And those waterfalls? New York's Greater Niagara area has some seriously beautiful spots outside of the Falls—most notably Letchworth State Park, aka “the Grand Canyon of the East." But these beautiful spring flowers can be found closer to home: Washington's Skagit Valley has sprawling fields of tulips much like Lisse's Keukenhof (the largest bulb garden in the world), half an hour from Amsterdam. At the top you’ll be rewarded with views of Clews Bay and the surrounding scenery near the town of Westport. Cannon Beach is an essential pit stop off Highway 101, and seeing the 235-foot Haystack Rock protruding out of the water is well-worth the drive. A 13-mile drive from downtown Charleston, South Carolina's Angel Oak is easily one of the most beautiful places in America. The entire roadway could be considered one big scenic overlook—drive during the fall months for some prime leaf peeping, or during the summer for the tail-end of wildflower season. Your dream backpacking trips are waiting for you. Condé Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Although the Everglades bear an uncanny resemblance to the deltas of Southern Africa, the wildlife is a tad different—expect to see alligators and manatees during your, Denali National Park gets more than a half-million visitors a year, and it's easy to see why. A 13-mile drive from downtown Charleston, South Carolina's Angel Oak is easily one of the most beautiful places in America. Whether you experience the park from a hot air balloon or the 66 miles of surrounding hiking trails, do try to plan your visit during prime leaf-peeping season. Known for its hiking, camping, sunsets (and sunrises), If you want to plan an iconic American road trip, drive from, Sprawling more than 30,000 acres on the Utah-Nevada border, the, The 469-mile stretch of road known as the, Bryce Canyon's layered red and orange rock pillars, known as hoodoos, make it a can't-miss destination for campers and shutterbugs alike. Known for its hiking, camping, sunsets (and sunrises), Big Bend consists of more than 800,000 acres of river canyons, desert, mountains, and much, much more. The hilly area happens to be one of the best places for fall foliage in the U.S., especially if you take in the views along the 63-mile Mohawk Trail—arguably the most picturesque drive in all of Massachusetts. Books to read on the Best Hikes in the US. New Mexico's White Sands National Park is the newest of all 62 parks, only just officially recognized in December 2019. Lake Tahoe is the largest of the alpine lakes in North America, formed millions of years ago during the Ice Age. If you even have the slightest appreciation of natural beauty, Alaska is home to more than 3 million lakes, but we have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to Bear Lake. Half Dome is one of America’s most iconic and recognizable natural formations and a staple for anyone exploring the USA’s most beautiful national parks. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. And those waterfalls? You could spend a lifetime exploring the sites of the United States, all as beautiful as they are diverse. The water somehow manages to be clear yet turquoise (thanks to dissolving carbonate minerals), giving us a peek at the trees and branches beneath the surface. With its pristine mountain lakes, glaciers, 700 miles of hiking trails, and road trips along, No list of beautiful places in the U.S. would be complete without the Grand Canyon. Blink and you might think you've been transported to another planet. “General Sherman,” a tree named for the Civil-War general, is the hero of these treasured acres: It stands 275 feet tall and 25 feet wide, making it the largest known single-stem tree on the planet. The narrow, undulating spaces between rock formations allow for vivid patterns when sunlight filters through the striated stone. It has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the entire park (think black bears, white-tailed deer, and coyotes)—drive the 11-mile loop around the cove for some of the best views. One of the country's most popular national parks, New Mexico's White Sands National Park is the newest of all 62 parks, only just officially, Zion National Park is so beloved, officials have discussed, Best & Worst Refi Mortgage Companies of 2021, Price Alert: These SUVs Are Now Only $19,000 (Deal Of The Day), Expert: “This credit card is so good I signed up personally”. Set in the Sierra Nevadas, it receives worldwide acclaim for its scenic mountain views, luxe ski resorts, and Nevada casinos—not to mention water so clear that you can see to the bottom. For something truly spectacular, plan your visit around the park's annual, Cades Cove is an incredibly broad, verdant valley situated within the Tennessee portion of the, Reaching depths of 1,949 feet, the awe-inspiring Crater Lake, about a four-hour drive south of, Occupying 1.5 million prime acres of Southern Florida, these famed wetlands are one of the world’s most varied (and fascinating) ecosystems. With its pristine mountain lakes, glaciers, 700 miles of hiking trails, and road trips along Going-to-the-Sun