Top 10 Underrated Day Trips

[@LoggyD]

Winona, MN, Driftless area resident here. Some great scenery, and great state parks and hiking trails

[@mind-of-neo]

I feel like just about anywhere that hasn't been turned into a contrived tourist attraction can make a great day trip

[@glizzzerd]

I’m not going to West Virginia

[@yodorob]

It's the authenticity of it all! :)

[@AmazingAwesomeAlaska]

@@glizzzerd you’re missing out on lots of great nature

[@spencersandberg7753]

Who else could make this kind of content? All first-hand experience of places most people have never heard of. Thanks King! I'm excited to add some of these to my bucket list.

[@sharibrodersen704]

NW Nebraska is a hidden gem. You didn't even get to Ft. Robinson State Park, which is definitely worth a visit. We have similar taste, my husand and I have been to 5 of the ten. Really enjoy your videos,

[@strpdhatldy]

We did the Flagstaff day trip this past summer. Sunset Crater and Wupatki have the same NPS entrance, so it is extra easy. It took us about 3 hours to do everything with small children. Definitely worth it!

[@PeakBagger999]

I could only visit Walnut Canyon NM when I was in Arizona late April/early May, 2022. Sunset Crater Volcano NM and Wupatki NM were closed due to the Tunnel Fire.

[@strpdhatldy]

@@PeakBagger999 Bummer! I hope you have the opportunity to go again. I think of the three, Wupatki was my favorite.

[@ebrim5013]

Sounds awesome.

[@whatskevupto2964]

Can you please do a part two of this video? These are all golden road trip ideas!

[@GeographyKing]

I do plan on more like this.

[@Joefaf104]

Kyle I really like western Maryland and the panhandle. Great little towns. And tons of history

[@ornag7543]

Couldn't agree more

[@erhswku]

I thought the ice caves in Paw Paw were cool when I was there.

[@yodorob]

Could make a good getaway from Pittsburgh, as well as - somewhat farther away - Washington DC and Baltimore.

[@Wildflower222]

You have convinced me. I drive by a sign everyday showing the turnoff to Congaree but have never made that turn. Just decided I will now visit there this spring.

[@benty444]

This hit me with all the feels. I’ve lived near or visited many of these, but seeing the Nebraska Panhandle highlighted brought back a lot of good memories of my 3 years there. Completely underrated area!

[@cemberinks]

We live up in the black hills and love going into the panhandle every couple of weekends 😊

[@route2070]

With Western Nebraska, Southeast of toadstool also has Fort Robinson State Park which has some interesting history.

[@katykwasny1951]

My family went to Mammoth Cave when I was a kid, it was so cool. We stayed for a long weekend and went on about a half dozen different cave tours around the area and had a blast. There are a ton of caves other than Mammoth Cave in the region, so if you're looking for a less busy option you have plenty to pick from. Only downside was that we went during the spring and it was a particularly rainy weekend, so a couple of the caves we wanted to see were flooded and closed to tours. Otherwise it was a fantastic trip, highly recommend it! I also wanted to highlight another great day trip with a ton to see and generally not super busy. The drive on SR 123 in Michigan's upper peninsula north from Newberry up to Whitefish Point on Lake Superior is one of my favorite trips to take when I'm in the UP, and it's easily doable in a single day. You can easily hit both the upper and lower Tahquamenon Falls parks, the shipwreck museum at Whitefish Point, and Crisp Point lighthouse a little to the west along Lake Superior and still make it back to Newberry for dinner (I recommend Timber Charlie's). Highly recommend the drive if you're ever in the eastern UP!

[@MrKillfield]

The U.P. has so many good day trip spots all over! It’s truly a gem

[@MiningSolo]

You always have the best albums on display, love mountain!

[@majorbuzz]

I was fortunate enough to șee Mountain in 1974.

[@GregKulevich]

While visiting a friend in Tucson, we went out to Chiricahua National Monument yesterday solely based on your recommendation. It was amazing, thank you! Words cannot describe the splendor. Top three sites I've seen in the US for sure.

[@warrengday]

Great video. Looking forward to more in this "Underrated Day Trips" series.

[@vhhawk]

8:30 I can vouch for the Nebraska segment. Google guided me through that area on my way up to Rapid City, SD, and I was surprised by the scenic nature of it. I detoured through Fort Robinson state park near Crawford and loved the small museum there. Edit: I'm tickled pink because I've been to 4 of these places. Congaree was a really pleasant surprise and an easy and relaxing half-day.

