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.
Great base for exploring the waters of the Atchafalaya Swamp.
20 things in this story
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and PreserveParkOasis of bayous, boardwalks, and mysterious maritime history.
- Barataria PreserveNature reserveProtects a particularly rich area of swamps and marshes.
- Lake Fausse Pointe State ParkParkGreat base for exploring the waters of the Atchafalaya Swamp.
- Cypress Island PreserveSightSwamp-knitted expanse where migratory species nest.
- Elsewhere
- Hot Springs National ParkNature reserveHot Springs, United StatesSafeguards ancient thermal waters and century-old bathhouses.
- 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 MountainsNature reserveTennessee, 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.
- Hot Springs MountainSightHot Springs, United StatesTrail reaches 994ft across the summit.
- Honeysuckle TrailTrailHot Springs, United StatesConnects to the Peak Trail for more hiking.
- Peak TrailTrailHot Springs, United StatesOffers panoramas from the 216ft Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
- Hot Springs Mountain TowerSightHot Springs, United StatesOffers panoramas from 216ft high.
- 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 CragViewpointArkansas, United StatesStriking tongue of sandstone juts over cloud-cloaked canopy.