With 92% of Americans planning to travel in 2024 as much as or more than they did in 2023, the want to travel is at an all-time high. Fortunately for them, the US does not lack explorable places. From the East Coast to the West, and from the North to South, America is filled with naturally-born wonders which will leave any traveler in awe.
We have researched various online forums to create a list of natural wonders all across America.
Crater Lake, Oregon
Fed only by rain and snow, the deep blue-colored Crater Lake was formed 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed after a volcanic eruption. It has one of the darkest skies in the United States and gives a clear view of various planets and the Milky Way galaxy. The deep hole created made the lake one of the deepest in the world, and it now provides a great hiking trail filled with adventure.
Death Valley, California
Often dubbed as the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley recorded a highest temperature of 134℉ on July 10, 1913. It is a unique mix of wetlands and sand dunes, and the place offers various resources for geological research. You can find wildflowers, burros, and bighorn sheep in the vast stretch as well. Some scenes from the film Star Wars were also shot at Death Valley.
Dismals Canyon, Alabama
Largely underrated, the Dismals Canyon in North Alabama is spread across 85 acres. Its flora and fauna date back 300 million years to the Paleozoic Era, and the place looks gorgeous with abundant waterfalls, natural bridges, boulders, etc. Owned by Dismal Canyons LLC, the canyon floor has a 1.5-mile hiking trail that opens up a beautiful green world full of moss, ferns, and giant trees. The place earned a National Natural Landmark status in 1975.
Great Sand Dunes, Colorado
Stretched over 107,000 acres, the Great Sand Dunes is one of the most complex dune systems around the world. These dunes in Colorado are among the oldest ones in the United States. Also, there are quite a few creeks present amid the dunes, which is generally considered a rare phenomenon. Formed around the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the dunes create a habitat for plants and animals and protect the coast, as well.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas
Home to a number of different birds, the Hamilton Pool Preserve was formed thousands of years back when an underground dome collapsed. Texas is usually a hot state, and the Preserve offers some respite for the people. Located just outside of Austin, the pool takes up an area of 232 acres, with a 50-foot waterfall flowing directly through it. To keep the pool usable for families to enjoy, the authorities regularly monitor the water quality.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
The state of Hawaii never ceases to wonder. The Volcanoes National Park on Big Island is one of the prime examples of Hawaii’s wonders. Two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, eject molten lava from time to time onto the island. Open throughout the year, the park is there for visitors to experience the amount of endangered birds present and marvel at the rocky wasteland filled with lava.
Hells Canyon, Oregon
The deepest river gorge in America, Hells Canyon, located near the Idaho-Oregon border, is 7,900 feet deep. Formed over millions of years, the canyon was home to some of the earliest native American tribes. It boasts of diverse wildlife, with mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and cougars found aplenty. Carved by the Snake River, the gorge is a protected land spread over 215,000 acres. It also has a 900-mile trail which offers a true wilderness experience.
Loess Hills, Iowa
Towards the end of the last Ice Age, the wind blew off the silt, and hills were formed from the silt deposit over the years. In Iowa, as well as the rest of the United States, the Loess Hills are an extremely unique occurrence. Trees have covered up most of the 650,000-acre hills. Due to its history and varied landscape, it is considered to be a national treasure by many.
Mississippi River
One part of the famed Mississippi-Missouri-Jefferson River System, the Mississippi River is the longest North American river, draining a total area of approximately 1.2 million square miles. Flowing through as many as ten American states, one drop of water takes about 3 months to travel the entire length of the river. Birds and fish use the river as one of their primary routes for migration.
Natural Bridge, Virginia
Western Virginia is home to a true natural wonder – a 66-meter high limestone arch known as the Natural Bridge. For the Native American Monacan tribe, the bridge was a sacred site. However, with European settlements becoming more prominent over time, the site soon became a tourist destination. In 1988, the bridge was given the status of a National Historic Landmark.
Niagara Falls, New York
At its peak, the 168,000 cubic meter flow of Niagara Falls is the greatest flow of any waterfall in the world. Formed of as many as 3 waterfalls, it is often considered to be an honorary eighth wonder of the world. Formed only 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls was used by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse to create the world’s first hydroelectric power plant.
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Arguably the most famous geyser in the world, the Old Faithful, is located in the legendary Yellowstone National Park. It was discovered in 1870 during the Washburn Expedition. Soon after, Yellowstone became the first-ever national park in the world. The Old Faithful erupts between every 44 to 120 minutes, shooting vapor that rises to 185 feet. The eruptions can last up to 5 minutes, often leaving the visitors in awe of the various wonders of our world.