The outdoorsy traveler’s guide to Redding, California

Discover the city’s top adventures.

California gives adventurous travelers seemingly endless outdoor travel possibilities. You can surf by the shore, ski the summits, and hike gorgeous trails. The state even has nine national parks to visit. Among those national parks are heavy-hitters like Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Yosemite. With so many activities and destinations to explore, individual California towns can sometimes be overlooked by tourists planning their next trip. Don’t make that mistake the next time you’re near the charming town of Redding.

Redding, California, claims the title of “sunniest city in all of California.” It also enjoys spectacular views of nearby Mount Shasta. On a recent trip to the area, Outdoors Wire scoped out some of the city’s best spots and recreation opportunities. What we found will have you itching to plan a visit. Here are five awesome outdoor activities to experience in and around Redding.

Here’s why you’ll love this thrilling tour of the Luray Caverns

Explore the depths.

Journeying into Earth’s creepy, dark caverns isn’t for everyone. The spindly, spiky rock formations and narrow, precarious passageways can make even the most seasoned adventurers feel a little claustrophobic. But if these eerie environments don’t scare you off, you can witness a world of fantastic sights within them. This fall, take your spooky season celebrations to Virginia’s Luray Caverns for an unforgettable experience.

Located a little to the west of Shenandoah National Park, the Luray Caverns take visitors underground on a one-of-a-kind sightseeing excursion. Get a taste of what wonderfully ghoulish views await you there with this photo guide to the region. It’ll have you itching to plan a visit.

5 adventures waiting for you on Tennessee’s Lookout Mountain

Take a trip up the mountain.

In the summer, visiting Tennesee’s Lookout Mountain feels like entering a lush fantasy world. While warm temperatures and humidity often get a bad rap, these conditions make the forested ridge’s brilliant green trees even more vibrant than usual. The community around the mountain’s popular destination of Rock City Gardens adds to this magical atmosphere with streets named after fairy tale characters.

These charming vibes heighten when you explore the mountain’s outdoor recreation opportunities. From the underground caverns of Ruby Falls to the radiant overlook at Sunset Rock, the region has a lot to offer. Choose your own adventure with this list of the five best things to do and see at Lookout Mountain.

Go spelunking in these cool and creepy caves

Take a cave dive on the wild side.

Sometimes, hiking and camping aren’t enough. For some adventurers, the best way to get fully immersed in outdoor activity is by spelunking. Think of it like mountain climbing in reverse. Instead of scaling tall peaks, cave explorers travel through rocky caverns and navigate subterranean passageways. Those brave enough to go caving can marvel at unique rock formations, underground lakes, and even cave bacon. All over the world, cave systems host visitors curious to explore a hidden world. If you want a glimpse of the caving life, look no further than these six cool and creepy caves from all over the world.

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