Making Motor Trend Memories
Must-see natural landmarks
America is home to some of the most wondrous natural landmarks in the world. From the vast forests of the Northeast to the arid deserts of the Southwest, the sheer number of natural landmarks available to tourists is astounding - especially considering that they are relatively inexpensive to access. So pack up the family and hit the road, we're giving you some car travel tips on finding the best natural landmarks America has to offer.
Old Faithful
Probably the first thing that comes to mind when people think of natural wonders, Old Faithful has been regularly spouting steaming water into the sky and attracting road-tripping families well-before its discovery in 1870. Though not the largest geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful has the most frequent eruptions - every 60 to 90 minutes, approximately.
Crater Lake
Located in south-central Oregon, Crater Lake is an enormous body of water formed several thousand years ago by the collapse of the Mount Mazama volcano. The lake is known for its deep blue coloring, clarity and the "Old Man of the Lake," a buoyant tree that has been floating vertically in the lake since at least 1896. Visitors can access the lake via roads 60 miles northwest of Klameth Falls.
The Everglades
The largest subtropical wetlands in the U.S., the Florida Everglades are comprised of an interconnected series of swamps and marshes. Large areas of the Everglades are considered "Rivers of Grass" and are home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and fish. The protected area is mostly navigated by boat and can be reached via nearby Miami.