Top 10 Outdoor Vacation Spots

June 22, 2006 — -- "Good Morning America" is kicking off its summer series, Vacationland, by highlighting some of the most beautiful spots in the United States.

The country provides many natural national treasures to explore. Teaming up with National Geographic Adventure magazine,"GMA" hopes to inspire you to explore the country's landscape.

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Vacationland: National Geographic Adventure's Top 10 Outdoor Adventures

1. Grand Canyon. While floating on the Colorado River, learn about geology and enjoy some of biggest white-water rafting activities.

What to Do: George Wendt, the founder of O.A.R.S, has run rafting trips down the Colorado River since 1969. Learn how to book a trip with him at www.oars.com.

Where to Stay: The Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim has rooms for $50 and detached cabins for $109. Go to www.xanterra.com.

On the North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge has upscale rooms for $96 and good food. www.grandcanyonnorthrim.com.

For park information, camp reservations and backcountry permits -- which cost $10, plus $5 a night per person -- visit www.nps.gov.

E-mail Murray Mold at Destination Cinemas at mmold@destinationcinema.com.

2. Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail, the oldest walking trail in America, traces the East Coast and is 2,160 miles from north to south. The trail, which would take five months to hike in its entirety, includes the Great Smoky Mountains and the Presidential Range.

For information and permits for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, go to www.nps.gov.

Information about the trail is available from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Go to www.appalachiantrail.org.

3. El Capitan

El Capitan, or "El Cap," is a 3,000 foot vertical rock formation located in Yosemite National Park.

Where to Stay:

The Ahwahnee Hotel: Visit www.yosemitepark.com. You can also camp right on park grounds.
For permits, travel and park information, visit the Yosemite National Park Web site, www.nps.gov.

Plan a rock climbing excursion with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, www.symg.com.