[@Yormsane]

I really like your 'off the beaten path' videos, you picked 10 excellent day trips here. Please make some more of these!

[@MW-hr9tg]

Gold country. Route 49 in California from Sonora to Grass Valley is a great drive in the Sierra foothills . It goes by several old gold rush towns and there are many scenic places to stop at. Empire mine state park is an especially cool place. Great day trip.

[@garymoon2829]

Grass Valley resident here....I agree with these comments. IMHO, the most impactful spot along Hwy 49 is Marshall Gold Discovery SHP. between Auburn and Placerville. You can actually stand in the trench where James Marshall first spotted gold and changed history forever. Farther south is Indian Grinding Rock SP out of Jackson. On a flat exposed rock surface about the size of a volleyball court, there are nearly 1000 "mortar holes" where native Miwoks ground acorns into meal. Best seen with a flashlight after dark: by holding the light as low as you can reach below the wooden viewing platform, the shadows make the holes easily visible. Also don't miss Calaveras Big Trees State Park, which is where Giant Sequoias were first seen and reported by non-native people in 1852. Others probably saw them earlier, but the huge trees were not reported at the time.

[@alexconrad2904]

One place that I think would make a good day trip would be the Oklahoma panhandle to NE New Mexico. The bluffs around Kenton OK are beautiful and the hike up to Black Mesa is fantastic. Further along, Capulin Volcano is awesome, and the drive from Folsom over Johnson mesa to Raton is beautiful. Finally, the towns of Raton and Trinidad are great for shopping and lunch or dinner.

[@patriciastaton6182]

I like that idea I agree with you

[@patriciastaton6182]

❤️ alexcon

[@patriciastaton6182]

♥️

[@alleycatinsc8032]

Isn't the dinosaur monument in this area? We were in Trinidad and Raton this past summer and I almost went that way. We decided to spend the morning in Flagstaff instead.

[@alexconrad2904]

@@alleycatinsc8032 Dinosaur NM is on the other side of Colorado, but there are a few fossil sites in the area, such as dinosaur tracks near Clayton and more tracks near Kenton.

[@cubanmop]

That part of Nebraska is definitely pretty. We have been to Scotts Bluff NM on one trip and Agate Fossil Beds NM on another. When we were at the latter, it was like 100 degrees and essentially empty. Thank goodness it was windy. Also, the area near Valentine is really pretty too. Smith Falls was a good stop in that area.

[@bobbysikora]

I’m glad you mentioned that scenic route along southwest Texas. I went on a cross country trip with my dad from NY along I-10 and to SF, and that was my favorite part. It is a beautiful desolation out there from Del Rio to Marfa

[@thomas_delaney]

The Prada exhibit an hour north of Marfa is a cool surprise too!

[@JB-qt4hp]

Del Rio isn't on I-10, how did you work that into your trip?

[@pimacanyon6208]

Marfa!

[@bobbysikora]

@@JB-qt4hp A friend of ours recommended we take State Route 90 from San Antonio to Marfa since it’s more scenic. I wanted to see the Chinati Foundation. Then we continued on 90 to Van Horn and got back on I-10

[@jerrysstories711]

When you mentioned San Luis Obispo, I thought for sure you were going to talk about Carrizo Plain National Monument. The drive along Soda Lake Road is breathtaking in any season but especially in Spring. It's where the San Andreas Fault breaches the surface, and the valley is so green and teeming with life!

[@firefalcoln]

Even though Carrizo plains is in SLO county, the far eastern part of county is sort of the hidden part of an already hidden county. My guess is that he left it out because there isn’t a lot near Carrizo and it’s a long drive to get there from any other noteworthy spot. I thought he’d mentioned that Grover Beach and Oceano are the only areas in California where you can drive your vehicle onto the beach. Montana de Oro and Avila Beach are also fabulous spots. I’m a longtime resident of the area with no plans of moving elsewhere.

[@jbtechcon7434]

Yes! It's so gorgeous! I've never seen anything else like it. It's like the terrain of Death Valley but carpeted in green green green!

[@jerrysstories711]

@@firefalcoln It's only 90min to drive there from SLO. And it's so unique, whereas charming little beach communities all start to feel alike.

[@ryanjnunes]

@@firefalcoln I'm from the valley but I live down here in Grover Beach while I'm going to Cal Poly and it is very nice area but also too bad the dunes will be shut down this March for vehicular recreation.

