At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital.

Photo: Mike Keller

The North Umpqua River in southwest Oregon never fails to excite the imaginations of rafters, kayakers, and fishing enthusiasts alike. 

And with a 34-mile stretch designated as a Wild and Scenic River, the North Umpqua is protected by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve its free-flowing figure for future generations to enjoy. Visit it online here.

Photo: Oregon BLM

Sometimes considered “three parks in one,” Big Bend National Park in West Texas includes mountain, desert, and river environments. An hour’s drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. Here, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States, and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and solitude.

Photo: National Park Service