Ranking the 37 Eastern U.S. States for Nature & Outdoors

Looking at which of the states in the eastern US have the best nature and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, etc. Not all states are equal in size or what they have in terms of beautiful nature so here I wanted to rank them to see how they compare to each other.
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The Motels: "Little Robbers" (1983)
0:00 Intro
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19:22 Outro

[@eddiehardie8586]

Geography king, you make by far the most interesting, specific, and unique geography videos I’ve seen on the internet. Thank you so much

[@dennisphillips7589]

Agreed. Fantastic content.

[@alecstephens9074]

Bro is doing tricks on it

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you! I try to keep the ideas fresh. I have a spreadsheet with over 100 topic ideas, most of which I'll never get to. That's why I'm not a huge fan of all of the copycat channels that rehash topics covered by big channels.

[@alexander.boulgakov]

You are kind of like the KZbin version of Lonely Planet for US road trips. I really like this sort of content where I can learn where to travel next.

[@LonelyPlanet-eb8wr]

We do watch and like Geography King.

[@GeographyKing]

Thanks! This channel actually started out as more road trip-specific before branching out into other topics.

[@Swampzoid]

I'm from Georgia. Many are surprised that North Georgia has many beautiful waterfalls and Tallulah Gorge is impressive to see.

[@BS-vx8dg]

_Tallulah Gorge is impressive to see_ And it's even more impressive to climb out of.

[@EthanNeal]

​@@BS-vx8dg I'd say breathtaking, but it's a gorgeous area, we don't really get too many lush canyons here in Idaho (both puns intended)

[@Car_guy31]

One trip to Helen and people's jaws drop. 😂 From Illinois (🥲)

[@Hank_Scorpio13]

I've lived in Georgia twice and on my second stay, I finally ventured to the north part of the state. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL country. Dahlonega, Brasstown Bald, and Springer Mountain, to name a few. It was barely humid in the middle of summer, which I couldn't say for the rest of the state. Would love to go back!

[@austinhernandez2716]

So did I but I grew up in the southern part and there's nothing here but the swamp.

[@geraldzimmerman8777]

As a Connecticut resident living in the Northwest, it's almost all trees, except for a few large towns. White Memorial in Litchfield is the largest conservation area in the state with woods, fields, swamps, rivers. And Mt. Greylock St. Park in NW Mass is an especially beautiful area. The Appalachian Trail goes through it

[@redbeardsbirds3747]

I’m from Alabama and I ended up married to a Connecticut girl ( our accents couldn’t be more different) …been up there a lot lately. What you say is true….its so wild and beautiful especially around Torrington…a great place to unwind and relax away from the more hectic and urban coastal region…especially after being in Hartford,NYC and Boston too much. ….I’m a country boy ! lol 🌲🦌 Go Huskies! 🏀💪🏼

[@MillerMeteor74]

I spent one year in the Adirondack Park, in 1981-82. I was only in a 2-county area, but what an amazing place. There is also the Catskill Park, which is a fraction of the size, but still beautiful with plenty of places to hike. I have been there a couple of times. I believe your ranking of New York State is correct. It's amazing that the state that contains New York City also contains so much wilderness and natural beauty.

[@hotbread148]

Thanks for rating Maine #1. I live in the north woods area that you described and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

[@PeakBagger999]

Maine is beautiful, love it there!

[@Herbiebz113]

It blows my mind how you make so many videos about geography and related topics and yet how they are all each very interesting and worth watching

[@raymondmuench3266]

I know you were highlighting wilderness, but northwest NJ and the Great Swamp in NJ can often find one alone, if not as much as in the pine barrens. Just no one’s left thinking it’s all the Parkway and the Turnpike. Canoeing on the Delaware can be a real challenge in the Spring.

[@samspinrad454]

I'm partway into a mission to run in every town in Maine, so I've seen a lot of it. It's certainly wild, especially up north. There's more potential soltitude here than anywhere else in the east, between the north woods and the islands.

[@johnalden5821]

I completely agree. I have been up in northern Maine, along the Allagash system, and we went for days without seeing anyone. I have seen fewer people in wild Maine areas than in western states like Wyoming, Colorado, or New Mexico, for sure.

[@DMSR76]

The line of states from North Dakota to Texas feel more west than east to me.

[@thetoxbloxer503]

Geographically they’re not particularly east, but they lack the grandeur of the west so it’s better to lump them with the east when talking about travel

[@GeographyKing]

There is a western feel to the western parts of those states, but where most of the population is in each one I think is more Midwestern or Southern. Fargo, Sioux Falls, Omaha, and Wichita all have a more Midwest feel, plus humidity and severe weather more reminiscent of the eastern states. But for Texas and the Dakotas especially, the parts of the state that are in my opinion the most beautiful do feel more western with mountains and drier climates.

