Ranking the 37 Eastern U.S. States for Nature & Outdoors

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  • čas přidán 20. 06. 2024
  • Looking at which of the states in the eastern US have the best nature and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, etc. Not all states are equal in size or what they have in terms of beautiful nature so here I wanted to rank them to see how they compare to each other.
    If you would like to support the channel, please visit my Patreon page at patreon.com/geographyking
    Album displayed:
    The Motels: "Little Robbers" (1983)
    0:00 Intro
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    2:51 31
    3:14 30
    3:42 29
    4:11 28
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    5:03 26
    5:29 25
    5:51 24
    6:12 23
    6:40 22
    7:05 21
    7:37 20
    8:02 19
    8:31 18
    8:55 17
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    10:28 14
    11:08 13
    11:47 12
    12:22 11
    13:06 10
    13:37 9
    14:10 8
    14:30 7
    15:07 6
    15:34 5
    16:18 4
    17:02 3
    17:45 2
    18:24 1
    19:22 Outro

Komentáře • 493

  • @eddiehardie8586
    @eddiehardie8586 Před 2 měsíci +162

    Geography king, you make by far the most interesting, specific, and unique geography videos I’ve seen on the internet. Thank you so much

    • @dennisphillips7589
      @dennisphillips7589 Před 2 měsíci +14

      Agreed. Fantastic content.

    • @alecstephens9074
      @alecstephens9074 Před 2 měsíci +5

      Bro is doing tricks on it

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  Před 2 měsíci +18

      Thank you! I try to keep the ideas fresh. I have a spreadsheet with over 100 topic ideas, most of which I'll never get to. That's why I'm not a huge fan of all of the copycat channels that rehash topics covered by big channels.

  • @alexander.boulgakov
    @alexander.boulgakov Před 2 měsíci +82

    You are kind of like the CZcams version of Lonely Planet for US road trips. I really like this sort of content where I can learn where to travel next.

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  Před 2 měsíci +5

      Thanks! This channel actually started out as more road trip-specific before branching out into other topics.

  • @Swampzoid
    @Swampzoid Před 2 měsíci +51

    I'm from Georgia. Many are surprised that North Georgia has many beautiful waterfalls and Tallulah Gorge is impressive to see.

    • @BS-vx8dg
      @BS-vx8dg Před 2 měsíci +6

      _Tallulah Gorge is impressive to see_ And it's even more impressive to climb out of.

    • @EthanNeal
      @EthanNeal Před 2 měsíci +2

      ​@@BS-vx8dg I'd say breathtaking, but it's a gorgeous area, we don't really get too many lush canyons here in Idaho (both puns intended)

    • @Car_guy31
      @Car_guy31 Před 2 měsíci

      One trip to Helen and people's jaws drop. 😂
      From Illinois (🥲)

    • @Hank_Scorpio13
      @Hank_Scorpio13 Před 2 měsíci +3

      I've lived in Georgia twice and on my second stay, I finally ventured to the north part of the state. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL country. Dahlonega, Brasstown Bald, and Springer Mountain, to name a few. It was barely humid in the middle of summer, which I couldn't say for the rest of the state. Would love to go back!

    • @austinhernandez2716
      @austinhernandez2716 Před 2 měsíci +3

      So did I but I grew up in the southern part and there's nothing here but the swamp.

  • @dj-kq4fz
    @dj-kq4fz Před měsícem +4

    Every time I fly over New Jersey I'm amazed at the size of the wooded area there.

    • @tweezerjam
      @tweezerjam Před měsícem

      It’s the most densely populated state but that’s all New York City and Philly suburbs. Other than that it’s beautiful. I live in Lambertville. Look it up. 👍🏼

  • @geraldzimmerman8777
    @geraldzimmerman8777 Před 2 měsíci +21

    As a Connecticut resident living in the Northwest, it's almost all trees, except for a few large towns. White Memorial in Litchfield is the largest conservation area in the state with woods, fields, swamps, rivers. And Mt. Greylock St. Park in NW Mass is an especially beautiful area. The Appalachian Trail goes through it

    • @redbeardsbirds3747
      @redbeardsbirds3747 Před měsícem +2

      I’m from Alabama and I ended up married to a Connecticut girl ( our accents couldn’t be more different) …been up there a lot lately. What you say is true….its so wild and beautiful especially around Torrington…a great place to unwind and relax away from the more hectic and urban coastal region…especially after being in Hartford,NYC and Boston too much. ….I’m a country boy ! lol 🌲🦌
      Go Huskies! 🏀💪🏼

    • @David_F97
      @David_F97 Před 4 dny

      Still the worst state in New England though

  • @MillerMeteor74
    @MillerMeteor74 Před měsícem +8

    I spent one year in the Adirondack Park, in 1981-82. I was only in a 2-county area, but what an amazing place. There is also the Catskill Park, which is a fraction of the size, but still beautiful with plenty of places to hike. I have been there a couple of times. I believe your ranking of New York State is correct. It's amazing that the state that contains New York City also contains so much wilderness and natural beauty.

  • @Herbiebz113
    @Herbiebz113 Před 2 měsíci +6

    It blows my mind how you make so many videos about geography and related topics and yet how they are all each very interesting and worth watching

  • @hotbread148
    @hotbread148 Před 2 měsíci +35

    Thanks for rating Maine #1. I live in the north woods area that you described and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

  • @DMSR76
    @DMSR76 Před 2 měsíci +54

    The line of states from North Dakota to Texas feel more west than east to me.