[@GeographyKing]

I do like Carrizo Plain. I'll sit out there for over an hour just listening to the nothing.

[@sallyparsons6933]

We went to Capitol Reef in 2022 (along with 8 other National Parks that trip) and had a great time there. I was disappointed you didn’t mention getting pie at Capitol Reef. They are known for their pies and I can say their peach pie is REALLY good.

[@LukeXlll]

I would love to see more of these day trip videos

[@GISWIZ99]

SLO COUNTY REPRESENT! (Have lived my entire life in Pismo Beach/San Luis Obispo). Thank you for mentioning us, Kyle!

[@margefoyle6796]

I have done 6 of those (the two Arizona trips, central CA coast [to which I would add the spectacular Montaña de Oro state park], Capitol reef, Congaree, and Mammoth Cave. Great ideas, all! I can't wait to do the Nebraska one. Thanks, Kyle! I like all your videos, but I especially like these!!

[@sldulin]

great video Kyle. Love the fact that it is not a '10 Best' but just highlighting cool places to visit in places where your expectations are not that high.

[@JeffinBville]

Route 28 from Kingston, NY west through the Catskills to Delhi, a small college town about 70 miles altogether. Lots of turnoffs for hiking, small towns and villages, some touristy, some overlooked altogether. But mountains and farms... it's a beautiful drive.

[@brianlehman710]

In San Luis Obispo, do NOT miss Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard. Great hike and fabulous remains of architecture student projects.

[@dforrest4503]

That sounds really cool!

[@Boss-KingInc.]

Another great video. Definitely enjoyed seeing this. Another underrated day trip I would suggest is starting in Erie and following PA-NY Route 5 along Lake Erie northeast to Buffalo. And then following Lake Ontario along NY Route 18, Lake Ontario State Parkway, NY Route 104, and NY Route 3 to end in Watertown. A lot of beautiful scenery, nice small towns, and wineries along the way

[@ztl2505]

The driftless region is gorgeous, but IMO the most underrated day trip in the Midwest is the North Shore in Minnesota. Roaring waterfalls, beautiful lakeshore, immensely dense forests, plus incredible ice formations if you can bear visiting in the winter.

[@taylorphillips7030]

Northern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and the UP are all underrated IMO. In addition to the north shore in Minnesota, it's worth visiting the wisconsin shore of Lake Superio for the apostle Islands.

[@Steve-318]

The north shore is always hyped.

[@ryanvandy1615]

@@taylorphillips7030 Lower Michigan on the western shores as well!

[@whalesequence]

One more, maybe not completely off the beaten path, but taking a day trip through a section of the California gold country is excellent

[@JRPetruk]

Great video again, Kyle. Capitol Reef is beautiful and much less crowded than Zion or Moab. My favorite part of the state.

[@rebauer2000]

Nice! I've actually done a couple of these. Yes Western Nebraska is prima. Not many people there so that makes it that much better. There are tons of great day trips one can take in Arizona and NM. I lived in both for short time. And you mentioned Alpine to Laredo, but one of my favorite drives is El Paso to Big Bend going through Alpine and Marathon.

[@gretchenbass4675]

If you find yourself in SE Colorado I highly recommend visiting Great Sand Dunes NP! In SE Missouri, be sure to visit Elephant Rocks and Johnson Shut Ins. In Central TX, Enchanted Rock and the Fredericksburg area. Find yourself in Galveston, be sure to ride the free Galveston - Bolivar Ferry your kids will love it.

[@dmdeester]

One national park I want to mention that never gets many visitors is the Cuyahoga Vally National Park in Ohio just 30 minutes south of Cleveland. People think of Ohio as a flat boring state, but this park has miles of bike trails, hiking trails, waterfalls, ski areas, and nice little towns like Peninsula, Boston Heights, and Everett, and it's all located within the confines of the greater Cleveland area. So if you ever want to escape to the forest, just go to Cuyahoga Vally National Park!

[@herrmannfan]

Yes, and a train ride too!

[@dmdeester]

@@herrmannfan You're very right, how could I forget about that too? I've even been on that train too!

[@dirtymike3329]

Dawg I’m from there and it’s nothing special. I wouldn’t make a trip to go there

[@dmdeester]

@@dirtymike3329 Well that's you're loss. I on the other hand can't wait until I'm back in Cleveland, I'm going to do all the trails their and enjoy all the trees and waterfalls. It doesn't have to be "special" but it's a nice place just to get away into nature for a few hours, and it's also great that it's so close to a city. That was the whole point of this video.

