Outdoors & Nature in the USA

Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the best places in the USA to view the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. This enchanting natural light show is at its peak between August and April, when radiant greens, reds and purples can be seen beneath the stars. Catch a glimpse of the glowing bands on an adventure tour. Local guides can lead you off the beaten path for an unforgettable viewing experience.

California’s Yosemite National Park is home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the world. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias features more than 500 mature giant sequoia trees. Hike along the varied trails to see icons like the California Tunnel Tree and the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant. Other Yosemite treasures include Bridalveil Fall and the striking rock faces of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Immerse yourself in otherworldly landscapes on an epic adventure through southern Utah. Marvel at canyons, arches, cliffs and hoodoos across the collection of national parks nicknamed the “Mighty 5” – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion. Join ranger-led tours to see top landmarks and learn how natural forces shaped the terrain. At night, go stargazing and catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. The Mighty 5 are all certified International Dark Sky Parks.

Discover natural wonders in Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming with sections in Idaho and Montana too. Find fascinating hydrothermal features like hot springs, geysers, mudpots and fumaroles – the park has more than 10,000. Catch an eruption at the Old Faithful geyser and gaze into the colorful waters of Grand Prismatic Spring. Don't miss the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and breathtaking Upper and Lower Falls.

Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological marvel. Carved over millennia by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is so large it’s visible from space. Scenic trails and overlooks abound on the North and South rims. Join a tour to visit must-see places and explore the area’s natural history. Choose from bike tours, bus rides, rafting expeditions and even guided mule trips.

Four seasons of spectacular views make Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore a must-visit destination. Encompassing 21 islands and 20 kilometers of mainland coast on Lake Superior, this is a top spot for kayaking, camping, birding and fishing. Its mainland caves are prime paddling attractions in the warmer months, and when winter sets in, the sandstone formations shift into glistening ice caves. Camping is open year-round, with 18 of the islands open for overnight stays.

Board an airboat for an exhilarating tour of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest river swamp in the USA. Part of the nature-rich Atchafalaya National Heritage Area in south-central Louisiana, the basin fosters more than 250 species of birds, 100 species of fish and 65 species of reptiles and amphibians. Egrets, herons, turtles and alligators are just a few of the animals you may spot on your adventure.

Characterized by its forested ridges and signature “smoky” fog, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is the most visited national park in the USA. In North Carolina, drive along the scenic Newfound Gap Road and savor sweeping views from the observation tower at Kuwohi, the highest point in the park. Explore the Tennessee side on the 18-kilometer Cades Cove loop road, where valley vistas and native wildlife abound.

Established in 1885, New York’s Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the USA. Its main attraction is the mighty Niagara Falls, which is fed by four of the Great Lakes. Get an up close look at the famous cascades on the Cave of the Winds tour of Niagara Gorge or hop aboard the Maid of the Mist for an exciting e-boat cruise.

Nestled in northeastern Puerto Rico about an hour’s drive from San Juan, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Its lush landscapes support a wide variety of plant and animal life, including some species you won’t find anywhere else. Hike the verdant trails to uncover ancient petroglyphs, historic towers and sparkling waterfalls that flow into natural pools.