The United States is a diverse, beautiful country with a multitude of climates and landscapes. The most popular tourist hotspots are already well-established, an inescapable consequence of popular culture. Therefore, we’ve decided to shift attention away from iconic landmarks and cities and instead feature a selection of some of the finest natural hotspots for those wanting a leisurely hike or a breath-taking view.
Niagara Falls
Situated along the Canada-US border, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. The water from Lake Erie flows into Lake Ontario over these massive waterfalls, known for the great quantity of water that is constantly tumbling over the vertical drop. Niagara Falls is actually a set of three falls: It consists of the largest section, known as Horseshoe Falls, with a drop of 187 feet; a second section on the American side of the river, known as the American Falls, with a drop of 89 feet; and a much thinner section located next to the American Falls, known as Bridal Veil Falls, with a drop of 78 feet.
Yellowstone National Park
With dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, Yellowstone National Park, mostly in Wyoming, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Fun fact: it was America’s first national park and is bigger than Rhode Island! Multi-coloured pools swirl around hot springs; verdant forests weave past expansive meadows and volatile geysers launch streams of steaming water toward the sky. With so much unspoiled natural beauty, it’s no wonder why everyone suspected John Colter (a scout for explorers Lewis and Clark) was embellishing when he first described Yellowstone’s geothermal curiosities in 1807. While you traverse its 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with permanent residents like buffalo, elk and sometimes even grizzlies.
Yosemite National Park
Millions of people come to this Sierra Nevada wilderness each year to see jagged peaks, glaciers, lush meadows and some of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Spanning 1,200 square miles, Yosemite offers activities ranging from child-friendly to extreme. Massive granite slopes like Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the landscape, taunting rock climbers. Paddlers dip into lakes and rivers, drivers cruise the dramatic Tioga Road, and day hikers walk by sequoias and canyons. Backpackers take to the rugged John Muir trail, named for the writer who helped create the park in 1890.
Pacific Coast Highway
The legendary Pacific Coast Highway was first started in the 1930s, and remains a marvel of human effort that hugs over 900km of California’s rugged and beautiful coastlines. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly, while gasping at the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches and endless sky. It also affords travellers an unparalleled opportunity to dip into all the character California has to offer: pioneer outposts, surfing villages, farm-fresh foods, local wine, roadside kitsch, Hollywood glitz and bohemia.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado encompasses 415 square miles of breath-taking, protected mountain wilderness. With more than 300 miles of trails, panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, picturesque meadows, valleys and meandering rivers, not to mention Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the United States, hitting 12,183ft in elevation), the choose-your-own-adventure options are endless. Hike it, bike it, fish it, climb it, drive it, camp it, photograph it … or all of the above.
Grand Canyon
Okay, we admit, you might have heard of this one. After all, this incredible natural attraction is one of the most visited places in the United States. Carved out by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon cuts deep into the landscape, creating dramatic cliff walls and ledges. Visitors standing on the rim of the canyon can see down to the canyon floor a mile below, and look out over the ridges and cliffs that run as far as the eye can see.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for a chance to get up close and personal with two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The latter continually erupts, which visitors can witness from multiple points in the park, including Crater Rim Drive and the famous Chain of Craters Road. The scenic lookout offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the ancient village of Kealakomo.
Arches National Park
Located north of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is so named for the 2,000 wind-sculpted sandstone arches gracing the area – the largest such concentration in the world. The most famous of these is the iconic 52ft-tall Delicate Arch, whose image can be seen on Utah license plates, but Arches will amaze you with its sheer range of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins and giant balanced rocks. Arches is also one of the few national parks where many of the top formations can be seen from the comfort of your car – perfect for those who want the sights without the sweat.
