By Lincoln McElwee
There are many listsicles out there dedicated to countless must-see places and things to do before kicking the proverbial bucket. That being said, and though the end is certainly unavoidable, why not just make plans to visit a few of these places as a way of seeing new things, of walking a new path or the same one but in a different light? Why not visit with a sense of new beginnings rather than the overwhelming sense of any end.
Traveling allows us to always renew ourselves, to regenerate, as it were, and become someone bigger, better and greater due to the added sense of accomplishment in not only getting to our destination but in exploring said destination. Moreover, we gain by gathering and sharing our garnered knowledge about said destination.
So with that in mind, the following list should inspire you to see a few states and parks around the country that have always been there, but have just needed to be viewed with a pair of fresh eyes. Enjoy!
1. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
With naturally stunning colors and unique structural design, these caves near Page, Arizona will have you snapping up pictures and smiling with giddy delight. The slot canyon is divided into two sections, “The Corkscrew” and “The Crack.”
2. Oneonta Gorge, Oregon
If you want to feel like you’re in a fairytale all your own, visit the Colombia River Gorge, where the Oneonta Gorge, which has its own unique set of aquatic and woodland vegetation, is set to inspire your own tales! The walls are covered in ferns and moss, and on a warm summer day, the creek can be accessed by visitors.
3. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington
Just in time for April, this “driving” tour will inspire the family and have you feeling like you’ve booked a trip to the Netherlands. The festival that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the fields from April 1-30 is a must-see for any trip to Washington State.
4. Watkins Glen State Park, New York
Visit Rainbow Bridge and Falls in the Finger Lakes region, south of Seneca Lake. It’s altogether otherworldly, and will most certainly take your breath away.
5. Hamilton Pool, Texas
This has long been a favorite spot for both tourists and residents during summer. This natural pool is located just outside of Austin.
6. Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee
Being the most visited national park in the U.S., it’s no wonder why people keep coming back to the beauty of this Appalachian Mountains subrange.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
The park is located near Kalispell, Montana and even borders parts of Canada, boasting over 1,000,000 acres of land. Definitely a sight worth seeing!
8. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Be a part of history by visiting this rocky range of mountains that was once hunting grounds to Native Americans—view the sights at the famous red and orange mountains known as Badlands National Park.
9. Nā Pali Coast State Park, Hawaii
Though not able to access the Na Pali coast by car, add a bit of adventure to your travels by accessing the coast via helicopter or hiking. By taking the Kalalau Trail, you can also access a few caves along the coast.
10. Bryce Canyon, Utah
There are many national parks that span the state of Utah, but Bryce is certainly a crowd favorite. Bryce Canyon is a collection of naturally occurring amphitheaters that are famous for geological structures known as hoodoos. Hoodoos are formed by erosions from frost and streams, and it’s these weather conditions that have made the red, orange and white rocks such beautiful sights to behold.
