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A state-by-state guide of the best natural wonders in America

  

Category:  Environment/Climate

Via:  xxjefferson51  •  9 years ago  •  3 comments

A state-by-state guide of the best natural wonders in America
1. Alabama Cathedral Cavern State ParkDeclared a National Natural Landmark in 1972, these incredible caves were opened as a state park in 2000. The 126-foot-wide by 25-foot-high entrance to the Cathedral Caverns leads to almost 2 miles of public pathways that wind through the dramatic rock formations.2. Alaska Denali National Park and PreserveIt could be said that the entire state is one big natural wonder and with more than 17 national parks, 16 wildlife refuges, two national forests and 25 beautiful rivers, its easy to see why. However, the Denali National Park has to take the top prize. Spanning more than 6 million acres and home to Mount McKinley, the continents highest peak, the stunning park and preserve has become Alaskas most popular attraction. The picturesque landscape is home to bears, wolves, moose and caribou, as well as dozens of dinosaur fossil footprints.3. Arizona Grand Canyon National parkMaybe its an obvious choice, but as one of the planets most significant geographic landmarks, the Grand Canyon deserves its top-spot status. Carved over several million years, the epic landscape is considered the most impressive example of arid land erosion. With an average depth of 4,000 feet and running for 277 miles, the Grand Canyon National Park draws millions of visitors from across the globe each year. Pictures dont do it justice. This place should be on everyones bucket list.4. California Redwood National ParkWhen thinking of California, most people associate it with the ocean and beaches. But further inland is one of natures most incredible and unique feats. Spanning more than 130,000 acres of Northern California is the Redwood National Park a vast forest of giant, ancient, redwood trees, which are the planets tallest living things. With multiple campsites, 80 miles of hiking trails, three visitor centers, and picnic areas, there are many ways to get up close and personal with these incredible wonders.5. Connecticut Dinosaur State ParkIn 1966, thousands of 200-million-year-old fossilized dinosaur tracks were discovered in Rocky Hill, Conn., during the construction of a state building. The dinosaur tracks, discovered in an exposed layer of sandstone, have since been preserved, and more than 500 of them are now under a giant geodesic dome at the Dinosaur State Park. The tracks were believed to have been made by a Dilophosaurus a three-toed, raptor-like theropod that was a fierce predator during the Jurassic age and stood about 8 feet tall and grew as long as 20 feet. The park and visitor center are open all year round.6. Georgia Okefenokee SwampDesignated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974, the Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in the U.S., spanning 438,000 acres on the Georgia-Florida border. The shallow swamp formed over the past 6,500 years because of the accumulation of peat in the basin of an ancient coastal terrace. It is the origin of the St. Marys River and the Suwanee River, the latter of which channels 90 percent of the swamps water down to the Gulf Of Mexico. The vast majority of the swamp is a National Wildlife Refuge, and is home to various amphibians and reptiles, including toads, frogs, lizards, turtles, snakes and alligators. It is also the natural habitat of the Florida black bear.7. Hawaii Haleakala National ParkAside from their near-perfect weather, stunning beaches and picturesque landscape, the Hawaiian islands are special for one other reason their active volcanoes. To this day, the southern half of the Big Island still sees a lot of lava flow and other volcanic activity. Visitors to the island are regularly able to view active lava flows from Mount Kilauea (depending on the level of activity), as well as explore the cratered summit. Mauna Loa, also on the Big Island, is the worlds largest volcano and climbs 30,000 feet, making it taller than Mount Everest. On the island of Maui, there is the Haleakala National Park, where visitors can drive to the summit of the Haleakala volcano a popular location to watch the sun rise or set from above the clouds."The USA is one of the most diverse and beautiful places on Earth. From the sweeping coastal vistas of Big Sur, California to the breathtaking drama of Niagara Falls, New York, the country contains some of the worlds most incredible natural wonders. http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/04/30/state-by-state-guide-best-natural-wonders-in-america/

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XXJefferson51
Senior Guide
link   seeder  XXJefferson51    9 years ago
Nebraska Chimney RockOne of the great natural wonders of the West, Chimney Rock is an iconic geological landmark, visible for many miles across the flat surrounding area. Rising almost 300 feet in the air above the North Platte river valley, the rocks peak actually sits 4,226 feet above sea level. Made from clay, volcanic ash and sandstone, it is believed to have been created as the harder sandstone protected the pillar as it broke away from the nearby retreating cliff line.Nevada Valley of FireimageA fiery sunset over the Fire Wave in the Valley of Fire. (Photo: Larry Geddis / Alamy)Just an hour drive from the states cultural epicenter of the Las Vegas Strip is the Valley Of Fire Nevadas oldest state park. Containing some of the oldest and most staggering rock formations known to man, the incredible landscape was created over 150 million years by shifting sand dunes and erosion. Made from bright red sandstone, the rocks seem to glow in the sunshine. The parks highlight is the Fire Wave a curved wall of layered rock accessible via a mile and a half hike through the red rocks. Look out for rattlesnakes and kangaroo rats, which populate the area.New Hampshire Mount WashingtonSouring 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern United States and offers views of up to four other U.S. states and Canada on a clear day. However, the mountain is renowned for having some of the worst weather systems on the planet. Located in the White Mountain National Park, the mountain is a popular hiking, hang-gliding and skiing area, where visitors can ski as late as Memorial Day.
 
 
 
Dowser
Sophomore Quiet
link   Dowser    9 years ago

Great article!

I have to admit that I looked up Kentucky, and Mammoth Cave was listed-- as it should be! I must also add that the tours through the cave are inexpensive, and offer a wide variety of cave features and archaeological features. Loads of fun to be there!

 
 
 
XXJefferson51
Senior Guide
link   seeder  XXJefferson51    9 years ago
Hopefully everyone will look up their state top spot. California has Shasta Caverns about twenty miles north of Redding off of I-5. They are impressive too.
 
 

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