Planet Earth is quite fascinating, and there’s something amazing to see almost everywhere you look. While there are many natural wonders around the world of which we’re all aware, like the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest, you don’t have to travel across the globe to see all the beauty that’s out there. Instead, you can just take a road trip across the United States of America. If you’ve already seen Niagara Falls and Yosemite, then it’s time to expand your horizons. That’s why, today, we’re talking about the most underrated natural wonders in every state.
The 50 states have a lot of amazing sights to behold, and this list includes many that you likely didn’t even know existed. They are in many different categories. Many of the underrated natural wonders include awesome rock formations, like Balanced Rock in Idaho, Mushroom Rock State Park in Kansas, and The Ringing Rocks, among others. There are also many awe-inspiring waterfalls, including Alberta Falls in Colorado and Devil’s Kettle Falls in Minnesota. Other natural wonders include amazing lakes, massive glaciers, and flower bridges, among other fantastic sights.
If you really want to plan the ultimate road trip, then create an itinerary to see all of these amazing, understated natural wonders in one shot. It’s a vacation you won’t soon forget. At least try to fit one or two of them onto your bucket list. (If you want to see even more of the natural beauty of our world, check out this list of the national parks with the most animal biodiversity.)
Alabama: Mount Cheaha
Located in Cheaha State Park, this is the highest point in the entire state of Alabama. From here, you can see for miles and it’s a gorgeous view. Make a day of it and walk through the park and witness some of the state’s most impressive plant and animal life. They also have great glamping experiences there.
Alaska: Mendenhall Glacier
This is your chance to see a real glacier and gaze in wonderment at its beauty. This huge glacier is located in Mendenhall Valley and is over 13 miles long. Walk along it and notice all of the nuances in the ice. It’s quite a spectacular experience worth visiting.
Arizona: Kartchner Caverns State Park
There’s tons of beauty to behold above ground, but if you want to see what’s going on underneath, check out this cave system that has over 2 miles of passages to explore. While you walk, you’ll see amazing limestone formations and plenty of stalagmites and stalactites. The caves were discovered accidentally in 1974 and you can explore them today.
Arkansas: Tree Surgeon Buried in a Tree
One of the spookiest underrated natural wonders on this list is found in Arkansas, and it’s a tree located at Hampton Springs Cemetery in Carthage. While it’s likely not true, there’s a rumor that there’s a person buried in the trunk of the tree. There are bricks there to prove it. Still, while it’s likely not true, it’s fun to discover and pretend.
California: Amboy Crater
There’s lots to see in California, but many people foolishly skip the Amboy Crater. It’s actually a dormant volcano that rises above a huge lava field. It’s located in the Mojave Desert in Southern California. It’s one of many amazing volcanoes in the U.S. and one of many great sightings along the historic Route 66 that you must discover.
Colorado: Alberta Falls
The whole state of Colorado is gorgeous, but one of your stops must be Rocky Mountain National Park. While you’re there, you can check out Alberta Falls, which is a place with awesome waterfalls surrounded by huge boulders, a gorgeous pine forest, and tons of beauty to behold while you’re hiking with your family.
Connecticut: Flower Bridge
There are actually several underrated natural wonders in Connecticut, but one you should see is the Flower Bridge in Simsbury. It was built in the 19th century and is a big metal-truss bridge surrounded by hanging baskets and boxes filled with every color of flower under the sun. You must walk to get there, so don’t forget your camera.
Delaware: Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
There are many parks, marshes, and wildlife refuges in Delaware, but if you only have time to stop at one, go to the one in Prime Hook. While you hike or ride your bike, you’ll see countless animal species, from herons to red knots to foxes and more. Stay all day, and you’ll also see some of the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets you can imagine.
Florida: Florida Caverns State Park
Florida is all about sunshine and beaches, but there’s a deeper side to discover. Head to Florida Caverns State Park and you can go deep underground into ancient caves and caverns. There are many impressive rock formations that are hard to forget, so bring your camera and get ready to be impressed.
Georgia: Amicalola Falls
One of the best underrated natural wonders of Georgia is Amicalola Falls, which is the tallest cascading waterfall in all of the Southeast. The drop is over 700 feet. To get there, you can walk a 5-mile trail, and along the way, you can see gorgeous plant life and a few animals in their natural habitat.
Hawaii: Mermaid Caves
Head deep underground into the Mermaid Caves in Oahu and walk through wondrous tunnels you never knew existed. This cave system is unique because, along the way, you’ll come across holes that let in water and light so you can go swimming or bathe. This is a part of the island that most people don’t see and it should be on your bucket list.
Idaho: Balanced Rock
For something completely different, head to Balanced Rock in Idaho. This is a unique sight. It’s a rock that measures about 48 feet wide at the top. However, it’s sitting on a narrow base of about four feet. This is a great place to take pictures and make a brief stop as you tour other wonders of the state.