[@whoopydingdong3138]

sad ….

[@chriscullen9642]

Another interesting topic, Kyle, thanks! I was happy to see the Driftless segment. (And loved that picture of Dubuque). Living in Chicago, I discovered that area in 2020 and made the drive from Galena all the way up the river to Minneapolis. La Crosse is a pretty well preserved town, with great houses, old mansions and bluffs. Just driving alongside the Mississippi and seeing what I kept thinking looked like 'little mountains' was a pleasant surprise in the otherwise boring, flat land of the Midwest.

[@zachvayo8970]

1. Capitol Reef is such a special place! I grew up in Utah visiting Arches and Zion, but had never been to CR until I was a young adult. Since then I’ve gone at least once every year; it’s truly one of my favorite places in the world. 2. As someone who recently moved to the Midwest, I love seeing the Mississippi River corridor featured, and I’m excited to check out places like the Driftless Area. The scale and rhythm of the landscape feels so different than the desert West, and it’s really gratifying learning to appreciate the beauty of a new kind of landscape.

[@herrmannfan]

Thanks for including Congaree National Park! My wife and I took a day trip there a few months back. Very calm, low-key, and free. And an easy walk for two sixty-year-olds. 😊 We also visited Helen, Georgia, not that long ago. Kitschy and fun!

[@grantpeters7958]

It is advised to carry your passport when traveling on the southern borders of Arizona and Texas. There are mandatory CBP checkpoints along the I-10 corridor

[@thomas_delaney]

Have to agree fully with this list. Been to 8 of 10 here while on road trips from bigger cities and national parks. I enjoyed most of them more than their big brother nearby!

[@taylorphillips7030]

As someone native to Wisconsin, I have to recommend starting the driftless zone trip in Eau Claire. It'll add about an hour to the trip shown, but it is worthwhile. It's a beautiful college town that's actually larger than any of the communities mentioned in the video. It's especially pretty in the fall. Also, I'd like to shout out Northern Minnesota, Northern Wisoconsin, and the UP of Michigan for being very underrated. Although they can be out of the way (especially the UP), there is plenty of beautiful scenery and hiking along the Superior lakeshore or in the various forests.

[@thomasrinschler6783]

I've actually done a fair number of these (Northern AZ, Western NE, San Luis Obispo, Congaree, and Mammoth Cave). When I went to Western NE, we also went to Alliance to see Carhenge. It's a totally kitchy tourist thing, but it's conversely also really neat as well (if that makes sense). I have to agree that western NE is hugely underrated and something most people aren't even aware of.

[@peterreesor8720]

This is really helpful! I know I'm not the only one who prefers places that are less crowded. Thanks Kyle!

[@ergoone1098]

I especially second Kyle's recommendation of San Luie Obispo county along the central California coast. The scenery is a bit more subdued than the Big .sur, north of it, but lovelu. It's especially beautiful near the city of San Luis Obispo in early spring, when the rolling hills are green with new grass, and dotted with ia collection of well-spaced California livc oaks. I've driven through the area many times, and once stayed in a local B & B for a few days to soak up the peace. :)

[@mathiasmueller9693]

Yeah, but I prefer the santa inez valley. I know solvang is a tourist trap, but it is still a fun get away.

[@margefoyle6796]

I love it too! The only thing I would add to what he said is the spectacular Montaña de Oro state park. Incredible!

[@bglrj]

You picked all my favorites and a couple that I have wanted to visit for a long time.

[@pawpawthebeagle9442]

Being that you live back east, I can’t help but feel your videos are heavy on what you know out there. Also, the South/SWMidwest, which you seem to have traveled through a lot. I think it is about time you do a state profile on Washington. It is so diverse topographically, climatologically, and has so many natural wonders like the Olympic National Rainforest, the Hoh Rainforest, San Juan Islands, Pacific Coast, Mount Rainier, Adams, Baker, the Palouse, the Okanagan region, on and on. If anything too you should do a little video on Leavenworth which I believe to be the most unique and accurate depiction of an Bavarian alpine town in all of the United States. Thank you for all the great videos and information that you put forth!

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you for your comment. I do tend to discuss the places I know most, and Washington is actually the state that I am least familiar with amongst the 48 contiguous states. I hope to get out there in summer but I probably won't do a state profile on it until I do.

