What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear America? Most people probably think about skyscrapers, concrete jungles and busy cities. But what they might not know is that there’s a lot of splendid nature to be seen in a country as diverse as the United States. Some of the most scenic places are to be found in the US. You just need to know where to look. And that’s why we have listed down the most naturally beautiful places in the country. Here are America’s ten most awesome places to visit:
1. Mendenhall Glacier Caves
Located in Juneau, Alaska’s Mendenhall Valley, this 12-mile glacier features 12 ice caves that you can explore. These caves will make you feel like you are inside ice clouds and will give you a truly surreal experience. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Caves and make memories that last a lifetime.
2. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is Utah’s oldest national park. Located in Springdale, Utah, this park is well-known for its ethereal canyon hikes and breathtaking views. You can rappel, rock climb or just enjoy the adrenaline rush you get from being in high altitude. You can also enjoy the park’s other features like the Temple of Sinawava, the Narrows, the Cathedral Mountain, and Angels Landing. There are simply a lot of things to do here, considering that the place has more than 146,000 acres of space. The beautiful green park welcomes 3 million visitors every year.
3. Oneonta Gorge
The Oneonta Gorge is located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It is home to a variety of unique woodland and aquatic plants that can be found only in the area. The basalt walls are said to be 25 million years old and have been described as very dramatic. You can walk through the creek and enjoy the clear waters or check out the waterfalls. There are four major waterfalls here, with the Middle Oneonta Falls clearly visible from one of the footpaths. The gorge makes you feel like you are in a fairy tale land!
4. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
If you think that only apples grow in Washington State, think again. Hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to the splendid tulip fields of Skagit Valley in April to see the colorful flowers in full bloom.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
There are seven small islands in this national park, which is located in Florida, just off Key West. You can enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling here and explore the lively and healthy coral reefs. There’s also plenty of rare wildlife to be seen, and you can lounge on white sands or just swim the emerald waters. Some beautiful migratory birds stop at these islands, too, as well as sea turtles, so keep your eyes peeled!
6. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
There are several things that you can find in these Sierra Nevada, California parks, but the best one is, without doubt, the General Sherman Tree, which is a giant sequoia considered to be the world’s largest tree by volume. There are also waterfalls and campgrounds, as well as some of the most magnificent views around.
7. Niagara Falls
New York State’s Niagara Falls allows you to see what 750,000 gallons of water per second can do. It’s an amazing experience that you will never forget. You can view the waterfalls from the viewing deck or get on the boat that takes you closer to the waters.
8. Smoky Mountains
The Smokies lie in between Tennessee and North Carolina and their sheer beauty has been an inspiration for thousands of people all around the country. This natural attraction and park reportedly welcomes more than nine million people each year, making it the most visited national park in the country. Aside from the views, you can also go whitewater rafting and hiking here. And if you visit in the spring, be sure to take the wildflower tour, which introduces you to more than 1,600 species of flowering plants.
9. The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a seasonal attraction in Fairbanks, Alaska. The natural light show is best seen between the months of September and April.
10. Grand Prismatic Spring
Wyoming has the biggest hot spring in the country and the fact that this hot spring has rainbow colors is an added reason for you to check it out. The Grand Prismatic Spring is part of Yellowstone National Park, so do plan to stay the weekend or the entire week to see other attractions within the park and in nearby areas.
Other picturesque places in the country include:
- Thor’s Well, Oregon
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota
- Palouse Falls, Washington
- Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California
- Haiku Stairs of Oahu, Hawaii
- Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
- Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
- The Wave, Arizona
Why not to include these places in your bucket list of places to visit? Explore the beautiful Mother Nature in all her splendid glory!
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