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Southern folklore claims the old forests of the New World were so dense that a squirrel could once travel from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River without ever touching the ground. Today, pockets of that wilderness still remain, waiting to be explored by travellers paddling, pedalling and perusing their way through a land of legends. From the beaches to bayous, these are the best ways to adventure through the Deep South

MOUNTAIN BIKE COLDWATER MOUNTAIN

ANNISTON, ALABAMA

At Coldwater Mountain, adrenaline junkies can traverse more than 20 miles of dirt trails. A pair of gravity runs and single-track routes like Bomb Dog, Goldilocks and Oval Oce highlight this hidden Alabama gem. Nearby Wig’s Wheels rents bikes and provides transport to the trails for $45 (£32) per day. wigswheels.com

GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

Advanced divers can visit the sunken aircraft carrier USS

Oriskany in the Gulf of Mexico, now the world’s largest manmade artificial reef. Expect to pay around $220 (£160). facebook.com/ downunderdiveshop

TAKE A SWAMP TOUR TO HONEY ISLAND

SLIDELL, LOUISIANA

In the swamps outside New Orleans, rumours of a mysterious creature called the Honey Island Swamp monster have circulated for decades. Even if you don’t glimpse the fabled beast on your journey, you’re still likely to see a vast array of wildlife — including ibis, owls, alligators, minks and snakes — on this narrated nature tour. Rates start from $25 (£18) per person. honeyislandswamp.com

KAYAK OKATOMA CREEK

SEMINARY, MISSISSIPPI

Free-flowing, family fun awaits at Okatoma Creek. This easy-going stream meanders through hardwood forests and over a series of waterfalls in the state’s south. Though shorter runs are available, the eight-mile journey beginning in Seminary hits three waterfalls and numerous rapids over the course of around five hours. Kayak rentals start at $30 (£22). seminarycanoerental.com

EXPLORE OFF ROAD IN A CLASSIC OVERLANDER

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA

Drive a classic Land Rover in the Blue

Ridge Mountains when you book a tour with Vintage Overland. This start-up is the brainchild of Lookout Mountain locals who want to create o•-road camping adventures below the canopies of Appalachia. Vintage Overland has a fleet of well-maintained vehicles and support trucks. Rates start from $350 (£255) per night. vintageoverland.com

SEE SAINT HELENA SOUND BY HORSEBACK SAINT HELENA ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

The ruins of an 18th-century church mark the route to St Helena Island, South Carolina, where travellers can trot on horseback beneath oak trees and gallop along a forested coast. Equestrian school Camelot Farms has a stable of horses for trail rides. A two-hour coastal ride costs $125 (£90) per rider, while a single hour on the 70-acre plantation costs $75 (£55) each. camelotfarmshorses.com JS

CANOE CAMP IN THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP

FOLKSTON, GEORGIA

Remote campsites lie hidden beneath the canopies of this mesmerising wilderness, a wildlife wonderland of sandhill cranes, alligators and black bears. Motorised boats are banned from the area at night, leaving the evening soundtrack to Mother Nature. Canoe trips cost $15 (£11) per person.

fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee

GO BASS FISHING IN THE BAYOU

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA

Louisiana is home to some of the most biodiverse waters in North America — most of which can be fished for sport. Grosse Savanne Lodge takes guests on guided bass fishing expeditions through seven miles of freshwater canals and swamp near Lake Charles. Onsite accommodation is plush and meals feature Creole-style cooking with crawfish, shrimp and the catch of the day. An overnight stay and guided fishing trip costs $550 (£400) per person. grossesavanne.com

FROM LEFT: Swamp tours in Louisiana can offer sightings of owls, alligators and snakes; sandhill cranes in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia; fishing in Lake Charles, Louisiana