571 Best Sights in USA

In 1890, at a cost of $108,223, the Osceola Gravel Mining Company constructed an 18-mile-long trench. The ditch was part of an attempt to glean gold from the South Snake Range, but water shortages and the company’s failure to find much of that precious ore forced the operation to shut down after a decade and a half. This trail takes to you the eastern section of the ditch and passes through pine and fir trees, with interpretive signs along the way. Allow 30 minutes for this 0.3-mile round-trip walk. Easy.

Sensational views of 93-foot-tall Overall Run Falls, the park's tallest waterfall, are yours when you embark on this moderately challenging 6¼-mile loop hike. Beyond the falls, eye-pleasing views of the dramatic Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain from well-placed rock ledges reward resolute hikers. The falls are best viewed in spring or fall when you're more likely to reach a gushing waterfall, rather than a trickle, which can be the case in summer. An elevation gain of 1,600-feet can challenge hikers on this steep and rocky circuit hike, but the cascades over the rocks make it worth every step. Hiking time is about four hours. Moderate.

This relatively flat, paved walking and biking path parallels and occasionally crosses the Virgin River and offers a great way to take in some of Zion Canyon's most impressive vistas while using a wheelchair or stroller, spending time with your pooch (leashed dogs are welcome), or simply enjoying a relaxing ramble or bike ride. Starting at South Campground, ½ mile north of the South Entrance, the walk proceeds north along the river to the beginning of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and is 3.5 miles round-trip. Along the way you'll take in great views of The Watchman, The Sentinel, the East and West Temples, and Towers of the Virgin. Keep an eye out for bicycles zipping by. Easy.

You can hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, which extends from Mexico to Canada and winds through the park for 33 miles. For this prime backcountry experience, catch the trail off Highway 138 about a mile east of the North Entrance, where it heads south and then toward the west rim of the lake and circles it for about 6 miles, then descends down Dutton Creek to the Mazama Village area. You'll need a detailed map for this hike; check online or with the PCT association. Difficult.

The 1-mile trail is at its best in early morning or late afternoon, when the sun accentuates the brilliant red, blue, purple, and other hues of the desert and petrified forest landscape. Moderate.

Although this rails-to-trails multiuse throughway stretches for 250 miles across Washington, following the former route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, this section over the Cascades and into Cle Elum is one of the more scenic and popular. Formerly known variously as the John Wayne Pioneer and Iron Horse Trail, it climbs over Snoqualmie Pass, burrows through Snoqualmie Tunnel (it's closed in winter), and then runs alongside several alpine lakes on its way to the old rail station in South Cle Elum (an excellent place to pick up the trail). From here you can also continue east toward the Columbia River through Ellensburg, if you're up for a longer adventure. The headquarters of this linear park is at Lake Easton State Park, 15 miles west of Cle Elum and just off Interstate 90. The trail is open to hiking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Calling this a nature walk doesn't really do it justice. A path winds through dense foliage, alongside streams, and past waterfalls. En route there are viewing points where you can watch a beautiful rare okapi (a member of the giraffe family) munching the vegetation, a family and a separate bachelor group of lowland gorillas, hippos (which you usually can see underwater), comical meerkats (a kind of mongoose), exotic birds, and a bizarre colony of hairless mole rats. Disney animal experts are at many viewing points to answer questions. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible and equipped for audio-description devices. Guests with service animals should check with a host before entering. Come just after you exit your safari vehicle on Kilimanjaro Safaris; avoid coming at the hottest time of day, when the gorillas like to nap.

You'll get a nice view of whale-shape Hume Lake from the top of this Grant Grove path, which is paved and only 300 feet long. It's fairly steep—strollers might work here, but not wheelchairs. Trailers and RVs are not permitted on the steep and narrow road that leads to the trailhead parking lot. Moderate.

The first named trail that park visitors encounter, this is a relatively easy, 1.8-mile round-trip walk (with only one small hill but a somewhat steep descent into the canyon) amid walls and towers that vaguely resemble a New York City skyline. You'll walk under the gaze of Queen Nefertiti, a giant rock formation that some observers think has Egyptian-looking features. If you are traveling with companions, make it a one-way, 1-mile downhill trek by having them pick you up at the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint. Allow about an hour for the one-way journey. Easy–Moderate.

The reward of this steep trail is the Three Wise Men and Wall of Windows formations. Start at Bryce, Sunrise, or Sunset Point and allow four to five hours to hike the 5½-mile trail or 7-mile double-loop. Horses use this trail spring–fall and have the right-of-way. Difficult.

A New York philanthropist was so taken with the Mt. Katahdin region he spurred creation of 16 miles of free public recreation trails along the East Branch of the Penobscot River, conveniently off Route 11. Opened in 2019, the "crusher dust" paths are akin to the famed carriage trails at coastal Maine's Acadia National Park. Used for mountain biking (Class 1 e-bikes are allowed) and hiking, they're groomed for cross-country skiing after the snow flies. Folks also fat-tire bike (Tote Road only) and snowshoe here. You can chill after a workout or eat your lunch in the woodsy chic visitor center. Come winter, wood stoves heat up two warming huts with Katahdin views. Courtesy (donation requested) bikes, snowshoes, and cross-country skis are available, as are strollers. Paddlers head to the hand-carry boat launch. About 40 miles north of here above Shin Pond, the organization's 7.2-mile hiking and snowshoeing Seboeis Riverside Trail leads to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and includes a small campground and snowshoe lodge with a woodstove and cots for overnight stays (one night only).

