” or the “Grand Canyon of Mississippi.” This breathtaking red and orange formation was caused by the erosion of the Pearl River. The Red Bluff trail includes some particularly steep sections, but the views are certainly worth the effort.
SB Pro tip: that beautiful red soil stains, so wear hiking clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty!
Skydive Alabama
State: Alabama
More Info: skydivealabama.com
If jumping head-first out of a plane is your idea of fun, Skydive Alabama has you covered. Experience the ultimate adrenaline high as you dive with their licensed instructors. Skydive Alabama offers tandem diving — jumping with an instructor — and accelerated free-fall diving, a diving style that allows you to experience the true feeling of a free fall.
FoxFire Adventure Parks
State: Tennessee
More Info: foxfireadventurepark.com
Soar through the Tennessee Smokies on the highest, fastest, and longest zip-lining course in Great Smoky Mountain National Park! The 150-acre park has multiple zip line courses and sky bridges, giving you a spectacular view of waterfalls, tree canopies, creeks, and more. FoxFire is home to the “Goliath” zip line tour, which boasts five of the fastest courses in the U.S. Be prepared to fly up to 60 mph at 500 ft as you soak in the beautiful Tennessee Smokies on this exhilarating ride!
Tallulah Gorge
State: Georgia
More Info: mountainproject.com
Aside from a few mid-level routes, the climbs at Tallulah Gorge are for expert climbers. The quartzite lines are made up of hard multi-pitch and mixed-aid trad, so this is definitely not a beginner-friendly spot. Tallulah Gorge State Park is the only state park that allows rock climbing in Georgia, and you must obtain a climbing permit to access it. Permits can be limited, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm your spot!
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