5 must-see natural wonders across the United States

With its huge plains, majestic mountains and beautiful coastlines, you may think you know what the United States looks like, but the nation also offers a variety of incredible geological features and fantastical landscapes. While well-known tourist spots like the Grand Canyon—one of the world’s natural wonders—and Joshua Tree are well-known for their extraordinary beauty, there are many other breathtaking natural landmarks in the United States that may provide visitors with an experience they won’t soon forget. Here are 5 must-see natural wonders across the United States.

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

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The Grand Canyon is the largest natural canyon in the United States, while Palo Duro Canyon, which lies close to Amarillo, is the second-largest. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Division controls half of the canyon, while the remainder is private property. The state park has campgrounds and several hiking/horse routes. The Lighthouse Trail is the most famous in Palo Duro Canyon State Park

2. The Wave, Arizona

There are some truly amazing natural phenomena and The Wave is one of them. Layers upon layers of red rock create a flawlessly fluid wave. To visit it, you have to get one of the 64 daily permits to Coyote Buttes North. But it’s certainly worth the work if you can get a spot.

3. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

The longest underground cave system in the world can be found in Mammoth Cave National Park, one of the less well-known national parks. Depending on their time constraints and level of physical fitness, visitors to this park near Bowling Green can choose from a variety of cave tour choices.

4. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

When you hear the words “white sand,” you probably think of the Maldives or Tahiti. However, the state of New Mexico has enough dazzling white sand to make any beach lover drool. Sand dunes in the state’s White Sands National Park are ideal for hiking and sand sledding since they are made of gypsum crystals.

5. Turnip Rock, Michigan

Turnip Rock, which can only be reached by kayak, is Lake Huron’s true hidden gem. Turnip Rock is a small, wave-worn rock that split from Michigan’s mainland and is now inhabited by certain plants and squirrels. Though Turnip Rock is privately owned and hence not open to the public, it makes a beautiful backdrop for an adventurous photo. Turnip Rock is 3.5 miles from the coast, therefore if you want to visit it, you’ll need to paddle at least 7 miles.