An influencer names 10 most beautiful places in the US
A travel influencer has revealed the ten most beautiful places in the United States she has visited after exploring all 50 states and nearly every national park.
Emily Hart, a travel blogger and social media influencer, has released her list of the ten most beautiful places she's visited, which includes some of the country's least visited parks. Unsurprisingly, iconic places like Yosemite National Park, Grand Teton, and California's Highway 1 top the list. However, Hart goes beyond the expected, describing less popular places that provide breathtaking views, Daily Mail writes.
Glacier National Park
The national park, known as the "crown of the continent" in Montana, was a place for hikers, fishermen, and campers. For Hart, it became something bigger, as she wrote, "I have visited Glacier National Park several times, and each trip has brought tears to my eyes." She described a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road as "a feast for the senses" as Montana's Rocky Mountains hug the picturesque Hidden Lake. The park is a haven for wildlife watchers, where mountain goats, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep can be seen.
California Highway 1 to Big Sur
On the way where the coastline meets the sea, road trip enthusiasts have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the beaches and cliffs in the Golden State. California Highway 1 stands out as the most exciting and visually stunning choice for travellers and road trip enthusiasts alike. Hart wrote, "While there are many spectacular drives, my trip on California Highway 1 to Big Sur and San Simeon was the most scenic and beautiful I've ever encountered." The blogger highlighted the Bixby Creek Bridge, emphasizing that it is an ideal place for photos.
White mountains
The autumn colours of New England are invariably captivating for those who love to watch the foliage at this time. According to Hart, the White Mountains are her favourite autumn destination.
"The Northeast doesn't always get the same gorgeous views as the open spaces in the West, but there's no shortage of scenic landscapes," she wrote. Hart recommends hiking the Artists Bluff Trail at Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire before taking a walk through Flume Gorge for even more spectacular views.
North Cascades National Park
A typically overlooked US national park in Washington state has unexpectedly received high praise from seasoned travellers. Hart described the park as "a true hidden gem" and "one of the most amazing places" she has ever visited. She noted, "Even though this lesser-known national park is only a few hours from Seattle, it is still missed out on despite its amazing beauty." In addition to the many sightings of wild grizzly bears and gray wolves, the park boasts 400 miles of trails, including the famously steep Thunder Creek Trail.
Sedona, Arizona
The desert city surrounded by spectacular red rocks provides an unparalleled hiking and mountain biking experience. Sedona, Arizona, is described by Hart as "a mecca for the spiritual and adventurous" with its steep canyons, striking red rocks and energy vortices. She said, "In my opinion, there is no place in the Southwest as peaceful and spectacular as this town of just under 10,000 people."
Telluride, Colorado
The breathtaking scenery of Colorado never ceases to amaze Hart even after years of living there. One of the most impressive places is Telluride, located in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, for which the state is known. At 8750 feet in elevation, there are endless possibilities in this town, from hiking and biking to rock climbing and rafting, offering a variety of outdoor experiences. Hart wrote, "This small town offers adventure, luxury, and views you won't find anywhere else."
Yosemite National Park
"I wouldn't trust a list of the most beautiful places in the United States that didn't include Yosemite National Park," Hart wrote. As one of the most famous national parks in the world, Yosemite is at the top of the list for tourists worldwide. Covering 761,268 acres, the park offers a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and rivers, showcasing towering granite formations and numerous waterfalls. "In Yosemite, you will be surrounded by beauty that cannot be captured or described," Hart wrote.
Georgia's coastline
Hart herself admitted that she unexpectedly decided to put the Georgia coast at the top of the list of the most beautiful places in the United States. According to her, the unique beauty of Cumberland Island, combined with the experience of relaxing on an "uninterrupted and undeveloped beach" made Hart highlight it.
Seward, Alaska
Travelling alone in a van across Alaska proved to be a unique experience for Hart. "While the views of the entire state were some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, Seward was a place I never wanted to leave," she wrote. The port city in southern Alaska is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers cascade down from the Harding Glacier to the picturesque coastal fjords. Seward has plenty to do, from camping on the beach to kayaking in the bay or taking a guided tour to see puffins, humpback whales, and sea otters.
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
Nearly a decade after her first visit to Grand Teton, Hart remains in awe of the breathtaking beauty of the region's mountains and lakes. According to Hart, it's a place worth visiting more than a dozen times for its spectacular peaks, abundant wildlife, and crystal clear blue lakes. The ever-changing perspectives that the landscape offers make her re-experience the spectacular beauty at viewpoints including String, Jackson, and Jenny Lake.