The United States are rightly famed the world over for their incredible smorgasbord of natural wonders and the motorhome enthusiast is truly spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a scenic destination. Trying to choose the ultimate top five would have nature lovers arguing till the cows come home. So instead, let's play it safe and just pick out five destinations that might be in contention for the title 'America's Greatest Natural Wonder'.
1. Niagra Falls
Part of the border between the US and its northern neighbour Canada, the world-famous Niagra Falls take some beating when it comes to jaw-dropping natural beauty. A favourite with honeymooners and daredevils (who still occasionally plummet over the falls in some inappropriate craft or barrel), Niagra Falls formed at the end of last Ice Age and is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, dumping around six million cubic feet of water over the edge every minute.
2. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes: extreme heat, extreme geography and extremely stunning vistas. While most famous for the eponymous Death Valley, one of the driest desert environments on the North American continent, the National Park also boast snow-capped peaks and is home to the native American Timbisha Shoshone people.
3. The Grand Canyon
Carved out of the desert by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon can be seen from space and is arguably the greatest natural wonder on the planet. Nearly two billion years of earth history have been exposed by the eroding action of the river, and the sedimentary strata and rock formations that are visible on the canyon walls are a geologist's dream come true. Park up your Winnebago at the top of the canyon and marvel at its scale. Then hitch a ride on a sure-footed donkey to plunge into the canyon and see it up close.
4. Mount McKinley
With an elevation of approximately 20,320 feet (6,194m), Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America and is the centrepiece of Denali National Park in Alaska. The best time to visit by motorhome is definitely in the spring or summer months, when you're less likely to come a cropper in a snow drift. Temperatures as low as -73 C have been recorded on the mountain in winter.
5. Redwood National and State Parks
Located on the northern coast of California, this stunning national park has preserved an area of virgin redwood forest of a kind that once covered vast swathes of the West Coast. Clear-cut logging devastated much of it, but thankfully this section survives. Only around four percent of old-growth redwood forest remains, and the trees are enormous measuring in at over 100m. The area is fairly inaccessible however. Do your research and ensure you have a berth for your motorhome booked before venturing into the region.
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