Illinois: Starved Rock State Park
The go-to underrated natural wonder in Illinois is the magnificent Starved Rock. This vast park has it all, from waterfalls to sandstone canyons to the famed Lover’s Leap Overlook. There are many exotic animals here, including bald eagles, wildcats, deer, and more. There’s also a dam you can visit.
Indiana: Jug Rock
If you’re in Indiana, stop by Jug Rock Nature Preserve. While here, you can check out the largest freestanding rock formation in the nation. The rock is over 60 feet high and 20 feet wide, and it’s like nothing you’ve seen before. The nature preserve also allows plenty of hiking opportunities and other natural wonders.
Iowa: Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve
You’ll be amazed when you go to the Decorah Ice Cave because it is cold and covered in ice all year round, even during the summer. That’s because it sits on top of a glacier, so it’s truly magnificent. Like the other parks, once you leave the cave, you can hike and take in some of the natural beauty.
Kansas: Mushroom Rock State Park
One of the most unique, underrated natural wonders on this list is Mushroom Rock State Park, where you can see various rock formations that look like mushrooms. It’s pretty wild, and the state park is only 5 acres wide, so you can travel from side to side during your visit.
Kentucky: Mammoth Cave
We’ve talked about a couple of caves on this list, and they’re all great. If you want to visit the longest cave system in the world, then stop by this national park. There are stalactites and stalagmites as far as the eye can see, and you can spend all day traveling underground. Just don’t get lost!
Louisiana: Driskill Mountain
While it’s not as large as mountains in other states, this very large hill is a sight to behold. The mountain rises 535 feet above sea level, and you can hike up to the top in less than an hour. Once you get to the summit, you can enjoy amazing 360-degree views that are quite impressive.
Maine: Bubble Rock
For something truly different, stop by Bubble Rock. It is a round rock that is on the edge of a cliff. You would be tempted to try to push it off but you won’t be able to move it a centimeter. It was pushed there by a glacier during the Ice Age and it will remain there until the end of time, so check it out.
Maryland: Assateague Island
You’d be amazed at how many islands are around the U.S., and this one in Maryland is worth a visit. It’s a barrier island that’s 37 miles long. While here, you can lay on the beach, go hiking, and check out the wild ponies that call the island home. Where else will you see wild ponies?
Massachusetts: Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
For a truly unique sight, head to Massachusetts and check out the rock formations and cliffs that create this interesting chasm. You can hike around the formations within a day as the trail is less than two miles. You’ll also get to see beautiful wildflowers, tall trees, and possibly some cool wildlife.
Michigan: Turnip Rock
The great thing about our country is that there are many unique rocks to see, and Turnip Rock is one of them. This is an island located off of the Michigan shore. It was formed by receding glaciers many years ago, and what’s left is truly amazing. You can see the rock by shore or by boat.
Minnesota: Devil’s Kettle Falls
There are many different waterfalls in America, but Devil’s Kettle is truly unique. This is a waterfall that splits in the middle. One side continues to flow down like a regular waterfall. The other side falls into a cauldron and goes out of sight. No one knows where the other fall ends up but it’s cool to see.
Mississippi: Red Bluff
You can find countless places to hike in the country, but few of them have the color palette that you’ll find at Red Bluff. This area is about 400 feet above sea level and the exposed clay, sand, and other sediments give the area its red appearance. This is a great place to climb, hike, and take photos.
Missouri: Elephant Rocks State Park
Rocks are a big theme on this list, and one of the places where you can see the largest rocks is Elephant Rocks State Park. There are many huge rocks and boulders that you can pass by as you hike and see the sights. One of the rock formations looks like elephants marching in a circus.
Montana: The Ringing Rocks
We’ve seen many rocks on this list but most don’t make a sound. Visit The Ringing Rocks in Montana and you will hear a bell-like sound during different parts of the day. It’s due to the unique geological formation and the wind that goes through it. This is a great hiking spot and the rocks are a nice finale.
Nebraska: Chimney Rock
One of the most prominent but underrated natural wonders in Nebraska is Chimney Rock. This unique formation points out of the top of a big hill so it looks like a chimney. This formation was used by pioneers heading west generations ago and it’s still a great sight today.
Nevada: Red Rock Canyon
Nevada is mostly unpopulated space, so there’s a lot to see, but if you only go to one place, check out Red Rock Canyon. While there, you’ll see huge red sandstone peaks, Native American petroglyphs, and even seasonal waterfalls in an area known as the Ice Box Canyon. There are also various hiking trails to explore.
New Hampshire: Polar Caves Park
Like many of the other caves on this list, Polar Caves Park is amazing as you travel down twists and turns. The park gets its name because the deepest cave there goes down so low that there’s snow in it, and it lasts even during the summer season. There are also unique-looking boulders to see.
