MS has 3 of the best outdoor vacation spots in the US, ranking says. Here’s why
With warmer weather and kids being out of school, the summer season is a great time for U.S. travelers to take that dream vacation and explore the great outdoors.
A survey published in August by BetterNurse.org, a nursing career and education platform, found the top 145 most desired outdoor destinations, and three Mississippi nature spots are included on the list.
Read on to learn where these coveted vacation destinations are and what made them so attractive to American travelers this year.
Natchez Trace Parkway in Ridgeland
The Natchez Trace Parkway, which was ranked #93 on the list, spans 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. In May, it earned second place in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for best scenic drives in the country.
In Ridgeland, the trail leads to waterfalls, swamps, historic sites and a beautiful overlook, according to BetterNurse.org.
Tishomingo State Park in Tishomingo
The Natchez Trace Parkway runs straight through Tishomingo State Park, which earned the 107th spot on the list.
Here, visitors can find massive rock formations and mossy bluffs alongside archaeological excavations revealing the existence of Paleo Indians in the area as early as 7000 B.C., according to the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks.
Creek Natural Area in Woodville
Considered Mississippi’s best kept hiking secret, Clark Creek Natural Area was ranked #110, according to BetterNurse.org.
The park, built in 1978, includes more than 700 acres with steep ravines, trails and about 50 waterfalls ranging in height from 10 to 30 feet.
What were the top 10 outdoor destinations?
Mississippi wasn’t the only state with coveted active vacation destinations. Here’s where the top 10 outdoor destinations are located:
1. Yosemite National Park in Yosemite Valley, California
2. Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii
3. Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
4. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in Hilo, Hawaii
5. Big Sur Coastline in Big Sur, California
6. Napali Coast in Hanalei, Hawaii
7. Big Sky in Montana
8. Sedona Red Rock Trails in Sedona, Arizona
9. Fernandina Beach in Amelia Island, Florida
10. Mammoth Lakes in California
How were active vacation destinations ranked?
The survey asked more than 3,000 Americans, ranging in age, gender and geographic location, to name the outdoor destinations they most wanted to visit this year, according to BetterNurse.org.
