The United States has a reputation as either a boring place to visit, or somewhere you visit when you want to explore theme parks or iconic cities. However, it’s home to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural phenomena in the world. The country is a hot bucket list destination for this reason alone – and here are four gorgeous sights to see while you’re there.
Old Faithful Geyser
Head to the Yellowstone National Park to find Old Faithful, one of almost 500 geysers in the park, yet the most prestigious of them all! It’s one of the largest geysers in the world, and also one of the most consistent. It shoots water up into the air every 44 minutes, reaching incredible heights of 180 feet! It is a must-see event and one of the most iconic geothermal displays in the world.
The Northern Lights
While you can see the Northern Lights in many parts of Europe, Alaska is one of the best viewing points available. It’s certainly the best in the US – and the snowy setting makes you feel like you’re in a storybook. The top time to see it is from September to April, and you’ll get the deepest greens and purple hues. It’s a majestic sight that hits you on a spiritual level.
The Grand Canyon
You can’t talk about natural phenomena without mentioning the Grand Canyon. It’s a rich bed of geological history, showing the true power of a river. The canyons are some of the largest on the planet, and the entire area spans for miles. Again, it’s like a setting from a movie scene – and there are loads of hidden gems nearby as well. Head a wee bit out of the Grand Canyon National Park, and you’ll find Horseshoe Bend, Arizona. It’s part of the same natural canyon system and gives you one hell of a fight. The Colorado River snakes around a canyon area like a horseshoe, creating a stunning scene that looks amazing during the early hours of the morning. Traversing the Grand Canyon region is a must for hidden areas like this alone!
Synchronous Fireflies at the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park borders Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s home to over 185,000 acres of stunning forested peaks and scenic locations. The place is gorgeous throughout the year, and you’ll see so much natural wildlife whenever you visit. However, take a trip towards the end of May/beginning of June, and you’ll see a natural phenomenon like no other. Thousands of fireflies sync up and put on a beautiful light show for everyone to view. This is a rare species of firefly too, known for synchronizing light patterns. It’s arguably one of the most magical things you’ll ever see – and you’ll leave questioning if it’s real. Trust us, it is.
To be honest, this barely scratches the surface of the natural wonders available throughout the US. You’ll find so many pieces of natural beauty, whether you’re journeying across the Midwest or hopping to any nearby islands. It’s a beautiful place with so much to offer; start scratching these natural phenomena off your bucket list today!
Life Lovers Magazine® 