    • @thetoxbloxer503
      @thetoxbloxer503 Před 2 měsíci +4

      Geographically they’re not particularly east, but they lack the grandeur of the west so it’s better to lump them with the east when talking about travel

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  Před 2 měsíci +15

      There is a western feel to the western parts of those states, but where most of the population is in each one I think is more Midwestern or Southern. Fargo, Sioux Falls, Omaha, and Wichita all have a more Midwest feel, plus humidity and severe weather more reminiscent of the eastern states. But for Texas and the Dakotas especially, the parts of the state that are in my opinion the most beautiful do feel more western with mountains and drier climates.

    • @DMSR76
      @DMSR76 Před 2 měsíci +3

      I understand the logic. 👍 Your videos are much appreciated.

    • @samgould8567
      @samgould8567 Před 2 měsíci +1

      IMO, the eastern and western U.S. is more divided by climate boundary (which is slowly moving east) than by state lines. I’ve lived less than half a state away from that climate boundary for 30 years and it’s a cool experience driving back and forth across it.

    • @austingee238
      @austingee238 Před 2 měsíci +1

      I was thinking of 37 eastern states because truck drivers use the term “Western 11” which doesn’t include any of those states.

  • @samspinrad454
    @samspinrad454 Před 2 měsíci +21

    I'm partway into a mission to run in every town in Maine, so I've seen a lot of it. It's certainly wild, especially up north. There's more potential soltitude here than anywhere else in the east, between the north woods and the islands.

    • @johnalden5821
      @johnalden5821 Před 2 měsíci +1

      I completely agree. I have been up in northern Maine, along the Allagash system, and we went for days without seeing anyone. I have seen fewer people in wild Maine areas than in western states like Wyoming, Colorado, or New Mexico, for sure.

  • @gregshulas4452
    @gregshulas4452 Před 2 měsíci +10

    Thank you for rating New Jersey higher than I expected. I am still wounded from its low ranking in the state video so this helped ease that pain. :)

    • @MetsMagic0416
      @MetsMagic0416 Před 2 měsíci +4

      NJ is a deceptively beautiful state. Pine Barrens, Delaware Water Gap, Mountains, the Shore. It's really beautiful.

  • @outbackigloo6489
    @outbackigloo6489 Před 2 měsíci +27

    I figured Maine would be #1, so I am not surprised. I am also not surprised at #2. I saw the eclipse in northern Maine earlier this month; this is definitely a state I need to visit more often!

    • @Ryfael
      @Ryfael Před 2 měsíci +1

      Went to NB to see it but Maine was lovely.

    • @MaxZomboni
      @MaxZomboni Před 2 měsíci

      I was surprised at #2. New Hampshire is right next to Maine and shares the same mountains with Maine. It has some of the best mountains in the East. It should have been #2. Instead he put it in the same category as North Dakota, the least visited state.

    • @AtulKedia
      @AtulKedia Před 2 měsíci

      ​@@MaxZomboniNorth Dakota is less visited not because of lack of beauty, but due to most population centers (East Coast, West Coast) being furthest from it.

    • @MaxZomboni
      @MaxZomboni Před 2 měsíci

      @@AtulKedia South Dakota is just as far from the East and West Coast, but people visit it anyway. Because it's pretty and there are things to do there. North Dakota is boring treeless and flat.

    • @jayd5694
      @jayd5694 Před 2 měsíci

      @@MaxZombonithe real crime was not having texas higher tbh

  • @freeshrugs63
    @freeshrugs63 Před 2 měsíci +8

    Really nice video. As usual!

  • @chrissanfino761
    @chrissanfino761 Před 2 měsíci +17

    Moved to Maine two years ago and I couldn't agree more!

  • @raymondmuench3266
    @raymondmuench3266 Před 2 měsíci +11

    I know you were highlighting wilderness, but northwest NJ and the Great Swamp in NJ can often find one alone, if not as much as in the pine barrens. Just no one’s left thinking it’s all the Parkway and the Turnpike. Canoeing on the Delaware can be a real challenge in the Spring.

  • @anthonymrbs
    @anthonymrbs Před 2 měsíci +3

    I really look forward to your videos. You do a great job. They are always interesting.

  • @joechesser3716
    @joechesser3716 Před měsícem +3

    Anytime you make a list ranking something, you’ll get those who disagree. Thank you for the videos. There are so many many wonderful things to see and explore outdoors in this country. I love finding these spots when I’m blessed enough to travel.

  • @Lynn7015hb
    @Lynn7015hb Před měsícem +1

    Great video. I enjoyed that. Thank you.

  • @user-gf3lw5pi4t
    @user-gf3lw5pi4t Před 2 měsíci

    Another great production ❤❤

  • @Boss-KingInc.
    @Boss-KingInc. Před 2 měsíci +13

    Another interesting video. It’s pretty cool to see a list from this point of view

  • @Steveofthejungle8
    @Steveofthejungle8 Před 2 měsíci +30

    The prettiest place in Oklahoma wasn’t even mentioned- the Wichita Mountains in SW Oklahoma!

    • @BS-vx8dg
      @BS-vx8dg Před 2 měsíci +1

      _Sshhhhhhh_ .

