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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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!