[@DMSR76]

I understand the logic. 👍 Your videos are much appreciated.

[@samgould8567]

IMO, the eastern and western U.S. is more divided by climate boundary (which is slowly moving east) than by state lines. I’ve lived less than half a state away from that climate boundary for 30 years and it’s a cool experience driving back and forth across it.

[@austingee238]

I was thinking of 37 eastern states because truck drivers use the term “Western 11” which doesn’t include any of those states.

[@gregshulas4452]

Thank you for rating New Jersey higher than I expected. I am still wounded from its low ranking in the state video so this helped ease that pain. :)

[@MetsMagic0416]

NJ is a deceptively beautiful state. Pine Barrens, Delaware Water Gap, Mountains, the Shore. It's really beautiful.

[@outbackigloo6489]

I figured Maine would be #1, so I am not surprised. I am also not surprised at #2. I saw the eclipse in northern Maine earlier this month; this is definitely a state I need to visit more often!

[@Ryfael]

Went to NB to see it but Maine was lovely.

[@MaxZomboni]

I was surprised at #2. New Hampshire is right next to Maine and shares the same mountains with Maine. It has some of the best mountains in the East. It should have been #2. Instead he put it in the same category as North Dakota, the least visited state.

[@AtulKedia]

​@@MaxZomboniNorth Dakota is less visited not because of lack of beauty, but due to most population centers (East Coast, West Coast) being furthest from it.

[@MaxZomboni]

@@AtulKedia South Dakota is just as far from the East and West Coast, but people visit it anyway. Because it's pretty and there are things to do there. North Dakota is boring treeless and flat.

[@jayd5694]

@@MaxZombonithe real crime was not having texas higher tbh

[@derbagger22]

There's a 3rd unit of Theodore Roosevelt NP. Where the original ranch used to be. I got to touch an oak tree that was there on his property. Which was cool since he also helped to plant an oak tree in my neighborhood in Worcester, MA...

[@joechesser3716]

Anytime you make a list ranking something, you’ll get those who disagree. Thank you for the videos. There are so many many wonderful things to see and explore outdoors in this country. I love finding these spots when I’m blessed enough to travel.

[@dj-kq4fz]

Every time I fly over New Jersey I'm amazed at the size of the wooded area there.

[@tweezerjam]

It’s the most densely populated state but that’s all New York City and Philly suburbs. Other than that it’s beautiful. I live in Lambertville. Look it up. 👍🏼

[@anthonymrbs]

I really look forward to your videos. You do a great job. They are always interesting.

[@Lynn7015hb]

Great video. I enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@freeshrugs63]

Really nice video. As usual!

[@pauldavis1943]

Appreciate the suggestions for nature east of Colorado.

[@user-gf3lw5pi4t]

Another great production ❤❤

[@chrissanfino761]

Moved to Maine two years ago and I couldn't agree more!

[@Boss-KingInc.]

Another interesting video. It’s pretty cool to see a list from this point of view

[@MateoQuixote]

Love this! More of this! More niche specific videos!

[@mariaansley1519]

NY also has pitch pine barrens and hundreds of miles of seashore on Long Island!

[@jammcc176]

I grew up in Maryland in the 1960's. At the time, the state marketed itself as "America in Miniature." Although I haven't heard that phrase in decades, it still embodies what the state has to offer. Your video did a nice job of capturing the state's essence.

[@neckenwiler]

New Hampshire at 20 is incomprehensible.

[@themcbobgorge]

I gasped when he put new Hampshire below FLORIDA, literally the flattest state.

[@billycox475]

​@@themcbobgorge Florida is 🤮

[@jag92949]

@@themcbobgorge Florida has great biodiversity, beautiful wetlands, and some beautiful barrier islands / keys. New Hampshire should have been in the Top 10. It’s on par with Maine and New York. New Hampshire is prettier than the mountains of NC and Virginia. Michigan was ranked too low. He really dismisses the UP. Texas and Minnesota being ranked so high was laughable.

[@davidroach4100]

I know there's going to be quibbles here or there but I have to agree with you. I would put NH ahead of Florida, Texas, South Dakota, Vermont, and maybe a couple others. Between the White Mtns and the lakes region of NH, it's gorgeous.

[@alexandermathew3968]

I appreciate you sharing this. Currently travel working with my wife out in California enjoying a lot of the national parks in the west. We’re suppose to go back to our home area in NY/NJ this year which bums me out a little but seeing this reminded me how versatile upstate NY is, been to the Catskills and Adirondacks a number of times, always love scenery (especially the fall). And Maine ain’t so far either!