    • @spcneary
      @spcneary Před 2 měsíci

      Graduated from HS living about 3 miles outside the refuge, worked at meers. I kind of agree, but the ouchitas are more beautiful and wild. Both amazing places, Oklahoma is underrated.

    • @user-vr3mr5eu7y
      @user-vr3mr5eu7y Před 2 měsíci

      Nah ouachita

    • @BS-vx8dg
      @BS-vx8dg Před 2 měsíci

      Actually, I am of the opinion that there is no such thing as "Southwest Oklahoma". Much like Florida, there is obviously
      *SE* a _Southeast_ Oklahoma/Florida (the aforementioned Ouachita Mountains/Palm Beach Miami area, respectively), and a
      *NE* a _Northeast_ Oklahoma/Florida (Osage Hills/Jacksonville), and a
      *NW* a _Northwest_ Oklahoma/Florida (the OK Panhandle/the Florida panhandle), but a
      *SW* ????? "Southwest" Florida is in the Gulf of Mexico, and "Southwest" Oklahoma is in Texas. In short, they don't exist!

    • @user-vr3mr5eu7y
      @user-vr3mr5eu7y Před 2 měsíci

      @@BS-vx8dg na sw Florida is Naples n SW ok is by Red River over there. But ya u do make some sense too

  • @readerjoy
    @readerjoy Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks! Great video.

    • @readerjoy
      @readerjoy Před 2 měsíci

      Have to admit I was pulling for my home state of NY and very happy it ranked so high- I agree!

  • @MateoQuixote
    @MateoQuixote Před 2 měsíci

    Love this! More of this! More niche specific videos!

  • @malikshabazz2065
    @malikshabazz2065 Před 2 měsíci

    great video!

  • @neckenwiler
    @neckenwiler Před 2 měsíci +41

    New Hampshire at 20 is incomprehensible.

    • @themcbobgorge
      @themcbobgorge Před 2 měsíci +9

      I gasped when he put new Hampshire below FLORIDA, literally the flattest state.

    • @billycox475
      @billycox475 Před 2 měsíci +1

      ​@@themcbobgorge Florida is 🤮

    • @jag92949
      @jag92949 Před 2 měsíci +5

      @@themcbobgorge Florida has great biodiversity, beautiful wetlands, and some beautiful barrier islands / keys. New Hampshire should have been in the Top 10. It’s on par with Maine and New York. New Hampshire is prettier than the mountains of NC and Virginia. Michigan was ranked too low. He really dismisses the UP. Texas and Minnesota being ranked so high was laughable.

    • @davidroach4100
      @davidroach4100 Před měsícem +3

      I know there's going to be quibbles here or there but I have to agree with you. I would put NH ahead of Florida, Texas, South Dakota, Vermont, and maybe a couple others.
      Between the White Mtns and the lakes region of NH, it's gorgeous.

  • @pauldavis1943
    @pauldavis1943 Před 2 měsíci +4

    Appreciate the suggestions for nature east of Colorado.

  • @alexandermathew3968
    @alexandermathew3968 Před 2 měsíci +3

    I appreciate you sharing this. Currently travel working with my wife out in California enjoying a lot of the national parks in the west. We’re suppose to go back to our home area in NY/NJ this year which bums me out a little but seeing this reminded me how versatile upstate NY is, been to the Catskills and Adirondacks a number of times, always love scenery (especially the fall). And Maine ain’t so far either!

  • @user-cm6vj5ls9i
    @user-cm6vj5ls9i Před 2 měsíci

    Lovely, thank you.

  • @yungthunder2681
    @yungthunder2681 Před 2 měsíci +6

    This is my kind of video.
    Also good list generally

  • @geraldmeehan8942
    @geraldmeehan8942 Před 2 měsíci +2

    I grew up inthe middle of Hoosier National Forest.
    I was a root digger for 20+ years so I seen much of the wooded areas
    .. Thank you for the video, Kyle

  • @Turdfergusen382
    @Turdfergusen382 Před 2 měsíci

    I mostly agree. 👍 nice work

  • @forgottenplaces9780
    @forgottenplaces9780 Před 2 měsíci +23

    No way id have Illinois, KS, or Indiana above Massachusetts even if its crowded the coasts and mountains alone make up for it and have much more to see

    • @spencersandberg7753
      @spencersandberg7753 Před 2 měsíci +2

      I'm from the west and I was blown away when I moved to Massachusetts. There's so much variety of nature here.

    • @bjdon99
      @bjdon99 Před 2 měsíci

      Very true. I have been to Kansas several times. . It may be America’s least scenic state. The Flint Hills are probably the only scenic feature of note there, and they aren’t even that scenic. MA has the Berkshires, Quabbin Reservoir and the Cape Cod National Seashore. It should be way higher on the list.

    • @forgottenplaces9780
      @forgottenplaces9780 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@bjdon99 yea, i cant believe iowas higher too, i would put that state right w kansas, very minimal natural scenery, the entire state is practically a cornfield

    • @ecurewitz
      @ecurewitz Před 2 měsíci +2

      Massachusetts has some amazing outdoors areas, yes it is crowded, and you are never far from civilization, but it has an awful lot to offer

    • @bjdon99
      @bjdon99 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@forgottenplaces9780 The Eastern 1/4th of the state is hilly and has trees (and a lot of ritzy suburbs for the KC metro area) but the Western 3/4ths is pretty flat an treeless.

  • @TerryAnnOnline
    @TerryAnnOnline Před 2 měsíci +3

    Not originally from Alabama but moved here a few years ago. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the nature.

