Spring break for cheap

So you're sitting there wondering what your spring break future holds for this year. You've heard people at lunch in the Union discussing their flights to Cancun and their new bathing suits. "I've got to do something! I need a break from this town!" has been echoed across campus all winter long. But not everybody has the funds that will permit a trip to Mexico or some other highly-traveled tropical destination. So what now?\nWell, don't worry, there are some alternatives that are economical, yet still ultimately satisfying (if you can only afford a seven-hour drive instead of a flight). They might not be the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or even the sun and sand, but the rolling hills, geological formations and rivers and valleys of Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina are within a day's drive from Bloomington.\nGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee\nThe Smoky Mountains are located along the southeastern border of Tennessee, about seven hours from Bloomington, just south of the heart of Appalachia. Don't worry, you won't experience a scene from "Deliverance" if you travel here. \nPigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a very touristy environment for those who still desire the urban scene, but also have very affordable hotels and motels. They are located within a 30-minute drive of some of the park's greatest splendors. Camping is abundant throughout the park, both in backcountry and in designated campsites.\nChimney Rock, a mountain point that offers up a view for many miles in any direction, makes for a good day's hike without leaving you gasping for air at the end. \n"On the way up, it seems like forever. But the creeks and wildlife catch your eye all along the way," says senior Marissa Minelli who took a trip there last year. "Once you get to the top and see for miles around, it sinks in how beautiful this place is."\nAnd after a long hike, there are various locales along the drive through the park to stop and take a dip in the rivers and streams. Rhododendron trees, ferns and mosses of all varieties blanket the forest floor creating an environment with a mystique all its own. Also, the Smokies boast some of the oldest old-growth forests in North America. \nRed River Gorge Geological Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky\nAbout four hours southeast of Bloomington is an area that many flock to -- some for the climbing, some for camping and some for the food.\nEver since the late '60s, the Red River Gorge area has been a favorite gathering spot for those with a flair for the outdoors. Climbers are attracted to its geology and the magnificent climbing. In the gorge, sandstone has weathered away to leave huge natural bridges and faces of limestone that are ideal for climbers. Hikes in and around the gorge also lend themselves to fully experiencing the nearly 800-foot chasm that has been such an attraction for so many years. But the flora and fauna are also worth some exploration.\nRhododendron trees are abundant throughout the area and provide a sub-tropical feel with their huge leaves and delicate, aromatic blooms. The forest floor is covered with ferns that create an environment that almost looks prehistoric, and the rivers and valleys echo this in every sense. \nBut the natural beauty isn't the only reason this is a popular area. "Miguel's Pizza is a favorite meeting point for many who travel the area" senior Brandon Litherland says. "The gourmet pies and camping out back make for the ideal spot to get a hot meal and still have a cheap place to rest your head."\nPisgah National Forest, North Carolina\nIf you have seen the film "Last of the Mohicans," you have already seen some of the splendor of this region. Pisgah is one in a group of national forests located along the entire western border of North Carolina, flanking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and having much the same atmosphere, minus the urban setting. \nThe biggest attractions at Pisgah are the waterfalls. Looking Glass Falls, a huge roadside waterfall located directly along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is one of the most frequented spots. But a hike through the forest will lend to experiencing less popular falls with their own mystique.\nAnother popular recreational favorite for visitors of Pisgah is the rock climbing. Looking Glass Rock is a favorite, named for when water freezes on the exposed granite face and reflects sunlight. But the area is usually closed from Jan. 15 to Aug. 15 for the peregrine falcon mating season.\nA popular vantage point for those who are searching for the most breathtaking view in Pisgah is Table Rock. Upon reaching the summit, a 360-degree view of the park is possible. "It feels like you are standing on top of the world," senior David Lesh says. "There's nothing but you, the sky and the horizon in any direction." \nLike the Smokies, Pisgah does have an urban scene nearby in Asheville, about an hour drive to the north. Haunted bed and breakfasts, old inns and a quaint setting make Asheville a popular place, and can provide you with a tasty home-cooked meal if you stop in at the right place.\nSo here are some ideas that don't involve spending all your cash on a spring break trip. You won't find any airports, expensive hotels or annoying tourists here. Just fresh air, unsurpassed views and a break from your troubles.\nNick Kapke's insider tips\nEver since I was little, I've been visiting these parts of the country on trips with family and friends. One of my favorite places to camp and hike, of the areas I mentioned, is in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's called Jake's Creek Trail.\nStarting near the Elkmont Campground in the heart of the park, Jake's Creek Trail meanders through the forest and among a series of picturesque creeks and Rhododendron trees. Old growth trees and old stone structures that seem randomly placed dot the trailside as it heads up a steady, yet slow incline. About two miles down the trail you'll come to the first of many backcountry camps.\nLocated in between three ridges, this area almost seems to have been scooped out of the surrounding geology. Sites are not designated in these backcountry areas, so any cozy spot you find for your tent is all right. A small creek flows through the site as a water source and offers much needed refreshment. (But one thing you must be aware of in the backcountry are bears. Consult a ranger in any park office for bear safety information.) \nThe next morning, it is an easy hike back to your car and you can be off to explore other wonders of the Smokies.