New Jersey: Great Falls
There are many natural wonders to discover in New Jersey, but one of the most mind-blowing is Great Falls in Passaic County, where you can see a massive waterfall towering 77 feet into the air. This is a great oasis in a generally industrialized state.
New Mexico: Shiprock
One of the most magnificent underrated natural wonders in the nation is Shiprock, which is so large and imposing that it can be seen from 50 miles away in any direction. It rises almost 1,600 feet above the desert and it’s really cool to see. You’ll be able to see this rock formation while also viewing the other natural splendors of the state.
New York: Finger Lakes
Travel out of the city and you’ll see that New York State has a lot of great natural spots to discover. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, visit the region called Finger Lakes, which is a collection of 11 long lakes that are truly picturesque.
North Carolina: Looking Glass Rock
Another state brings us a rock that does something unique. In this case, it’s a massive granite rock that gets its name because of the bright and vivid reflection that bounces off the rock when the sun hits it in a certain way. This is a rock you have to see to believe with your own eyes.
North Dakota: Grahams Island
North Dakota gives us another chance to travel onto an island while still being in the United States. Grahams Island is picturesque, and it gives you a chance to fish, go boating, or just lay out and soak in the sun. You can go there for an hour or enjoy the whole afternoon.
Ohio: Rockbridge
This underrated natural wonder is just as it sounds. It’s a 100-foot-long natural bridge that you can walk across in the middle of the forest. In addition to the rock, there are also impressive waterfalls to enjoy. This is a rock formation that should make every bucket list. It’s also located in the town of Rockbridge.
Oklahoma: Little Sahara State Park
You may never get a chance to visit the real Sahara Desert, but you can get the next best thing in the middle of Oklahoma. This national park has a stunning resemblance to the desert of the same name. It’s filled with towering sand dunes that show up great in photographs. Just make sure to bring enough water.
Oregon: Painted Hills
For something truly stunning, head to Oregon and check out the Painted Hills. These rock formations have formed a red and gold tint due to many years of erosion.
Pennsylvania: Coudersport Ice Mine
Head into the rolling hills of Potter County, and you can check out the ice mine, which is one of the most unique sights on this list. You can travel deep into this mine and see ice and icicles hanging from the ceiling in amazing formations.
Rhode Island: Purgatory Chasm
Located in Middletown, this gorge is 10 feet wide and 120 feet long. It’s a narrow strip where you can see the water flow through. You can view it below from the beach or take a short walk and see it from above.
South Carolina: Healing Springs
The springs in South Carolina were named during the Revolutionary War because it was believed they had healing powers. That may or may not be true, but it’s still quite picturesque.
South Dakota: Spearfish Canyon
One of the most underrated natural wonders in South Dakota is Spearfish Canyon, which is a narrow but deep river that will amaze the mind. Enjoy the water and then the forest and the animals within.
Tennessee: Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain technically stretches across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. However, if you go to Tennessee, you can walk on a ridge and get a great view of the city and the surrounding area.
Texas: Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve
There are a lot of great places to swim in Texas, but this watering hole is one of the most gorgeous in the state. It has some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen, and it’s surrounded by a vast forest.
Utah: Fantasy Canyon
This is a vast 10-acre canyon that is loaded with rocks that come in various shapes and sizes. There are rounded rocks, oblong shapes, and more. Take your camera on this expedition. It looks like something off a rock and roll album cover.
Vermont: Quechee Gorge
This is an underrated natural wonder that will allow you one of the best views in the state. The gorge is 165 feet deep, and it’s amazing to look down into it. There are also awesome rapids in the river below.
Virginia: Natural Bridge
This massive rock bridge is 215 feet tall and you’ll be wowed as you approach. It’s a limestone arch that connects to cliffs and it seems like something out of a science-fiction film, and you can walk near or across it.
Washington: Ape Cave
No, there aren’t any monkeys here. Instead, this is one of the longest lava tubes in the country. It stretches for two miles and provides plenty of twists and turns if you’re brave enough to venture forth.
West Virginia: Ice Mountain
You can hike up Ice Mountain and see some wonderful scenery. When you get to the top, you’ll be stunned to see that it’s covered with ice vents that release cold air all year round. It’s like something out of a science-fiction film, and it’s worth exploring.
Wisconsin: Big Manitou Falls
There are many natural wonders to witness in Wisconsin, but if you want a real thrill, visit the largest waterfall in the state. It’s 165 feet tall, and you can often hear it before seeing it. Add this one to your waterfall bucket list.
Wyoming: Fremont Lake
Our final underrated natural wonder is Fremont Lake in Wyoming. This is the state’s second largest lake and it’s also the seventh deepest lake in the entire country. At one point, it’s close to 600 feet deep, which is both exciting and daunting, but worth a visit. Another more well-known natural wonder in Wyoming is the Grand Prismatic Spring, which you can also learn about on our list of the most stunning natural attractions in each state.