    • @billycox475
      @billycox475 Před 2 měsíci +1

      Most biodiversity east of the Mississippi, fifth most in the lower 48. Also fourth most in trees per area in the country.

  • @derbagger22
    @derbagger22 Před měsícem +2

    There's a 3rd unit of Theodore Roosevelt NP. Where the original ranch used to be. I got to touch an oak tree that was there on his property. Which was cool since he also helped to plant an oak tree in my neighborhood in Worcester, MA...

  • @ajdarling295
    @ajdarling295 Před 2 měsíci +50

    How can NH only be ranked number 20! 😫

    • @johnalden5821
      @johnalden5821 Před 2 měsíci +11

      I agree. I would have put it into the top 10.

    • @austinhernandez2716
      @austinhernandez2716 Před 2 měsíci +3

      Because it's small, doesn't have the most to offer

    • @MegaGo68
      @MegaGo68 Před 2 měsíci +10

      Perhaps Kyle has never hiked in the White Mountains? He's way wrong about NH.

    • @nathanedison8692
      @nathanedison8692 Před 2 měsíci +6

      @@austinhernandez2716 Not true. I live in New Hampshire, last lived in Pennsylvania, also lived in Maryland and Michigan. New Hampshire, while much smaller, has much more to offer with nature and the outdoors than any of them.

    • @MaxZomboni
      @MaxZomboni Před 2 měsíci +4

      Yeah, clearly he has never been to New Hampshire. He put it right next to North Dakota, which is the least visited state. He got a couple of states right, but I don't know what he was thinking with the rest.

  • @stakknation123
    @stakknation123 Před 2 měsíci +3

    That picture of Georgia looks like a painting wow!

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  Před 2 měsíci +1

      It's not my photo (I got it from a photo subscription service), but it's from the rim of Cloudland Canyon. I do have pictures from that exact spot, but certainly not as good. There's no fancy filtering on it either- that's how it looks at peak fall foliage.

  • @briancole1950
    @briancole1950 Před 2 měsíci

    Excellent!

  • @jammcc176
    @jammcc176 Před 2 měsíci +3

    I grew up in Maryland in the 1960's. At the time, the state marketed itself as "America in Miniature." Although I haven't heard that phrase in decades, it still embodies what the state has to offer. Your video did a nice job of capturing the state's essence.

  • @deliaguzman1138
    @deliaguzman1138 Před měsícem +1

    Super happy to see Maine, where I live, at the top of the list. It’s mind-blowingly beautiful here, amd more water than I’ve ever seen in my life. Especially since I’m a native Texan!

  • @kyusshead
    @kyusshead Před 2 měsíci +4

    Wicked good list, bub.

  • @mariaansley1519
    @mariaansley1519 Před 2 měsíci +3

    NY also has pitch pine barrens and hundreds of miles of seashore on Long Island!

  • @curtvona4891
    @curtvona4891 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Love your videos!

  • @lindabirkes-lance8915
    @lindabirkes-lance8915 Před 2 měsíci +5

    Nebraska was ranked above Kansas and Iowa. Thank you! Yes, there is a lot of pride in this Nebraska woman. Even cooler is all of the options in my new retired to state of Arkansas. I'm just learning how beautiful it is.

  • @matthewquinn8596
    @matthewquinn8596 Před 2 měsíci

    Kyle, I knew your #1 was gonna be your #1. As a lifelong resident of #1, I wholeheartedly agree. Love it when you share your videos about #1. Sometimes I wonder if you'd like to live here.

  • @tejida815
    @tejida815 Před 2 měsíci +18

    The Hudson River Valley is one of my favorite areas of NY. I’m sorry I never got to visit Maine. I‘ve only been as far north as Massachusetts.

    • @nkg1190
      @nkg1190 Před 2 měsíci +1

      as a college student in the Hudson Valley, I couldn't agree more it's absolutely incredible out here

  • @VentureAddicts
    @VentureAddicts Před 2 měsíci

    Did a backcountry camp and hike in north unit of Theodore Roosevelt Park and it was one of my favorite experiences in my life

  • @natealwine213
    @natealwine213 Před 2 měsíci +4

    One thing you don’t ever seem to touch on is Lake Superior. I think that is probably the most powerful outdoor feature for Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
    Michigan has 6 National Park/Wilderness Areas in the Superior Region alone. I would argue that Michigan and Kentucky could swap places. Mainly because Michigan has a great rock climbing and ice climbing scene. It also has a pretty big whitewater rafting scene that shouldn’t be overlooked. We also have a very nice surfing culture in Lake Superior that Kentucky can’t offer. If you combine what with the miles of beaches and sea kayaking opportunities of Grand Island National Recreation Area, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the inland wilderness canoeing opportunities and I think Michigan has some extra Mojo you might not have had the opportunity to experience. I own an adventure center in the Upper Peninsula and I’d love to take you out on some whitewater rafting adventures or rock climbing adventures if you were up for it!

  • @zachsmith3685
    @zachsmith3685 Před 2 měsíci +1

    We were just by the Buffalo river in Arkansas. We went there to see the eclipse and it was a gorgeous natural place to view it, especially with all the hills

  • @connorchil
    @connorchil Před měsícem +1

    One thing you forgot to mention about Michigan is that we have some decent skiing in the winter!

