15 Must-Visit U.S. Locations for Nature Lovers and Explorers
Exploring the wonders of nature in the US is like flipping through a picture book and every page is jaw dropping landscapes. This country has it all, from the most diverse environments to cater to the most outdoor enthusiast with misty mountains and expansive deserts. Avid hiker, budding photographer, someone who likes to get outside — there are so many places to explore and discover. And for those who want to recharge and reconnect with nature, they’re a haven for sport in the city.
The U.S. boasts some of the most spectacular, varied and highly life sustaining terrains in the world. National parks, forests and wildlife reserves abound so the difficult decision could be deciding where to go next. From planning a weekend trip to a cross country adventure, here are 15 must visit spots you should add to your list.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is an iconic place for the world’s adventurers to flock for sheer granite cliffs and magnificent waterfalls. It’s easy to find a trek for every level of explorer, from easygoing meadows to steep trails like Half Dome. From alpine forests to the dramatic valley floor, the park’s varied ecosystems provide you with many opportunities to observe nature’s beauty.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains, a treasure trove of biodiversity, boasts mist-covered peaks and endless hiking trails to explore. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has both serenity and adventure of nature in it. Foggy mornings and vibrant fall colors make the park a year round destination for peaceful escape. The Smokies are a haven for wildlife watchers, with more than 19,000 species of living organisms.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon, carved over millennia by the Colorado River, stands as one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Its towering cliffs of layered red rock tell the story of millions of years of geological history. Whether you’re admiring the view from a scenic overlook or hiking its rugged trails down to the river, the canyon offers an unforgettable experience for every explorer.
Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park, Yellowstone, is on the bucket list for many. Old Faithful is certainly worth visiting, but it’s not just the geysers and hot springs that gave this place its fame. If you’re a nature lover you’ll fall in love with the park’s geothermal features, its diverse wildlife and epic landscape. There is something new around every corner, it’s an untamed beauty.
Zion National Park
The dramatic cliffs, narrow canyons and unique rock formations of Red Rocks of Zion National Park in Utah are dramatic cliffs narrow canyons and unique rock formations. If you’re looking for adventure, the Angels Landing hike is one of the most exhilarating hikes, but it’s not for the faint of heart. There are lots of scenic walks and bird-watching opportunities for those who don’t want things moving too fast. The movie-esque nature of Zion’s dramatic landscape is a must-see for anyone who enjoys the beauty of nature.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, perched on Maine’s rugged coast, beautifully blends lush forests with the striking beauty of the sea. Hiking up Cadillac Mountain to see the first sun rise in the U.S. is popular, but there is a lot of coastline to explore as well. Acadia boasts forests, lakes, and coastline, all with beaches that are quiet or rocky: It’s a combination that outdoor lovers will never forget.
Glacier National Park
For those who can see no taller peaks, who desire no deeper lakes and who seek no glaciers, Montana’s Glacier National Park is the place to go. Going to the Sun Road offers some of the most awe-inspiring views in the country. Whether you’re hiking, canoeing, or simply soaking in the scenery, this iconic route through Glacier National Park showcases the rugged beauty of the wilderness like no other.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades are a wetlands, mangrove and sawgrass maze — a whole other kind of natural beauty. The wildlife in this park in Florida includes alligators, manatees and many types of birds. Everglades has a lot to offer in terms of subtropical wilderness, whether it’s a kayak dip into the quiet waters of the Everglades or an airboat ride to get close to the wildlife.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The array of hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock) in Bryce Canyon makes this one of the most stunning and unusual landscapes you’ll ever come across. The best time to see the amphitheaters of the park is sunrise or sunset when the light dances off the rock formations. Whether you’re hiking, horseback riding or just looking at the stars, Bryce Canyon will take you to another planet.
Mount Rainier National Park
The Mount Rainier National Park is situated and has the highest peak, in the Cascade range in Washington. An outdoor enthusiasts dream, this park has a great mix of glaciers, wildflower meadows and dense forests. A more leisurely hike around one of the many lakes is also adventure in the park; summiting the mountain is another.
Shenandoah National Park
Offering walking, biking, and horseriding trails winding through forested trails, and through sweeping vistas and rushing waterfalls, Shenandoah National Park sits perched along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. The Skyline Drive is great to see the valley below (especially in the fall with the foliage in full color). This park offers a bit of everything for those who like a little bit of everything; hiking, scenic drives and wildlife spotting.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Alpine lakes, rough trails, and the highest peaks in Colorado, along with many other great features, make hiking throughout Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park some of the best in the country. Mt. audubon, Long’s Peak, Nesthorn, and some of the more unheralded peaks in between have paths leading up to them and are all worth the trip. Summiting Longs Peak or strolling the less traveled trails around Bear Lake, the park’s views are majestic. In winter it becomes a wonderland for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
RNSP, Redwood National and State Parks
Redwoods are something to see in Northern California’s towering trees. The tranquil ambiance surrounding these ancient giants, some over 2,000 years old, feels almost otherworldly. Walking amongst these gigantic trees you can’t help but feel surprisingly small and wonderfully awed by their sheer mass and age. In the park, there are plenty of trails and scenic drives for visitors to these awe inspiring forests.
Death Valley National Park
California and Nevada’s Death Valley National Park is known for its extreme heat and the vast expanse of desert. The park is named after its life and beauty despite its name. The park’s terrain is rugged and includes everything from salt flats to colorful badlands and is a photographer’s dream. Check out the low point of North America at Badwater Basin, and the gorgeous desert vistas.
Lake Tahoe
Crystal clear water and spectacular alpine scenery is found at Lake Tahoe, which straddles the California Nevada border. Lake Tahoe is an outdoor paradise offering adventures in every season whether you swim, kayak or hike around the surrounding mountains. In the winter, the lake is a ski paradise; and in the summer, a water sports and leisurely hiking paradise.
The Adirondacks
The Adirondacks are a place to escape city life, in upstate New York. The park, which is more than six million acres, is made up of lakes, forests and mountains and there are plenty of hiking trails to check out. The Adirondacks are a paradise of outdoor adventure, from paddling a canoe on one of the area’s many lakes to summiting one of the park’s many peaks.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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