[@readerjoy]

Thanks! Great video.

[@readerjoy]

Have to admit I was pulling for my home state of NY and very happy it ranked so high- I agree!

[@Steveofthejungle8]

The prettiest place in Oklahoma wasn’t even mentioned- the Wichita Mountains in SW Oklahoma!

[@BS-vx8dg]

_Sshhhhhhh_ .

[@spcneary]

Graduated from HS living about 3 miles outside the refuge, worked at meers. I kind of agree, but the ouchitas are more beautiful and wild. Both amazing places, Oklahoma is underrated.

[@user-vr3mr5eu7y]

Nah ouachita

[@BS-vx8dg]

Actually, I am of the opinion that there is no such thing as "Southwest Oklahoma". Much like Florida, there is obviously *SE* a _Southeast_ Oklahoma/Florida (the aforementioned Ouachita Mountains/Palm Beach Miami area, respectively), and a *NE* a _Northeast_ Oklahoma/Florida (Osage Hills/Jacksonville), and a *NW* a _Northwest_ Oklahoma/Florida (the OK Panhandle/the Florida panhandle), but a *SW* ????? "Southwest" Florida is in the Gulf of Mexico, and "Southwest" Oklahoma is in Texas. In short, they don't exist!

[@user-vr3mr5eu7y]

@@BS-vx8dg na sw Florida is Naples n SW ok is by Red River over there. But ya u do make some sense too

[@malikshabazz2065]

great video!

[@rickwiles8835]

Great video I grew up in New York, and people would assume I lived in a concrete jungle all the while I would be thinking of the times I spent hiking and hunting in the Adirondacks. Perhaps you could do a video about Adirondack State Park after all it is one of the first Forever Wild Forest Preserves in the nation, and at 6 million acres, it is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. Also, have you ever been to Two Ocean Pass a mountain pass in the Teton Wilderness, which is part of Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. The pass is notable for Parting of the Waters, where one stream, North Two Ocean Creek, splits into two distributaries, Pacific Creek and Atlantic Creek, at Parting of the Waters National Natural Landmark. These two creeks ultimately flow into their respective oceans. Atlantic Creek water eventually flows into the Yellowstone River and empties into the Gulf of Mexico via the Missouri River and Mississippi River. Pacific Creek water eventually flows into the Snake River and empties into the Pacific via the Columbia River. The only waterway in the country which flows both east and west of the Continental Divide. 44 02' 31"N 110 10' 17"W

[@yungthunder2681]

This is my kind of video. Also good list generally

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you!

[@TerryAnnOnline]

Not originally from Alabama but moved here a few years ago. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the nature.

[@billycox475]

Most biodiversity east of the Mississippi, fifth most in the lower 48. Also fourth most in trees per area in the country.

[@geraldmeehan8942]

I grew up inthe middle of Hoosier National Forest. I was a root digger for 20+ years so I seen much of the wooded areas .. Thank you for the video, Kyle

[@ehhhsteve8582]

Well done! I’d also add that Maryland, Delaware, NJ, and Florida are paradise for birders, especially in the spring. It wouldn’t shake up your rankings, but certainly one of my favorite hobbies in those areas. Also, winter sports in New Hampshire might shoot it up the rankings a few notches for me.

[@natealwine213]

One thing you don’t ever seem to touch on is Lake Superior. I think that is probably the most powerful outdoor feature for Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Michigan has 6 National Park/Wilderness Areas in the Superior Region alone. I would argue that Michigan and Kentucky could swap places. Mainly because Michigan has a great rock climbing and ice climbing scene. It also has a pretty big whitewater rafting scene that shouldn’t be overlooked. We also have a very nice surfing culture in Lake Superior that Kentucky can’t offer. If you combine what with the miles of beaches and sea kayaking opportunities of Grand Island National Recreation Area, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the inland wilderness canoeing opportunities and I think Michigan has some extra Mojo you might not have had the opportunity to experience. I own an adventure center in the Upper Peninsula and I’d love to take you out on some whitewater rafting adventures or rock climbing adventures if you were up for it!

[@dominicpreiss1211]

Yea how does he not even mention pictured rocks

[@user-cm6vj5ls9i]

Lovely, thank you.

[@TheLucasValone]

Kentucky ranking higher than Michigan is insane. Love your videos!

[@stakknation123]

That picture of Georgia looks like a painting wow!

