From coast to coast, the U.S.A. is home to quite a lot of natural beauty. Still, some states beat out others when it comes to providing visitors with the most stunning landscapes and scenery. A group of experts studied every state in the U.S.
They evaluated each one on a number of different relevant factors having to do with natural beauty, including the number of beaches, large natural lakes, mountains, national parks, and waterfalls in order to determine the top ten. From the Pacific Northwest to the Mid-Atlantic and everything in between, these US states are the best in terms of “the most natural beauty.” Without further ado, here are the most naturally beautiful states in the USA.
The Most Naturally Beautiful States In The USA
1. New York
The State of New York, located in the Northeastern United States, scrapes into the official list of the top 10 most naturally beautiful states. It covers an area of 54,556 square miles and is the 27th largest state by area. New York scored 6.12 out of 10.
It was praised for its 350 beaches, 940+ waterfalls, 3,600+ mountains, and 7,600 large, lovely natural lakes. New York also includes a number of different state parks and a pair of major forest preserves. Founded in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the US. It is also possibly the most famous in the state. There’s also Adirondack Park, established in 1892. It is almost the size of the entire state of Vermont and is therefore the official largest state park in the nation.
2North Carolina
North Carolina scores 6.26. It’s situated in the Southeastern United States and became the 12th state in 1789. North Carolina is the 28th largest state in the country covering an area of 53,819 square miles. This state was praised for its 241 beaches and 2,700 mountains.
It also made the list because of 59 large natural lakes and 885 waterfalls. Let’s not forget that this state is also home to the Outer Banks and the famous Great Smoky Mountains. A partial although significant list of other noteworthy natural highlights includes Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades, Chimney Rock, Hanging Rock, Jockey’s Ridge, Lake Mattamuskeet, Linville Caverns, Looking Glass Rock, Mt. Mitchell, Pilot Mountain, Stone Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, and Whitewater Falls.
3Colorado
Colorado, in the Western United States’ Mountain West subregion, Colorado garnered a 6.36. It became a state in 1876. Stretching across 104,094 it includes the majority of the Southern Rocky Mountains, the northeastern section of the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Plains’ western edge.
Here you will discover some of the world’s most scenic landscapes. The state has no beaches because it is landlocked. Still, it has a total of almost 4,000 mountains and waterfalls combined.
It also has four national parks including the popular Rocky Mountain National Park which spans the well-known Continental Divide. Other highlights include Hanging Lake, Maroon Bells, “Pah gosah” Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, the Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs, and Royal Gorge in Cañon City.
4Wyoming
Also known as “The Cowboy State”, Wyoming, like Colorado, is located in the Western United States’ Mountain West subregion. It covers an area of 97,913 square miles and was officially designated the 44th state in the US in 1890. Wyoming earned a score of 6.6 for its 2,471 named mountains and 4,000 lovely large natural lakes.
Many travelers come to this state to explore the famous Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Of course, there are numerous other naturally beautiful places to see here. Other highlights here include Ayres Natural Bridge, the Bighorn Mountains, the film-famous Devils Tower National Monument, the seemingly oddly named Killpecker Sand Dunes, the mighty North Platte River, the Red Desert, Shoshone Cavern, South Pass, and, of course, the Thermopolis Hot Springs.
5Montana
The state of Montana, also found in the Western United States’ Mountain West subregion, slots in at number six on the list with a score of 6.87. It became the 41st state in 1889 and, with a total area of 147,040 square miles, it is the fourth-largest state. Interestingly, it is the eighth-least populous state as well.
To the north, it is bordered by Canada. Montana scores plenty of points for its 3,340+ mountains, such as the Beartooth Mountains, and its 3,223 large natural lakes. As regular readers may recall, Flathead Lake is one of the most popular here.
This state is also favored for its 480+ waterfalls. In fact, Morell Falls is a particular favorite. Other highlights include the American Prairie Reserve, Bighorn Canyon, Glacier National Park, Grinnell Glacier, The Medicine Rocks, the Lewis and Clark Caverns, and The Badlands of Makoshika State Park.