  • @rickwiles8835
    @rickwiles8835 Před 2 měsíci +7

    Great video I grew up in New York, and people would assume I lived in a concrete jungle all the while I would be thinking of the times I spent hiking and hunting in the Adirondacks. Perhaps you could do a video about Adirondack State Park after all it is one of the first Forever Wild Forest Preserves in the nation, and at 6 million acres, it is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States.
    Also, have you ever been to Two Ocean Pass a mountain pass in the Teton Wilderness, which is part of Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. The pass is notable for Parting of the Waters, where one stream, North Two Ocean Creek, splits into two distributaries, Pacific Creek and Atlantic Creek, at Parting of the Waters National Natural Landmark. These two creeks ultimately flow into their respective oceans. Atlantic Creek water eventually flows into the Yellowstone River and empties into the Gulf of Mexico via the Missouri River and Mississippi River. Pacific Creek water eventually flows into the Snake River and empties into the Pacific via the Columbia River. The only waterway in the country which flows both east and west of the Continental Divide.
    44 02' 31"N 110 10' 17"W

  • @VL-gs2wr
    @VL-gs2wr Před 2 měsíci +2

    I'm so glad you ranked Kentucky so high! We also have the beautiful bluegrass area in the central part of the state. Plus, many, many arches-we have the highest concentration of arches in the eastern U.S.

    • @AdamSmith-gs2dv
      @AdamSmith-gs2dv Před 2 měsíci +1

      Big South Fork is absolutely beautiful. I live near the Tennessee side and go there all the time

  • @thedashcamkid6175
    @thedashcamkid6175 Před 2 měsíci +11

    Great video! A few of the states I disagreed with though.
    -Connecticut: Nothing crazy but better than most of the Great Plains.
    -Mississippi: The have some cool swamps there, not to mention Red Bluff.
    -Massachusetts: It’s not just the Berkshires, they have some amazing coastline making them a diverse state for natural beauty. Would have about 15 spots higher.
    -New Hampshire: Honestly, their mountains are just as good as Maine’s. Would also have about 15 spots higher.
    I agree with your takes on Oklahoma and Georgia. Love your channel!

    • @Hank_Scorpio13
      @Hank_Scorpio13 Před 2 měsíci

      Agreed! New Hampshire should've been higher! Curious what area on the coast of MA you're referring to. I've travelled (a decent portion) of the coast and it's all built up from what I've seen. I've been to some of the state parks near Boston, but they're more of an urban oasis from my experience.

    • @edwil111
      @edwil111 Před 2 měsíci

      exactly. Kyle didn't mention Cape Cod national seashore? huh?

    • @thedashcamkid6175
      @thedashcamkid6175 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@edwil111 Your right! It was Cape Cod National seashore and Aquinnah Cliffs I was talking about.

    • @maxwellerickson7066
      @maxwellerickson7066 Před měsícem

      I would go ahead and swap NH with TX!

  • @Rthomp02
    @Rthomp02 Před 2 měsíci +1

    The BWCA in Mn is my fav vacation spot. As a local is so easy to access and so beautiful!

  • @guitarkis4969
    @guitarkis4969 Před měsícem +2

    YES...MAINE!!! Can you tell I live here? LOL My family loves Maine, for many, many reasons. Tons of rivers, lakes, hiking and biking trails, and our coast has some incredible beaches (yes it's true) and rugged shoreline too. It's home to LL Bean, the original outdoor store, what else need be said. We love vacationers, so come on up and enjoy my state, great breweries and restaurants, and 4 season outdoor activities!

  • @michael7054
    @michael7054 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great video! I live so close to Lake Vesuvius in Ohio. Its looks so much like thats where that picture is from! I love it there!

    • @michael7054
      @michael7054 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @forgottenplaces9780 Yeah i live close to there. I thought it was.

  • @declanmueller2652
    @declanmueller2652 Před měsícem +1

    I remember once in Mississippi a guy haughtily said "you must feel weird without all that concrete." I grew up in a park larger than New Hampshire.

  • @Thaddeus_Howe
    @Thaddeus_Howe Před 2 měsíci +1

    Very interesting rankings! Fun fact, some of the states you rated the lowest actually have some of the highest proportions of conservation land in the country! Delaware is 15th, Rhode Island 11th, Massachusetts 6th, and New Jersey 2nd. Massachusetts (my home state) is pretty amazing because there is so much protected land in even the fairly urban parts of the state. Almost every town has a town-owned conservation area with a couple acres of maintained walking trails through forested land. There certainly are not the large swaths of national forest land other states have, but beautiful natural areas in some form are generally very accessible!

  • @KristianWontroba
    @KristianWontroba Před 2 měsíci +15

    I lived in NC and now in Maine. Certainly can agree with their rankings! 😊

    • @jag92949
      @jag92949 Před 2 měsíci +2

      New Hampshire was ranked too low. I like it better than Vermont, and the Appalachian Mountains look the best there.

    • @Timotimo101
      @Timotimo101 Před 2 měsíci +2

      @@jag92949 I think NH, VT and TN were all ranked too low. I've lived in all three plus TX (which was ranked too high, imo.)

    • @jag92949
      @jag92949 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@Timotimo101 Texas only has the far western portion. Also, the Oklahoma panhandle sucks. It never recovered from the 1930s dust bowl.

    • @KristianWontroba
      @KristianWontroba Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@jag92949 I agree that the Appalachians in NH are stunning. It pleasantly surprised me when I visited up in that part of the state.

