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Favorite Exploration Locations Of A Small Town Girl

Beautiful places from Pennsylvania to the Carolinas!

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Favorite Exploration Locations Of A Small Town Girl
Kera Breitenstein

In my 19 years of existence, I have been fortunate enough to travel around a fair share of the world. Out of the 11 countries and 12 states I have explored, I could name countless places I recommend others to go.

But exploring these places wasn't without the help and company of so many amazing people. Without them, I wouldn't have known where to even begin adventuring. If you are like me and you have dreams of exploring every corner of the world, you'll need books, websites, clubs, friends, family and many more resources.

Although the beautiful travel blogs and social media pages you see look effortless and spontaneous, they're not done without planning. You have to know where to go, what to see, and how to do it.

People often ask "Where was that photo taken?! It was beautiful!" So here are some of my favorite places I have explored on the East Coast, particularly Pennsylvania to the Carolinas, and my own photos of these adventures, for my fellow adventures looking for a view.

My personal favorite places to adventure include...

1. Oley Valley, Pennsylvania


A historic town consisting of beautiful corn fields, farms, and backroads, Oley is a unique but very small town. It's known for its covered bridges that are tucked away on the backroads. The beauty you find in Oley is endless, and I'm glad it was the town I got to grow up in. (Thank you to John Ungureanu for the first photo, one of my favorite photos of my hometown!)

2. Reading, Pennsylvania

And I don't mean in the city itself. I mean the beautiful scenery that surrounds it! Make your way to places like Lake Ontelaunee or the Pagoda, pictured here. This symbol of the city is a 7-story Japanese Style Pagoda that sits atop the highest mountain around, giving you a unique view of Berks County.

3. Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

I was blessed with the opportunity to spend time here every summer with my best friend and the amazing friends we made at Bear Creek Camp. The woods, rolling mountains, and sunsets of the area are breathtaking.

4. Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

A scenic town tucked away in the mountains of old coal regions, Bloomsburg has many beautiful fields, bridges, abandoned train tracks, and lookouts that are easily accessible. They're the perfect places to take walks with friends, hammock, or hang out.

5. Capers Island, South Carolina

A different kind of beauty than the last few, Capers Island is an island off the coast of Charleston. I was able to go camping there with the Mountaineering and Whitewater Rafting Club at the University of South Carolina. We experienced everything from jellyfish and bull sharks to alligators deep in the island. It's a natural reserve and a beautiful place to camp! (Don't forget to book a boat and get permits!)

6. Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina


Again, an adventure I did with the Mountaineering and White Water Rafting Club - but anyone can go! This trail was part of the Nantahala National Forest and had beautiful waterfalls that you can swim in and go under if the weather is nice.

7. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina


Spanning for hundreds of miles, anywhere you hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains will give you amazing views. This unedited picture is my favorite. Beautiful tree-covered mountains, as far as the eye can see. Dusk and dawn are breathtaking, and autumn is my favorite time to go!

8. Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia



This adventure was not only beautiful (and also gave views of the Blue Ridge Mountains), but full of wild ponies!! On the hike, you'll see wild ponies and cows that you can get pretty close to. It's a unique experience!

9. Congaree National Park, South Carolina


Congaree requires nothing more than a leisurely stroll to see all the beauty, as you walk along the wooden pathways that lead you all over the park! As you can see, you can find unique things such as giant fallen trees to sit in.

Where will you adventure next?!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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