Beach Getaways for the Landlocked

As finals weeks nears for colleges across the country, many are beginning to plan their summer vacations. Plenty of those vacations include coastal beach destinations, but for everyone else who is landlocked, here are the top freshwater beaches in the U.S.

Presque Isle State Park Beach, Pennsylvania

This stretch of island offers more than 11 miles of beach. With concert spaces, lagoons, lighthouses, and plenty of room for recreation this beach has something for everyone. If you fancy a swim at your beach, you might consider waiting until July to visit this beach as the water will still be cold through the first month of summer. 

Bradford Beach, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

With beach bars and volleyball leagues that run throughout the summer, this beach will make you feel like you're on a beach much farther south, but don't be fooled, this beach sits on Lake Michigan. Bradford Beach offers excellent swimming conditions during the warm months and even holds yoga classes for those who enjoy a more relaxing beach experience. 

Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois

This beach sits on Lake Michigan and right in the heart of Chicago. This beach's location gives the opportunity for the unique experience of being able to take in one of the Midwest's most popular cities while also being able to relax on the beach in the same day. Although Chicago bears frigid weather in the winter, it is not unusual for temperatures to soar past 100 degrees in the summer. Oak Street Beach is a great destination for lovers of the city life. 

Now that you know some of the top beaches in the Heartland of America, finish up your schoolwork, visit Low Valley Outfitters, and gear up for your beach getaway. 

Where to See the United State's Most Exotic Wildlife

There's a common feeling among North American explorers that they need to leave the continent to see the some of the world's most exotic animals, but there are actually several places to visit right here in North America that show off very rare animals. With that in mind, here are the top spots to explore if you wish to see North America's most exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. 

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron County Texas

This wildlife refuge is home to many rare animals, but none more exotic than the ocelot. Texas is the only state in the U.S. that is home to ocelots as the species is endangered and fewer than 1,500 wild and captive are alive. This haven for endangered animals sits in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas and a trip here will showcase the tropical savannah found in the the southern United States. 

Everglades National Park, South Florida

Everglades National Park is home to 27 different kinds of snakes, flamingos, the bottlenosed dolphin, alligators, crocodiles, the Florida panther, and many other exotic wild animals. This tropical savannah is one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States has a wide variety of views to experience with land and water tours as options. 

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Many North American animals call the Rocky Mountains their home like bighorn sheep, elk, beavers, eagles, wolves, and the endangered grizzly bear. Recent conservation efforts have helped reestablish the grizzly bear population in the Rocky Mountains, but there are still fewer than 1,500 in existence. A trip to the Rocky Mountains will showcase more than just wildlife; see the snowcapped peaks year round and get the full alpine tundra experience in the winter. 

Now that you know you don't have to travel across the globe to see some of the world's most exotic wildlife, plan your next trip to one the these American national parks. And as always, don't forget to visit Low Valley Outfitters to gear up for your next adventure. 

Outdoor Summer Vacation Spots

Folks, you may have been noticing a trend in our recent blogs - summer. If you're like us here at Low Valley Outfitters you can't wait to have the sun out and warm weather everyday. As we get closer to summer we can't help but think about all the things we want to do during our favorite season. With that in mind, here are the best national parks to visit in the summer.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon 

Visit Crater Lake National Park in the summer to experience the dark hues of blue and green. The breathtaking lake is sunk into the earth and surrounded mountains on all sides. If you snow and frozen water is more your style then maybe consider visiting the lake in the winter, but for a more pleasant and easier experience, take the trip in the summer months.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Located in Southwest Colorado you'll get more than just a visual treat when you visit Mesa Verde National Park. Go on a cultural tour through the ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings and see what life was like for the natives 1,400 years ago. 

Death Valley National Park, California

This one may seem out of place as a national park to visit in the summer, but to get the full experience of Death Valley, make the trip to the lowest point in the U.S. in the summer. At 282 feet below sea level and just northwest of Las Vegas, make sure you are fully prepared for this hot box and bring plenty of water.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Take a trip to Kenai Fjords National Parlk to get a glimpse into the ice age. This national park is an outdoorsmen's dream with things to do like kayaking and paddle boarding. A visit to Kenai Fjords will showcase the Alaskan wild life and allow you to see the likes of moose, caribou, and even polar bears. With temperatures hovering around 60 degrees in the summer you can have a comfortable day at this Alaskan national park. 

Now that you have some ideas for places to go this summer, visit Low Valley Outfitters, gear up, and go experience the great outdoors. 

Top Bike Trails Around America

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer - summer is at our finger tips. Many cyclists have been strapped in on stationary bikes all winter and now the outdoor cycling season is finally upon us. With that in mind here are some of the best bike trails in the U.S.

Big Sur - Carmel to Cambria, California

Choose where you start this trail wisely as it climbs 6.5 miles when you start in Carmel. This ride will feature stunning views of the Pacific Ocean rolling into the steep cliffs of the California Coast. Big Sur trail goes as far as 100 miles for more experienced cyclists, but shorter options are available. Sandwiched between Sacramento and Los Angeles, the comfortable California climate will make for a nice ride year round. 

Shark Valley Trail - Everglades National Park, Florida

This 15 mile trail is perfect for beginners with minimal elevation climb. In your ride through the Everglades you will see some of the best wildlife the U.S. has to offer; don't be surprised if you have to pedal around an alligator basking in the sun on the trail. The South Florida climate can be hot and humid so if you want to go in the summer months be sure to dress accordingly and bring plenty of water.

Going-to-the-Sun Road - Glacier National Park, Montana

Going-to-the-Sun is a very fitting name for this trail as it climbs more than 6,000 feet above sea level. This trail climbs approximately 3,000 feet in the final 10 miles of this ride so it isn't ideal for new cyclists. Spring and summer are the best times to ride this mountainous trail, but consider making the trip in spring when only hikers and bikers are allowed on the trail. 

Lehigh Gorge State Park Trail - Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

This 26 mile trail follows the Lehigh River and will take you to the artsy downtown area of Jim Thorpe, PA.  This trail is relatively flat, making it great for beginners. You can ride this trail in all seasons except winter, but consider visiting the national park in the fall to take in the dark red hues as the leaves change.

And as always, don't forget to visit Low Valley Outfitters for all your outdoor needs.