Now is the time of year we start thinking about everything we are thankful for, including the wonderful gifts of nature. From the majestic mountains and lush forests to magical midnight skies, nature offers so much to inspire wonder and appreciation. Whether you are seeking a wild experience in the untamed west or an extraordinary night under the stars, the natural wonders of the United States are worth appreciating. Keep reading as we discuss some of the top natural wonders to be thankful for.
Cody Yellowstone Country
Cody Yellowstone Country is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and a true example of nature’s raw beauty. It is, it was, and it will always be the wild west. What will you be thankful for when you visit Cody Yellowstone Country? Below are just a few ideas.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a national treasure. Designated as the country’s first national park in 1872, it is a national wonder located only 50 miles from downtown Cody. Yellowstone is home to countless natural wonders including Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, and Tower Fall. Please keep in mind that it is essential to check the Yellowstone National Park website for current road conditions and closures before your visit. The park is open year round but some entrances are only open seasonally.
Outdoor Recreation
If you love the outdoors you will love Cody Yellowstone. In the fall, Cody is a great place for hiking, fishing, and camping. During the winter months, days can be spent cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-climbing, snowmobiling, and more!
Wildlife Viewing
Cody Yellowstone is an incredible destination for wildlife viewing. Winter months offer plenty of opportunities to see elk, bighorn sheep, bison, and wolves. It isn’t uncommon to spot these majestic creatures while driving along the area’s scenic byways. If you want to enhance your viewing experience, check out tours provided by local guides.
Cody Yellowstone Country is a natural wonder worth being truly thankful for. Are you ready to plan your Cody Yellowstone adventure? Request your free print and downloadable Cody Yellowstone Adventure Vacation Guide today.
Greater Smokies Region
Nature takes center stage in the Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of natural wonders to be thankful for when visiting the Smoky Mountains, including those discussed below.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is truly wonderous. It is the most visited national park in the country and it is easy to see why. From its diverse plant and animal life to its beautiful mountains, the park is one of this country’s natural wonders. During the fall, the foliage lights the area up in its dazzling array of colors. The winter months bring a quiet beauty to the frosty mountain peaks.
Wildlife Viewing
Animals are all around the Smokies region. As the weather cools and the leaves fall, it can be easier to spot animals in the wild. While some animals are hunkered down for the winter, others are out in open fields and meadows, like deer and wild turkeys. Many colorful and lively birds like cardinals, woodpeckers, and chickadees call the area home, making bird watching an especially popular and rewarding activity.
Cades Cove
Just south of Townsend, Tennessee, Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. The area offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and historic sites. The 11-mile loop can be busy during the fall and on weekends so plan for ample time to explore. As with all natural wonders it is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. If you are looking for a peaceful respite, look no further than Townsend, Tennessee—the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains. Now is the perfect time to plan your peaceful getaway! Request your free print and downloadable Smoky Mountains Experience Guide today.
Fairbanks, Alaska
In Fairbanks, Alaska, there are countless reasons to be thankful. Alaska’s Golden Heart is home to unique and inspiring natural wonders, including those discussed below.
Aurora Season
Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the northern lights. The northern lights are a natural light display in the northern sky. Fairbanks is one of the best locations for northern lights viewing because it is located in a zone where aurora activity is concentrated.
The aurora can take on different colors and shapes. It can typically be viewed as a swirling array of green, teal, and white. When it is more intense it may appear purple or magenta along its edge. The colors can appear as curtains, bands, rays, and coronas.
Technically, the aurora dances above Fairbanks throughout the year. However, it is only visible when the skies are dark enough. Fairbanks’ Aurora Season is from August 21 to April 21 and is a time when the aurora is most visible.
Chena River
The Chena River is a 100-mile river that winds its way through Fairbanks. Located just a short drive from Fairbanks, Chena River State Recreation Area is a popular destination for those interested in enjoying the outdoors. During the winter months, the beautiful area is a great spot for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog mushing.
Alaska’s Wilderness
There is no place like Alaska. Fairbanks is the basecamp for the countless natural wonders of Alaska’s Interior and Arctic. From Denali National Park to the Arctic Circle, Alaska’s untouched wilderness is a true gift.
From the aurora to wildlife and so much more, Fairbanks offers countless natural wonders to be thankful for. Are you ready to explore Fairbanks? Request your free print and downloadable Fairbanks Official Visitors Guide today!
Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula
Can you name three reasons to be thankful for Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula? We can! The Olympic Peninsula is the only place where you can find three distinct ecosystems: old-growth temperate rain forest, rugged Pacific coastline, and wild glacier-capped mountains. If you need more reasons to be thankful, consider the 49 peaks over 6,500 feet, over 600 miles of trails, 266 glaciers, countless rivers, and 22 waterfalls. Some of the top natural wonders on the Olympic Peninsula include those discussed below.
Waterfall Trail
Have you been saving up your oohs and aahs for something truly wonderful? The Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail is a magical, misty trail celebrating the natural wonder of cascading waterfalls. During the winter months the falls create a magical world of ice and snow. The trail features more than 20 natural waterfall wonders to be thankful for.
Hoh Rain Forest
Located on the west side of Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the country. Winter is the rainy season in the Hoh Rain Forest and contributes to the 140 inches of average yearly rainfall. The resulting lush, green canopy reminds visitors why rain is a good thing.
Pacific Coast
The Olympic Peninsula is home to beautiful and rugged coastlines stretching along the Pacific Coast. Winter can be an intense time to visit the Pacific Coast. During the cooler winter months, storms create powerful swells that crash on the shore. It’s a great time to marvel at the powerful forces of nature including strong winds, impressive tides, and big waves.
Looking for more inspiration for your next adventure on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula? Request your free print and downloadable Olympic Peninsula Travel Guide today!
What Are You Thankful For?
From fascinating wildlife and lush forests to powerful coastal storms, every natural wonder is a reminder of how vast and beautiful our world truly is. These national treasures are meant to be explored and appreciated.
Now is the perfect time to plan a trip and connect with those places that make life extraordinary. Check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides today!