Although America has been the subject of most posts here, I couldn’t help but think whether there are still places we can still explore. One online user is the same, asking others what the most beautiful places are in the U.S. according to their responses, this diverse country boasts breathtaking landscapes that will ignite your sense of wanderlust from coast to coast.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Located in the Eastern Central part of the Golden State, this natural wonder never fails to captivate visitors as they’re greeted by towering sequoia trees that have stood the test of time. Among the park’s highlights is the iconic Tunnel View, where you’ll see the Bridalveil Fall cascading down, framed by the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.
As one visitor eloquently expressed, “I had seen photos of it, seen it in movies, watched countless videos on Youtube about it but nothing prepares you for the sight of El Cap as you turn that corner.”
2. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is absolutely beautiful,” begins the first thread poster. “Taking a helicopter ride over the island is also an amazing sight. You see all the beautiful waterfalls that are a day’s hike away.” Hawaii is on any serious outdoors person’s bucket list — mine included. Americans living in the archipelago must sometimes pinch themselves when they wake up in the morning.
3. Northern California
“I’m incredibly biased, but the most beautiful place is the California redwoods,” a West Coast resident declares. “Drive up 101, and then detour towards Petrolia. A Californian road trip is the perfect place to lose and find yourself. With the likes of Big Sur and Pfeiffer Beach, or California’s impressive mountain collection, there is much stunning nature to see.
4. Tennessee’s Hill Country
“Mountains are gorgeous, and the Keys are breathtaking,” begins the next observer, “but I think the Tennessee hill country is the most beautiful place in the U.S.” With Tennessee backing onto the Appalachians, gorgeous valleys and ridges are scattered across the region. They may not be as dramatic as the Rockies, but they hold their own simple charm — especially during fall.
5. Utah’s National Parks
If you want some good red rock, Zion National Park in southern Utah is breathtaking,” enthuses the next proud American. “In fact, most parks in central and southern Utah are truly phenomenal.” I adore Utah, but I have yet to see all its parks — I will put that problem to rest one day. “The drive into Zion National Park is otherworldly,” adds another fan. “Its beauty is so stark that my brain could barely process it.”
6. Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park outside Salem, Oregon,” writes an Oregonian with good local knowledge. “Nine waterfalls along a very narrow canyon. The waterfall is 50-200 feet and hits the rocks below, turning to mist.” Like its northern neighbor, Washington, Oregon has a bizarre climate: temperate rainforests to the west and arid semi-desert to the east. Within this great territory lies Silver Falls — which could just as easily be Rivendell from Lord of The Rings.
7. Northern New Mexico
I might be biased, considering my son was born in Santa Fe, but Northern New Mexico is truly enchanting — as its nickname attests. Any visitor is spoiled for choice: whether it’s the powder-dusted Rocky Mountains, the red-rock mesas and canyons, or the stunning Pueblo architecture, there is no shortage of breathtaking sites. Moreover, with a low population and so many national parks and historical monuments to enjoy, you often have these places to yourself.
8. Elmira, New York
When a thread member recalls visiting their grandparents in upstate New York, they couldn’t believe their eyes. “Rivers and bridges were pretty much every few square miles. Forests and trees surrounded that small town,” says the Elmira visitor. “The air was very pure, and the people there were very friendly and old-fashioned.”
9. The Great American Heartland, Anywhere
An intriguing perspective sees one contributor get philosophical. “Beauty is subjective,” says the poster. “The U.S. has an amazing amount of different environments in it.” This hypothesis reflects my idea of nature. Pockets of peaceful color are everywhere in America’s hinterland, from its Great Plains, sweeping farmland, and badlands to its Arctic tundra and tropical nether regions. “Pretty much anywhere devoid of civilization,” agrees a kindred soul. America’s size is its saving grace.
10. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
“It’s a shame that this park isn’t better known,” remarks a proud Alaskan with a local’s appreciation. “The sheer scope of this park is incredible. At 13.2 million acres, it’s by far the largest National Park in the U.S.” I think that is bigger than most countries — that is a lot of bears! Now, where do I sign up?
11. Northern Wisconsin
“It may not be the most visually stunning, but there’s a peacefulness there I have never felt anywhere else on this entire planet,” states a discerning Wisconsinite. “I live here and still am struck by its beauty every day, so I’ll say the Driftless region in Wisconsin.” Who said that natural beauty needs to be epic? Serenity is underrated.
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