Whitewater rafting has become a favorite American pastime for those who love the river and who don't mind a bit of danger with their vacations. If you're looking for a unique outdoors vacation, this might be the perfect solution.

Whitewater rafting has become a favorite American pastime for those who love the river and who don't mind a bit of danger with their vacations. A whitewater vacation is not necessarily relaxing, but it provides outdoor lovers with a rejuvenating experience and plenty of healthy exercise.

There are literally hundreds of places across the United States where you can explore whitewater rafting, and the location you choose will depend largely on your experience. If you're terrified by the thought of going into the water, and if you don't have much rowing strength, a "baby trail" is probably in your best interests. If, however, you've gone whitewater rafting before, and provided you are in top physical shape, a more challenging course might be right up your alley.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River

One of the most popular whitewater rafting adventures in the U.S. is the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. This hundred-mile stretch of river drops nearly 3,000 feet in elevation, and is the focus of more than a dozen local outfitters who offer guided whitewater tours. This is an excellent vacation option if you want to enjoy breathtaking scenery while getting a workout that you'll remember for years to come.

Although the Middle Fork can be a one-day excursion for whitewater lovers, most outfitters run three- to six-day tours that include lodging, meals and your choice of boats.

The start of the Middle Fork is shallow and steep, with plenty of boulders to navigate and gorgeous tree-lined hills on all sides. As side creeks merge with the Middle Fork, however, the river grows deeper and more aggressive, with more than 100 challenging rapids total.

Later on in this whitewater adventure, boaters come to intermittent pools of still water where rainbow trout are spawning in the spring among the rocky ledges of the banks. Guided tours usually include brief pauses to explore Indian relics-such as rock paintings-before heading back down river again.

At the end of your whitewater trip down Middle Fork, you'll be rewarded with a long soak in one of the natural hot springs that grace this area of the country, as well as visits to some of the waterfalls. This is truly an amazing adventure, and although difficult, can provide a lifetime of memories.

For the Less Experienced

If you don't think you can handle the Middle Fork whitewater rapids, there are other rivers in this part of the country that might be more your style. The Payette River, for example, is only one hour outside Boise, and is perfect for family outdoor adventures because the whitewater rapids aren't nearly as challenging.

Or, if you prefer something with more of a view, the South Form of the Owyhee River is an excellent beginner-to-intermediate adventure that provides vista views of surrounding mountains. Owyhee is also great for families and groups of friends who have different levels of experience because the river contains both easy and challenging rapids, depending on your skill level.

Whitewater rafting is exciting, adventurous and one of the most active ways to commune with nature. Just make sure that you work with an experienced outfitter who makes safety a priority, and you can't go wrong.

Middle Head Trail is in the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must see. I fell in love with this entire area of Canada. Middle Head Trail isn't a difficult trail and it isn't a long trail, so most people can easily walk it.

Middle Head Trail starts at the Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa on the Middle Head Peninsula on Ingonish Beach. You'll find Highland Links Golf Course and tennis courts at Keltic Lodge but I'd rather be hiking! Keltic Lodge is impressive with its many buildings and matching outdoor chairs. Keltic Lodge is now owned by the government. A lot of this trail was a carriage road that connected what was a private estate to the fishing village.

There is a reason for the name, Middle Head Trail. Middle Head is a narrow, rocky protrusion that divides Ingonish Bay in half. You'll find beautiful beaches on the coast. You'll start out at the Lodge. After about one half mile you'll come to an area that can easily be mistaken as the end of the trail. The trail loops around at that point. If you are a novice hiker you may want to take the loop in this area that will bring you back to the point of the trailhead heading to Keltic Lodge.

We thought it ended when we came to an expanse of rocks and a railing. Walking out to the rocks we looked to the right and saw the end of the point and wondered if we could get to it. In fact the trail continues to that very point. The trail is only 2.5 miles round trip but we spent a lot of time walking around and enjoying the scenery.

The elevation is only 50 feet and if you don't stop and smell the ocean, it will take you about 1 1/2 hours to complete Middle Head Trail. The trail is comprised of amazing views of the ocean and woodsy areas.

You'll find interpretive signs along the way, a lot of birds, and wonderful views of the ocean. There are benches along the way as well as overlooks that allowed us to get off the trail; go through some brush and look out onto amazing views.

Middle Head Trail was an easy hike/walkdepending on one's ability with only 2 small hills, one of which was on the steep side; boardwalks, and stairs to help people maneuver their way. You will be treated to one of the most beautiful and serene spots that I can say I have ever encountered. Since it's not a difficult hike, you might feel as if you want more of a challenge, but take some time out of your challenging hikes and see this beautiful spot at the end of Middle Head. Don't be surprised to see people meditating or just looking at the scenery in
awe.

Please leave only footprints, take only pictures and kill only time.