Yes, that Nebraska. Listen, we鈥檙e not here to convince you that purple mountain majesty is out. We鈥檙e just saying that the fruited plain has more than meets the eye. Especially if you just rolled that eye. Before you go making too many assumptions, discover all the natural wonders this flat-out amazing midwest state has to offer.

Sandhill Crane Migration

Maybe 测辞耻鈥檝别 never considered Nebraska as a travel destination before, but to , it鈥檚 the place to be. From March to mid-April, roughly 1 million sandhill cranes stop to rest and refuel in the Platte River Valley on their way north to Canada and Alaska. That鈥檚 80 percent of the world鈥檚 sandhill cranes, all in one region, all at one time. might be the best spot to see this incredible display鈥攖he walking bridges that crisscross over the Platte River put you right in the thick of things.

Extend your adventure: Experience migration on bike with the in late March.

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Sometimes the natural wonders of the world need our help to stay that way. , described by the National Parks Service as a 鈥渃rossroads of biodiversity,鈥� was established in 1912 by Teddy Roosevelt to protect native bird populations. The result of this effort speaks for itself. Today, Fort Niobrara is home to more than 230 species of birds, some of which exist only in the region. Elk and deer are also abundant鈥攁mong 75 other animal species鈥攁nd you can even spy a herd of 350 bison, which were introduced in 1913.

Extend your adventure: , only an hour south, is home to 270 bird species and dozens more species of mammals and reptiles.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

As you marvel at how rises dramatically out of the surrounding plains, know that you鈥檙e in good company. Throughout the ages, Chimney Rock has stood as an important marker amid the unending grassland, first for Native Americans and later for Western emigrants and fur traders. For those traveling to Oregon, California, and Utah, this lonely sentinel was their first taste of the landscape of the American West. Chimney Rock was so striking, in fact, that it was mentioned in more historic emigrant diaries than any other landmark along the Oregon Trail.

Extend your adventure: Make sure to check out the Ethel & Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center to learn more about the lives of Western emigrants and try your hand at packing a covered wagon.

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area

is located in a scenic river valley and boasts some of the state鈥檚 best muskie fishing, but those aren鈥檛 the only qualities that make it a natural wonder. To experience the best of what Merritt has to offer, you鈥檒l have to wait until after dark. In 2022, the area was designated an by DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to preserving starry-sky parks and communities, and offers the best stargazing in the state. Visit on a clear, moonless night in summer to see the Milky Way at its most visible.

Extend your adventure: Visit during the (July 20-25, 2025), a weeklong event with speakers, classes, and nightly observations.

Sandhills Region

If you鈥檙e on a Nebraska adventure tour, you鈥檒l wind up in the no matter what. But while you鈥檙e exploring this massive region (roughly 20,000 square miles) in north-central Nebraska, take some time to appreciate the uniqueness of the seemingly untouched prairie around you. You鈥檒l be looking at both the largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere and the most intact swath of temperate grassland in the world. Stabilized thousands of years ago by prairie grass, the Sandhills might not look like the sandhills 测辞耻鈥檝别 imagined. But a lot of things in Nebraska aren鈥檛 quite what you expected.

Extend your adventure: Travel the 272-mile (Highway 2) from Grand Island to Alliance. Make sure you see Alliance鈥檚 top attraction: .

The mission of Visit Nebraska is to expand Nebraska鈥檚 dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to .

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Nebraska may be landlocked, but don鈥檛 let that fool you鈥攖his state is full of ways to make a splash. With designated Wild and Scenic rivers, trout-filled creeks, and scenic lakes, water plays a surprisingly central role in the Cornhusker State鈥檚 outdoor culture. Whether you’re floating in a cattle tank with friends, casting flies into spring-fed streams, or paddling through forested riverbanks, Nebraska serves up aquatic adventures that are anything but ordinary.

Tanking

There are plenty of ways to get down a river, but the most Nebraska way is . All you need is a river, a livestock tank, a few friends, a couple hours鈥� worth of refreshments, some card games, and paddles. (Pro tip: Paddles can be substituted with a sense of zen-like acceptance.) Whether you鈥檙e steering or slacking, tanking is a quintessentially Cornhusker way to enjoy the river and its surrounding scenery. Tanking outfitters can be found wherever there are cows and rivers, but a trip down the gentle currents of the Calamus River in the Sandhills might be your best bet.

Extend your adventure: Experience winter tanking with the along the Middle Loup River in Mullen. This extremely competitive race usually takes place in March.

Paddling

Nebraska鈥檚 518 miles of designated water trails make it a paddler鈥檚 paradise. Start by setting off down the . This 100-mile stretch of the Missouri, managed by the National Parks Service, is dotted with campable islands (permit required), old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. Looking for whitewater? Hit the Niobrara River (mellow to sporty, depending on flow), which has its own 76-mile section of peaceful, protected river. And if you鈥檙e looking for some tranquil flatwater, retreat to the scenic bluffs of Lewis and Clark Lake.

Extend your adventure: Up for a real challenge? Take on the Dismal River in the Sandhills, nicknamed Divorce River and chronicled by 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Carson Vaughan in 2020 (still married).

