Hey everyone,
In this coming year or next, my father and I would like to go on a vacation in the US together. He is letting me choose the destination. However, I am not sure where I want to go. I would probably like to stay away from the big cities, such as NYC and Chicago. We are from the midwest, so I would prefer to go somewhere west or south. We both love being outdoors and hiking. I would also like someplace with a nature view, such as mountains and forests. Any ideas! Thanks!

Asheville NC would be a perfect choice, based on what you have said. You could also spend some time driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC and even up to VA. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park would be a nice way to spend the day. You can't run out of hiking, waterfalls and good restaurants to visit. Also, a visit to the Biltmore Estate would be great.

What time of year?

Any of the national parks in the western U.S.:

It is great that your father has entrusted you with choosing the location but not knowing what you or your father have already seen, we need more clues.
In addition to the National Parks, there are many great hikes in the National Forests in both the Eastern states and the Western states.
Are you thinking of driving yourself or taking public transportation (flying or train) to a location and then renting a car?

Thanks for all of the quick answers! We will most likely fly and rent a car. I have been to UT, AZ, and NV, and I would love to go to some National Parks or Forests. What time of year we would go would be based on the place we go, as we want to go whenever the best time would be for that place.

How about Alaska? I would concentrate on Anchorage north to Hatcher Pass and then south to Kenai Peninsula. Take longest cruise out of Seward to see glaciers and sea life. Also visit Homer. July or August would be best.

I agree. July or August for Alaska and September and after try for one or two of the Hawaiian Islands.
We have quite a long stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cascades of Oregon

Fly into the Bay Area, then rent a car and see the spectacular beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Of the 62 national parks I've visited in my lifetime, Yosemite alone is one of my all-time favorites. Add Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Lassen, Lava Beds NM, Lake Tahoe, etc, etc; and you'll have more mountains and forests than you'll ever need.

Note that you MUST plan a visit to Yosemite months in advance -- it's not a place you just show up at and expect to find a place to stay for the night.

Note that this is NOT one of our photos, but it does give a vague idea of the jaw-dropping beauty of the Valley.

Yosemite is a natural world wonder. There is nothing like it. And if you have the ability to choose your time do it in the spring/early summer when the waterfalls will be in their full splendor.

Another option might be northern New England. The White Mountain national Forest has some world class hiking, hundreds of miles of hiking trails(much in wilderness), beautiful lakes and alpine scenery. Adjoining Maine has plenty of back country wilderness, and the beautiful, rugged Maine coast. Acadia National Park has some spectacular scenery. You could also explore Vermont's picture postcard villages, farms and mountains.

I just answered another thread by suggesting that someone not bother with Seattle, but in your case, the contrasts to the midwest which are so plentiful in Washington and Oregon make for a wonderful destination idea for you.

There is no shortage of mountains and forests here, with Mount Rainier the most prominent mountain peak in the lower 48 states by 30%.

With so much water, ocean, and forests out here, you could marvel at the contrasts while also being glad later that you checked-off an area that is relatively far away from you, as it isn't as easy for you to reach again as are lots of other places.

For some such alternatives, you'd need someone to list the specific hiking options, but out here there are so many that you'd easily find them yourselves once you committed to a visit to Washington or Oregon.

The highest point in the true midwest appears to be Harney Peak in South Dakota at 7242 feet. Nearby Custer, SD starts at 5300 feet, and larger Rapid City, SD is at 3200 feet to begin with.

Even a schmuck like me can hike to an 8000 foot peak in Washington without needing any special climbing talents or equipment.

In Washington and Oregon the contrasts between sea level and those high-altitude places are much more awe inspiring, and then there are the water views as well.

You'll find plenty to do even if avoiding the cities... I can't say enough about how the contrasts alone will make Washington and Oregon seem like a wise choice for you.


Have fun with your father no matter where you go!