By Julius Choudhury
Some people like to see museums when they travel, and others prefer a more adrenaline-fueled vacation. Take a look at some exhilarating excursions in the U.S.
Flying a real fighter jet in California
Several companies, including Fly Fighter Jet, offer the chance to be paired with a Hollywood stunt pilot as you fly a real L-39 fighter jet at 500 miles per hour (804.67 kph) along the coastline and through the desert.
BASE jumping from Perrine Bridge in Idaho
The four-lane arch bridge is located at the Twin Falls over the Snake River. Both bungee and BASE jumpers can take the plunge from the height of 486 feet (148 m), while enjoying glorious views of the canyon.
Waterfall rappelling in New Hampshire
If you are fond of water-based adventure, a trip to the White Mountains must be on your itinerary. After a short hike atop a 100-foot waterfall, lower yourself by rappelling down with the aid of a guide.
Experiencing zero gravity
If you have always been fascinated with space, Zero-G offers visitors a chance to enjoy an authentic zero-gravity experience. Specially trained pilots perform aerobatic maneuvers called parabolas in a Boeing 727, resulting in the most convincing simulation of a commercial space flight. They are operational in the cities of Las Vegas, Miami, New York City, Orlando, Seattle, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Chasing a storm
Various passionate companies provide storm chasing tours in the U.S., specifically across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. Get up close and personal with one of nature’s most powerful and beautiful phenomena.
Heli-skiing at Chugach Mountains in Alaska
Situated in Chugach State Park, adventurists are dropped off by a chopper on the snowy peaks, who then embark on their skiing trip. The steep descents and powder bowls make it an apt spot for experienced skiers.
Driving a tank in Minnesota
Satisfy your military urges by driving a Vietnam-era military tank around a 20-acre limestone quarry, smashing into junk cars and crushing mobile homes. The facility, situated in Kasota, also features the chance to fire machine guns and other mechanized artillery.
Bungee jumping from Navajo Bridge in Arizona
The pair of arch bridges across the Colorado River, set against the mighty Grand Canyon, offers a chance to take the plunge from a height of 467 feet. The rustic natural setting, coupled with the adrenaline rush, makes it one of the most thrilling bungee-jumping spots in the world.
Kayaking at Nā Pali Coast in Hawaii
While Nā Pali Coast is a hiker’s paradise, the tropical rainforest can also be enjoyed by kayaking across its 17-mile-long coastline in a six-hour-long trip. As you wade through its waters, you will get a chance to have awe-inspiring views of the cliffs that are about 4,000 feet high.
Climbing El Capitan at Yosemite National Park in California
Hailed as one of the best rock-climbing destinations in the world, the 3,000-foot vertical granite cliff offers a daunting challenge to climbers. El Capitan used to offer BASE jumping too, which were stopped after a handful of accidents.
Skiing at Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska
With no trails or visitor services in the park, explorers need to be self-sufficient. Endowed with rugged mountains, clear rivers, forest and tundra, this wilderness paradise offers ample adrenaline rush and then some.
Hiking at Zion National Park in Utah
The most popular hike within the park is to descend the 16-mile Virgin River canyon. Explorers have to walk through the river waist-deep, swimming short sections at times. Surrounded by rock walls as high as 2,000 feet, the hike starts from the Temple of Sinawava.
Watching the lava flow in Mt. Kilauea, Hawaii
Experience a thrill like no other at the Mt. Kilauea volcano, which is the world’s most active volcano. It hasn’t stopped erupting since 1983. So far, the molten lava has created 544 acres of new land and destroyed about 200 homes.
River rafting across Colorado River
Experience the Grand Canyon from a new vantage point by taking a rafting trip through its westernmost part between Diamond Creek and Lake Mead. You may also undertake multi-day trips across the river coupled with a stay at the Phantom Ranch for an extensive experience.
Climbing Mount Katahdin in Maine
Located in Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin is the tallest mountain in the state, peaking at 5,269 feet. The climb is physically challenging and the weather is unpredictable: sun can be quickly replaced by rain and hail. Tourists can take several trails including the Knife Edge, a narrow ridge with drop-offs on either side.
Overnight caving at Cumberland Caverns in Tennessee
The natural landmark is one of the longest caves in the world. Among its many attractions are the overnight tours that allow visitors cave crawling and ladder climbs, followed by breakfast in the morning in the Volcano Room. The cave is also known to host a monthly music event called Bluegrass Underground.
Bobsleding down an Olympic course in Utah
Experience the ultimate roller coaster on ice as you go down the 2002 Olympic Sliding Track in Park City. With just half an hour of instruction, three passengers on board the Comet Bobsled can wind down 10 curves at the speed of 70 mph with a professional pilot.
Skyjumping from the Stratosphere, Las Vegas
At a height of 829 feet, the SkyJump at the Stratosphere hotel is the highest commercial decelerator descent. Similar to bungee jumping, riders can leap out of the tower through the descender machine. Apart from the SkyJump, the hotel also houses a few of the highest thrill rides in the world, including Big Shot, Insanity, and X-Scream.
 |
| Extreme America |