Fly-Fishing

Nebraska鈥檚 mightiest rivers might get all the attention, but the legendary waterways that carve their way through the state are far outnumbered by the creeks and streams that feed them. Unsurprisingly, these quieter tributaries offer excellent fly-fishing. East Verdigre Creek, tucked away in the state鈥檚 northeast corner, is a true gem. Its cold spring-fed waters are home to a well-stocked population of rainbow and brown trout, beginner-friendly fishing, and the kind of quiet surroundings anglers dream of. Long Pine Creek, located in the scenic Pine Ridge, is another well-loved trout fishery.

Extend your adventure: Achieve a Trout Slam by catching and releasing all four species of trout in Nebraska鈥攔ainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook.

Tubing

Things getting heated on the family road trip? Try an afternoon of tubing. There鈥檚 no better way to cool off on a hot summer鈥檚 day, and even though there鈥檚 no livestock tank involved, maybe everyone just needs some time to float their own way for a while. You鈥檒l find great local outfitters all along the banks of Nebraska鈥檚 79,000 river miles. For the best combination of convenience, scenery, and relaxation, down the Elkhorn River, outside of Omaha.

Fun fact: The Elkhorn River鈥檚 modern name comes from Lewis and Clark, who called it 鈥淐orne de Cerf.鈥�

Swimming

All the water with no equipment required, unless you count bathing suits (park rangers sure do). Of Nebraska鈥檚 73 state parks and recreation areas, 29 offer swimming in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds, or pools. Off I-80 near Lincoln, it鈥檚 easy to enjoy the cool waters and sandy beaches of or . As you travel west along the freeway, you鈥檙e never far from a beautiful park and refreshing water. Some highlights include , , and .

Extend your adventure: Ever gone scuba diving in Nebraska? Home to exceptionally clear waters, the is a popular spot for local divers.

The mission of Visit Nebraska is to expand Nebraska鈥檚 dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to .

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I wasn鈥檛 introduced to the pleasures of lake life until my early 30s. Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, I was ocean obsessed. If the water didn鈥檛 have waves and leave me salt-kissed, I wasn鈥檛 interested. When I moved to Colorado 15 years ago, I was gripped by land-locked panic and started road-tripping to any body of water I could find. I soon discovered many of my favorite ocean sports (kitesurfing, paddleboarding, foiling) could be performed on lakes. And many of the lakes I visited were surrounded by wilderness trails that I could hike, bike, and run. Some shocked me with their Caribbean-esque beauty. Others awed me with their alpine backdrops.

While the jet-set flocks to Europe to see-and-be-seen on the glamorous shores of Lake Como, Italy, and Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, the adventure set heads to the U.S., where lake life is blissfully more rugged than refined. America is blessed with nearly 3 million lakes. Everyone knows Powell, Placid, and Tahoe (for good reason), so I won鈥檛 be redundant. And I鈥檒l urge you to read 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Stephanie Pearson鈥檚 wonderful story on the overlooked playground of Lake Superior, which I have yet to visit. Based on my travels, these are nine lesser-known American lakes I highly recommend exploring this summer.

1. Bear Lake, Utah-Idaho Border

Why we love it: sparkling jewel is nicknamed the 鈥淐aribbean of the Rockies鈥� for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, which owe their hue to an abundance of calcium carbonate deposits. At 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, the lake is almost perfectly split between Idaho and Utah. No longer a secret, its sandy shores can feel crowded in the peak of summer. But the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation purchased an additional 28 acres of land last March, adding 1,200 feet of shoreline to the west of the lake to ease congestion.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: On my first visit to Bear Lake, I spent my days paddleboarding, kayaking, and wake surfing off popular Rendezvous Beach at the south end of the lake. Rental companies and stock every imaginable toy from Sea-Doos to water trampolines. Over the border, ($20) two geothermal-heated pools are located right on North Beach and will warm you up after a windy day on the lake. Make time to explore beyond the shores. The surrounding area is home to fascinating caves, like 滨诲补丑辞鈥檚 Paris Ice Cave, which never completely melts, and fantastic hiking spots, like , near Logan, UT.

Base: Conestoga Ranch lets you channel your Oregon Trail fantasies and overnight in retrofitted covered wagons that sleep up to six people (from $236). Located on the edges of the west side of the lake in Garden City, UT, one of the area鈥檚 main hubs, this Old West-inspired glamping resort has complimentary cruiser bikes, an onsite general store, and one of the best restaurants in town (they can also make picnics).

2. Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

Why we love it: Almost completely surrounded by the northernmost section of the , this 8,270-acre lake is a mecca for anglers hunting muskellunge, known as the 鈥渇ish of 10,000 casts鈥� due to their elusive nature. It鈥檚 also a dream destination for boating, kayaking, sailing, and swimming and its shores are surrounded by hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The town of Morehead is known as the Muskie Capital of the South. Hire Gregg Thomas at and try to hook a fish that tops the state record, just shy of 50 pounds. Tackle a stretch of the 300-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail or trek the approximately six-mile out-and-back , which follows the shoreline and rewards hikers with an unbeatable view of Twin Knobs across the lake.

Base: On the south side of the lake, the has some 200 sites (from $31) spread out over 10 forested loops. Campers have access to a beach, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, plus a boat ramp and fishing dock. The site also has easy access to scenic, low-key hikes, like the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail.

