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In-depth Knowledge
WILDLIFE RANCH HOLIDAYS
America’s world-renowned wide open spaces John Wayne wannabes can opt for
offer plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife, ranch stays to experience the
from buffalo in South Dakota and Yellowstone famous cowboy lifestyle. Though
national park to whales off Cape Cod and associated with the Wild West,
alligators in the Louisiana bayous and Florida’s ranches are found throughout the
Everglades national park. country, from Florida in the south
Yellowstone also offers snowmobile tours in to the Great Lakes in the north.
winter to view wolves, which were reintroduced Ranches should be chosen care-
to the park in the mid-1990s. fully to suit clients’ requirements.
Pennsylvania has designated a 127-mile route in Some are more like luxury hotels with a Western
the north of the state as the Elk Scenic Drive, with Ranch America’s luxury theme, while others are genuine working ranches
special viewing areas for watching elk herds. Home Ranch, Colorado where guests have the opportunity to herd cattle.
The Florida Keys region has a long tradition of “You do not need to be an experienced rider
caring for the environment. Attractions include to enjoy a ranch holiday,” says Ranch America
spotting the endangered Key deer, diving among marketing executive Heather Smith. “Most ranches
coral reefs in a national marine sanctuary and offer riding instruction with experienced wranglers
touring the only sea turtle hospital in the US. for beginners and children.”
Sample package: Titan HiTours offers a special Facilities often include white-water rafting,
departure on January 29, 2009 to view the wolves hiking, fishing and local entertainment such as
of Yellowstone. The 10-day Call of the Wild Wolves rodeos. Other ranch holiday specialists include
of West Yellowstone guided tour costs £3,795 and American Round-Up and Ranch Rider.
includes Heathrow flights, trips in Grand Teton Sample package: One week’s full-board at the
and Yellowstone parks led by expert naturalists luxury Home Ranch in Colorado, from £1,979
and some meals. www.titanagents.co.uk with Ranch America – flights, transfers and
activities included. www.ranchamerica.co.uk
GREEN TRAILS AND WATERWAYS
Trails for cycling and biking are found throughout
the US, particularly in national and state parks.
Many old railway lines have also been turned
into recreational paths.
In the know
The Katy Trail state park in Missouri is the America As You Like It product
longest “rails-to-trails” project in the country. It director Cath Pusey shares her top
winds for 225 miles from St Charles to Clinton, suggestions for clients looking for
passing through several pretty country towns. the natural wonders of the US.
The 109-mile Mickelson Trail also follows an old
railroad through the Black Hills of South Dakota. Sea kayaking in Alaska is a great
Top spots along the way include Custer state park, alternative to a cruise. It is more
where the wildlife includes buffalo. Below: Buffalo, Blue eco-friendly and allows small
Wherever your clients choose to visit in the US, Mounds State Park, groups to get up close to the
they will find good spots for cycling and hiking Minnesota wildlife and glaciers.
– even in the big cities. The Great Allegheny Bottom: Assateague The large national parks such
Passage, for example, is a 200-mile recreational Island, Chesapeake Bay, as Yellowstone and Yosemite
path from Washington DC to Pittsburgh. Capital Region can get congested, especially
Popular areas for hikers and cyclists include the during peak season. Advise
Sonoran Desert around Scottsdale in Arizona, clients to leave their vehicles at
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains the main visitor centre and join a
and New England. bus tour. These are usually led
Canoeing is also a great way to discover the by park rangers.
rugged wilderness of the US. The choice ranges The Fall is a colourful time in
from leisurely kayaking along Florida creeks to West Virginia as 80% of the state
canoe expeditions on the Mississippi river. is covered by forests.
The remote Boundary Waters Canoe Area Walking is the best way to
Wilderness in northern Minnesota is only experience most American cities.
accessible by canoe. Covering more than one Your clients will discover things
million acres, it features 1,200 miles of canoe not on the main tourist maps.
routes on hundreds of lakes and rivers. Great cycle-hire trails include
Kayaking is also the best way to see much Cape Cod, and the Santa Monica
of the eight vast national parks in Alaska. boardwalk. Mountain biking is a
Sample package: Sea kayaking is among good way to discover untouched
a range of optional activities on a seven- areas of the national parks.
day Alaskan Kenai camping trip with Rafting the Grand Canyon is a
TrekAmerica. Departures in summer 2009 less polluting alternative to a
cost from £576 and include a boat tour helicopter flight. It also allows
of Kenai Fjords national park, a night’s visitors to get a different
camping in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge perspective of the canyon from
and some meals. Flights are extra. the Colorado river.
www.trekamerica.co.uk
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TTG Knowledge USA October 2008
For all contact details go to www.ttglive.com
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