16 Beautiful Photos Of The Southern Countryside That Will Soothe Your Soul

When people consider the South for a possible vacation, thoughts typically turn to a warm climate filled with Southern charm, sweet tea, and fried food. But if those aren't reasons enough, imagine beautiful sun-soaked countrysides filled with endless colorful meadows, rolling hills, gorgeous beaches, and majestic trees and you'll be making those travel arrangements in no time! Here are stunning photos that capture some of the most charming aspects of America's Southern countryside, including:

Majestic trees

Towering trees that provide welcome shade and respite from warm temperatures are prevalent in the South. This beautiful entrance to the Wormsloe Plantation in Savannah, Georgia, is sheer magic.

Spanish Moss adds an ethereal feel to settings. This photo is at the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia.

Swamps surround Cypress trees at Lake Chicot State Park in Louisiana.

Rolling hills and mountainsides

This spectacular view in South Carolina looks across to Table Rock State Park from the Caesars Head viewpoint.

Elk Mountain is lit up with a gentle sunset following a storm in Oklahoma.

Flower-infused meadows

Nothing can outdo spring landscapes filled with bluebonnets, Texas' state flower, sprinkled in with the orange Indian Paintbrush. Fields of these vibrant flowers make their annual appearance across Texas beginning in late March.

Areas also boast of glorious fields of sunflowers all summer long.

These flame azaleas grow wild at the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. Roan Mountain is the high point of the Roan-Unaka Range of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The area includes the world's largest natural rhododendron garden.

Spectacular water settings

Florida's sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico are nothing less than perfection. This photo was taken in the town of Captiva.

The magnificent DeSoto Falls in Alabama are worthy of a visit.

Pennyrile Forest in Kentucky is truly a magical place to visit in the fall, but the beautiful lake areas in Kentucky warrant visits year-round.

Sandstone Falls in West Virginia is filled with falls, mountains, and sweeping landscapes you won't want to leave.

Open countryside

Kentucky is legendary for its horse farms, and a drive through the seemingly-endless countryside and stunning pastures here won't disappoint!

Lexington, Kentucky, United States horse farm

An impressive sky frames the Wichita Mountains in southwest Oklahoma. The foreground showcases sweeping plains.

Endless opportunities for going off the grid.

Views like the one shown here at Pearl River, Mississippi, are a great reason why you want to rise before dawn and just explore.

The aptly-named Misty Autumn Forest in West Virginia features numerous meandering country roads where you can lose yourself and soothe your soul. These gorgeous country roads provide road trip adventures that often lead to small towns, unique shops, and local eateries.

Which state or area of the Southern U.S. is your favorite to visit, and why? Any particular place you like best for soothing your soul or finding a next great adventure? We'd love to hear your suggestions on what you find of interest along the area's vast countryside.