Is exploring nature the next on your travel list this year? But what is the best place to visit? This is something many nature lovers are asking themselves now that traveling is making its way back into our lives. Governments have lifted restrictions, allowing you to give yourself a break from the hectic schedule. However, international travel still has some restrictions as many countries still face coronavirus outbreaks.
But you don’t have to delay your travel plans. Perhaps this year, you can discover more of the scenic views in the United States. Whether on a hike through forests or the running water of a waterfall, nature lovers can explore it all within the boundaries of the United States.
The United States has some of the most beautiful spots for nature lovers, from alpine forests and pristine beaches to the Smoky Mountains. Take a look at these must-visit places in the United States.
The Great Smoky Mountains
Nothing compares to the feeling you’ll get when you’re in the Smoky Mountains and surrounded by its beauty. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most biodiverse. It’s home to more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians, more than 65 mammals, and over 67 native fish species, making it unique. But do you know what else you can see in the Smoky Mountains? All the beautiful waterfalls. There are various waterfalls you can hike to through the park. One of the most gorgeous is Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park.
In addition, you can look for Smoky Mountain cabin rentals to explore the place while having the convenience of all facilities and services, which improve your overall experience. You can go for a splash around in the rivers, spot wildlife, or go for a hike, making it one of the best places for nature lovers. Besides that, if you don’t want to explore this fantastic nature spot on foot, you always have the option of exploring by car. Various scenic drives allow you to admire the beautiful view from the comfort of your car.
Glacier National Park
In northwest Montana lies the Glacier national park. Miles upon miles on rugged landscape, pristine beauty of the region, fantastic mountain scenery, this is one of the must-visits for every nature lover ever. This park offers the famous going-to-the-sun road, which is one of the most scenic drives in the park. Besides that, at 6646 feet, logan pass is the highest peak on this road. Moreover, this area has various hiking trails, perfect for every nature lover like you.
Besides that, massive glaciers carved out a beautiful u-shaped valley called Lake McDonald valley many years ago, making it worth it to visit Glacier national park. It has more than 700 trails, offering beginners and expert hiking opportunities. It allows you to keep your eyes on the beautiful wildlife during the hikes.
Grand Teton National Park
With lush meadows, historical sites, and jagged mountain peaks, this park has it all for nature lovers. A glittering gem at the center of the park, its water sits surrounded by rising peaks. You can take the boat shuttle from the south shore to the starting point. Besides that, a short walk through the conifer forest will bring you to Hidden falls, an impressive 100-foot stream of flowing waters. Moreover, walking a mile to Inspiration point rewards you with the beautiful lake views, making it a must-visit spot.
The Grand Teton Park is home to a vibrant array of wildlife. You will likely see animals like moose, deer, bison, elk, and bald eagles on your travels with foxes and wolves. As a nature lover, morning and dusk are great times for wildlife spotting at this park as most animals seek shade in the day from heat. Pushing the park perimeter lies the fantastic opportunities to discover the world of activities like horseback riding, treetop zip lines, and bouldering.
Yosemite Park
Yosemite includes meadows, lakes, glaciers, forests, giant sequoia, and waterfalls, making it one of nature lovers’ best places to visit. This park is home to many different animals like foxes, cougar, bats, bobcats, several bird species, and deer. Yosemite is a paradise for every other nature lover like you as it offers rafting, horseback riding, hiking, and rock climbing.
Not just that, Yosemite has over 800 miles of hiking trails, allowing you to explore the place. Even though you could spend the day seeing the famous spots in the park, hiking is the most incredible way to enjoy the lesser-known wonders. In addition, Glacier Point provides you with a grand view of the entire valley and many other sites, making it a worth-all experience.
Lake Powell
The United States is home to a stream of amazing lakes. One of them is Lake Powell. Seeing this lake from any of its three important ports is a valuable experience itself. But to get the most out of it, you need to go within its middle, which requires you to rent a boat. Not just that, Lake Powell usually has smooth glassy water well into the afternoon, making it a beautiful view. This makes the water suitable for skiing and swimming throughout the day.
As exciting as Lake Powell, it gets better by evening. Whether tenting at one of its beaches or resting on a houseboat, it keeps you well below a star-filled sky. As if it needed more, there’s a monument, Dubbed Rainbow Bridge, halfway into the lake, making it the perfect place for nature lovers.
Crater Lake
Did you know Crater Lake was created by a collapsed volcano many years ago and is the deepest lake in the United States? Not just that, on a bright day, while taking a tour by boat, you can see over 100 feet down into the water, one of the best spots for all nature lovers. You can tour the scenic rim drive in Crater Lake Park as an explorer. It’s designed so you can’t see it as you look over the lake, no matter where you are.
But you don’t have to just see the lake from above. You can take a boat tour to the island in the center of the Crater. That’s not it! Swimming is also allowed in the lake. However, the water level is only reachable through Cleetwood Cove Trail, making Crater Lake a must-visit.
Final Thoughts
As you have read above, the United States is full of beautiful and scenic nature spots. If you want to visit a place that allows you to explore nature and enjoy various activities, the Great Smoky Mountains is the right choice for you. Besides that, you can take a trip to Lake Powell.