America's Most Romantic Outdoor Adventures

The next time you want to plan a romantic getaway, consider doing something in the great outdoors. There are many outdoor adventures that can be both exciting and romantic. In fact, some of the most romantic outdoor destinations have become popular wedding sites for those who have popped the question at the very same location.

Many outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, biking, zip lining and boating, can be very romantic, especially if you have the person you love right by your side while enjoying an adventure together. Here are some of the most romantic outdoor adventures in America for couples to experience together.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park in Maine is home to many outdoor activities couples can enjoy on their romantic adventure. Camping is available at Seawall Campground, where after a long day of exploring, the two of you can sit by the campfire and then snuggle inside of your tent.

If you love bird watching, this is definitely the place to go on a romantic hiking adventure, where you can find a spot to sit and do some bird watching. Other outdoor activities at Acadia National Park include rock climbing, boating, bicycling, horseback riding, leaf peeping, swimming and tide pooling. While tide pooling, you will be surrounded by the several sea creatures that will come out to play. Other activities, such as skiing and snowmobiling, are available during the winter months.

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests

Couples can enjoy the many outdoor adventures available throughout the 1.5 million acres of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests located along the Wyoming border in Colorado. When escaping to these lush forests, you will be able to enjoy romantic horseback rides or scenic drives through the forest complete with a picnic in a secluded area. Other outdoor activities available include camping, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and plenty of chances to see wildlife from the multiple viewing stations throughout the forests.

This area is also a popular destination for couples looking for outdoor adventures during the winter months, including skiing and snowmobiling. Some couples have even tied the knot while skiing down the hills of the Loveland Ski area.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Located just off the coast of the Florida Keys is the Dry Tortugas National Park where couples can explore the 19th century fort and spend the day outdoors experiencing everything the park has to offer. This 100-square-mile park is made from several smaller islands, making for a fun-filled day of island hopping. Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

The Dry Tortugas National Park is the perfect location to go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal clear blue waters that are filled with coral reefs and lots of marine life. It's definitely a romantic adventure for couples who love water activities.

Great Basin National Park

There are many more romantic things in Nevada besides enjoying the excitement of Las Vegas. Couples looking for an outdoor adventure will find everything they are looking for at the Great Basin National Park, where they can take guided tours of the Lehman Caves and go for a scenic ATV ride along the Wheeler Park Scenic Drive route.

Other activities couples can enjoy together at the Great Basin National Park include camping, nighttime astronomy programs, skiing and bird watching. But that is just the beginning of what is available for couples during their adventure at this secluded national park.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is home to an abundant amount of wildlife. Here couples can go exploring the park and spend the day discovering true South Appalachian culture of both North Carolina and Tennessee. Couples can go searching for historic buildings in the area, including homes, churches, schools and even an old grist mill.

One of the more romantic outdoor adventures at this national park is packing a picnic lunch and hiking to a secluded waterfall. In the fall, hiking through the many trails of the forest will offer breathtaking views and vibrant fall-colored landscaping. When you are ready to relax from a day filled with excitement and adventure, head back to your campsite where you can sit by the fire, cuddle under a blanket and watch the stars above.

Yosemite National Park

Couples can fall in love all over again amongst the backdrop of Yosemite National Park in California. Nothing says romantic like the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, which offers couples a breathtaking view of their outdoor playground. While exploring Yosemite, you will be able to enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, biking, water sports and evening programs under the stars. There are even guided mule and horseback tours that will take you throughout the national park.

After a long day of playing outdoors, couples can either set up a tent to spend a romantic night under the stars or stay in the Ahwahnee Hotel where they can cuddle up in front of the fireplace.

Outdoor Date Ideas

As you can see, there are many outdoor adventures couples can enjoy throughout the United States. However, if you are unable to get away for an entire romantic vacation, there may still be plenty of outdoor adventures you two can enjoy as part of an upcoming date. Depending upon where you live, many of these activities are just a short drive from your hometown, and in some cases, right in your own backyard.

Here are some outdoor activities couples can do for their date night.

• Grab an inner tube and float down a local river or lounge around a nearby lake
• Spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach
• Go fishing at a local pond or river
• Pack a picnic lunch complete with fruits, cheeses and a bottle of wine and head to a secluded park
• Set a campfire and roast some marshmallows to make s'mores
• Go horseback riding
• Go hiking and explore a local state or national park
• Take the dogs to a local dog park and spend the day running around, playing fetch and catching a Frisbee together
• During the fall, visit a local pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin for Halloween
• Visit a local orchard, vineyard or grove where you can sample fresh fruits, wines and go pick your own apples, oranges or grapes

There are many outdoor adventures couples can enjoy together, making their getaway so much more romantic. Even some local outdoor activities can be an exciting adventure for couples not able to travel long distances to get to some of the more popular national parks. Just remember that no matter what you choose to do, being together and enjoying what you are doing will make just about any outdoor activity a romantic adventure.

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Heather Landon is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.