Blue Ridge Parkway [Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina] Shutterstock Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina | Whether soaking in the views from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the breathtaking mountain views will inspire and refresh you. Here, a variety of outdoor activities are at your fingertips with accommodations spanning from tent-living to remote and cozy cabins. In the summer, the soft blue haze settling over the mountains is especially quixotic.

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Witches Gulch, Wisconsin Dells | A welcome retreat from the cacophony of water parks, Witches Gulch is a mossy backdrop for leisurely hikes. The sandstone caverns, which can be accessed by the wooden boardwalk, are especially enchanting. Visit in late spring and summer for the best weather conditions.