The US has its' fair share of natural wonders, from majestic waterfalls to stunning national parks. We often forget about all the beautiful places we have right here at home.
Take a look at these 10 incredible natural attractions. Some are well known, while others are hidden gems. However, each attraction makes a worthwhile addition to any travel bucket list.
Mesa Falls, the most spectacular waterfall in Idaho, offers a serene natural setting that cannot be beat. At 114 feet high and 200 feet wide, Upper Mesa Falls stands strong as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the US.
Located in Southeastern Idaho in Targhee National Forest, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls can be accessed by taking the 28 mile Mesa Falls scenic byway. The journey along the byway leads you through beautiful forested lands, streams, and mountains until you reach the ultimate destination, spectacular Mesa Falls.
Upstate New York is an incredibly gorgeous region of the country with plenty of natural beauty to be found, including the incredibly scenic Catskill Mountains, forests, rivers, streams, and waterfalls.
One of the most tremendous features is Kaaterskil Falls, the highest 2 tiered waterfall in New York. A beautiful easy half mile hike leads you to this wonder of nature. Visit on a weekday morning for the most peace and quiet, as this popular hike tends to get very crowded.
Yellowstone, America's First National Park, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Abundant wildlife, waterfalls, beautiful mountains, rivers, streams, and geysers are just a few of the awe inspiring sights you will find within the park.
Old Faithful, said to be the most predicable geyser on Earth, is worth the park admission price alone. Eruptions take place every 91 minutes. Be sure to plan a slot in your itinerary to see this amazing natural wonder.
Skip the casinos and shows, and head out to this stunning 593 acre state park on the Southwest side of Lake Tahoe. Hiking and boat cruises (Zephyr Cove is fantastic) both offer tremendous views of the lake and mountains.
Emerald Bay is a truly beautiful place for landscape photography. Get out and explore nature in one of the most tremendous settings in the world! Start with the Vikingsholm hiking trail for some of the most gorgeous views you will ever come across.
Is there anything more amazing than standing next to a tree that is several hundred feet tall (the tallest redwood is 379 feet) and hundreds-thousands of years old (some live up to 2000 years)?
Redwood National Forest is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature, take stunning photography, and enjoy the peace and quiet of natural beauty.
The Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. With convenient access from many cities, it's no surprise that 14 million nature lovers make their way to the Southeastern natural wonder each year. The Smokies is the most ecologically diverse national park as well as one of the top black bear habitats in the country.
There are many ways to take in the beautiful scenery including hikes, cozy cabin rentals, scenic chairlift rides, scenic drives, and a walk along the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country (Skybridge). Start your visit off on a positive note with a relaxing walk to a gorgeous waterfall. Laurel Falls in Gatlinburg and Three Waterfalls Loop in Bryson City are 2 of the best-of-the-best.
Niagara Falls, located in both New York and Canada, is often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Horseshoe Falls is located in Ontario, while American and Bridal Veil Falls are both located in New York.
Great views can be obtained from either side, however, the Canadian views tend to be even more stunning as you are directly facing the falls.
Regardless, a visit to the American side is still a must if you can't get all the way over to the other side. Views are still incredible. Don't miss out on the nightly illumination show, where the falls come to life in a rainbow of dazzling colors. Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist are 2 fantastic attractions which let you get up close with the falls.
It's no surprise that the Blue Ridge Parkway is "America's Favorite Drive," and the most visited NPS site in the country. With 469 beautiful miles of uninterrupted nature to explore, this is definitely one of America's treasures. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy mountain vistas at various overlooks, hike to mesmerizing waterfalls, and take in some of the country's most amazing fall foliage.
Be sure to check out Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Graveyard Fields, 3 of the Parkway's most mesmerizing waterfalls.
Frequently regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world, a cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway is a must-do for anyone seeking an incredible road trip with endless breathtaking views.
This exhilarating drive takes you through some of the most spectacular sights in the world, including the coastal redwoods, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the incredible coasts of Big Sur and Monterey. Plan stops at Monterey State Beach, Trees of Mystery, Redwood National Forest, and Golden Gate Bridge National Park.
The Grand Canyon is one of those must-see sights that everyone has to add to their bucket list at some point. This amazing natural beauty, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is even more spectacular when seen from one of the park's hiking trails.
During your visit, go beyond the popular rim trail and explore the wonders of this natural beauty through a hiking adventure like no other along the Kalibab trail. If you are in excellent shape, be sure to plan for the 6 mile round-trip journey all the way to Skeleton Point, a very challenging journey which rewards you with a peaceful experience away from the crowds and great views of the river.
For those not keen on hiking, mule rides, whitewater rafting, and safely viewing via numerous overlooks are options as well.