[@pawpawthebeagle9442]

Thank you, Kyle for your time responding. I really hope you do make a trip out here this summer, not just for video creation purposes. There really isn’t a place in the world like Washington. The diversity found within its borders is incredible. Take care, and see you down the road!

[@michaelinminn]

I love your posts! You might have named this one: The B Team. I share you passion for geography; even when it doesn't make the A List.

[@unclemike6581]

Kyllllle, Absolutely wonderful collection..Awesome Job !! Love Your Work !!

[@johnzengerle7576]

I have had two wonderful weekend trips. One in Scranton, PA and another in Wilmington, DE.

[@kikiperales95]

Thank you for giving me more places to check out on my yearly road trips!

[@erynpimentel915]

Thanks for the video Kyle! Really cool spots. Cheers

[@Mark-uq9km]

My favorite was a trip from Pittsburgh to the Kinzua Railroad in Mt. Jewett, PA. Then head East on US 6 to Wellsboro and the PA Grand Canyon. A little further south is Williamsport on US 15, home to the Little League World Series.

[@vipahman]

This was quite enjoyable. I've been to Capitol Reef. Congaree and Mammoth are on my bucket list. I'll now add some of the other side trips in the Grand Circle. Thanks.

[@patriciastaton6182]

Hey I am so glad I ran across your channel and I am so happy thank you so much and helping me to learn and I'm sure a lot of other people's think the same way 💙

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you!

[@johnvenditto2908]

Nice touch with the Nantucket Sleighride album, quite apropos.

[@roamingbenji]

I grew up spending lots of time in the Driftless, my sister lives in north Georgia, and I now live in northern Arizona, so I strongly approve!

[@Nightshade-dh9fm]

If you're ever driving I-90 through Montana, there are two scenic byways that will take a bit more time, but in my opinion are some of the most beautiful drives in the country. This is assuming you are heading west, but can still be done in the reverse order if you're heading east. 1. In Columbus,MT, get off the interstate and head south on the state highway to red lodge, most people will take the Laurel to Red Lodge route because it's quicker, but Columbus to Red Lodge is much more scenic. Red Lodge itself is a beautiful town to explore some of the shops, after Red Lodge continue South on highway 212, this is the Beartooth pass, it is the highest rodeway in Montana and straddles the peaks of the highest mountain range in Montana, be sure the road is open before going, due to its high elevation, snowfall has caused the road to be closed even in June. This is also not a road for squeamish drivers. The road will take you across the northernmost section of Yellowstone Park where you will likely see some wildlife, Mammoth Hot springs has a nice restaurant, you then turn North through Gardiner and eventually get back up with i-90 in Livingston. This turns an otherwise hour long drive had you stayed on the interstate into a day-long drive when factoring in the sightseeing, but it is absolutely breathtaking, and if you love natural beauty, this is a must-do trip. 2. After you pass Butte, which is a very interesting town in its own right, you will come to a highway interchange that leads to anaconda, take this highway, anaconda like Butte is also a very historical town It is an interesting place to explore, continue West on the highway and you will drive through heavily forested area of Montana with numerous lakes along the way, Georgetown lake is an excellent place to stretch your legs and explore a bit, after this follow the highway to Phillipsburg, Phillipsburg is a very small but very cute town with a large history with sapphires, they have a lot of cute shops to explore. And the surrounding mountains are beautiful, after this continue on the highway north where you will meet with i-90 once again.

[@PeppyPomoboro]

Really enjoy your videos Kyle, so interesting and informative. My father introduced me to maps and map reading when I was in my young teens, [1950's]. When ever we went on a vacation road trip he would go over the route with me so I could be the navigator on the trip. I have since been on numerous trips across the country, by car, by truck hauling a race car, by Motorhome, by Pickup truck towing a Travel Trailer, and my favorite, two different long trips on my Harley Davidson Road King Classic. I have done 7 out of the 10 trips you feature. Even with the Greatest Guide ever of a GPS, I always carry maps. Keep up the great work Kyle, I always look forward to viewing your next video.

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you! I hope you continue to see more of the country. There's always more

[@danielkoon1016]

Whenever Kyle drops another video about trips, I instantly start planning another road trip.

