It will hardly come as a surprise to any of you that the United States is full of impressive natural marvels, as the fame of places like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and many other famous sights spans internationally. In this article, we’ll show you 7 of such hidden gems of nature, some of which are sure to intrigue and fascinate you.
Taggart Lake
One of the more remote walking trails in Wyoming takes you to the marvelous Taggart Lake, the crystal clear waters of which multiply the surrounding beauty of the forests and the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains. The stunning views, the silence and serenity of nature, as well as the wildlife you’ll be able to observe on this trail are everything an avid hiker could ever ask for, and more.
Pueblo of Taos
The Taos pueblo is one of the oldest Native American settlements in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Excavations suggest that the settlement has existed over 1,000 years, but was suddenly abandoned for unknown reasons in the 13th century.
The pueblo is situated within a Native American reservation, where an estimated 4,500 thousand people currently reside, and the buildings are made completely of natural materials, such as straw, water, and mudbrick. The multistory building seen in the image above, in particular, has walls that are several feet thick and is believed to have served as a fortification structure.
Fly Geyser
Before being bought out by Burning Man Project organization in 2016, the geysers were located on the Fly Ranch and, unlike many naturally-occurring geysers, these are a product of human activity. The beginnings of the Fly Geyser date back to 1916 when the owners of the ranch decided to drill a well on their property. Unexpectedly, the workers stumbled upon an extremely hot underground geothermal spring, and the digging of the well was halted and the well was sealed.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
If you think that this looks just like an ordinary forest, take a closer look at the glistening puddles of water visible here and there, and you will realize that this national park is a mangrove swamp. The water surface of the park is densely covered by a green carpet of greenery, creating an illusion of an ordinary forest. The park offers a look at uniquely southern plants and wildlife, such as alligators, and abundance of Spanish moss, and mangrove trees. The park is located only a 45-minute drive away from New Orleans, and it protects the Louisiana Mississippi River Delta.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Apart from offering breathtaking views on the shores of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks is an excellent destination for tourists year-round. The protected lakeshore stretches for 15 miles, and you will be able to admire some of the most beautiful rock formations you’ve ever seen, no matter if you’re on a boat in the summer or on a snowmobile. Tourists can also go fishing, rock climbing, and bird watching in the area. Some of the most famous locations are Miners Castle, Chapel Rock, and Indian Head.
Abiqua Falls
Another remote hiking destination is the Abiqua Falls – a gorgeous waterfall climbing down a steep basalt rock cliff in the midst of a dense forest. Located not far from Scotts Mills, Oregon, the road to the waterfall is a difficult one, as you’ll have to descend down the rocks to the pool of the waterfall, but it’s definitely worth the extra trouble because nothing beats a swim in a picturesque location like this.
Pelindaba Lavender Farm
All of the items on this list are based in nature, but not all were created by it. These lush lavender fields located on the San Juan Islands off the coast of the state of Washington, for example, are a man-made creation, but it’s absolutely breathtaking nevertheless. The lovely aroma, the beautiful soft purple and green hues, and the neat rows of flowers are so aesthetically pleasing and photogenic!