3. Lake Ouachita, Arkansas

Why we love it: The refreshing lack of shoreline development around Arkansas鈥檚 largest lake makes it still feel wild and untouched; it also boasts some of the cleanest waters in the country. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of forest and sprinkled with 200-plus islands, you can find a patch of wilderness all to yourself, even in the height of summer.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Fishing outfitter can help you hook whopper stripers and bass. This is also one of the few lakes that allows spear fishing. Lake Ouachita State Park hugs the eastern shores and its marina rents all the equipment you might desire. Kayak the 16-mile . The first water-based interpretive trail included in the National Trails System features 12 exploration areas that shed light on the lake鈥檚 unique geological formations. You can also ogle many of these formations underwater while the lake鈥檚 30 dive spots.

Base: Lake Ouachita State Park has 93 campsites (from $16) and eight cabins (from $220), most overlooking the water. Or book a floating home from (from $3,000 for three days for up to 10 people).

4. Grand Lake, Colorado

Why we love it: Originally called Spirit Lake by the Ute Tribe, Colorado鈥檚 largest and deepest body of water is a Front Range gem in summer with its public beach, yacht club, and marinas. Hemmed in on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park, the area offers countless land-based adventures. And the tiny town of Grand Lake oozes old-timey nostalgia.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Located steps from the historic downtown boardwalk, the Headwaters Marina rents pedal boats ($30 per hour), sports boats ($100 per hour), pontoons (from $140 per hour), and offers scenic, one-hour boat tours ($25). Family-operated is just in front of the marina and rents single and tandem kayaks (from $30 per hour). Rocky Mountain Park鈥檚 west entrance in Grand County is far less trafficked. The starts in town. It鈥檚 only .8 miles round-trip to reach the cascades. Continue another mile for awesome views of Mount Baldy and听 another 4.8 miles to reach Lone Pine Lake.

Base: Perched high above the water, has been welcoming guests since 1921. The cabins, originally purchased from the Sears Roebuck catalog, were recently renovated (from $185). It鈥檚 debatable which has the better sunset view: the porch swings or the hot tub and pool.

5. Green and Round Lakes, New York

Why we love it: These two mesmerizing jade-colored bodies of water form the heart of 1,955-acre Green Lakes State Park, located 10 miles east of Syracuse. Aquatic anomalies, both are meromictic鈥攁 rare condition where surface and deeper waters do not mix鈥攁nd contain calcium carbonate, which precipitates out of the water during late May to early June and settles to form white, reef-like structures on the shores. One of 28 National Natural Landmark sites in the U.S., Round Lake stands out for its border of old-growth forest (uncommon in the northeast).

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Green Lake, the larger of the two, has a sandy public beach with swimming access and a boat house that rents rowboats and kayaks (from $12 an hour). A network of showcase the park鈥檚 old-growth forests and gorges; birdwatching fanatics can try to .

Base: Green Lakes State Park Campgrounds has 137 campsites ($20-$39) and seven cabins ($115 per night, two-night minimum). Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance; non New York residents must pay a $5 fee. 听

6. Lake Jocassee, South Carolina

Why we love it: Nestled in the northwest corner of South Carolina, this fjord-like reservoir can only be accessed through Devils Fork State Park. Four Appalachian mountain rivers feed the lake, keeping its mirror-like waters remarkably clear and refreshingly cool. When I visited, I marveled at the solitude I found while angling for trout in a deep cove and paddleboarding past waterfalls that tumble into the lake.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Located just outside of the park, Jocassee Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for groceries, boat rentals (from $400 for four hours), and wakeboards, tubes, and other water toys ($45 each). rents single and tandem kayaks (from $50 per day) and also offers to the best waterfalls ($125 for six hours). The park鈥檚 towering waterfalls鈥攕ome of the highest in the eastern U.S.鈥攕teal the spotlight, but if you arrive in early spring, you might see pinkish-white Oconee Bells, one of America鈥檚 rarest wildflowers.

Base: The park operates 20 cozy, one- and two-bedroom 鈥渧illas鈥濃�攆ully-furnished cabins with screened porches and waterfront views; all require a two-night minimum and some require a full week (from $275 per night). Campers can choose from 59 RV and tent sites, reserved online (from $32). For total seclusion, reserve one of the 25 sites in the park鈥檚 boat-in campground (from $40).

7. Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

Why we love it: The azul waters of Lake Mac appear like a reverie amid Nebraska鈥檚 corn fields. If it weren鈥檛 for the John Deere tractors dotting the talcum shores, you鈥檇 think you were in the Turks & Caicos. The state鈥檚 largest reservoir, located within the , is a 3.5-hour drive east of Denver. It鈥檚 one of my favorite summer 鈥渂each鈥� escapes for camping on the sand, wake surfing, paddling, sailing, and kite surfing.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The lake鈥檚 gateway town, Ogallala, is 20 minutes from the water. Make a pit-stop for supplies and a Nebraska-raised beef burger from excellent, locally-owned restaurant . rents ski boats and pontoons ($225 for two hours) as well as jet skis ($180 for two hours). offers rentals and instruction ($25 for two hours). Birdwatchers should bring their binos. The lake is home to some . Fishing enthusiasts descend here in July to compete in the .

Base: are required during peak season, May 20 through September 10. Non site-specific beach camping in 17 designated areas can be reserved 30 days in advance (from $20). Reservations for the five non-beach campgrounds can be made 180 days in advance (from $15). Last summer, I couldn鈥檛 score a site, but I was able to get a lakefront tent pitched ($33) on two-mile stretch of private shoreline. The recently renovated resort also has RV hookups (from $40) and motel-style rooms and cabins (from $124), plus kayak rentals, a general store, and a great restaurant that regularly hosts live music.