[@GeographyKing]

It's not my photo (I got it from a photo subscription service), but it's from the rim of Cloudland Canyon. I do have pictures from that exact spot, but certainly not as good. There's no fancy filtering on it either- that's how it looks at peak fall foliage.

[@pipepicasso8112]

My home commonwealth of Kentucky is very diverse for outdoor activities. Rock climbing, hiking in many state parks, fishing, boating, hunting, and something very few states have in caving or spelunking. Definitely top 10 overall.

[@WiseSnake]

Eastern Arkansas, most of which was converted into farmland, holds some very beautiful upland and bottomland remnants, too. I've assisted in botanical surveys in the region so I got to see the deeper areas of these remnants situated on Crowley's Ridge, the Bayou De View, and the locally famous Sunken Lands and others. If you are willing to brave the unfathomable amounts of mosquitoes, wading through water and risk a snake bite, you will be rewarded a glimpse into parts of this state's primordial past. Especially in areas where the loggers from generations ago didn't get to.

[@Turdfergusen382]

I mostly agree. 👍 nice work

[@lindabirkes-lance8915]

Nebraska was ranked above Kansas and Iowa. Thank you! Yes, there is a lot of pride in this Nebraska woman. Even cooler is all of the options in my new retired to state of Arkansas. I'm just learning how beautiful it is.

[@avgjoeavglife]

I think Arkansas is underrated.

[@user-gf3lw5pi4t]

Love the sand hills❤

[@guitarkis4969]

YES...MAINE!!! Can you tell I live here? LOL My family loves Maine, for many, many reasons. Tons of rivers, lakes, hiking and biking trails, and our coast has some incredible beaches (yes it's true) and rugged shoreline too. It's home to LL Bean, the original outdoor store, what else need be said. We love vacationers, so come on up and enjoy my state, great breweries and restaurants, and 4 season outdoor activities!

[@zachsmith3685]

We were just by the Buffalo river in Arkansas. We went there to see the eclipse and it was a gorgeous natural place to view it, especially with all the hills

[@connorchil]

One thing you forgot to mention about Michigan is that we have some decent skiing in the winter!

[@nickrigdon8883]

I have spent so much time in Virginia, Kentucky, and Georgia and they are all so very beautiful but there is just no conceivable way those states are more beautiful than Michigan and Minnesota. The Northwoods and Great Lakes are beyond belief. With that said, great video 👍

[@matthewquinn8596]

Kyle, I knew your #1 was gonna be your #1. As a lifelong resident of #1, I wholeheartedly agree. Love it when you share your videos about #1. Sometimes I wonder if you'd like to live here.

[@thedashcamkid6175]

Great video! A few of the states I disagreed with though. -Connecticut: Nothing crazy but better than most of the Great Plains. -Mississippi: The have some cool swamps there, not to mention Red Bluff. -Massachusetts: It’s not just the Berkshires, they have some amazing coastline making them a diverse state for natural beauty. Would have about 15 spots higher. -New Hampshire: Honestly, their mountains are just as good as Maine’s. Would also have about 15 spots higher. I agree with your takes on Oklahoma and Georgia. Love your channel!

[@Hank_Scorpio13]

Agreed! New Hampshire should've been higher! Curious what area on the coast of MA you're referring to. I've travelled (a decent portion) of the coast and it's all built up from what I've seen. I've been to some of the state parks near Boston, but they're more of an urban oasis from my experience.

[@edwil111]

exactly. Kyle didn't mention Cape Cod national seashore? huh?

[@thedashcamkid6175]

@@edwil111 Your right! It was Cape Cod National seashore and Aquinnah Cliffs I was talking about.

[@maxwellerickson7066]

I would go ahead and swap NH with TX!

[@deliaguzman1138]

Super happy to see Maine, where I live, at the top of the list. It’s mind-blowingly beautiful here, amd more water than I’ve ever seen in my life. Especially since I’m a native Texan!

[@blakeabel4721]

Hey Geography King. I've been watching your videos for a while and I am in the middle of moving from Ogallala Nebraska to Chattanooga. If I remember correctly you live in Chattanooga and I was hoping for some pointers on some cool stuff to do and see near there. Thanks!

[@briancole1950]

Excellent!

[@dctraining407]

Mr. King, have you been to Palo Duro Canyon in Texas? Was so impressed and never expected it from that area

[@GeographyKing]

I've been there. I knew about it before visiting, but it would be quite a shock to not know it's there, just be driving along some backroad in the Panhandle, and then all of a sudden come across it.

[@jimsonjohnson3761]

Guadalupe peak, big bend etc. big state lots to offer

[@curtvona4891]

Love your videos!