Road, the park represents some of the best nature the U.S. has to offer. The rolling region of the Palouse covers 4,000 sq. The sprawling area is the world's largest gypsum dune field (gypsum is a common rock material that reflects light, giving the dunes their dazzling look) formed close to 10,000 years ago. Highway 101 is a road that is extremely familiar to me, having grown up nearby and spent much time exploring the area but is always special. Visitors can enjoy nearly 200 miles of hiking trails, go rafting in the Snake River, and maybe even spot a grizzly bear or two. We're talking 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and more than 70 species of mammals. The park encompasses more than 2.2 million acres, has more than 900 miles (1,449 km) of hiking trails, and is primarily managed as wilderness. Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, the site stands out for its massive glaciers, vertical rock structures, year-round water sports (kayaking, ice skating, dog mushing), and viewings of the. Set in the Sierra Nevadas, it receives worldwide acclaim for its scenic mountain views, Who knew that southern Wisconsin was hiding one of the country's most beautiful, Sitting like a western movie backdrop in Arizona's, Filled with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and meadows dotted with wildflowers, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most scenic spots in all of Washington—and an easy, This 611-foot-tall double cascade flows through Oregon's lush Columbia River Gorge like something out of a. Case in point: New York's Greater Niagara area has some seriously beautiful spots outside of the Falls—most notably Letchworth State Park, aka “. Cades Cove is an incredibly broad, verdant valley situated within the Tennessee portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As its name suggests, the largest hot spring in the United States is essentially a rainbow ring of vibrant colors, affording the best views from the top walkway (drones are not allowed here, so don't even think about it). © 2021 Condé Nast. Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's most popular hiking destinations—and one of the most beautiful, too. Sitting like a western movie backdrop in Arizona's Navajo County, Monument Valley will probably be recognizable to anyone who has taken a road trip through the American Southwest. The set of tropical islands stretch beautifully between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, with the impressive Overseas Highway transporting most travelers all the way to, Covering 3.3 million acres of mountains, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park sits in one of the world’s largest international protected areas. If you’re planning to visit, aim for the spring or summer when water levels are typically their highest. While it's spectacular enough when seen from the park's viewing area, more daring tourists can climb up to Benson Bridge and look at the roaring waters from above. Well, they only increase the dreaminess factor. Filled with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and meadows dotted with wildflowers, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most scenic spots in all of Washington—and an easy day … We can't think of many other places on earth where you can see crashing glaciers and breeching whales in the same day as temperate rainforests and mountain goats. Related post. Each April in Washington there is also a festival offering guided bike tours and photo contests. It's home to pretty much everything the word “swamp” conjures—alligators, Spanish moss, egrets, and bald cypress—and some of the region's best Cajun restaurants can be found in nearby, Found in the southwest corner of South Dakota, Badlands National Park greets visitors with an otherworldly landscape of rust-colored buttes, spires, and pinnacles rising across thousands of acres. In fact, the sunrises from the park's highest points are so popular, you have to make a reservation in advance (and pay) to see it. To go further afield, the most popular excursions from Porto are day tours of the Douro Wine Valley. In general, the further north you go, the better the redwoods. Easily the most striking coastline in America, the Nā Pali (“high cliffs” in Hawaiian) Coast is only accessible by boat, helicopter, or strenuous hike—and it is 100 percent worth the effort. Filled with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and meadows dotted with wildflowers, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most scenic spots in all of Washington—and an easy day trip from Seattle. By FIngrid blogs at Second-Half Travels. Sprawling more than 30,000 acres on the Utah-Nevada border, the Bonneville Salt Flats will make you see the world in a different way. The chalk-white landscape stretches so far out in all directions that you can actually spy the curvature of the earth, and aside from the dry heat, walking across the salty crust feels a bit like touching frost-covered grass first thing in the morning. We can't think of many other places on earth where you can see, It's