8. Clear Lake, Oregon

Why we love it: Boasting over 100 feet of underwater visibility, Clear Lake lives up to its name. This shimmering beauty was formed more than 3,000 years ago when a volcanic lava flow dammed the McKenzie River. A ghostly sunken forest lies beneath its cold, crystalline waters. Bounded by the Willamette National Forest, it鈥檚 a paradise for hiking and mountain biking.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: It鈥檚 of the best freshwater diving spots in the U.S. because it鈥檚 so clear and bottom-lined with ancient, petrified trees. Pack your 5 mill wetsuit (at least) as the water temperature averages 37 degrees Fahrenheit. You can rent gear and get intel at or in Bend. Get the lay of the land by hiking the 4.8-mile Clear Lake Loop Trail. The legendary is a must for mountain bikers, with 26 miles of singletrack winding through lava fields and old-growth forest along the eastern section of the lake. rents mountain bikes (from $55 per day) and offers shuttles ($35).

Base: The on the eastern shore has 34 campsites, plus a boat ramp and fish cleaning station for anglers (from $33). On the lake鈥檚 north edge, Clear Water Resort has yurts (from $90) and cabins (from $80) and rents glass-bottom tandem kayaks ($25 per hour).

9. Lake Willoughby, Vermont

Why we love it: Sandwiched between the fjord-like peaks of Mounts Pisgah and Hor in the Northeast Kingdom, this glacial-carved lake is often referred to as America鈥檚 Lucerne. Its translucent waters stretch five miles long and one-mile wide, making it ideal for paddling, boating, and wild swimming.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Earn your dunk after hiking the semi- strenuous, highly scenic 4.8-mile, out-and-back Mount Pisgah North Trail or biking the of Willoughby State Forest. The lake鈥檚 calm waters are a pleasure to paddle (see equipment deets below).

Base: is a little haven on the north shore (from $219). Ten log cabins each have two bedrooms, full kitchens, and porches (cabins 2-6 have the best lake views) and Clyde River Recreation delivers kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes right to the property (from $35 a day). On the south shores, Willoughby State Forest offers . If you need amenities, has RV Hook-Ups (from $52), tent sites (from $41), and cabins (from $81), equipment rentals, and a seriously good cafe that serves breakfast all day.

Jen Murphy is a regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor and converted lake lover. She has plans to spend a week at Caspian Lake in Vermont this summer.

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If 测辞耻鈥檝别 ever thought something like, 鈥淚t鈥檚 just corn out there in Nebraska,鈥� we鈥檙e gonna enjoy telling you how wrong you are. Beneath its wide skies and quiet prairies lies a rugged and surprising variety of landscapes with trails galore. Whether you’re winding through ponderosa pine forests, trekking past otherworldly rock formations, or standing atop towering limestone bluffs, the Cornhusker State delivers big on adventure. From quick day hikes to multi-day treks, these five standout trails showcase the natural diversity that makes Nebraska a hidden gem for hikers of all kinds.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

When you see the imposing formations of rise improbably out of the surrounding plains, you might get the impression they were hurled from the Rockies by some long-forgotten giant. The real answer involves less lore and more limestone, but the monument鈥檚 recent history is pretty interesting too: The towering formations have been important markers for both Native cultures and Western emigrants. Hike the moderately challenging 3.2-mile for a close-up view of the namesake bluff (including a tunnel through the rock) and sweeping views of the surrounding formations, towns, and plains.

Extend your adventure: Not done hiking? Hit the Turkey Run Trail in nearby .

Pine Ridge Trail

This trail will knock the whole 鈥淣ebraska is flat鈥� notion right out of your head, one vertical foot at a time. Located in the , the has more than 4,500 vertical feet over its roughly 40 miles. The rollercoaster of an elevation profile travels through ponderosa pine forests, over creek beds and streams, up and down steep canyons, across scenic ridgelines and grasslands, and through some sections of wildfire regrowth. The trail鈥檚 length, scenery, and difficulty make for a great three-day backpacking trip. Shorter sojourns can be enjoyed from several access points.

Fun fact: The Pine Ridge is a 100-mile-long escarpment of sandstone bluffs and the main geologic feature of northwest Nebraska.

Toadstool Geologic Park

It鈥檚 fair if the moonlike hills and hoodoos of don鈥檛 fit your vision of Nebraska; they probably don鈥檛 fit your vision of Earth, either. Trek through the heart of the namesake toadstools and other unique badlands formations by setting out on the one-mile . It’s a short but unforgettable look at the amazing work of time and erosion, and it may even reveal a fossil or two. You鈥檒l also have an option to add on the three-mile (one-way) Bison Trail, which winds through badlands and canyons before opening into the wide expanse of the Oglala National Grassland.

Fun fact: The Bison Trail takes its name from the Bison antiquus, an extinct form of modern bison whose fossils can be seen at the park鈥檚 .

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

An oasis of woods and wildlife just south of Omaha, is home to 17 miles of easy and moderate hiking trails. The trails are marked out in short segments, most of which are less than a mile. This allows lovers of adventure and/or paper maps to choose their mileage by combining segments through wetlands, past waterfalls, over ridgetops, and along the Missouri River. A $15 day fee helps support area conservation efforts, like the raptor conservation and education program.

Extend your adventure: Your day pass also grants access to the , north of Omaha.

