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| | Southern Nature Up Close
More than ever, people are looking to connect with nature. As a result, an age-old pastime is making a BIG comeback. That’s right, birdwatching. What’s more, since social distancing is still recommended, the often-secluded hobby offers travellers a fun way to explore while remaining safe.
For South Carolina, the birding trend is nothing new. The state has long been legendary for its birdwatching hot spots, where more than 430 species can be seen. South Carolina offers a diverse array of habitat and birdlife in a state small enough to hit many high points in a single trip, making it a superb destination for both new bird nerds and seasoned wing nuts.
Click HERE to download more information from each state below about outdoor experiences. | | ALABAMA Alabama is blessed with tremendous natural diversity that spans terrestrial habitats from the gulf beaches to the lower Appalachian Mountains. The state also contains a wealth of water and wetland resources. | | Dismals Canyon – Phil Campbell, AL Dismals Canyon is a sandstone gorge near Phil Campbell in Franklin County, Alabama. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in May 1974. Dismals Canyon is one of only a few places where insects called dismalites can be found. The larval forms of these flies emit a bright blue-green light to attract food and mates. These "glowworms'' require a select habitat to survive and are unique to only a few places on Earth. They are “close cousins'' of the rare glow worms found in Australia and New Zealand. | | Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary – Dauphin Island, AL Dauphin Island is a 14-mile-long barrier island situated off the Alabama Gulf Coast. The sanctuary consists of 137 acres of maritime forests, marshes and dunes, including a lake, swamp and beach. Recently, the 3-mile trail system within the sanctuary was designated as a National Recreational Trail. The sanctuary is of vital importance because it is the largest segment of protected forest on the island and the first landfall for neotropical migrant birds after their long flight across the Gulf from Central and South America each spring. | | | ARKANSAS The beauty and diversity of Arkansas make it an exciting place for wildlife-watching throughout the year. From songbird migration in spring to summer butterflies, from bugling elk in fall to vast winter flocks of waterfowl, there’s always something to see. Paddle a whitewater stream where Bald Eagles nest, or take a lazy float along a baldcypress bayou under trees full of herons and egrets. Hike through a pine forest where endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers breed, or explore a wildflower-spangled prairie alive with butterflies. If you’re lucky, you might spot a black bear snacking on blackberries, or an alligator swimming through a bottomland swamp. With dozens of parks and wildlife areas and millions of acres of national forest, Arkansas offers unlimited opportunities for discovery.
| | KENTUCKY No matter the season you visit, there’s sure to be something to see. In early fall prairie wildflowers such as purple blazing stars, partridge peas and butterfly milkweeds bloom and elk begin “bugling” – their mating call. This is also the time when elk will rub the velvet from their antlers to prepare for mating season – watch for trees that have been rubbed bare of bark. Leading into winter, elk and bison will develop their full coats and the bare landscape heightens wildlife viewing opportunities. In late spring bison calves appear, and summer is prime growing season for everything in the prairie. When you’re ready, Kentucky is waiting. | | | LOUISIANA Louisiana is more than just the bustling city of New Orleans, although its world-renowned food, music and culture is undoubtedly something to experience. Louisiana’s wild side shines through its mysterious and exquisite swamps and bayous, home to one of the planet’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. The beautiful, yet menacing ancient swamps consist of untouched nature, groves of gnarled cypress trees dripping with lush Spanish moss, and abundant wildlife.
One of the best ways to experience the intricate network of Louisiana’s scenic swamps is by hopping on a guided tour, where voyagers encounter indigenous critters such as alligators peering just above the waters and hundreds of species of birds, and hear colorful lore about pirates and other inhabitants of the vast, winding waterways.
| | MISSOURI Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield has been called the largest, immersive wildlife experience in the world. The attraction features over 35.000 live species of animals and teaches visitors about the importance of conservation. In addition, visitors can also schedule to dive with sharks from the protection of an enclosed cage.
See the elk and bison that roam the 10.000 acres in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. You'll also see various other woodland critters on a Wildlife Tram Tour through the property.
The St. Louis region offers a plethora of animal experiences. Families will delight in visiting the World Bird Sanctuary, Endangered Wolf Center, Big Joel's Safari Park and Saint Louis Zoo. In 2021, the zoo opened Primate Canopy Trails - an expansion that allows guests to experience primate habitats from the treetops. | | | NORTH CAROLINA From mountain elk to Banker ponies, wild animals steal the scene when they step into North Carolina’s showstopping landscapes. Observe some of our favorite stars with the “Keep Wildlife Wild” principle in mind. For more than a century, elk were in danger of extinction, victims of overhunting and habitat loss. In 2001, they were reintroduced into the wilds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The population has grown to about 200 elk, which can be spotted around the Occonaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee and in the Cataloochee Valley near Waynesville. Try a guided experience with Cataloochee Valley Tours. Note that salamanders create an additional reason to explore the park.
Descended from the Spanish Mustangs brought to the Outer Banks by early European explorers five centuries ago, the Corolla Wild Horses have roamed across the Currituck Outer Banks for approximately 400 years. These horses are such a significant cultural and historic resource to the area that the Spanish Mustang was designated as the official state horse of North Carolina in 2010. | | SOUTH CAROLINA More than ever, people are looking to connect with nature in 2021. As a result, an age-old pastime is making a BIG comeback. That’s right, birdwatching. What’s more, since social distancing is still recommended, the often-secluded hobby offers travellers a fun way to explore while remaining safe.
For South Carolina, the birding trend is nothing new. The state has long been legendary for its birdwatching hot spots, where more than 430 species can be seen. South Carolina offers a diverse array of habitat and birdlife in a state small enough to hit many high points in a single trip, making it a superb destination for both new bird nerds and seasoned wing nuts.
| | | TENNESSEE Get Up Close with Animals at these Scenic Tennessee Destinations. Spot exotic animals, eagles, birds and critters at state parks, outdoor attractions, zoos, aquariums and parks for a memorable vacation with family and friends.
• Reelfoot Lake State Park - Tiptonville: Reelfoot Lake State Park, in the northwest corner of Tennessee, is noted for its fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.
• Shelby Farms Park - Memphis: Head outside the hustle and bustle of the city to see buffalo (American bison) at Shelby Farms Park.
• Safari Park – Alamo: Take family and friends for a private safari and feed wild animals from your car at this unique wildlife park.
• Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga: Explore the world’s animals in one amazing place along the Chattanooga riverfront.
• Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies features upper and lower levels in its beautiful building that features a tropical rainforest, massive tanks filled with ocean creatures and the Penguin Playhouse.
• Ober Gatlinburg’s Wildlife Encounter - Gatlinburg: Ride the Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views of the Smokies. Visit the Wildlife Encounter (featuring black bears, bobcats & otters).
• Lucky Ladd Farms - Eagleville: Visit Tennessee’s largest petting farm with hundreds of friendly animals and exotic livestock. | | WEST VIRGINIA As the third most forested state in the U.S., West Virginia’s mountains are home to many animals and lush wildlife. Dolly Sods Wilderness, part of the Monongahela National Forest, has a diverse ecosystem filled with plant life that is common in places like southern Canada. Because of its high elevation, the area provides a habitat for animals like the snowshoe hare, a species not common to West Virginia. | | | RESOURCES | | TRADE CONTACT Travel South USA c/o FIVE MARKETING
Peter Hannaford | +44 1342 323 656
phannaford@five-ms.com
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