easy to see why Glacier National Park is one of the most-visited parks in the country. Ad Choices. It has been updated with new information. It's easy to see why Glacier National Park is one of the most-visited parks in the country. The most famous mountain in Maine, this lovely route comes in at just over ten miles, and is a great day hike that takes you past some beautiful waterfalls and up through woodland early in the day. We could tell you all about the sunsets and views and epic hikes along this 277-mile-long chasm, but honestly? Time: 1 day Best time to go: April to October. With more than 500 miles of hiking trails. The 91,696-acre space is defined by its towering sandstone structures, mesas, and sandy landscapes—all of which make for perfect photo opportunities. The 469-mile stretch of road known as the Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is regularly cited as one of America’s most picturesque drives. Covering 3.3 million acres of mountains, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park sits in one of the world’s largest international protected areas. This half-in, half-out-of-water crater and reef ledge boasts hundreds of varieties of underwater species that aren't too shy to approach tour boats and divers. We understand the appeal: With its massive sandstone cliffs and biodiversity, we'd risk bumping elbows with a fellow tourist or two to stand in awe at this park. Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's most popular hiking destinations—and one of the most beautiful, too. If you’re planning to visit, aim for the spring or summer when water levels are typically their highest. You could spend a lifetime exploring the sites of the United States, all as beautiful as they are diverse. The Florida Keys call up many images—spectacular sunsets and white-sand beaches among them. Shutterbugs are known to set up their cameras along the shores of Maroon Lake well before sunrise, hoping to get that iconic shot of the Bells and aspen trees reflected perfectly in the water. The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the only rainforests in the U.S., with lichen-shrouded trees and fungus-covered logs hidden in the middle of Washington's Olympic National Park. Whether a gentle meandering stroll or hardcore hike, grasp that get-up-and-go mentality and explore the most stunning walking and hiking trails around Glasgow. Make sure to spend at least a few hours here post-sunset, as the park was officially recognized as an International Dark Sky Park back in 2017. You can find America's largest swamp, the Atchafalaya Basin, just west of the Mississippi River in Louisiana. Don't miss the Cholla Cactus Garden, where the iconic plants stretch for as far as the eye can see. This 611-foot-tall double cascade flows through Oregon's lush Columbia River Gorge like something out of a fantasy novel. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater, located between the islands of Maui and Kahoolawe, is one of the most colorful experiences available in the Hawaiian islands. The 50-foot waterfall and jade waters at the Hamilton Pool Preserve (just west of Austin) are not to be missed. And perhaps you've heard of a charming little tourist destination known as the Grand Canyon? Those photogenic lighthouses and sunrises atop Cadillac Mountain are certainly worth traveling for. The park is a wild and massive landscape(we're talking 6 million acres) of snowy amphitheaters, glaciers, ice caves, and mountains that would look right at home in the Himalayas. Along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll stop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur, complete with stunning cliff views over the bright blue ocean. Spacious skies, amber waves of grain, and more. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan. Dubbed the “Niagara Falls of the West,” Idaho’s terraced Shoshone Falls drop 212 feet along the Snake River. What you’ll appreciate most, though, is its starkly beautiful granite landscapes, incredible, awe-inducing views, and dozens of brilliantly colored rare plant species. Topping the list of the best day hikes in the world, Croagh Patrick is one of Ireland’s most-climbed mountains and a significant place of Christian pilgrimage. It's home to pretty much everything the word “swamp” conjures—alligators, Spanish moss, egrets, and bald cypress—and some of the region's best Cajun restaurants can be found in nearby Lafayette and New Iberia. It takes hours to climb to the top of the dunes from the parking lot, but the feeling of standing alone, hundreds of feet in the air, is unquestionably freeing. You think tulips, you think Holland, right? Located in the town of Middleton (about six miles west of Madison), Pope Farm Conservancy becomes a veritable sea of yellow each summer as sunflowers pop up as far as the eye can see. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Even better? Reaching depths of 1,949 feet, the awe-inspiring Crater Lake, about a four-hour drive south of Portland, is the deepest lake in the U.S. Its contents are supplied entirely by glacial runoff and precipitation—hence the water's clarity and intense blue hue. To really experience the redwoods I’d suggest visiting at least three parks: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park has the most scenic redwood forest. But these beautiful. Driving Oregon's coast is a road trip that rivals even California's Highway 1, with beautiful state parks, rugged coastlines, and secluded hideaways. The Hoh River Valley is home to the quietest spot in the contiguous 48 states, according to Gordon Hempton, an expert "acoustic ecologist.". This is one you need to see for yourself. And perhaps you've heard of a charming little tourist destination known as the Grand Canyon? Sister to neighboring Vieques, Culebra is a tiny island 17 miles off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico—and about as chill a place as you'll ever find. Named after the wildflowers that grow along the road (best viewed from November to February), the route travels from Sonsonate through Juayúa, Ataco, Apaneca, and Ahuachapán for around 40 km. Although the Everglades bear an uncanny resemblance to the deltas of Southern Africa, the wildlife is a tad different—expect to see alligators and manatees during your airboat tour, not hippos and elephants. Jutting up to 13,775 feet above the prairie-like landscapes of Wyoming, the magnificent Teton mountain range feels almost like a mirage. Hugging the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is known for its unique sandstone cliffs that stretch for 15 miles. Whether you're looking for nature's greatest hits or hidden gems that take a little digging to find, here are (in no particular order) 50 of the most beautiful places in America. The park is a wild and massive landscape(we're talking 6 million acres) of snowy amphitheaters, glaciers, ice caves, and mountains that would look right at home in the Himalayas. The Berkshires have long been an escape for New York and Boston urbanites, and one visit to the region may make you fall in love as well. The Ruta de las Flores is a trail that leads travelers through some of the beautiful villages of El Salvador. miles of northern Idaho and southeastern Washington. Sometimes Mother Nature creates beautiful things, and sometimes we humans create them ourselves. Whether you're looking for nature's greatest hits or hidden gems that take a little digging to find, here are (in no particular order) 50 of the most beautiful places in America. Set against the Rocky Mountains, the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado (the tallest dunes in North America) look like they were transported straight from the Sahara. Acadia National Park is an essential stop on any, You can find America's largest swamp, the Atchafalaya Basin, just west of the Mississippi River in Louisiana. The highest point on Maui is also one of its most visited, and for good reason: Haleakalā Crater provides epic, sweeping views of the island from an elevation of just over 10,000 feet. Opening day for 2020 is November 21st!The village of Beech Mountain, the highest town in Eastern America (5,506 feet), is an ideal winter vacation spot in North Carolina... read more First Day Hikes: New Year's Day Get to know some of America’s beautiful landscapes and hikes in greater detail through some of these fantastic reads: The Backpacker Bible — Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building an online income. And all that beauty didn't happen overnight—glacial erosion over millions of years birthed the spectacular park you see today. The loess hills resemble sand dunes in shape (probably because they were formed by wind-blown sediment, not erosion), but become a dreamscape of varying shades of greens during the wet spring months. You can even climb Denali, but just like, The Florida Keys call up many images—spectacular sunsets and white-sand beaches among them. A walking holiday in the Lake District is a bucket list experience for most enthusiastic hikers, and there’s plenty to discover in this beautiful part of the United Kingdom. Yellowstone National Park is one of America's premier wilderness areas. Located about ten miles west of Aspen, the Maroon Bells—two 14,000-foot peaks above the White River National Forest—are a couple of the most photographed mountains in Colorado. The water somehow manages to be clear yet turquoise (thanks to dissolving carbonate minerals), giving us a peek at the trees and branches beneath the surface. Who knew that southern Wisconsin was hiding one of the country's most beautiful fields of flowers? Day hiking does not require … Hawaii's vertical Na'Pali Coast is easily one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon—and serious Instagram darling—in the American Southwest, just east of just east of Page, Arizona. Alaska is home to more than 3 million lakes, but we have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to Bear Lake. Set against the Rocky Mountains, the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado (the tallest dunes in North America) look like they were transported straight from the Sahara.
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