Schramm Park State Recreation Area

Dedicated peak baggers might think of as more of a walk than a hike, but when you retreat to this shady Shangri-La on a hot summer day, you won鈥檛 care. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the canopied woods on the bluffs of the Platte River, choosing between a 1.5- or three-mile loop and adding the short River View Trail. The longer loop is especially cool, featuring a unique suspension bridge that travels over a leafy creekbed canyon. The park is popular with local runners thanks to the gentle terrain and shady trails.

Extend your adventure: The Schramm Education Center has aquariums and exhibits with more than 60 species of freshwater fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians found in Nebraska.

The mission of Visit Nebraska is to expand Nebraska鈥檚 dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to .

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The modern world is not quiet. Or maybe I should say:听people are not quiet. I live in a small mountain town, which you might expect to be an entirely peaceful habitat. But from my yard, throughout the day, I can hear cars on the interstate, kids playing, delivery trucks backing up鈥攊t鈥檚 a constant barrage of background noise that has become so much a part of our lives. I鈥檓 actually uneasy when I experience truly quiet situations.

Recently, I was camping alone in Utah, at the base of a canyon near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is several miles from the nearest road. The silence was all-encompassing. Occasionally, I could hear the wind move through a sandstone channel behind my campsite, but otherwise, there was no noise. The sound of silence was so far from my status quo that it was disconcerting. No bugs. No fire crackling. Just鈥e.

But we need that quiet in our lives. Studies show that experiencing even brief periods of silence can help lower , improve , and even stimulate . As the world becomes noisier, more people are in search of silence, with 鈥渜uiet-cations鈥� becoming one of the hottest trends in .

The good news? There are still places where you can go to find total quiet, or at least places where the only sounds you hear are from nature: birds, crickets, wind rustling trees.

is a non-profit that researches and certifies locations all over the world based on the decibel levels of background noise (background noise in certified quiet locations doesn鈥檛 exceed 45 decibels).听I selected some enticing destinations deemed Quiet by the organization and scoured our public lands, looking for broad swaths of wilderness that are located so far from noisy roads and towns that they鈥檙e bound to be silent.

Here are 9 hush-hush destinations for your next quiet adventure.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

There鈥檚 West Texas, and then there鈥檚 Far West Texas, a remote corner of the state near the Mexican border. Once you hit Far West, keep going, and you鈥檒l find Big Bend Ranch State Park, a massive (311,000 acres) swath of mountains, canyons, and desert along the Rio Grande. Together with its neighbor, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch makes up the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. The lack of ambient light pollution that delivers dark skies also means there鈥檚 a lack of ambient noise, contributing to quiet days. I spent several days exploring Big Bend Ranch on a mountain bike a few years ago and saw more road runners than people.

There are more than inside the park, some of which meander past old movie sets, Native American homesites, and the occasional oasis, not to mention more canyons and cacti听than I could count. Your best bet is to saddle up on a mountain bike ( has rentals from $50 a day) and pedal the 60-mile that combines singletrack, dirt roads, and dry creek beds to deliver you deep into the heart of the park. There are multiple bail-out options along the way if you don鈥檛 want to tackle the full route.

What to Listen For: The sound of a small waterfall (the Epic route passes by an oasis) and the neigh of feral donkeys that live within the park.

2. Olympic National Park, Washington

The last time I was in Olympic National Park, I was riding a bike, so I mostly heard the sound of my own heavy breathing as I tried to keep up with my group. But this is the park that inspired acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton to create Quiet Parks International in an attempt to preserve peaceful places. It鈥檚 a big park with a diverse landscape that ranges from craggy coastline to glaciated peaks, so there鈥檚 plenty of space to spread out and find your own slice of peace and quiet.

I鈥檝e spent near-silent afternoons paddling Lake Crescent with no soundtrack but my paddle strokes, and lonely stretches of beach offer opportunities to give yourself over to the sound of crashing waves. But it鈥檚 the Hoh Rain Forest, a 24-square-mile temperate rain forest on the west side of the park, that鈥檚 the most intriguing from a sonic experience. Giant old growth conifers rise towards the heavens while thick ferns and mosses blanket the forest floor, all combining to dampen sound.

The , an .8-mile loop near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, is the easiest way to experience the landscape, the trail’s namesake moss climbing the trunks of the trees throughout the area. If you want to explore further, hike a piece of the 17-mile Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows, which offers a view of Mount Olympus. Most day hikers turn around at Five Mile Island, making it a that will definitely get you away from the crowds.

What to Listen For: The babbling Hoh River will, unsurprisingly, accompany you on the Hoh River Trail. Also, keep an ear out for bugles from the herd of elk that live in the rainforest. And then there鈥檚 the rain; Hoh gets 12 feet of it per year.

3. Mount Tabor Park, Portland

You don鈥檛 have to leave the city for peace and quiet. , a 175-acre park on the eastern edge of Portland, was named the country鈥檚 first by Quiet Parks International in 2023. Mount Tabor is a popular park, and during the certification process, acoustic engineers recorded background noise between 38 and 43 decibels, which is just below the threshold for what Quiet Parks International considers quiet. But Mount Tabor鈥檚 accessibility to such a large and diverse population gave it the edge for the final designation.

Mount Tabor itself is a dormant cinder cone volcano, the shape of which helps isolate background noise. So, if one section of the park is noisy, you can trek to the other side for a more subdued experience. The park鈥檚 53 tree species, including a dense Douglas fir forest, help absorb some of the ambient noise as well. Mount Tabor has six miles of official trail and nearly the same length of social trail. Hiking the mile-long Red Trail and looking for a quiet path into the woods is your best bet for silence.

