For travelers who crave the raw beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, and the peace of escaping urban chaos, North America boasts an unparalleled array of destinations. From towering mountain peaks that pierce the sky to sprawling wilderness areas teeming with wildlife, these landscapes offer more than just scenic views—they provide immersive experiences that connect visitors with the earth’s most awe-inspiring creations. Among the continent’s most remarkable spots for Nature & Outdoors tourism, four stand out for their unique characteristics, diverse activities, and the profound sense of wonder they inspire: Denali National Park in Alaska, the Appalachian Trail spanning multiple states, the “Grand Circle” in southern Utah, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each of these destinations caters to different interests, whether it’s the challenge of summiting a iconic peak, the serenity of a long-distance hike, the drama of red rock formations, or the vibrancy of a biodiversity hotspot. Together, they showcase the best of North America’s natural heritage, inviting adventurers to explore, discover, and create lasting memories.
1. Denali National Park, Alaska: Where Wilderness Reigns Supreme
Nestled in the heart of Alaska’s interior, Denali National Park is a testament to the untamed power and beauty of the Arctic wilderness. At its core stands Denali—North America’s tallest peak, rising 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. Formerly known as Mount McKinley, the mountain was officially renamed Denali in 2016, honoring the Athabascan word for “the high one,” a title that perfectly captures its imposing presence. But Denali National Park is far more than just a single mountain; it encompasses over 6 million acres of pristine wilderness, a vast expanse of tundra, forests, glaciers, and rivers that remain largely untouched by human development. This isolation is one of the park’s greatest assets, offering visitors a rare chance to experience nature in its purest form, where the only sounds are the wind sweeping across the tundra, the call of a golden eagle, or the distant rumble of a glacier calving.
One of the most captivating features of Denali National Park is its extreme and dynamic landscape. The park’s terrain transitions from boreal forests of spruce and birch in the lower elevations to alpine tundra at higher altitudes, where low-growing plants like mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs cling to the rocky soil, adapted to survive harsh winters and short, cool summers. Glaciers cover nearly a third of the park, with the Muldrow Glacier—one of the most active in the region—snaking its way through the landscape, carving valleys and depositing rock debris as it moves. These glaciers not only shape the park’s geography but also create unique microclimates that support a surprising variety of wildlife.
Wildlife viewing is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Denali National Park. The park is home to some of North America’s most iconic species, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and foxes. Summer, from June to August, is the best time to spot these animals, as they emerge from hibernation, graze on the lush tundra, and raise their young. Grizzly bears, in particular, are a highlight for many visitors; they can often be seen foraging for berries, digging for roots, or fishing for salmon in the park’s rivers during the salmon run. Moose, with their towering antlers and long legs, are equally impressive, wandering through the forests and wetlands in search of willow shoots and aquatic plants. Caribou, part of the large Denali Caribou Herd, migrate across the park in massive groups, traveling hundreds of miles each year in search of food and mating grounds. For wildlife enthusiasts, the park offers guided tours led by experienced naturalists who share insights into the animals’ behavior and habitat, increasing the chances of spotting these elusive creatures while ensuring minimal disturbance to their natural routines.
In addition to wildlife viewing, Denali National Park is a paradise for outdoor adventurers, with activities ranging from casual hikes to challenging mountaineering expeditions. The park’s hiking trails cater to all skill levels, from short, easy walks along the Park Road—such as the Horseshoe Lake Trail, a 2.2-mile loop that winds through a forest and around a scenic lake—to longer, more strenuous backcountry hikes. The Savage River Loop Trail, a 4.5-mile hike, takes visitors through a valley surrounded by mountains, offering views of the Savage River and opportunities to spot wildlife. For more experienced hikers, the backcountry of Denali is a playground, with endless possibilities for off-trail exploration. However, backcountry hiking in Denali requires careful planning, as the terrain is rugged, weather conditions can change rapidly, and there is a risk of encountering wildlife. Hikers must obtain a backcountry permit, carry essential gear (including bear spray, a tent, and enough food and water), and be prepared to navigate using maps and compasses, as many areas have no marked trails.
For the most adventurous visitors, mountaineering on Denali is the ultimate challenge. Summiting Denali is not for the faint of heart; it requires advanced climbing skills, physical stamina, and mental resilience. The mountain’s high altitude, extreme cold, strong winds, and unpredictable weather make it one of the most difficult peaks to climb in the world. Most climbers take between two and four weeks to complete the ascent, acclimatizing to the altitude by spending time at base camps and higher elevations before attempting the final push to the summit. The West Buttress Route is the most popular and relatively accessible route, but even this path presents significant challenges, including crossing crevassed glaciers, navigating steep ice slopes, and enduring sub-zero temperatures. Despite the difficulties, reaching the summit of Denali is a life-changing experience, offering panoramic views of the Alaskan wilderness that few people ever get to see.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a casual hiker, or an experienced mountaineer, Denali National Park offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Arctic wilderness. It’s a place where nature’s grandeur is on full display, reminding visitors of the importance of preserving these wild spaces for future generations.