[@jthomashair]

Epic video, Kyle. I loved your inclusion of northwestern Nebraska (especially Toadstool) as a day trip from the Black Hills. I did that exact thing and ended up having way more fun that day than in the crowded Black Hills. Had the park mostly to ourselves and felt really remote! I also added your first inclusion (areas around Tombstone AZ) to my bucketlist for when I do my planned NM and Texas panhandle trip this year. What’s a few more hours drive? The area looks worth it!

[@j.s.7335]

Thanks for the segments on Arizona and Nebraska. I am glad I have not done my Arizona and Black Hills trips without seeing these first! For the Texas-Mexico border, Seminole Canyon is a great attraction that should not be missed, but it can take a few hours. Doing the drive and also spending time in Laredo, I think, requires 2 days. Laredo is one of my favorite cities, but there is nothing for a tourist to do there, unfortunately. I also love going to walk around downtown Nuevo Laredo (but that's out of scope for the video, obviously, being in Mexico). I want to offer a contrary viewpoint, that Mammoth Cave isn't a very good cave, and don't be expecting a big opening or big rooms, like Carlsbad Caverns, which, in my opinion, is spectacular and criminally under-visited.

[@raywolf3rd]

Great catch including the Driftless Area. Viroqua WI is a pretty unique community and worth a visit.

[@MrsFrogmother1]

I've been to Mammoth Cave and really enjoyed it. The history there is fascinating. Worth a visit!

[@catherinespencer-mills1928]

When we went on vacation, we stopped at almost every ruin in Arizona. I was fascinated with Walnut Canyon. People should be warned about the stairs. My parents complained a lot about the stairs.

[@CosmicStargoat]

Two Thumbs Up for Capitol Reef. I have been there several times. If you drive in from the east, don't fail to try to eat at Duke's Slickrock Cafe in Hanksville. Traveling towards the park, the landforms are stunning. They resemble huge ancient ruins. The park is beautiful and never crowded. Don't miss it.

[@dsimon64]

Great list! Just did Tupelo (Elvis stuff, Civil War battlefields, lunch, and a meadery), Oxford (indy bookstore, general campus exploration), and Clarksdale (Delta Blues museum, dinner, and then a club for live blues music) in one day. US 278 is a nice divided four lane highway most of the way (65 mph speed limit IIRC) that touches all three towns.

[@tammiepulley7167]

Great video. I love San Luis Obispo on the coast of Ca. They have the best rated farmers market in California. It’s more than a market. It’s an experience.

[@MTBExtraordinaire]

I did a 6 week RV trip this summer and on our way from Colorado to SD, I made sure that we cut through western Nebraska (after watching a previous video of yours). The entire family said it was one of the best parts of the whole trip !!! We stayed in Fort Robinson SP (which was awesome) and went to Toadstool. I wish we had the time to stay another day. Well thanks for the recommendation. I'm heading to Maine/ Nova Scotia this summer .... I'll have to get some of your recommendations for that area.

[@brianarbenz7206]

Nice vid. In about a year I hope to have the time and budget for some long awaited day trips. I'm marking some of these spots. Mammoth Cave is the southern end of a system of caves that has a trio in far southern Indiana I just have to get a plug in for. Wyandotte Cave, Marengo Cave and Squire Boone Caverns are three you could see in a day. They are about 40 miles west of Louisville, Ky. All three have unusual features and colorful histories.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

One spot in Arizona you skipped: Barringer Meteor Crater, just south of 66/40 between Winslow and Flagstaff.

[@majorbuzz]

I thought you'd mention Boothill Cemetery, near Tombstone. Several years ago, more like 20, my son and I took a longer tour in Mammoth Cave. There was food service available about midway through the tour.

[@areisi00]

i would throw in there the Bend area of Oregon. We stopped there for a day between Mt Hood and Crater Lake, and it was a great day. We hit up Smith Rock State Park (small but stunning hike), crooked river high bridge (great place to stop off the highway and check out), and the town of Bend was great as well.

[@bobbid65]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I haven't been to all the locations in this video but enjoyed your comments on my past trips. Also, your encouragement to visit the others I haven't been to yet. Congaree NP was very worthwhile and the boardwalk was great! I had it all to myself. Must have been off season. 🥰

[@carnakthemagnificent336]

Very helpful. I've saved this video, King, for when I may be in these areas. Gracias!

[@jonathantitus2629]

Well done--we have been fortunate to have seen many of these spots and they are all really worth a trip/visit. A couple we have not been to are now added to the proverbial "list"...now if we can just live long enough to get to all the ones on it. :)

[@onedollah49]

Yet another good video. Truly enjoy your videos.