What to Listen For: Children playing. It鈥檚 an urban park with playgrounds, and the sounds of children playing are among the best human-made sounds on earth.

4. Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska

The Niobrara River begins in Wyoming and runs more than 500 miles before joining the Missouri River, but a particularly gorgeous 76-mile stretch has been designated a National Scenic River thanks to its outstanding beauty. Here, the Niobrara passes through the Sandhills of Nebraska鈥攔olling mounds of sand dunes stabilized by permanent grass and grazed upon by elk鈥攚hile also carving a path through the occasional sandstone cliff. The river is fed by hundreds of natural springs, some of which tumble into the Niobrara as waterfalls. You鈥檒l find the 63-foot Smith Falls, the tallest plunge in the state, along this designated National Scenic River.

The Niobrara National Scenic River has also earned the distinction of being the first certified from the Quiet Parks organization. The best way to explore the river and experience the soundscape is from the hull of a canoe.听Most of the land surrounding the river is private ranch land, but the nine-mile stretch through the听 just east of Valentine offers a scenic and mellow run with the chance to hop out of the boat and hike the refuge.听 has canoe rentals (from $69).

What to Listen For: Waterfalls, the sound of your paddle in the water, and waterfowl overhead.

5. Dixie National Forest, Utah

The is huge, occupying almost two million acres of aspen-topped mountains and red sandstone canyons in Southern Utah. Maybe more important from a sonic perspective, those two million acres are buffered by Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, so the forest sits in the heart of a massive complex of public lands that has very few auditory distractions. I spent a week backpacking through Dixie and Grand Staircase and didn鈥檛 come across a single person outside of my small group. The only thing I heard was the wind whistling through the aspens and the occasional elk bugle.

Elevations in the forest range from 11,322 feet at the summit of Boulder Mountain to just under 3,000 feet, and the ecosystem shifts with the altitude. Up high, you鈥檒l find dense groves of aspens and evergreens and boulder-choked creeks. Down low is slick rock desert with narrow canyons and steep cliffs.

The Escalante Ranger District of Dixie has a robust trail system offering relatively easy access to solitude from the small town of Boulder. Pick up the Slickrock Trail northeast of town for a pleasant walk through a high-elevation spruce forest. If you really want to get away from it all (and you have solid route-finding skills), look south to one of the many canyons that drop from the ridge, traveling through a remote corner of the forest before entering Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

What to Listen For: The wind rustling through the aspen leaves at higher elevations is a delightful sound.

6. Green Bank and Spruce Knob, West Virginia

At least part of the joy of finding quiet places is embracing the notion of getting offline. No cell phones, no social media, no buzzing alerts on your phone鈥攖hat听disconnection is what makes the small town of Green Bank, West Virginia, so damn appealing. It sits in the heart of a 13,000-square-mile National Radio Quiet Zone, which is a federal designation that bans all wireless tech. No radio, no cell service, no wi-fi. The rule is in place to remove any potential interference with the seven telescopes pointed skyward.

The Observatory is cool, but the Quiet Zone also encompasses some intriguing portions of the Monongahela National Forest, including 4,863-foot Spruce Knob, the tallest mountain in West Virginia. Hike the easy .5-mile Whispering Spruce Trail for a loop around the summit and views of Seneca Rocks, a fin-like sandstone outcropping that鈥檚 popular with climbers. If that nature trail isn鈥檛 quiet enough for you, hike deeper into the Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek Backcountry, where 60 miles of trail explores meadows, streams, and hardwood forests. Pick up the 5.2-mile at the summit and drop 1,000 feet of elevation off the ridge into fields of wild blueberries and huckleberries until you reach Seneca Creek.

What to Listen For: The wind whipping through the forest at the summit, so strong and constant that the peak鈥檚 red spruces have become deformed and only have branches and nettles on one side.

7. Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho

滨诲补丑辞鈥檚 Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is the largest federally designated wilderness area in the lower 48 at a robust 2.37 million acres. That means if you鈥檙e standing in the heart of Frank Church, there isn鈥檛 a road or mechanical device within two million acres. Promising from an auditory perspective.

Most people experience Frank Church from the hull of a raft careening down the Salmon River, which is a bucket list adventure to be sure, but it鈥檚 not exactly the peaceful scenario we鈥檙e looking for here. I say lace up your boots and explore one of the primitive trails that traverse the Frank.

The hiking is tough (rangers recommend you carry a handsaw in case you need to clear any downed trees), but the offers an approachable entry into the wilderness. Pick up the trailhead at the Langer Monument on Beaver Creek Road and hike 2.1 miles to the aforementioned backcountry lake. The climbing begins immediately, gaining almost 1,000 feet in the first mile, but it levels out in a valley recovering from a previous wildfire. The lake itself is a 12-acre pond at the base of the craggy Roughneck Peak that is known to have feisty rainbow and cutthroat trout if you are so inclined.

What to Listen For: The sound of your fly smacking the water as you hunt patiently for one of the wild trout within the lake.

