My family would like to go to the mountains for a vacation (something very different from our very flat prairie), and we don't know whether to go to the Rockies, the Appalachians, or the Ozarks.
Pros and cons? Weather? Beauty? Activities? What say you? We've read about Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, and Durango in the Rockies; Silver Dollar City in the Ozarks; and Dollywood in the Appalachians. Can't seem to find much info beyond that.
(We are not camping; we want cabins or something).
2007-06-15 21:38:42 · 6 answers · asked by Vixen 5 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
Have you given much thought to the Cascades in Washington State. "One of America's Grandest Drives", says National Geographic Travler. Traveling along Hwy 2 from Spokane to Seattle, you have a wonderful opportunity to view some of the most wonderful changes in Topography. From the proverbial Amber Waves of Grain located in Lincoln County, the World's second largest producer of Wheat to the massive rock formations that were carved by glaciers way before my time. Then there is the desert and the scabrock, which can be beautiful if you are not from that region. About 3 hours into your drive you will arrive in Leavenworth Washington. A wonderful Bavarian Village located in the heart of Central Washington and at the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range. After a day of sightseeing which includes a fish hatchery where you can see Huge Pacific Coast Salmon, to shopping in down town Leavenworth, to some of the best Mountain climbing and back packing in the country. Leavenworth is also home to some of the best white water rafting in the country. After a wonderful lunch at King Ludwig's where you will dine on traditional german fare, it is off to continue up the Loop. The Cascade Loop meanders and winds as you climbs to it's climax. Huge evergreens and Firs surround you as you set your sights upon gorgeous waterfalls. You are definitely in big game country in these mountains. At the end of the loop you will find yourself on the other side of the Mountain, home to the Seattle Seahawks. Enjoy a cup of Seattle's Best, and take a moment to breath in the artsy feel of this Urban City. Outside of Seattle you can take a ferry to Whidby Island, and from here the views only get better. I have been to the Rockies and the Apalachians, but I grew up in the Cascades. Call me biased, It's my favorite........
2007-06-16 02:01:18 · answer #1 · answered by fire_side_2003 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Rockie mountains definitely provide the best scenery and activities. I highly recommend Yellowstone national park. Here's a link: http://www.nps.gov/yell/
I have driven all over this country and there is nothing on the east coast that compares to the west. I have been to Durango, Co also and you can find many hotels and activities in that town and it is just 30 miles from a visit to Mesa Verde National Park.
Another very scenic area with a lot of activities is Glenwood Springs in Colorado, just over the mountains from Denver.
Go West !!!
2007-06-16 20:07:48 · answer #2 · answered by TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love the Smoky Mountains (Appalachians). We go every year. It is just so beautiful and peaceful. There are tons of waterfalls and other beautiful sites to hike to. Plus, there are some cabins that will make you NEVER want to leave. They have everything you could ever imagine. The pro's of the smokies... nice weather most of the time... beautiful sites, great food, awesome cabins, super nice people, lots of shows and entertainment available, and lots of free activities. Con's... a true tourist location. Horrible parking in Gatlinburg (but still worth seeing), cabins can be booked for months on end! All in all it is a fabulous place. I am actually going in September for eight days. For more info, go to the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge chamber of commerce pages. They will send you free travel planners and discount coupons. Cabins are everywhere... from secluded to in resorts.
2007-06-16 04:48:10 · answer #3 · answered by mrslang1976 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My favorite is Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Jackson is the classic western town and a must see. Next to town, is Grand Teton National Park. This is place is unbelievable, as the mountains shoot out of the ground in front of you. North of here, is Yellowstone, which is amazing. It was the best trip I ever took and cant wait to go back. There are so many geysers and hot springs to see. Wildlife is everywhere, from bears and wolves to elk and bison. You will never forget looking out across a green mountain valley watching a herd of bison cross a river with a pack of wolves howling in the background.
2007-06-17 00:15:42 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest Jackson Hole, WY. It is so beautiful there. Stay away from Yellowstone during the summer! It is totally over crowded and not very fun. Too hot. But the Tetons are fabulous. There are a few resorts there and plenty of things to do. Go to their website for more info on accomidations and such....
http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/
2007-06-16 04:50:22 · answer #5 · answered by Twisted Maggie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Appalachians are beautiful but look out for high unhealthy ozone levels in peek hot summer days.
2007-06-23 14:18:56 · answer #6 · answered by Gaia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