The United States is abundant with natural beauty. Some don't realize and some take for granted to true wonders this country has to offer. I, like many other, long to travel and experience as much of the world as possible, and what better way to start than by the abundant locations right in our own backyards. Here's a list of 10 places everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. And I must say, choosing just 10 was difficult, there are just so many naturally wonderful places, but here are 10 I would love to see, and I think others will love too.
10. Mount Saint Helens, Oregon
The 1980 eruption of Mount St, Helens forever changed the face of this northwestern volcano. But despite what you may think, Mount St. Helens is very much alive–and is one of the many examples of Earth's ever-changing surface.
9. La Brea Tar Pits, California
Located in the city of Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar pits has been around for thousands of years. Now a part of the George C. Page Museum, it is an excellent way to discover an age-old occurrence and the fossils of creatures that once roamed here.
8. Mount Rainer National Park, Washington
Mount Rainer National Park, a 236,381-acre park is a part of the Cascade Mountain Range, offers numerous hiking and other nature activities. The park includes Mount Rainer, the highest peak of the Cascade Mountain Range. The park also includes a subalpine meadow and over 90,000 acres of old growth forests.
7. Denali National Park, Alaska
Home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali Nation Park offers over 6 million acres of stunning sceneries. Forests, glaciers, and tundra are just a few landscapes Denali has to offer, and is a prime location for skiing, dogsledding, and snowmobiling.
6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is one of the United States' most famous national parks. Home to Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and Yellowstone Calder, and numerous species, such as bison, grizzly bears, and elk, Yellowstone is a great family destination for camping, hiking, and just simply enjoying nature.
5. Yosemite National Park, California
Apart of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Yosemite National Park sees over 3 million people every year. Waterfalls, giant sequoias, lakes, and an abundance of wildlife are just a few reasons nature-lovers are attracted to this California treasure.
4. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
An extension of Arizona's Painted Desert (another magnificent park that didn't quite make the list), the Petrified Forest is a great destination for backpacking and photography. The park gets its name from the 225-million-year-old fossilized trees that adorn the desert grounds.
3. Everglades National Park, Florida
Located in southern Florida, the Everglades is a delicate, wetland ecosystem and is one of the National Parks system's' largest wildlife preserves. Home to numerous species of birds, alligators, and other creatures, the Everglades offers an insight into what Florida once was.
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2. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Found along the northern coast of California, the old-growth rainforests of the Redwood National and State Park house some of the world's most massive trees. These forests protect a number of threatened species, like the Norther Spotted Owl and is a rare and irreplaceable part of the United States.
1. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave is the largest known cave system in the world. The national park offers several tours through the extensive pathways–including the areas known as Grand Avenue and Frozen Niagara. Mammoth Cave National Park is truly a spectacular geological creation and is a must see for all people.
**Information from www.nps.gov **