  • @pipepicasso8112
    @pipepicasso8112 Před 2 měsíci +2

    My home commonwealth of Kentucky is very diverse for outdoor activities. Rock climbing, hiking in many state parks, fishing, boating, hunting, and something very few states have in caving or spelunking. Definitely top 10 overall.

  • @ehhhsteve8582
    @ehhhsteve8582 Před měsícem

    Well done! I’d also add that Maryland, Delaware, NJ, and Florida are paradise for birders, especially in the spring. It wouldn’t shake up your rankings, but certainly one of my favorite hobbies in those areas. Also, winter sports in New Hampshire might shoot it up the rankings a few notches for me.

  • @TheLucasValone
    @TheLucasValone Před 2 měsíci +4

    Kentucky ranking higher than Michigan is insane. Love your videos!

  • @kurtco.397
    @kurtco.397 Před 2 měsíci

    The four of us in Maryland - America in miniature, after all - would like to have a word with you over Old Bay beers. Fun list Kyle, thank you!

  • @WiseSnake
    @WiseSnake Před 2 měsíci +3

    Eastern Arkansas, most of which was converted into farmland, holds some very beautiful upland and bottomland remnants, too. I've assisted in botanical surveys in the region so I got to see the deeper areas of these remnants situated on Crowley's Ridge, the Bayou De View, and the locally famous Sunken Lands and others.
    If you are willing to brave the unfathomable amounts of mosquitoes, wading through water and risk a snake bite, you will be rewarded a glimpse into parts of this state's primordial past. Especially in areas where the loggers from generations ago didn't get to.

  • @blakeabel4721
    @blakeabel4721 Před 2 měsíci

    Hey Geography King. I've been watching your videos for a while and I am in the middle of moving from Ogallala Nebraska to Chattanooga. If I remember correctly you live in Chattanooga and I was hoping for some pointers on some cool stuff to do and see near there. Thanks!

  • @dctraining407
    @dctraining407 Před 2 měsíci +6

    Mr. King, have you been to Palo Duro Canyon in Texas? Was so impressed and never expected it from that area

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  Před 2 měsíci +1

      I've been there. I knew about it before visiting, but it would be quite a shock to not know it's there, just be driving along some backroad in the Panhandle, and then all of a sudden come across it.

    • @jimsonjohnson3761
      @jimsonjohnson3761 Před 2 měsíci

      Guadalupe peak, big bend etc. big state lots to offer

  • @raywolf3rd
    @raywolf3rd Před 2 měsíci +1

    Nice video as always. While one can quibble about the rankings which makes for great discussion, I did want to point out one thing about Iowa. Don't forgot the Loess Hills in the western part of the state along the Missouri River. The area is great for hiking, camping and some water activities. But most significant, this is only one of two places in the world where this type of landform exists. Indeed northeast Iowa is the nicest part of the state (including Mississippi River and backwaters), but the Loess Hills is worth a quick mention.

  • @fearlesssquatcher5737
    @fearlesssquatcher5737 Před 2 měsíci +7

    Ohio has Salt Fork State Park, which has some pretty scenery, and a history of Bigfoot sightings.

    • @Mark-uq9km
      @Mark-uq9km Před měsícem

      I grew up in that area and even remember when Salt Fork was being created in Guernsey County close to Cambridge. I never thought the area was special and couldn't wait to leave. If I didn't have family there I wouldn't bother to go back.

  • @wnee1
    @wnee1 Před měsícem

    Great video! I think that this was a fairly fair set of rankings - although I would have liked to have seen proximity to skiing (downhill and cross country) be a criterion in the overall rankings. This could have helped boost VT, NH, MN, MI, among others. 🙏

  • @Dehota
    @Dehota Před 2 měsíci

    Very excited for this

  • @TechMan330
    @TechMan330 Před 2 měsíci +11

    Kyle, I think you need to spent more time in Vermont and New Hampshire! 😅

  • @adamodle3944
    @adamodle3944 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Shenandoah National Park is worth a mention in Virginia. Some of the best views in the Valley & Ridge Region. Thanks for the video

  • @robthetraveler1099
    @robthetraveler1099 Před 2 měsíci +3

    12:29 Ouachita Mountains are in the southwestern quadrant of Arkansas; the ones in the northwest are the Boston Mountains. The dividing line is the Arkansas River valley.

  • @themoose4534
    @themoose4534 Před měsícem +1

    Lived in Maine and NC briefly...both are incredibly beautiful.

  • @foolmetwice374
    @foolmetwice374 Před 2 měsíci +8

    Great video. Having been to 49 states, I too reject the idea that "only the West is beautiful," believing that natural beauty can be found anywhere. There are parts of Nebraska and South Dakota that look nearly indistinguishable from California, except that nobody else is around, giving it a certain mystique.

  • @andrewportas3406
    @andrewportas3406 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Appreciate the Jersey placement. The northwest “mountains” are deceptively beautiful and there’s nothing quite like the Pinelands in the country. Little state but packs a lot of punch when you look around.

  • @guardiantree8879
    @guardiantree8879 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Don’t forget Reelfoot Lake in north west Tennessee, we have our own swamps too.
    Plus middle Tennessee has some great rivers for paddling too & some awesome waterfalls. Some man made lakes are also pretty nice & have secluded areas.

    • @Timotimo101
      @Timotimo101 Před 2 měsíci

      and more caves than any other state!!!

