Womanthismonth.com 82 Jul 2023 GREAT EXPEDITIONS Lifestyle | travel NIAGARA FALLS Situated along the Canada-US border, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. The water from Lake Erie flows into Lake Ontario over these massive waterfalls, known for the great quantity of water that is constantly tumbling over the vertical drop. Niagara Falls is actually a set of three falls: It consists of the largest section, known as Horseshoe Falls, with a drop of 187 feet; a second section on the American side of the river, known as the American Falls, with a drop of 89 feet; and a much thinner section located next to the American Falls, known as Bridal Veil Falls, with a drop of 78 feet. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK With dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, Yellowstone National Park, mostly in Wyoming, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Fun fact: it was America’s first national park and is bigger than Rhode Island! Multicoloured pools swirl around hot springs; verdant forests weave past expansive meadows and volatile geysers launch streams of steaming water toward the sky. With so much unspoiled natural beauty, it’s no wonder why everyone suspected John Colter (a scout for explorers Lewis and Clark) was embellishing when he first described Yellowstone’s geothermal curiosities in 1807. While you traverse its 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with permanent residents like buffalo, elk and sometimes even grizzlies. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Millions of people come to this Sierra Nevada wilderness each year to see jagged peaks, glaciers, lush meadows and some of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Spanning 1,200 square miles, Yosemite offers activities ranging from child-friendly to extreme. Massive granite slopes like Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the landscape, taunting rock climbers. Paddlers dip into lakes and rivers, drivers cruise the dramatic Tioga Road, and day hikers walk by sequoias and canyons. Backpackers take to the rugged John Muir trail, named for the writer who helped create the park in 1890. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY The legendary Pacific Coast Highway was first started in the 1930s, and remains a marvel of human effort that hugs over 900km of California’s rugged and beautiful coastlines. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly, while gasping at the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches and endless sky. It also affords travellers an unparalleled opportunity to dip into all the character California has to offer: pioneer outposts, surfing villages, farm-fresh foods, local wine, roadside kitsch, Hollywood glitz and bohemia. The United States is a diverse, beautiful country with a multitude of climates and landscapes. The most popular tourist hotspots are already well-established, an inescapable consequence of popular culture. Therefore, we’ve decided to shift attention away from iconic landmarks and cities and instead feature a selection of some of the finest natural hotspots for those wanting a leisurely hike or a breath-taking view.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==