It’s time to get inspiration for all of the beautiful places to visit across America. From magnificent falls in Yosemite National Park to fairytale-like scenery in Hawaii, it doesn’t get much better than all of the natural beauty the United States has to offer. Catch a glimpse into the breathtaking views of the great outdoors!
One of the best sights of the Mist Trail in Yosemite, Vernal Falls is spectacular on its own, but it’s the view from the top of the falls you won’t want to miss. Getting there isn’t for the faint of heart, as you’ll have to endure a strenuous climb on rocky steps for more than 300 feet before you’ll get your reward. Those who have gone before you will agree it’s worthwhile.
Dangerous and currently illegal (the trail is closed to the public), you’ll be glad there were others who went before you so you can get a look at one of Hawaii’s most beautiful sites. The Stairway to Heaven, also called the Haiku Stairs, is 4,000 steps of muddy, slippery rocks that are extremely dangerous and difficult to navigate. However, the journey to the top is one of the most scenic in the country, and it only gets better the higher you climb. Enjoy the video, but don’t try it for yourself!
Glacier National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country. Surrounded by beautiful vistas at every turn, the park features three epic trails for hikers to enjoy the natural wonders here. This video captures its awe-inspiring beauty.
Yosemite offers some of the best views in the country, but Half Dome is truly a must-see when you visit. This massive granite dome looms over 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and has become one of the park’s main icons. The 14-mile Half Dome Trail takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls, and also promises the best views of Half Dome, the High Sierra, and Yosemite Valley.
Offering the best of land and water, Lake Tahoe is a true paradise. No matter where you turn, you can’t escape the area’s deep beauty that reminds you just how powerful Mother Nature can be. Hit the hiking and biking trails to get the best on-land scenes, or set your sights on an adventure on the lake for the best panoramic scenes.
Located in the Texas Panhandle, you’ll be blown away by the magnificent geologic features of the Palo Duro Canyon. This is the second-largest canyon system in the United States at 120 miles in length and six miles wide (on average). This video highlights the incredible sights of the Lighthouse Trail.
Often touted as one the most dangerous hikes in America, Angel’s Landing’s beautiful natural rock formation makes it worth the risk for many avid hikers. Just five miles’ round trip, the rock has led to at least five deaths in the past century due to falls. The safest way to enjoy this breathtaking view is via video, however, if you must go yourself, take every single precaution—your life depends on it.
Like an image straight from a work of art, Paintbrush Canyon’s natural beauty makes it a favorite among hikers and park visitors. To get the best views, you can journey along Paintbrush Canyon—Cascade Loop Trail that spans 19 miles and takes roughly 12 hours to complete.
This gorgeous 611-foot tall cascade in Oregon attracts thousands of visitors each year. You can get a closer view from the iconic arched Benson Bridge. Adventurous travelers can take the challenging hike to the top of the falls for a different perspective.
Warning! Do not watch if you have a fear of heights. These insane views from the Knife Edge of Mount Katahdin in Maine will surely get your heart pumping and stomach churning. It takes an impressive feat of balance and agility to conquer this spot, but the views are sure to take your breath away.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