  • @spencersandberg7753
    @spencersandberg7753 Před 2 měsíci +8

    Kyle I respect your opinions a ton, but I think you're off with Massachusetts. I understand New England is the part of the country you've spent the least amount of time in, and I think it shows here. Massachusetts has some fantastic shoreline with dunes, rocky cliffs, marshes, etc, plus dozens of incredible islands. Add to that the many beautiful lakes, and the water recreation here is pretty competitive with other states. And while the Berkshires can't compete with the broader Appalachian range, they're expansive and gorgeous. I moved here a few years ago from the western US, and I've been blown away at the hiking, biking, and paddling. Overall, I can't see how states like Kansas, Iowa, New Jersey, or Illinois rank above it. Great video overall though, I enjoyed learning about a few new places

    • @nathanedison8692
      @nathanedison8692 Před 2 měsíci +2

      Yes the Massachusetts ranking is off. And the Vermont and New Hampshire rankings are absolute lunacy. Massachusetts actually might be the most underrated state by its own population because so many people there think of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine when it comes to the outdoors. But Massachusetts has a surprising amount of natural beauty of its own.

    • @MaxZomboni
      @MaxZomboni Před 2 měsíci +3

      He is just ranking the states by size. He ranks Maine and New York high for sheer amount of nature, but ranks Vermont and New Hampshire low because they are small states. Massachusetts I'm kind of mixed on. It's pretty developed, but the Western part of state and the shoreline are nothing to be sneezed at.

    • @billycox475
      @billycox475 Před 2 měsíci

      Agree. Massachusetts is beautiful

    • @nathanedison8692
      @nathanedison8692 Před 2 měsíci +2

      @@MaxZomboni “Mixed” would be a good way to describe my feelings on Massachusetts, too. I was born in Vermont, grew up throughout Upstate New York, and I live in New Hampshire, so I’m pretty much morally obligated to despise Massachusetts, lol! But I simply can’t give Massachusetts the level of disrespect in this video. Ranks below Kansas and Iowa? Seriously? Half the state is urban Boston metro? More like a quarter at most. Only the western quarter is rural and wooded? The development around Boston doesn’t go past Worcester and Fitchburg, and the two thirds of the state west of there is rural outside the Springfield area. And no mention of Massachusetts’ multiple coastlines and islands? Definitely not a serious analysis.

    • @MaxZomboni
      @MaxZomboni Před 2 měsíci

      I have never been to Massachusetts but having watched a lot of Appalachian Trail hiking videos on CZcams, I would probably put the area around Adams, North Adams, Williamstown on my bucket list to visit. Including Mount Greylock and the Hoosic River. It's not really worth my driving 3,000 miles across the country to see it, but if I was in Massachusetts I would certainly stop there.

  • @nickrigdon8883
    @nickrigdon8883 Před měsícem +1

    I have spent so much time in Virginia, Kentucky, and Georgia and they are all so very beautiful but there is just no conceivable way those states are more beautiful than Michigan and Minnesota. The Northwoods and Great Lakes are beyond belief. With that said, great video 👍

  • @Nate_Higgins
    @Nate_Higgins Před 2 měsíci +2

    I'm glad you ranked my state so highly. The Buffalo River is truly special. The only downside is that too many people are aware of it now.

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  Před 2 měsíci

      That is one of the downsides of something being officially named a national park or river for sure.

  • @CarolinaWeeper
    @CarolinaWeeper Před 2 měsíci

    I love by monthly walks at Congaree NP! Definitely a gem in the Midlands of SC with some massive loblolly pines 😮

  • @branagain
    @branagain Před 2 měsíci +1

    Kyle, can you rank your favorite National Parks?

  • @dlognave
    @dlognave Před 2 měsíci +15

    I would personally rank Pennsylvania higher but besides that, great list Kyle!

  • @Brillemeister
    @Brillemeister Před měsícem +1

    Love this list! What area is in the picture for Georgia?

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  Před měsícem +1

      It's Cloudland Canyon State Park in the NW corner of the state

  • @johnbeiswenger3742
    @johnbeiswenger3742 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Could you add small and humble titles to the lower right of the photographs you display, stating the exact location? Thanks for all you do.

  • @hencoprod
    @hencoprod Před 2 měsíci +2

    I think touching on the national seashore/cape and islands/general coastal areas of Massachusetts would bump it at least couple spots. Pretty good reserve areas and conservation groups continue to buy up more

  • @chadnga8
    @chadnga8 Před měsícem

    @geography king
    You live near the NE corner is Alabama?? I do too....I live in Rome, Georgia (Floyd County) in NW GA. Are we almost neighbors? You don't have a southern accent, so I assume you must have "migrated south" . Thanks for the great content as always!

  • @ryanchrisgomez
    @ryanchrisgomez Před 2 měsíci +1

    A bit odd to hear states like Texas and Oklahoma being called “eastern” states, but still very interesting! Lots of places to add to my list 😊

  • @dylanlake7
    @dylanlake7 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Happy for Maine! Glad Arkansas was ranked high as well, underrated beautiful state

  • @bghyst
    @bghyst Před 2 měsíci +10

    Kyle, Think you didn’t give enough consideration to the water being part of “the outdoors”. Residents and visitors love DE beaches, boating on Naragansett Bay in RI, and the seaside on Cape Cod MA. But you’re spot on about MS.

