13 Hidden Treasures in America's Great Outdoors

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Do you know that there are plenty of hidden treasures in America’s great outdoors? With fantastic scenery and some of the world’s most unusual natural wonders, the United States is a vast playground for adventurers. There are more than 400 national parks and forests and just about as many state parks, meaning there is no shortage of places to explore and take in amazing sights.

These pristine landscapes have hidden treasures of our country’s richness and beauty. Lace up your boots, strap on your camera, and ready yourself for a journey to discover 13 of these secret wonders lying just beyond our neighborhoods.

The Grand Canyon’s Secret Caves and Overlooks

Hidden Treasures in America's Great Outdoors — Image Credit: Jochen Breuer/Pexels

Millions of people visit the Grand Canyon yearly, but most flock to the popular South Rim viewpoints. However, did you know the canyon has breathtaking hidden caves and overlooks?

The Shoshone Point is a quiet spot with stunning, crowd-free sunrise views. You can also explore caves, such as Mystic Cave, which is found along the most popular hiking routes and is reachable only by a local guide.

The Enchanting Beauty of Oregon’s Painted Hills

Oregon’s Painted Hills look like a work of an artist’s imagination. The truth is that these multicolored layers of earth have been made by millions of years of volcanic activity and climate change. Situated in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, each tells a tale of ancient ecosystems.

Lost in Time: The Petrified Forest National Park

Have you ever wondered what the trees of some 200 million years ago looked like? Step into the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona — beautiful wood that transformed into fossilized stone.

Beyond the surreal beauty of these “stone logs,” the park also houses ancient petroglyphs and overlooks that provide stunning desert vistas.

The Mysteries of Mammoth Cave

The world’s most extended cave system covers over 420 miles. Welcome to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky! While guided tours cover significant portions, adventurous explorers can opt for “wild cave tours,” which allow them to squeeze through tight passages and discover untouched chambers teeming with unique formations.

It also harbors endangered fauna, including the Kentucky cave shrimp, and is as ecologically striking as visually astounding.

Discovering the Underwater Forest of Lake Michigan

A 10,000-year-old [submerged forest] waits beneath the surface of Lake Michigan. Scientists have discovered this underwater grove of tree stumps, which they think was created by ancient glacial activity.

It (the watery world) is unique and available on guided dives, attracting an appeal to history buffs and adventure lovers alike. A living relic of prehistoric America it is.

The Allure of the Northern Lights in Alaska

You don’t need to visit Iceland to see the aurora borealis! Nature’s most excellent show is in Alaska, which provides front-row seats.

From August to April, clear skies and no light pollution make for unparalleled views of these dancing lights in Fairbanks or Denali National Park. A bucket list experience at its finest can be had with a night in heated glass igloos that go with your adventure.

The Majestic Waterfalls of Yellowstone

While most people consider Yellowstone National Park home to iconic geysers like Old Faithful, the waterfalls are the real show-stoppers where serenity marries grandeur. Fairy Falls is a quiet retreat off the beaten path, which will cascade over 200 feet.

A short trek through Lodgepole Pine Forest leads to nearby Mystic Falls. Proof that there’s more to Yellowstone than steaming geysers. These lesser-known gems still offer a fair reward for the effort required.

The Serenity of Secret Beaches on the Pacific Coast

Is escaping the crowds of California’s famous beaches something you are looking for? The coastline at Mendocino County stands out with spherical sandstone formations scattered along the coastline. Shi Shi Beach in Washington State is known for its rocky cliffs and tidal pools, which are full of marine life.

Finding Solitude on the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is 2,190 miles long, stretches across 14 states, and contains more than its fair share of treasures.

Virginia’s McAfee Knob offers an iconic cliff edge view that photographers love, but to get away from crowds, there are quieter segments near the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Pristine alpine forests and vast open skies greet the hikers here.

The Beauty of Bioluminescence in Puerto Rico

Visit Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, where the water glows. This glow is caused by microscopic dinoflagellates, tiny microorganisms that glow when they move.

It brings to mind paddling through a pool of stars on these luminous waters. Visit during moonless nights for the brightest show because even a little moonlight can wear down their glow.

The Intrigue of Shipwrecks on the Gulf Coast

Countless underwater wrecks around the Gulf Coast each have a story to tell. One of the world’s most extensive artificial reefs, the USS Oriskany, off the Florida coast, is perfect for scuba divers. Sea-rusted relics of history are home to abundant and thriving ecosystems of rich marine life.

Exploring Hidden Sandstone Canyons in Utah

Another lesser-known gem beyond Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks is Buckskin Gulch, considered one of the world’s longest slot canyons.

These narrow passages are in a maze of sandstone, with awe-inspiring formations and the appeal of virgin wilderness. It is a lesser-known paradise for hikers and photographers.

Malibu’s Escondido Falls

Escondido Falls is just inland from Malibu but offers a little-known inland escape from California’s famed coastline. The hike to the waterfalls is challenging and takes you through lush greenery. This oasis is best visited in spring when water flow peaks, but you feel worlds away from the nearby urban sprawl.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.