8. 100-Mile Wilderness, Maine

The 2,000-mile long Appalachian Trail, running from North Georgia to North Maine, is arguably the most famous footpath in the world. Some 2,000 people try to hike the entire thing every year, but most of them give up before they hit Maine. That means they never get to experience the 100-Mile Wilderness, the most remote stretch of the entire A.T., with no paved roads or towns along its corridor. The terrain is a mix of backcountry lakes, craggy peaks, and dense hardwood forests, with steep climbs and a tread that is notoriously rocky and rooty.听 So why bother, you ask? For the chance to take cold dips in backcountry lakes, spy 360-degree vistas from peaks, and experience real solitude, which can be tough to find on the eastern seaboard.

You could hike the entire thing if you鈥檙e looking for an epic adventure ( can help with logistics like shuttles and food drops), but if you don鈥檛 have the requisite week to 10 days this sort of effort requires, I recommend heading to the portion of the 100 Mile Wilderness. This is a 1,600-acre tract owned and preserved by Maine Audubon that offers day hikers a manageable intro to the wilderness via a handful of short trails. Hike the 1-mile , which follows the shore of a pond before climbing to the rocky, dual-peak summits of Borestone Mountain. From there, you鈥檒l get a 360-degree view of the wilderness that, on a clear day, extends all the way to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the A.T.

What to Listen For: It鈥檚 an Audubon preserve, so listen for the 10 warbler species that call the sanctuary home. Peregrine falcons are also known to soar near the craggy peaks, and moose are commonly found near the lakes.

9. Deer Haven, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

If you want to get away from the noise of modern life, heading to South Dakota is a good start; the entire state has less than a million residents, many of whom are huddled in Sioux Falls. Exploring Badlands National Park will get you even further from any ambient noise, as the park鈥檚 steep canyons, tall buttes, and thick red clay have appeared inhospitable to humans since the Lakota gave the area the 鈥渂adlands鈥� moniker. But tough terrain often equals quiet, as few visitors venture into the park鈥檚 backcountry.

Start at the Conata Picnic Area and pick up the , an unmaintained game trail that leads for 2.5 miles through grasslands and between buttes to a cluster of juniper trees. Bring a tent and find a primitive site either in the prairie at the base of the buttes or tucked into the junipers.

What to Listen For: Keep an ear out for the hooves of the 1,000-strong bison herd that roams this section of Badlands.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national-parks columnist. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he is fortunate enough to live within a few hours of three free national parks. He recently wrote about the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, his favorite mountain town, and the national park he chose as the most adventurous.

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Forget what you think you know about Nebraska. Yes, you can lose yourself in sprawling prairies and fields of tall, golden cornstalks, but that鈥檚 just the start. Unexpected scenery and adventures make a journey through Nebraska the most memorable kind鈥攐ne that鈥檚 full of surprises. Along the way you鈥檒l find a rich variety of outdoor opportunities鈥攖hink mountain biking, wildlife viewing, kayaking, hiking, and stargazing. The best part? Most people don鈥檛 know a thing about them. If you鈥檙e looking for your next escape off the beaten path, welcome to the capital of unknown adventure.

Float a Boat

How good is the paddling in Nebraska? Some websites claim the state has more river miles than any other in the country. That鈥檚 not technically true, but whoever started the rumor can be forgiven. With nearly 80,000 miles of river鈥攚hich includes mileage from major rivers like the Missouri, Platte, Niobrara, and Republican鈥擭ebraska feels like it could take the prize. Where to go with so much to choose from? Two free-flowing sections of the mighty Missouri River are designated as part of the , while 76 free-flowing miles of the are included on the list of National Wild and Scenic Rivers. And in 2023, those 76 miles were designated as an International Quiet Trail by Quiet Parks International, it is the second in the world and the first in North America to receive this designation. These two rivers and their surrounding landscapes set the stage for awesome paddling, fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and tubing.

In addition to the state鈥檚 rivers, the largest reservoir in Nebraska, , serves up several types of outdoor fun. Lake McConaughy (a.k.a. Big Mac) is a whopping 30,000 acres, with crystal-clear waters and sugar-sand beaches. It鈥檚 a swimmer鈥檚 paradise鈥攂ut it鈥檚 also a hot spot for windsurfers, waterskiers, and picnickers.

Witness a Great Migration

One of the world鈥檚 greatest wildlife spectacles occurs in Nebraska each spring, when nearly one million converge on the shallow waters of the Platte River. On this 80-mile stretch of river, the cranes feast, rest, and roost before continuing their journey. The and are two excellent places to witness this legendary migration while learning about the wetland ecosystem the birds rely on.

Discover Hidden Geology

Think all of Nebraska is flat? You just don鈥檛 know where to look. Across the state, you鈥檒l find a surprising number of outdoor activities tied to unexpected elevation and fascinating geological features. First, check out , an otherworldly, rocky moonscape with hiking trails and fossil scouting. Then head to to observe even more fossil displays at a world-renowned dig site. If you鈥檙e there after dark, pause to watch the stars pop in the night sky.

Journey south to to take in views of dramatic buttes and the rugged landscape that glows at sunrise and sunset. Then roam farther east to see the iconic of Nebraska. The Sandhills are the best-preserved example of vegetative sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere. For a full tour of the Sandhills, take a road trip along the .听

Tip: The Sandhills are home to an unexpected treat鈥攕everal world-class .

See More Stars Than You Do at Home

What do you get when you combine vast skies and complete darkness? Stars. A lot of them. If you want to take a good look at the universe鈥攚ho doesn鈥檛?鈥擭ebraska has some of the finest spots to choose from. A number of state parks and public lands are common astrotourism destinations, but none shine as brightly (sorry) as .听Home to the annual , and now a certified , this state recreation area is a perfect place to watch the stars appear.

