Natural wonders of america

Redwood National & State Parks

The world’s tallest trees grow on the fog-kissed Northern California coast. Redwoods can reach a height of 379ft, taller than the Statue of Liberty in NYC, and live for up to two millennia. Almost half of all the old-growth redwood trees remaining that have never been logged are protected by the chain of Redwood National and State parks.

Top tip: Apply online to get a free permit to visit hidden Tall Trees Grove.

Denali National Park

In the indigenous Koyukon Athabaskan language, it means ‘the high one,’ which is fitting because Denali is North America’s highest peak (20,310ft). Prominently poised above the surrounding wilderness, it’s in fact taller than Everest when measured from its base. Climbers first reached the south summit in 1913, a feat now attempted by more than a thousand people every year.

Rising 20,310 feet, Denali is North America's highest mountain peak © Beata Bar / Shutterstock

Top tip: Flightseeing tours depart from Talkeetna, a railroad town about 150 miles south of Denali National Park.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is not just one, but three waterfalls that gush along the US-Canada boundary between New York and Ontario: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. They aren’t the USA’s tallest waterfalls, but together these powerful cascades have a bigger water flow than any others on the planet. Get up close and feel the cool spray on a Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Top tip: The Canadian side of the falls claims more natural beauty, so bring your passport for international border crossings.