National GeographicMay 1, 2023
9 reasons to visit the American South
The US is a melting pot of cultures, creatures and cuisines. From oysters to Orange Beach, spoonbills to the Smoky Mountains, here are nine reasons to visit the South.
Connects to the Peak Trail for more hiking.
20 things in this story
- Hot Springs National ParkSightSafeguards ancient thermal waters and century-old bathhouses.
- Hot Springs MountainSightTrail reaches 994ft across the summit.
- Honeysuckle TrailTrailConnects to the Peak Trail for more hiking.
- Peak TrailTrailOffers panoramas from the 216ft Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
- Hot Springs Mountain TowerSightOffers panoramas from 216ft high.
- Elsewhere
- Buffalo National RiverSightArkansas, United StatesJuts out over the cloud-cloaked canopy.
- OzarksNeighborhoodMissouri, United StatesEsteemed chefs melding Appalachian and indigenous flavors.
- Highway 61TrailMississippi, United StatesSo-called Blues Highway, turnoff for legendary juke joints.
- Great Smoky MountainsSightTennessee, United StatesSample Appalachian cooking in a classic red barn.
- North Carolina oystersRestaurantNorth Carolina, United StatesSlurp oysters straight from the sea bed.
- seafood safariPlaceAlabama, United StatesEmbark on a safari in the backwaters of Alabama.
- Arkansas’ ‘Natural State’SightArkansas, United StatesRippling hills, waterfalls, sky-scraping peaks, stooping caverns.
- Ozark and Ouachita mountain regionsSightArkansas, United StatesServe up a feast of natural wonders.
- Ozark National ForestSightArkansas, United StatesEnvelops hilly oak and hickory forests and creekside sycamores.
- Whitaker Point TrailTrailArkansas, United StatesWends into hardwood thickets, skirt cliff edges, pass waterfalls.
- Hawksbill CragSightArkansas, United StatesStriking tongue of sandstone juts over cloud-cloaked canopy.
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and PreserveSightLouisiana, United StatesOasis of bayous, boardwalks, and mysterious maritime history.
- Barataria PreserveSightLouisiana, United StatesProtects a particularly rich area of swamps and marshes.
- Lake Fausse Pointe State ParkSightLouisiana, United StatesGreat base for exploring the waters of the Atchafalaya Swamp.
- Cypress Island PreserveSightLouisiana, United StatesSwamp-knitted expanse where migratory species nest.