Hit the Trail

OK, some parts of Nebraska really are pretty flat, which is great for hikers and bikers who want to see a lot of scenery. Exhibit A: the 321-mile . This multiuse path is one of the longest rails-to-trails projects in the country, with a gentle grade and fine-gravel surface that make it accessible to all levels. The trail connects Norfolk to Valentine, with 221 bridges and plenty of geographic variety along the way. Want to be a pioneer? Check out the hiking opportunities along the , a work-in-progress path that connects existing and proposed trails and along a 2,200-mile route.

Tip: For the state鈥檚 best mountain biking, head to , set on 1,200 scenic acres of forest, ravines, and prairie.听

is the Cornhusker State鈥檚 official tourism marketing arm and responsible for attracting visitors by offering travel-inspiring resources to those near and far. Request a to start planning your visit.

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鈥淚t鈥檚 just one of them things,鈥� Mitch Glidden tells me. He鈥檚 smiling wide behind a thick horseshoe mustache. 鈥淵ou gotta get heads in beds.鈥� When Glidden speaks, you listen; not only because he鈥檚 an inveterate storyteller, or because his eyes crackle like fireworks, or because he鈥檚 arguably the jolliest man in Hooker County, Nebraska, but also because he kneads together every syllable like a firm sourdough. You lean forward a little. You bend your ear. Come again?

It鈥檚 the night before the 14th annual Polar Bear Tank Race in the village of Mullen鈥攁 hiccup on Highway 2 in western Nebraska鈥攁nd the community center is abuzz with volunteers. They鈥檙e stocking the bar. They鈥檙e shuffling papers. They鈥檙e stirring homemade soups in hand-me-down roasters. Behind us, a woman named Linda is wearing a dirndl and pigtails and carefully unpacking her landscape paintings: a rusty windmill, a snowy yucca, a preening egret. 鈥淒on鈥檛 forget me in your story,鈥� she鈥檒l later say, slipping me a brochure for as if it were a crisp Benjamin. (You鈥檙e welcome, Linda.)

For years now, I鈥檝e maintained a cool distance from what Nebraskans call 鈥渢anking.鈥� Not that I鈥檓 an especially seasoned paddler, but the notion of floating downriver in me as a little too on the nose. I鈥檝e spent most of my career in journalism trying to complicate the popular perception of the Great Plains, especially my home state of Nebraska, and tanking seemed to reinforce just about every hayseed stereotype we鈥檙e associated with. Fill said cattle tank with six fat white dudes listening to Cornhusker football on a portable stereo while crushing a 30-pack of Busch Light and, bingo, we have ourselves a winner.

Regardless, no one has done more to popularize tanking than Glidden, and for good reason. He and his wife, Patty, now hunched beside him in a black jacket and blue jeans, bought the Sandhills Motel in 1993. Described by Google Maps as an 鈥渦nassuming motel with a picnic area,鈥� the Sandhills is the only lodge in Mullen, which is the only town in Hooker County, which boasts more than 23,000 cows but fewer than 750 people. Given the demographics, and the fact that Mullen鈥攁 dusty cow town settled in 1888鈥攊s at least four hours from the closest major airport, getting 鈥渉eads in beds鈥� requires more than clean sheets and satellite TV.

What it does have, however, is water. 鈥淭he best water,鈥� Patty interjects: the Middle Loup River, just two miles north, and its trickster tributary, the Dismal, 13 miles south. Both slither through the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills鈥斺�攁nd because they鈥檙e fed almost exclusively by springs discharged from the Ogallala Aquifer beneath it, rather than from surface runoff, they鈥檙e two of the cleanest and most uniformly flowing streams in the world.

鈥淵ou can plan a trip here three years from now,鈥� Glidden says. 鈥淭he water鈥檚 gonna be there.鈥�

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What makes a queer person choose to live in an outdoorsy hot spot instead of an urban gayborhood? A spirited grassroots organization working to make its town a haven for LGBTQ+ nature lovers. Photographer Wyn Wiley, who moonlights as drag queen Pattie Gonia, was living in Nebraska and dreaming of making a move. The most obvious choice was a big city, where queer people often go find their community. But then a group called Out Central Oregon invited Wiley to Bend to host an event on Mount Bachelor called Winter Pride Fest. What they found in Bend was much more than a seasonal party: here was a place with a highly visible queer community. This, Wiley decided, is the place for me and my go-go boots.

This episode is brought to you by Hydro Flask, a company that believes every adventure starts with two simple words: let鈥檚 go! Shop Hydro Flask products for yourself or the outdoor lovers on your holiday list this season at听.

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Earlier this year, two men set out do something that seemed impossible. And also just dumb. They would squeeze together onto a minibike鈥攁 vehicle roughly the size of a children鈥檚 bicycle and powered by an engine that can barely run a lawn mower鈥攁nd drive 400 miles from a cornfield in Nebraska to the mountain town of Aspen, Colorado. If that sounds familiar, it should: this is the iconic road trip that Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels took in the cult classic Farrelly Brothers film Dumb and Dumber. Except this time, it was for real. And it hurt.

This episode is brought to you by GoRVing. Don鈥檛 just go on a trip, go on a real vacation. To find out more about the incredible adventures waiting for you out on the road, visit .

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