>>2690465If you're a naturalist-y oriented person, the southeast is the best place in the United States. Full stop.
Alabama is the most biodiverse state in the country per square mile. Tons of species of all taxa.
Botanizing in May in the coastal plain is wonderful. Longleaf pine savannahs. Pitcher plant bogs in bloom. Cyprus swamps. Drive a few hours north and hit Appalachia. Sandstone canyons in NE Alabama are so fucking cozy (pic related).
The southeast is the most underrated region of the United States by a long shot.