If you are planning on visiting the US check out some of the great parks the country has to offer, you may be surprised at the many gems that wait to be discovered. The United States has some of the most beautiful and fascinating parks in the world, and many are lesser-known but no less captivating. Why not take the road less travelled and put these parks on your list?
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California (nps.gov/lavo/index.htm)
What’s a fumarole, you ask? It’s an opening in the earth’s crust that emits smoke or gases, often located near a volcano. Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to several volcanoes and fumaroles, or vents, spewing both smoke and gases, as well as bubbling mud pots and acidic boiling water just under the ground’s surface. Watch the Terminal Geyser that steams up from the middle of a creek for a spectacular show. In addition to all this bubbling brew you’ll enjoy camping, horse-back riding, swimming, fishing, and skiing.
Glacier National Park, Utah (nps.gov/glac/index.htm)
When you thinks of glaciers, you may not think of Utah. You won’t have to travel to Alaska for spectacular mountain views or to see plenty of wildlife. In 1850 it was noted that the park had as many as 150 glaciers but today there are only 26 remaining. It is believed that this handful of glaciers may disappear by the year 2030, so this is a good time to see these wonders of nature before they’re gone for good. Additionally, this beautiful park is home to more than 750 lakes, rugged mountains, and sweeping valleys. Some of the wildlife you may see include moose, wolves, and grizzly bears.
Dry Tortugas, Florida (nps.gov/drto/index.htm)
Accessible by sea plane, ferry, or by private boat or charter, this is a fantastic place to visit for snorkelling and for enjoying some wonderful white sand beaches. Located about seventy miles off the coast of Florida, it is 100 square miles of open waters and includes seven small islands. It’s a haven for sea turtles and other marine life, and a popular nesting spot for birds such as the Sooty Tern. Another reason to visit is Ft. Jefferson. Though never completed, it’s a massive fort built from more than 16 million bricks and its formidable appearance is quite impressive.
These parks and many more are some of the gems you’ll be happy to visit, so save the Grand Canyon for another day and discover new, lesser-known destinations that are equally amazing.