The US is a big country full of landscapes and beautiful places to see that could rightly be placed on anyone’s bucket list. If you’re hoping for some time to reconnect with Mother Nature, here are the best US vacation spots for nature lovers.

Alaska: Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska is a nature lover’s paradise and one of the most amazing natural places, Kenai Fjords National Park is the perfect place to explore. The most popular way to visit the park is by boat from Seward, which gives travelers the opportunity to see glaciers calving into the sea, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and more.

Kenai Fjords National Park includes three main sections: Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield and the coast. Hikers can get views of the Harding Icefield from a trail at Exit Glacier, a half-mile wide river of ice. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield is the largest ice field entirely within US borders.

Forging some of the most awe-inspiring and picturesque vistas and an abundance of marine wildlife, the park is a must see for any Alaska traveler.

Montana: Glacier National Park

With over 16,000 square miles of pristine wilderness, this northern paradise is perfect for nature lovers with all different fitness levels. From hikes from around 3 miles, to treks up to 15 miles, there is something for every type of active traveler.

For the best glacier viewing experience hike to Grinnell Glacier, past the mesmerizing Grinnell Lake, in the Many Glacier region of the park. The trail ends at the beautiful aqua colored glacial melted water, while you’re surrounded by mountains.

Glacier National Park is also perfect for people who love wildflowers. Wildflower season varies based on how much snow the park gets, but a good time to aim for is mid July.

Once you spend a little bit of time here, you’ll quickly realize why it’s called the Crown of the Continent!

Wyoming: Black Hills National Forest

he Black Hills rise from the prairies in the east and roll through two states, southwestern South Dakota into northeastern Wyoming. The forest is 125 miles long by about 65 miles wide and loaded with lakes, campgrounds, hiking and scenic drives. Living up to its name sake, ponderosa pine-covered hills, rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie, appear black seen from a distance.

From easy strolls to strenuous climbs, there are 450 miles of trails with a variety of hiking and biking choices. Other activities include off-roading, caving, hunting, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. Travelers can also make their way to the South Dakota section of the forest to visit Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monuments.

Maine: Acadia National Park

New England is steeped in history and known for its amazing fall foliage. Nature lovers have to experience the spectacular beauty of Acadia National Park. Located mostly on the Mount Dessert Island in Maine, travelers agree a trip to Acadia isn’t complete without a stop at Cadillac Mountain. Not only does the mountain stand 1,540 feet tall, it is also famous for experiencing the first touch of sun during the morning sunrise in the continental US from October to March.

The Schoodic Peninsula section of the park has the rocky-coast appeal where nature lovers can bike or hike the one-way Park Loop Road. Then back by the sea, take a boat cruise or, better yet, rent a kayak, to see seals sunning themselves on rocks and, if you’re lucky, whales.

Sometimes, we just need a vacation to the great outdoors and luckily, there is an abundance of natural beauty to be found all around the best US vacation spots. This country offers incredible opportunities from rafting to hiking to mountain biking, so you don’t have to fly to other side of the world for an epic outdoor experience.