[@Thaddeus_Howe]

Very interesting rankings! Fun fact, some of the states you rated the lowest actually have some of the highest proportions of conservation land in the country! Delaware is 15th, Rhode Island 11th, Massachusetts 6th, and New Jersey 2nd. Massachusetts (my home state) is pretty amazing because there is so much protected land in even the fairly urban parts of the state. Almost every town has a town-owned conservation area with a couple acres of maintained walking trails through forested land. There certainly are not the large swaths of national forest land other states have, but beautiful natural areas in some form are generally very accessible!

[@kyusshead]

Wicked good list, bub.

[@declanmueller2652]

I remember once in Mississippi a guy haughtily said "you must feel weird without all that concrete." I grew up in a park larger than New Hampshire.

[@michael7054]

Great video! I live so close to Lake Vesuvius in Ohio. Its looks so much like thats where that picture is from! I love it there!

[@michael7054]

@forgottenplaces9780 Yeah i live close to there. I thought it was.

[@ajdarling295]

How can NH only be ranked number 20! 😫

[@johnalden5821]

I agree. I would have put it into the top 10.

[@austinhernandez2716]

Because it's small, doesn't have the most to offer

[@MegaGo68]

Perhaps Kyle has never hiked in the White Mountains? He's way wrong about NH.

[@nathanedison8692]

@@austinhernandez2716 Not true. I live in New Hampshire, last lived in Pennsylvania, also lived in Maryland and Michigan. New Hampshire, while much smaller, has much more to offer with nature and the outdoors than any of them.

[@MaxZomboni]

Yeah, clearly he has never been to New Hampshire. He put it right next to North Dakota, which is the least visited state. He got a couple of states right, but I don't know what he was thinking with the rest.

[@andrewportas3406]

Appreciate the Jersey placement. The northwest “mountains” are deceptively beautiful and there’s nothing quite like the Pinelands in the country. Little state but packs a lot of punch when you look around.

[@tejida815]

The Hudson River Valley is one of my favorite areas of NY. I’m sorry I never got to visit Maine. I‘ve only been as far north as Massachusetts.

[@nkg1190]

as a college student in the Hudson Valley, I couldn't agree more it's absolutely incredible out here

[@forgottenplaces9780]

No way id have Illinois, KS, or Indiana above Massachusetts even if its crowded the coasts and mountains alone make up for it and have much more to see

[@spencersandberg7753]

I'm from the west and I was blown away when I moved to Massachusetts. There's so much variety of nature here.

[@bjdon99]

Very true. I have been to Kansas several times. . It may be America’s least scenic state. The Flint Hills are probably the only scenic feature of note there, and they aren’t even that scenic. MA has the Berkshires, Quabbin Reservoir and the Cape Cod National Seashore. It should be way higher on the list.

[@forgottenplaces9780]

@@bjdon99 yea, i cant believe iowas higher too, i would put that state right w kansas, very minimal natural scenery, the entire state is practically a cornfield

[@ecurewitz]

Massachusetts has some amazing outdoors areas, yes it is crowded, and you are never far from civilization, but it has an awful lot to offer

[@bjdon99]

@@forgottenplaces9780 The Eastern 1/4th of the state is hilly and has trees (and a lot of ritzy suburbs for the KC metro area) but the Western 3/4ths is pretty flat an treeless.

[@robthetraveler1099]

12:29 Ouachita Mountains are in the southwestern quadrant of Arkansas; the ones in the northwest are the Boston Mountains. The dividing line is the Arkansas River valley.

[@johnbeiswenger3742]

Could you add small and humble titles to the lower right of the photographs you display, stating the exact location? Thanks for all you do.

[@Rthomp02]

The BWCA in Mn is my fav vacation spot. As a local is so easy to access and so beautiful!

[@kurtco.397]

The four of us in Maryland - America in miniature, after all - would like to have a word with you over Old Bay beers. Fun list Kyle, thank you!

[@dlognave]

I would personally rank Pennsylvania higher but besides that, great list Kyle!

[@VL-gs2wr]

I'm so glad you ranked Kentucky so high! We also have the beautiful bluegrass area in the central part of the state. Plus, many, many arches-we have the highest concentration of arches in the eastern U.S.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Big South Fork is absolutely beautiful. I live near the Tennessee side and go there all the time

[@wnee1]

Great video! I think that this was a fairly fair set of rankings - although I would have liked to have seen proximity to skiing (downhill and cross country) be a criterion in the overall rankings. This could have helped boost VT, NH, MN, MI, among others. 🙏

[@Nate_Higgins]

I'm glad you ranked my state so highly. The Buffalo River is truly special. The only downside is that too many people are aware of it now.

