38. Ozark National Forest, AR

The Ozarks are not quite as inviting as many other natural areas, but are definitely interesting once you spend some time actually exploring them. The state will tell you to check out Mount Magazine (the highest mountain in Arkansas) and Blanchard Springs Caverns (an underground cave), but there are tons of other spots to just park, have a quick snack or lunch in their sporadic picnic areas, and find a trail that cuts through the trees. If you are lucky enough to find the trail to Pedestal Rock, you will be pleasantly suprised when you get to the trail's end. Pedestal Rock is just a large jagged rock that rests upon a thin stone pillar atop a mountain. From that vantage point, you can look over a valley of forested mountains... an amazing sight in the fall. Keep exploring around that area, and do not be afraid to climb down some of the less treacherous cliffs. You will find small caves scattered throughout, and they are usually not inhabited by anything but a few harmless insects or lizards (at least not in my experience). There are plenty of spots suitable for camping as well, and some of the local armadillos may even stop by at night to say hello.If you decide to visit, try to get there before the leaves fall, or the empty trees may give you the feeling that you really are in the "sticks"... "Deliverance"-style. Also, wear bright colors in the hunting season and try to ignore the bullet holes that decorate every sign off the beaten track.