2. The Appalachian Trail: A Journey Through America’s Eastern Wilderness
Stretching over 2,190 miles (3,524 kilometers) from Springer Mountain in northern Georgia to Mount Katahdin in central Maine, the Appalachian Trail—often referred to simply as the “AT”—is one of the longest continuous hiking trails in the world. More than just a path through the woods, the AT is a cultural icon, a symbol of adventure, and a testament to the power of community. Since its completion in 1937, it has attracted millions of hikers, from casual day-trippers to “thru-hikers” who attempt to walk the entire trail in a single season. What makes the AT so special is not just its length, but the diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, and cultures it passes through. Along the way, hikers traverse dense forests, climb rugged mountain peaks, cross rushing rivers, and pass through small towns and rural communities, each with its own unique charm. It’s a journey that challenges the body, enriches the mind, and connects hikers to the natural and cultural heritage of the eastern United States.
One of the most striking features of the Appalachian Trail is its geographical diversity. The trail winds through 14 states, each offering a distinct landscape and climate. In Georgia and Tennessee, the AT passes through the southern Appalachian Mountains, with gentle slopes, lush forests of oak and hickory, and scenic overlooks like Blood Mountain—Georgia’s highest peak on the trail. As the trail moves north into North Carolina and Virginia, the terrain becomes more rugged, with higher peaks such as Clingmans Dome (the highest point on the AT, located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park) and Mount Rogers (Virginia’s highest peak). In Pennsylvania, the trail crosses the Appalachian Plateau, a region of rolling hills and dense forests, while in New York and New England, it climbs into the Berkshire Mountains and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where hikers face steep ascents, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather. The final stretch in Maine is perhaps the most challenging, with rugged peaks like Mount Katahdin, where the trail ends with a steep climb to the summit, offering a rewarding view of the surrounding wilderness.
Another key aspect of the AT is its rich biodiversity. The trail passes through a variety of ecosystems, from deciduous forests in the south to coniferous forests in the north, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species. In the southern sections, hikers can spot wildflowers like trilliums, rhododendrons, and azaleas, which bloom in spring and summer, painting the forest in vibrant colors. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and a wide range of bird species, such as woodpeckers, warblers, and bald eagles. In the northern sections, especially in Maine, hikers may encounter moose, which are more common in the remote wilderness areas. The AT’s role as a wildlife corridor is crucial, allowing animals to move freely between fragmented habitats, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in the eastern United States.
For hikers, the Appalachian Trail offers a range of experiences, depending on their goals and time constraints. Day hiking is a popular option for those who want to explore a small section of the trail without committing to a multi-day trip. Many state parks and national forests along the AT have trailheads with easy access to short, scenic hikes. For example, in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the AT runs for 101 miles through the park, with numerous day hiking options, including the hike to Old Rag Mountain—a popular trail that offers rock scrambling and panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.
Backpacking is another popular activity on the AT, with hikers choosing to spend several days or weeks exploring longer sections of the trail. The trail is well-equipped with shelters (known as “huts” or “lean-tos”) spaced every 5 to 15 miles, providing a place to sleep, cook, and take shelter from the weather. These shelters are maintained by volunteers and are free to use, although hikers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out all trash and keeping the shelters clean. Backpackers can also camp in designated areas near the shelters or in backcountry campsites, depending on the regulations of the state or national park they are in. Backpacking on the AT allows hikers to immerse themselves in the wilderness, away from the distractions of modern life, and experience the rhythm of the trail—waking up with the sun, hiking during the day, and camping under the stars at night.
For the most dedicated hikers, thru-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail is the ultimate goal. Thru-hikers typically start in Georgia in late February or early March and finish in Maine in late August or early September, a journey that takes approximately 5 to 7 months. The experience of thru-hiking is both physically and mentally demanding; hikers must carry all their gear (including a tent, sleeping bag, food, and clothing), navigate challenging terrain, and adapt to changing weather conditions. Along the way, they form a strong community with other thru-hikers, sharing stories, tips, and support. Many thru-hikers describe the experience as life-changing, as it teaches them resilience, self-reliance, and a deeper appreciation for nature. Thru-hikers also become part of a long tradition; since the first documented thru-hike in 1948, thousands of people have completed the trail, each with their own unique story.
Natural observation is another popular activity on the AT, as the trail offers endless opportunities to study and appreciate the natural world. Hikers can observe the changing seasons, from the blooming of spring wildflowers to the vibrant fall foliage of the northern Appalachians. They can also learn about the region’s geology, as the trail passes through areas with unique rock formations, such as the quartzite peaks of the White Mountains and the limestone caves of Pennsylvania. Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of bird species along the trail, including migratory birds that use the AT as a route during their annual migrations.