    • @jag92949
      @jag92949 Před 2 měsíci

      Rhode Island and Massachusetts have nice shores. Delaware is 👎. Residents of that state need to drive north for superior New Jersey for the shore.

    • @andycockrum1212
      @andycockrum1212 Před 2 měsíci +2

      Delaware sucks, get over it

    • @jag92949
      @jag92949 Před 2 měsíci

      @@andycockrum1212 Delaware has ghettos, dirty swamps, dirty beaches, and Joe Biden. What a fantastic state.

    • @metrictongues1709
      @metrictongues1709 Před 2 měsíci

      Came here to say this. Found it a bit odd to include swamps and lake coastlines for lots of states but not mention much about ocean shoreline. Even the small states have lots of good less trafficked protected areas and parks. Love a good hike in the woods but beach is my favorite place to be "in nature" and am sure lots of other people too.

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  Před 2 měsíci

      I agree, but I was thinking more along the lines of outdoors activities as "self-propelled transport through nature", although I do see how a walk along a beach can be that.

  • @RazorsAreSharp
    @RazorsAreSharp Před 2 měsíci

    Was surprised to see Iowa at 31! There’s so many neat spots, but the Loess Hills in the western part of the state is my favorite place ever

  • @thomasfields2082
    @thomasfields2082 Před 2 měsíci +4

    NC is the Starbucks version of WV.

  • @tonyporco9524
    @tonyporco9524 Před 2 měsíci +2

    I'm going to do something I don't often do; I'm going to disagree vigorously (although still respectfully) with the Geography King. I know that some state had to be last, and I also acknowledge that I'm biased, but I find Delaware exceptional (certainly more so than Kansas or Indiana or North Carolina). Trap Pond (which I think was featured in another GK video), Cape Henlopen, Bombay Hook, and the little towns in rural Kent and Sussex counties--they're unique and I love them all. Even in Wilmington, which isn't the world's most exciting city, there's the Christina River, Brandywine Park, and the Coffin Gardens, all hidden gems. Granted, I have spent a lot of time in the state, and there's a lot of subjectivity to this kind of thing.

  • @Steveofthejungle8
    @Steveofthejungle8 Před 2 měsíci +11

    Wow my home state of Indiana ranked way higher than I expected. The Midwest definitely has its own beauty if you take the time to appreciate it

    • @geraldmeehan8942
      @geraldmeehan8942 Před 2 měsíci

      I grew up in the middle of Hoosier National Forest

    • @Mongo42089
      @Mongo42089 Před 2 měsíci +2

      Just drove through So. Indiana a few weeks ago for the first time and it was surprisingly pretty. I had assumed everything just looked rust belt like the north of the state.

  • @sounddude177
    @sounddude177 Před 2 měsíci

    Yet another album I also own.

  • @chrissanfino761
    @chrissanfino761 Před 2 měsíci +2

    I would have moved Vermont and new Hampshire farther down the list, while Nebraska and Kansas up the list. But you can find beauty in all the states. Ive kayaked trussum pond in Delaware. The most scenic waterway in the state, for example

  • @JamesVanCleaf
    @JamesVanCleaf Před 2 měsíci

    Most people think DE doesn't have much nature or wilderness, but the northern boundaries of the state bordering MD & PA have some genuinely beautiful wilderness/mountain biking trails that connect large portions of the northern county together and with the surrounding states. White Clay Creek seemed boring to me for a while but after spending more time there, there's a lot more to it than it seems. Bald Eagles, vibrant mossy patches, some cool swamps and vernal pools full of amphibians, paw paw trees with sweet rare fruit you can pick off the tree, etc. And the coastal plain region near Bombay Hook is pretty cool. DE has a pretty clear transition between the northern and southern biomes and it's cool to be on the border of Appalachian type scenery (albeit flatter) you'd expect in NY/PA and transition to coastal plain that looks more like VA/NC. I understand it's not a grandiose beauty, but i've been to most of the states and didn't appreciate how beautiful DE can really be until spending time away and returning.

  • @j.s.7335
    @j.s.7335 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Include Hawaii in the western ranking! I wish you had included D.C. (and maybe the Caribbean territories as well). Great video!

    • @MaxZomboni
      @MaxZomboni Před 2 měsíci

      DC would be below Rhode Island. There is no nature in DC, just urban parks.

    • @outbackigloo6489
      @outbackigloo6489 Před 2 měsíci

      I think Puerto Rico would have been an interesting addition and its placement would have been interesting. I’m guessing it would be on the lower side of the list, near CT, but its tropical environment might have pushed it up a few spots.
      DC would have ranked dead last.

    • @user-gf3lw5pi4t
      @user-gf3lw5pi4t Před 2 měsíci

      D.C.??????

    • @outbackigloo6489
      @outbackigloo6489 Před 2 měsíci

      @@user-gf3lw5pi4t - Direct Current. ⚡️

  • @prodclueless
    @prodclueless Před 2 měsíci

    as a great dismal swamp local, i appreciate the representation

  • @Randy4712
    @Randy4712 Před měsícem

    Having moved to Tucson from Overland Park, thank you for not ranking Kansas last. To brag, I did pedict ME & NY #'s 1 & 2. Of course, so did half the viewers.

  • @coreysmith556
    @coreysmith556 Před 2 měsíci

    I am a SC native currenrtly living in rural Northern California. I have travelled to 46 states. I think you ranked the eastern states pretty well.