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you!

[@soccerdad93446]

Kyle, this is an awesome video. I’m tagging it to add to our next road trip. I live in SLO county and I’m surprised you didn’t mention the wine area of Paso Robles.

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

I love your channel. I'm about a half-hour from Mammoth Cave N.P., haven't been there yet. But nearby (about 45min from Mammoth cave) is also Abe Lincolns Birthplace National Monument and Abe Lincolns Boyhood home near Hodgenville, KY.

[@thegzak]

Ahh Cambria, so many fond memories. Shoutout to the Moonstone Landing shop! I know the shop is no more but I didn’t forget about them!

[@SilverThunder710]

Hanging out around downtown Corpus Christi is a great day trip. There is of course the US Lexington museum, but also an art museum with great local pieces, a modern and amazing aquarium, and a great water park, Hurricane Alley. McGee Beat and North Beach are also in the area, as well as tons of little parks scattered around, such as Cole Park, Norma Urban Park, and the Great Lawn at Water's Edge. If that's not enough, there are sidewalks along the ocean all the way from the art museum to Cole Park and beyond. There's tons of great food as well, but the one place I'd say is a must-try is "Whataburger on the Bay," the flagship location of the Corpus-based burger chain. The quality is almost guaranteed to be slightly better than other local Whataburger locations, which on its own is pretty high. If you want to step out of downtown a little bit, La Palmera mall has tons of little shopping outlets, there's two wildlife reserves on the western end of the Oso Bay, and Padre Island has a ton of tourist attractions, including of course shops but also a miniature golf location and two world-renowned restaurants, "Snoopy's" and "Doc's," which have outdoor seating where you can watch the sun set or boats shuttling along the marine corridor by the two food joints. There are plenty of beaches around that area as well, including Whitecap Beach and Mustang Island State Park. The South Side has a botanical garden, there's a race track which hosts weekly races during the evenings, and there are just an unbelievable number of little parks. If you head all the way west toward the Calallen area, there's even two parks, Hazel Bazemore Park and Labonte Park, that straddle the Nueces River, with Hazel Bazemore having far superior views and much more area to hang out in, as well as West Guth Park in Annaville and Nueces County North Park just northwest of Robstown. If you visit in late January, Robstown hosts an annual junior livestock show at their fairgrounds. There's just so much more to do in Corpus than meets the eye.

[@corgi_dad]

You missed Fort Robinson State Park in Northwest Nebraska. It has a lot of history, some interesting museums, and beautiful landscape. A little further east and south is the amazing Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It's a very long gravel road to get there, but the views are straight unbelievable. When I was there in 1992, there was a short side road that required 4WD to take. Luckily, my truck has that. Finally, since you mentioned visiting the Black Hills in relation to Western Nebraska, Cascade Falls on SD-71 is a great place to stop, and it's on the road to Toadstool Park. My young daughter screamed when we had to leave Cascade Falls, because she was having such a great time swimming there.

[@adamseroka5609]

My GF and I ended up over there and can agree, the Driftless Area was surprising for a Midwest Boi. Also hiking through large sunflower prairies is something I YEARN for. They smell INCREDIBLE and can't wait to return during a less busy period

[@SP1CEANDW0LF]

Perfect Oregon Daytrip starting from Portland: Portland>Multnomah Falls>Columbia River Gorge>Hood River Town (have Lunch, maybe on waterfront)>Hood River Vineyard (Recommend White House Gorge)>Timberline Lodge>Trillium Lake>Back to Portland It's a long day, maybe almost a full 12 hours, but can be done in a day and is really fun! Just leave early if possible.

[@derbagger22]

I had friends who moved out to Blairsville, PA to go to Wyotech. I went out to visit for a few days and then headed south to Blairsville, GA, headed east and came back up the Appalachians to get back to MA. Great trip!

[@Boden32]

In southeast MO, Elephant rocks State park, Johnson shut ins State park, and Taum Sauk Mt. are a great visit too !

[@allcreaturesgreatandsmall5956]

I have been to California several times and my favorite trip was to Pismo Beach and Hearst Castle. I also went to Aromas to visit a friend and loved the small town friendliness. The north Georgia mountains are beautiful with a rich history. I live in Georgia and have been that route many times. Recently I went to Ft. Mountain State Park where you can see great views and learn about it's history. My current plan is to see as many (public) covered bridges in Georgia. So far I have seen 6 of 14 (there are a total of 16 with 2 on private land). I have been to the Grand Canyon via Phoenix and Sedona but did not get to see too much on the way. I did get to see Arches National Park in Utah and wanted to see all the others but we didn't have time. Thanks for the video and keep up the great content.