The Appalachian Trail is more than just a hiking trail; it’s a living, breathing part of America’s landscape and culture. It’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to challenge themselves, connect with nature, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re hiking a single mile or the entire 2,190 miles, the AT offers an experience that is both humbling and empowering, reminding us of the beauty and resilience of the natural world.
3. The “Grand Circle” in Southern Utah: A Red Rock Extravaganza
Southern Utah is home to some of the most dramatic and otherworldly landscapes in North America, and at the center of this natural wonderland lies the “Grand Circle”—a collection of national parks, monuments, and recreational areas that showcase the region’s stunning red rock formations. While Zion National Park is often the most well-known destination in the Grand Circle, the area includes four other iconic parks: Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. Together, these parks form a 300-mile loop of breathtaking scenery, where towering sandstone cliffs, delicate natural arches, vibrant red and orange canyons, and ancient rock formations create a landscape that feels like it belongs on another planet. The Grand Circle is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who appreciates the raw, sculptural beauty of nature.
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique geological formations known as hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that stand like sentinels across the landscape. These hoodoos are formed by the erosion of soft limestone by wind, water, and ice over millions of years. The park’s main attraction is Bryce Amphitheater, a large, horseshoe-shaped depression filled with thousands of hoodoos, ranging in color from deep red and orange to pale yellow and white. The best way to experience Bryce Canyon is by hiking along the rim trails, such as the Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of the amphitheater, or by descending into the canyon on trails like the Navajo Loop Trail and the Queens Garden Trail. These trails allow hikers to get up close to the hoodoos, marveling at their intricate shapes and vibrant colors. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit Bryce Canyon, as the light casts a warm glow on the hoodoos, making their colors even more intense.
Arches National Park, located near Moab, Utah, is a haven for lovers of natural arches. The park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest concentration in the world. These arches are formed by the erosion of sandstone by water and wind, with the most famous being Delicate Arch—a 65-foot-tall arch that has become a symbol of Utah and is featured on the state’s license plates. Delicate Arch is accessible via a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a desert landscape of red rock and sagebrush, ending with a spectacular view of the arch standing alone against the sky. Other notable arches in the park include Landscape Arch (one of the longest natural arches in the world, measuring 306 feet), Double Arch (two large arches that share a common base), and Turret Arch. In addition to arches, the park features other geological formations, such as balanced rocks, fins, and canyons, making it a popular destination for hiking and photography.
Canyonlands National Park is a vast wilderness area that encompasses four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, Needles, Maze, and the Rivers District (which includes the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers). The park is known for its deep canyons, towering mesas, and vast stretches of desert landscape. Island in the Sky is the most accessible district, offering panoramic views of the surrounding canyons from a high mesa. The Mesa Arch Trail, a short 0.5-mile hike, is one of the most popular trails in the park, leading to Mesa Arch—an iconic arch that frames the sunrise perfectly, making it a favorite spot for photographers. The Needles District is known for its colorful spires of rock (called “needles”) and offers more challenging hiking trails, such as the Chesler Park Trail, which takes hikers through a maze of red and white rock formations. The Maze District is the most remote and least visited part of the park, accessible only via rough dirt roads and offering a true wilderness experience for experienced hikers and backpackers.
Capitol Reef National Park is named for its distinctive rock formations, including Capitol Dome—a large, white sandstone dome that resembles the U.S. Capitol building—and the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long geological monocline (a fold in the rock layers) that creates a unique landscape of canyons, cliffs, and valleys. The park is less crowded than the other Grand Circle parks, making it a peaceful destination for those who want to escape the crowds. The Scenic Drive, a 7.9-mile road that winds through the park, offers views of the Waterpocket Fold and other geological formations. Hiking trails in Capitol Reef range from short, easy walks—such as the Hickman Bridge Trail, which leads to a natural arch—to longer, more strenuous hikes, such as the Cassidy Arch Trail, which offers views of the surrounding canyons. The park is also home to the Fruita Historic District, a former Mormon settlement where visitors can see historic orchards, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop, providing a glimpse into the region’s cultural history.
The Grand Circle offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors of all skill levels. Hiking is the most popular activity, with trails ranging from short, easy walks to multi-day backcountry hikes. In Zion National Park, the Narrows—a narrow slot canyon carved by the Virgin River—is a must-visit for hikers, who wade through the river to explore the canyon’s towering walls. In Arches National Park, the Devils Garden Trail is a 7.2-mile loop that passes by several arches, including Landscape Arch and Double Arch. For more experienced hikers, the Maze District in Canyonlands National Park offers challenging backcountry hikes that require navigation skills and self-sufficiency.
Photography is another major draw of the Grand Circle. The region’s unique geological formations, vibrant colors, and dramatic light make it a photographer’s dream.