[@GeographyKing]

That is one of the downsides of something being officially named a national park or river for sure.

[@Brillemeister]

Love this list! What area is in the picture for Georgia?

[@GeographyKing]

It's Cloudland Canyon State Park in the NW corner of the state

[@adamodle3944]

Shenandoah National Park is worth a mention in Virginia. Some of the best views in the Valley & Ridge Region. Thanks for the video

[@fearlesssquatcher5737]

Ohio has Salt Fork State Park, which has some pretty scenery, and a history of Bigfoot sightings.

[@Mark-uq9km]

I grew up in that area and even remember when Salt Fork was being created in Guernsey County close to Cambridge. I never thought the area was special and couldn't wait to leave. If I didn't have family there I wouldn't bother to go back.

[@Randy4712]

Having moved to Tucson from Overland Park, thank you for not ranking Kansas last. To brag, I did pedict ME & NY #'s 1 & 2. Of course, so did half the viewers.

[@tonyporco9524]

I'm going to do something I don't often do; I'm going to disagree vigorously (although still respectfully) with the Geography King. I know that some state had to be last, and I also acknowledge that I'm biased, but I find Delaware exceptional (certainly more so than Kansas or Indiana or North Carolina). Trap Pond (which I think was featured in another GK video), Cape Henlopen, Bombay Hook, and the little towns in rural Kent and Sussex counties--they're unique and I love them all. Even in Wilmington, which isn't the world's most exciting city, there's the Christina River, Brandywine Park, and the Coffin Gardens, all hidden gems. Granted, I have spent a lot of time in the state, and there's a lot of subjectivity to this kind of thing.

[@jasonbegg3539]

It’s amazing how unmentioned NY can go as far as nature spot. The Adirondacks might as well be western New England, but with even fewer people and even more picturesque peaks. The southern tier holds beautiful lush hills. The finger lakes are a joy of their own, and Letchworth state park (Grand canyon of the east) is consistently rated one of the nation’s best state parks, a reputation fairly earned IMO. The thousand islands are a great spot. More than anywhere else, who could forget Niagara Falls. Seriously though it’s a huge state and has almost every temperate biome you could possibly want. Also an underrated state for winter sports!

[@spencersandberg7753]

Kyle I respect your opinions a ton, but I think you're off with Massachusetts. I understand New England is the part of the country you've spent the least amount of time in, and I think it shows here. Massachusetts has some fantastic shoreline with dunes, rocky cliffs, marshes, etc, plus dozens of incredible islands. Add to that the many beautiful lakes, and the water recreation here is pretty competitive with other states. And while the Berkshires can't compete with the broader Appalachian range, they're expansive and gorgeous. I moved here a few years ago from the western US, and I've been blown away at the hiking, biking, and paddling. Overall, I can't see how states like Kansas, Iowa, New Jersey, or Illinois rank above it. Great video overall though, I enjoyed learning about a few new places

[@nathanedison8692]

Yes the Massachusetts ranking is off. And the Vermont and New Hampshire rankings are absolute lunacy. Massachusetts actually might be the most underrated state by its own population because so many people there think of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine when it comes to the outdoors. But Massachusetts has a surprising amount of natural beauty of its own.

[@MaxZomboni]

He is just ranking the states by size. He ranks Maine and New York high for sheer amount of nature, but ranks Vermont and New Hampshire low because they are small states. Massachusetts I'm kind of mixed on. It's pretty developed, but the Western part of state and the shoreline are nothing to be sneezed at.

[@billycox475]

Agree. Massachusetts is beautiful

[@nathanedison8692]

@@MaxZomboni “Mixed” would be a good way to describe my feelings on Massachusetts, too. I was born in Vermont, grew up throughout Upstate New York, and I live in New Hampshire, so I’m pretty much morally obligated to despise Massachusetts, lol! But I simply can’t give Massachusetts the level of disrespect in this video. Ranks below Kansas and Iowa? Seriously? Half the state is urban Boston metro? More like a quarter at most. Only the western quarter is rural and wooded? The development around Boston doesn’t go past Worcester and Fitchburg, and the two thirds of the state west of there is rural outside the Springfield area. And no mention of Massachusetts’ multiple coastlines and islands? Definitely not a serious analysis.

[@MaxZomboni]

I have never been to Massachusetts but having watched a lot of Appalachian Trail hiking videos on KZbin, I would probably put the area around Adams, North Adams, Williamstown on my bucket list to visit. Including Mount Greylock and the Hoosic River. It's not really worth my driving 3,000 miles across the country to see it, but if I was in Massachusetts I would certainly stop there.