[@bella380]

We saw the 2017 solar eclipse in Blairsville GA. Truly wonderful small town!

[@pruneface83]

I reckon you'd make a great uncle. Anyway, really like your videos, Kyle. Keep them coming. Fascinating insights into a country I have never visited but have always wanted to and hope to if money allows. Cheers from the North of England.

[@misterenergy959]

We were in Elijay and Blue Ridge in late October…beautiful colors! And of course, hung out in “ The Nooga”

[@scotcoon1186]

If you fly (or amtrak) into Denver and rent a car to go to the black hills and badlands, take i76 to Julesburg, go back west on US138, grab CO11, it runs into NE27, take it to US26 at Oshkosh, follow US26 and NE92 past Frog's Head Bluff, Courthouse and Jail rocks, Chimney Rock, and at Gering, continue straight to the Scottsbluffs monument and Legacy of the Plains museum. Or north on i25 to CO392 east, to CO14 east and CO71 north, 71 runs up through Scottsbluff and Crawford, into Hot Springs, SD. There is a small zoo, Terrytown Discovery Center, in Terrytown, on the river between Gering and Scottsbluff. After Agate Fossil Beds, stop at Fort Robinson, last remount statation of the US army, closed after WW2, and the site of the escape portrayed in Cheyenne Autumn. Chadron also has the Museum of the Fur Trade. If coming from points south and east and driving, come across i80 to US26 at Ogallala. Lake Ogallala is the hole they dug for dirt for Kingsley dam to make Lake McConaughey. It only adds 120 miles from points east of Chicago, less than 100 from Indianapolis. And there's a couple pretty good museums at Grand Island and Minden.

[@kenbob1071]

Have made the Dubuque, Galena, La Crosse trip countless times. So many things to do and see. There's also a nice little brewery/museum in WI near Dubuque called "Petosi" to have a beer/lunch.

[@jamesgoode9246]

I still haven't seen you feature the southern tip of Illinois on a video: Cave-in-Rock, a tour of the old bank in Old Shawneetown, Rim Rock & Pounds Hollow, Garden of the Gods, Millstone Bluff, Bell Smith Springs, Giant City, Snake Road (in season), Fort Massac, and Superman

[@dforrest4503]

This was a wonderful video! I think you could do a whole series on day trips!

[@johng5710]

Indiana Dunes National Park would be a good day trip. The park does get a lot of visitors, but the majority of them are just there for the beach. There are a bunch of hiking trails up on the dunes also with some nice scenery.

[@theeclecticlifewithsam]

Nice video. Good to have you back. Did you ever do a video about the North Shore area of MN? That is supposed to be nice drive out to Grand Portage. Probably more than a day trip though? I'd love to do the Superior Hiking Trail one day. ✌️

[@cavecookie1]

I know some of these roads well. Dad's family homesteaded in western Nebraska, and I did my freshman year at Chadron State. I lived in Arizona, but never made it down to Bisbee, Tombstone, but got to Flagstaff often. Also, lived in Santa Maria, Ca. just south of San Luis Obispo. The west is the best!

[@kylehandtunes]

thank you for the glorious content. makes my day. all hail the king.

[@andrew6815]

Heck yeah to SLO. The region is awesome and 100% worth the trip. It also has Paso Robles just to the north which is personally my favorite California wine region and its the gateway to Big Sur. I'd rate this slightly above the Eureka/Red Woods/Shasta area and the Eastern High Sierras just because of how remote they are. I'd consider all of them must sees. They should definitely be on the bucket list.

[@glennso47]

Thanks for mentioning the Driftless area in the Midwest. Except start just a little bit further south than Galena Illinois as In Morrison Illinois.

[@garymoon2829]

Capitol Reef NP: If you have more time, spend a week! Drive south to Boulder, then east on the Burr Road Trail to the "Upper Muley Twist Canyon". The view from "Strike Valley Overlook" (a couple miles up the wash) is one of the best I've ever seen in a lifetime in the parks. Be there at dawn or dusk. And don't miss the Burr Road switchbacks just east of the turnoff for Upper Muley...it makes Lombard Street look tame.