I'm driving from colo springs to dingmans ferry, pa in may. Any favorite spots in the above states? Anything from streamside walks to 4th class climbs to historic sites fits the bill. I already posted in the midwest forum, but I wouldn't mind kansas/missouri/arkansas suggestions either. I've been searching online, but I figured advice from like-minded people would be more effective. thanks

Ozarks: Ozark Trail, Ozark National Rivers, Mark Twain National Forest (several state parks). Silver Mine campground may be the best. Those are in Missouri. I haven't been to the Buffalo River in Arkansas but it's highly recommended.

Southern Illinois: Shawnee National Forest especially Garden of the Gods area.

Southern Indiana: Hoosier National Forest especially Charles Deam Wilderness. Nice second-growth forest.

Western Central Indiana: Turkey Run and Shades state parks. Very distinctive canyons.

Northern Indiana: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, avoid the beaches and hike behind (south) of the dunes.

Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park. Do a cave tour or cross the river and do some hiking.

Kentucky/Tennessee: Land Between the Lakes, a more developed rec area but with hikes, campgrounds, power boating, and a battlefield!

Many of those have SP pages (some by yours truly).

Tennessee- Big South Fork NRA- Natural bridges, in Tennessee/Kentucky; who would have thought! I never made it to Honey Creek pocket wilderness but heard it's way cool.

WVa- Harpers ferry

If you drive I-40/81, Mt Rogers is a short jaunt off 81 at exit 35.