[@KristianWontroba]

I lived in NC and now in Maine. Certainly can agree with their rankings! 😊

[@jag92949]

New Hampshire was ranked too low. I like it better than Vermont, and the Appalachian Mountains look the best there.

[@Timotimo101]

@@jag92949 I think NH, VT and TN were all ranked too low. I've lived in all three plus TX (which was ranked too high, imo.)

[@jag92949]

@@Timotimo101 Texas only has the far western portion. Also, the Oklahoma panhandle sucks. It never recovered from the 1930s dust bowl.

[@KristianWontroba]

@@jag92949 I agree that the Appalachians in NH are stunning. It pleasantly surprised me when I visited up in that part of the state.

[@VentureAddicts]

Did a backcountry camp and hike in north unit of Theodore Roosevelt Park and it was one of my favorite experiences in my life

[@guardiantree8879]

Don’t forget Reelfoot Lake in north west Tennessee, we have our own swamps too. Plus middle Tennessee has some great rivers for paddling too & some awesome waterfalls. Some man made lakes are also pretty nice & have secluded areas.

[@Timotimo101]

and more caves than any other state!!!

[@raywolf3rd]

Nice video as always. While one can quibble about the rankings which makes for great discussion, I did want to point out one thing about Iowa. Don't forgot the Loess Hills in the western part of the state along the Missouri River. The area is great for hiking, camping and some water activities. But most significant, this is only one of two places in the world where this type of landform exists. Indeed northeast Iowa is the nicest part of the state (including Mississippi River and backwaters), but the Loess Hills is worth a quick mention.

[@foolmetwice374]

Great video. Having been to 49 states, I too reject the idea that "only the West is beautiful," believing that natural beauty can be found anywhere. There are parts of Nebraska and South Dakota that look nearly indistinguishable from California, except that nobody else is around, giving it a certain mystique.

[@branagain]

Kyle, can you rank your favorite National Parks?

[@onebackzach]

Just curious, what regions of Louisiana have you been to? Roughly about half of the state is the classic cypress swamps, marshes, and bottomland hardwood forest, but the other half is pineywoods and frequently has rolling hills. I think you'd be surprised by what you see in the Kisatchie national forest. There's areas with exposed sandstone and very thin soil, so when you combine the sort of vegetation that grows there with the surprisingly steep, rocky hills it's extremely beautiful and reminds me of a lot of areas out west.The Tunica Hills is another really interesting area where there's really deep deposits of loess, which is a very fine wind-blown silt. It's very erodible so you end up with deep ravines and steep slopes. It also has the perfect amount of drainage and supports some really beautiful large hardwood trees.

[@themoose4534]

Lived in Maine and NC briefly...both are incredibly beautiful.

[@CarolinaWeeper]

I love by monthly walks at Congaree NP! Definitely a gem in the Midlands of SC with some massive loblolly pines 😮

[@chrissanfino761]

I would have moved Vermont and new Hampshire farther down the list, while Nebraska and Kansas up the list. But you can find beauty in all the states. Ive kayaked trussum pond in Delaware. The most scenic waterway in the state, for example

[@thepointsnorth]

Great way to communicate a fact of New England life, that the region essentially functions as one big state with the southern three for development and very little nature and the others staying rural. So you can live in one and still have the benefits of the other pretty close by.

[@CoolCoverBro]

Massachusetts has the Appalachian Mountains running through the state, and has some smaller Mountains around Worcester, and you have the Cape & Islands. That's a lot packed into a 3 hour drive in terms of per capita scenery.

[@thepointsnorth]

@@CoolCoverBro indeed

[@chadnga8]

@geography king You live near the NE corner is Alabama?? I do too....I live in Rome, Georgia (Floyd County) in NW GA. Are we almost neighbors? You don't have a southern accent, so I assume you must have "migrated south" . Thanks for the great content as always!

[@hencoprod]

I think touching on the national seashore/cape and islands/general coastal areas of Massachusetts would bump it at least couple spots. Pretty good reserve areas and conservation groups continue to buy up more

[@TechMan330]

Kyle, I think you need to spent more time in Vermont and New Hampshire! 😅

[@JWStreeter]

I'd be curious where Michigan stands if you split it into the LP and UP. I lived in Grand Rapids and there was almost nothing interesting for hundreds of miles in each direction, except beaches, which were only nice 3 months of the year at best. Most of the interesting nature parks were in northern MI or in the UP. The picture you used for MI (Porcupine Mnts) definitely does not represent MI as a whole, it better represents Wisconsin and the UP. In fact, when I took a motorcycle trip to Porcupine Mnts, the gate keeper said I was the only biker from MI she saw for a long time; all of them were from WI. It's a 9 hr drive from Grand Rapids!!!

