Get up and Get Outside: Mother Nature Is Calling

The continental US and its outlying territories are bursting with possibilities in its many mountains, valleys, beaches and forests. There's so much more than just fishing. From east to west you can find extreme adventures as well as low-key endeavors. The Great Outdoors is full of intriguing opportunities.

Through online and magazine reviews you can find out some of the best vacation ideas and maybe even learn about some hidden treasures. National parks are always quite popular, especially during the summer months. From the Olympic National Park on the Pacific to the Great Smoky Mountains in the east, you can see amazing beauty from coast to coast. You also have plenty of options when you're ready to travel a little further off the beaten path. All year you can hike through the Forty Mile Canyon in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah. In this amazing wonder you can hike in and around the broad canyon walls and cotton-wood trees. The canyon is full of refreshing pools where you can take a quick dunk to cool off.

One of the biggest attractions to mountain hiking is the view from the top, and the San Gorgonio Mountain in California offers one of the best. Rising high above, this trail and its summit are popular among visitors and Californians alike. Away from the buildings of the city, you'll see the sky in a brand new way. Across in the east, spots in the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee and the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina also provide spectacular views.

If you're looking for unique camping opportunities, some campsites are just for you. If you're up for a little skinny-dipping at dusk consider the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan. One of the best attractions there is the spectacular view that becomes visible as the lights start fading at dusk. The bright, clear sky of the desert is great for admiring the stars, and Mount Wrightson Wilderness in Arizona is an ideal spot. Astronomers revere the view from an observatory nearby, and you'll experience the awe-inspiring views as well. If you're looking to mix in plenty of lazing around with your action-packed adventure, you'll love the many islands and campsites of Hawaii.

From sunbathing and swimming to eating and drinking, campsites offer some of the best entertainment around. There's no better way to appreciate nature than to go outside and experience. As long as you have an idea, you won't lack for opportunity as you get out and experience Mother Nature.