If you're in shape and have a serious geological bent, consider this approximately 8.5-mile round-trip climb. It heads through open, expansive desert country to a forested ridge with Douglas fir and ponderosa pines. Panoramic views of McKittrick Canyon and the surrounding mountain ranges allow you to observe many rock layers. A geology guidebook coordinated to trail makers is available at the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Set aside at least six hours for this trek. Difficult, elevation gain 2,000 feet.

At 317 feet, Pigeon Hill is the highest coastal point in Washington County, and it doesn't disappoint, rewarding hikers with panoramic views that stretch to Schoodic Peninsula, where Acadia National Park's mainland district is located; Petit Manan Lighthouse off the end of the narrow peninsula where this land rises; and island-splattered waters farther Down East. Hike up to the summit on the short historic trail, with some steep sections, that locals have used for generations. There are also longer, easier routes on the 1.8-mile interconnected trail system, which was created when this became a Downeast Coastal Conservancy preserve. One trail traverses an old silver mine and another passes by a glacial erratic boulder. The 185-acre preserve's half-mile loop trail to Pigeon Hill Bay begins across the road from the parking area.

This 4.6-mile round-trip hike (allow about three hours) follows the Chalone and Bear creeks first along the level Bench Trail for about 1½ miles, where it meets up with the Sycamore Trail, which ascends gradually through a tree-shaded ravine on its way to Bear Gulch. Purchase an interpretive map at the park store and keep your eyes open for signs pointing out where you might be able to spot the rare red-legged frog or the native three-spined stickleback fish. Moderate.

This 6½-mile round-trip hike with no elevation gain is an easy if somewhat long stroll, first on the Bench Trail and then alongside the Chalone River to the park's southeastern boundary. A favorite of wildlife-watching enthusiasts, it's a lovely trail for listening to birds sing along the creek, and it leads through magnificent groves of valley oaks. Easy–Moderate.

This short and level ½-mile round-trip ramble is the first one you'll come to along Dunes Drive after passing through the entrance station. It's a nice introduction to the local vegetation and its strategies for survival. In addition, it is interesting in summer when the otherwise dry lake bed it leads to usually fills with rain water. Easy.

Rangers conduct 15-mile hikes across San Miguel to Point Bennett, where more than 30,000 pinnipeds (three different species) can be seen. An access permit is required. Difficult.

This trail originates 13 miles north–northwest of Port Alsworth at the Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin. The cabin can be accessed by floatplane, and the hike is 3¼ miles and ascends 1,850 feet,ending in the tundra. Difficult.

Historically a route used by the Chugach Alaska Natives, Russian fur traders, and early settlers, this 1-mile hike (one-way) now offers tremendous views of Portage Glacier. To access the hike, drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier and take the first right after the railroad tracks, onto a gravel road marked “Forest Access.” The trail will be just a short way up from there on the right. There’s a 750-foot elevation gain, so bring your hiking poles.

Microscopic creatures lie dormant in pools that fill only after rare rainstorms. When the rains do come, some eggs hatch within hours and life becomes visible. If you're lucky, you'll hit Pothole Point after a storm. Whether wet or dry, don't walk on or touch the fragile ecosystem. The dramatic views of the Needles and Six Shooter Peak make this easy, 0.6-mile out-and-back hike worthwhile. Plan for about 45 minutes. There's no shade, so take precautions and plenty of water. Easy.

This 7.8-mile round-trip loop, which starts and finishes at Morefield Campground, is the longest hike inside the park. It provides fine views of Morefield Canyon to the south and the San Juan Mountains to the north. About halfway through the hike, you'll see a cut-off trail that you can take, which shortens the trip to 5 miles. Difficult.

A relatively flat and interesting 0.3-mile trail takes you past remains of a home of the Ancestral Pueblo people, built before 1400. The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. Easy.

The nearly 1-mile Pullman Trail is the national park's only trail that's open to both hikers and mountain bikers. It connects the park with the Northwoods Trail System, a network with 31-plus miles of world-class mountain biking routes located outside of the park. Easy–Moderate.

Its name belies what's in store for kids here. Splash Adventure is a high-tech water-play system with slides and tunnels, among other activities. There's also cable waterskiing and boat rentals on the lake inside this county park. You'll also find a campground with platform tents and tepees, as well as mountain biking trails and a skate park. Note that this space functions mostly as a public park for locals rather than as a tourist attraction.

An easy, accessible, 1-mile paved trail leads to Rainy Lake, a waterfall, and a glacier-view platform. Easy.

Raymer Hollow Trail winds over stream crossings through open forest flanking the Dry Prong of Buffalo Creek. At 1.5 miles from the Collie Ridge entry, Raymer Hollow backcountry campsite is accessed via a spur trail. Favored by horseback riders, hikers sometimes find Raymer Hollow Trail less suitable for those on foot. 6.2 miles. Moderate.

Observe the history of Richmond's slaves when you walk from the Manchester Docks down the Slave Trade path along the James River, past former slave auction houses in cobblestoned Shockoe Bottom and Lumpkin's Jail. Free booklets for a 1.3-mile self-guided walk are available from the city park system. You can also join in the annual freedom celebration Juneteenth, held during one weekend in June.