[@dylanlake7]

Happy for Maine! Glad Arkansas was ranked high as well, underrated beautiful state

[@j.s.7335]

Include Hawaii in the western ranking! I wish you had included D.C. (and maybe the Caribbean territories as well). Great video!

[@MaxZomboni]

DC would be below Rhode Island. There is no nature in DC, just urban parks.

[@outbackigloo6489]

I think Puerto Rico would have been an interesting addition and its placement would have been interesting. I’m guessing it would be on the lower side of the list, near CT, but its tropical environment might have pushed it up a few spots. DC would have ranked dead last.

[@user-gf3lw5pi4t]

D.C.??????

[@outbackigloo6489]

@@user-gf3lw5pi4t - Direct Current. ⚡️

[@JamesVanCleaf]

Most people think DE doesn't have much nature or wilderness, but the northern boundaries of the state bordering MD & PA have some genuinely beautiful wilderness/mountain biking trails that connect large portions of the northern county together and with the surrounding states. White Clay Creek seemed boring to me for a while but after spending more time there, there's a lot more to it than it seems. Bald Eagles, vibrant mossy patches, some cool swamps and vernal pools full of amphibians, paw paw trees with sweet rare fruit you can pick off the tree, etc. And the coastal plain region near Bombay Hook is pretty cool. DE has a pretty clear transition between the northern and southern biomes and it's cool to be on the border of Appalachian type scenery (albeit flatter) you'd expect in NY/PA and transition to coastal plain that looks more like VA/NC. I understand it's not a grandiose beauty, but i've been to most of the states and didn't appreciate how beautiful DE can really be until spending time away and returning.

[@bghyst]

Kyle, Think you didn’t give enough consideration to the water being part of “the outdoors”. Residents and visitors love DE beaches, boating on Naragansett Bay in RI, and the seaside on Cape Cod MA. But you’re spot on about MS.

[@jag92949]

Rhode Island and Massachusetts have nice shores. Delaware is 👎. Residents of that state need to drive north for superior New Jersey for the shore.

[@andycockrum1212]

Delaware sucks, get over it

[@jag92949]

@@andycockrum1212 Delaware has ghettos, dirty swamps, dirty beaches, and Joe Biden. What a fantastic state.

[@metrictongues1709]

Came here to say this. Found it a bit odd to include swamps and lake coastlines for lots of states but not mention much about ocean shoreline. Even the small states have lots of good less trafficked protected areas and parks. Love a good hike in the woods but beach is my favorite place to be "in nature" and am sure lots of other people too.

[@GeographyKing]

I agree, but I was thinking more along the lines of outdoors activities as "self-propelled transport through nature", although I do see how a walk along a beach can be that.

[@matthewg7228]

In most of these states, the nature is so good that to see any of them ranked so high seems disrespectful, but it just goes to show how special our country is. In my personal opinion, North Carolina belongs at the top of this list, not just because it has the best of the Appalachian mountains, but it also has some beautiful nature near the coast in its poccasin swamps and pine forests. I am from North Carolina and I haven't been to Maine, so I may be biased.

[@johnalden5821]

Tough call. I have been to both states, camping, backpacking and whitewater. If I had to make the call, Maine wins by a sliver, as it still has more areas of the North Woods that are completely remote and utterly inaccessible by anything other than a float plane. There are huge lakes that you can barely see across, much less swim across -- and where you can dip your water bottle into the center of the lake without worrying about filtering. I have gone to sleep in my tent to a concert of loon calls -- utterly haunting. But North Carolina would be my number 2. From any clear, high spot, the mountain ranges go on forever. I have seen a tendril of mist roll over a mountain and curl itself like God drew it with his finger. My answer would be, go to Maine. Don't compare it to North Carolina, but just take it for what it is. You'll see how beautiful they both are, in their different ways.

[@yvonneconte3040]

I'm from Adirondack region New York state. I was debating between here and Maine which would be #1😊

[@RazorsAreSharp]

Was surprised to see Iowa at 31! There’s so many neat spots, but the Loess Hills in the western part of the state is my favorite place ever

[@EfficientRVer]

There's not much to disagree with in this one. True of most of your videos, actually. For sure, there is no mountain I enjoy climbing or camping on in the east, more than Katahdin. I'm turning 67 this summer, and wonder if I'd walk around obstacles on the Knife Edge now, rather than hop along the tops of them as I always found to be the best way.