top 10 outdoor vacation spots
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ABC News | More ABC News VideosCopy"Good Morning America" is kicking off its summer series, Vacation...TRANSCRIPT
Top 10 Outdoor Vacation Spots
ABC News | More ABC News Videos
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"Good Morning America" is kicking off itssummer series, Vacationland, by highlightingsome of the most beautiful spots in the UnitedStates.
The country provides many natural nationaltreasures to explore. Teaming up with NationalGeographic Adventure magazine,"GMA" hopesto inspire you to explore the country'slandscape.
* External links are provided for referencepurposes. ABC News is not responsible for the
content of external Internet sites.
Vacationland: National Geographic Adventure's Top 10 Outdoor Adventures
1. Grand Canyon. While floating on the Colorado River, learn about geology and enjoy some ofbiggest white-water rafting activities.
What to Do: George Wendt, the founder of O.A.R.S, has run rafting trips down the Colorado Riversince 1969. Learn how to book a trip with him at www.oars.com.
Where to Stay: The Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim has rooms for $50 and detached cabins for$109. Go to www.xanterra.com.
On the North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge has upscale rooms for $96 and good food.www.grandcanyonnorthrim.com.
For park information, camp reservations and backcountry permits -- which cost $10, plus $5 a nightper person -- visit www.nps.gov.
E-mail Murray Mold at Destination Cinemas at [email protected].
2. Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail, the oldest walking trail in America, traces the East Coast and is 2,160 milesfrom north to south. The trail, which would take five months to hike in its entirety, includes theGreat Smoky Mountains and the Presidential Range.
For information and permits for the Great SmokyMountains National Park, go to www.nps.gov.
Information about the trail is available from theAppalachian Trail Conservancy. Go towww.appalachiantrail.org.
3. El Capitan
El Capitan, or "El Cap," is a 3,000 foot vertical rockformation located in Yosemite National Park.
Where to Stay:
The Ahwahnee Hotel: Visit www.yosemitepark.com. You can also camp right on park grounds.
For permits, travel and park information, visit the Yosemite National Park Web site, www.nps.gov.
Plan a rock climbing excursion with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, www.symg.com.
4. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska.
Getting to Juneau: There are no roads into Juneau, so you need to take a ferry or plane.
Flights: Alaska Air offers flights from most major cities to Juneau International Airport. Visitwww.alaskaair.com.
Ferry: Book your ride at the Alaska Marine Highway. Go to www.dot.state.ak.us.
Experience the Glacier:
Take a guided hike offered by the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The center also offersprograms and maintains trails in the area around the glacier. Got to www.fs.fed.us.
Most visitors choose to be dropped on top of the glacier by helicopter.
Helicopter Companies:
Temsco: www.temscoair.com.
Era: www.flyera.com.
Aircoastal: www.aircoastal.com.
Northstar Trekking:www.glaciertrekking.com.
5. North Woods, Ossipee River, Maine
Guided Canoeing Trips:Ossipee RiverCanoe offers a seven-mile trip for $125per person. Children 12 and under get a25 percent discount.
6. Boundary Waters, Minn.
Find links to travel information, paddling outfitters and guidelines, and park information and permitsfor exploring and camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at www.bwcaw.org.
Where to Stay: Ludlow's Island Resort gives its guests their own canoes and kayaks. It costs$2,400/week for a four-person cabin. Visit www.ludlowsresort.com.
