It’s that time of year again! All across America, millions of fireflies are readying their lights in preparation for one of the most magical events in nature. Synchronous firefly displays occur when one special type of lightning bug gatherers in large numbers and flash their lights in harmony.
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The spectacle only happens in a few select places across the country. Here are a few of the top spots to check them out and when to visit:
This is a great spot for East Coasters to get an eyeful of the firefly action. The forest generally sees firefly displays between mid-June and early July, with areas like Salmon Creek, Little Minister Creek, and the Kelly Pines campground attracting the most bugs. Expect the show to start between 10 p.m. and midnight.
This beautiful forest park is home to some of the tallest trees in the country and hosts a special Firefly Festival each May. The bugs are typically flashing between mid-May and early June, but the festival runs May 10 to 27, 2019. Visitors can hop on the Fireflies Trail between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. for the best chance of spotting the show.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee
This park is perhaps the most famous place to watch synchronous fireflies work their magic. The park is such a popular spot for firefly gazing that officials have set up a lottery system to allow visitors timed access to the park during firefly season. The lottery was free in years past, but attendees will now need to pay $25 to enter the drawing. The lottery opens on April 26 and closes on April 29, 2019, with the winner being notified on May 10. The lucky few will be able to enter the park between late May and the third week of June to watch the fireflies dance.
Don’t feel like heading to a public park? This private property in Tennessee is owned by the Bennett family and opens its doors to firefly enthusiasts each year. Visitors can pay $10 to visit the beautiful fields of the estate in mid-June and watch the lightning bugs.
For more information about synchronous fireflies, click here. You can find other awesome things to do and see in America here.
America is chock-full of stunning natural wonders that rival those found anywhere in the world. From the majestic sequoias on the West Coast to the charming Cape Cod National Seashore on the East, you’ll find these 50 natural wonders in the U.S. simply enchanting. Below are just 50 of the most amazing natural wonders in each of the 50 states. Scroll down to see them all.
This preserve encompasses approximately 15,000 acres at the top of Lookout Mountain. The preserve protects more than 100 species of plants and animals that are considered endangered, threatened, or rare. The Little River Canyon National Preserve is a beautiful place for a day trip with a long list of activities including fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and more.
Alaska is one of the few states in which you can see the Northern Lights. Every other natural wonder in the state becomes even more stunning with the addition of this natural wonder. And if you are looking for a single spot to view this incredible show, Fairbanks is an absolute must. This city is not only beautiful but it's known as being one of the best places in Alaska to view the Northern Lights.
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, as much as 18 miles wide, and 1 mile deep. Its vast size and gorgeous scenery are epic. There is so much to see and do at this Arizona natural wonder including hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting. If you want to escape the crowds, we recommend heading to the North Rim — it's absolutely gorgeous here.
The largest oxbow lake in the country, Lake Chicot was formed by the Mississippi River. Its name means "stumpy" in French and refers to the many cypress stumps found along its banks. If you love to fish, Lake Chicot is paradise as you can catch catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and more. Lake Chicot State Park also features plenty to keep you busy including guided tours, campsites, cabins, as well as a seasonal swimming pool.
Home to the world’s largest trees (when measured by trunk volume), the Sequoia National Forest is truly astounding. The giant sequoias found here have an average trunk circumference of 85 feet and the forest is home to 34 distinct groves. Within Sequoia National Forest, you'll also find the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth, nicknamed General Sherman, and the Trail of 100 Giants, a family-friendly hike that's unforgettable.
Colorado: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve covers 41,686 acres and contains some of the largest sand dunes in the country (reaching as high as 750 feet). In addition to the impressive dunes, the park also contains lakes, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It's also home to wildlife of all sizes and hundreds of plant species.
This archipelago of more than 100 small islands is made of pink granite. Some islands are tiny; others are large enough for homes and other buildings. Horse Island, the largest at just over 17 acres, is owned by Yale University. Thimble Islands are an excellent destination for a getaway and for some summer fun.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects migratory birds on nearly 16,000 acres on Delaware Bay. As many as 150,000 ducks and geese stop here every October and November. Fun fact: this wildlife refuge protects one of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region.
Everglades National Park is a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. The park is a protected environment for endangered species such as the black panther, manatee, and American crocodile. While you can visit and explore on a large boat, airboat, and more, we suggest taking your time and capturing some incredible photos. This natural wonder is mesmerizing.
You won’t find a larger, more untouched freshwater and black water swamp in the country; it covers 438,000 acres. Alligators, water moccasins, otters, black bears, and many species of birds call Okefenokee Swamp home. This is another natural wonder with many opportunities for exploration including guided boat tours, train tours, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. Just make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!
There is no place quite like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This remarkable destination is approximately 520 square miles and is home to two active volcanoes, which create the most dramatic and breathtaking landscapes. The park is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site.
As one of the most epic mountain ranges in the country, this rugged wilderness is located in the heart of Idaho and is part of the mountain range of the Rocky Mountains. There are 57 peaks with an elevation over 10,000 feet in the Sawtooth Range. Plus, there are more than 400 alpine lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains, perfect for when you need a little peace and quiet out in nature.
The Illinois coast of Lake Michigan is one of the state’s most dynamic natural wonders. Lake Michigan is part of the five Great Lakes of North America and is the only Great Lake located entirely within the U.S. If you want to spend some time next to the water, check out some of the best beaches. There are a handful to choose from and all are perfect for a day of water, sunshine, and family fun.
Indiana Dunes State Park borders Lake Michigan at Chesterton, Indiana, about an hour's drive from Chicago. The park's unusually gigantic, natural piles of sand stand nearly 200 feet tall. The park is full of pure, natural beauty and if you are looking for a bucket-list-worthy destination within Indiana Dunes State Park, head to the nature preserve.
Located in western Iowa, the Loess Hills are hills made almost entirely of windblown soils called loess. About 640,000 acres of land in western Iowa constitute the Loess Hills landform. No other place in the world, besides China, contains as much loess as Iowa. This is a natural wonder in America that deserves a spot on every bucket list.
Named as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, Tallgrass Prairie is located in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. Today, less than 4 percent of the tallgrass prairies (mostly all in the Flint Hills region) remain that once covered 170 million acres of North America. This preserve protects a nationally significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie. You can learn even more when visiting the Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Center, one of the coolest visitor centers in Kansas.
Mammoth Cave, the longest-known cave system in the world, is perhaps the greatest natural attraction in the state. The cave system has more than 400 explored miles of caverns and a delicate and complex ecosystem. If you are planning a visit, make sure to schedule a cave tour. There are a variety of options available including a wheelchair-accessible tour, walking tours, lantern tours, and crawling tours.
Located primarily in the southern reaches of Louisiana, the bayous are a defining feature of this unique part of America. At 375 miles, Bayou Bartholomew is the longest in the world. It contains over 100 aquatic species making it the second most diverse stream in North America. If you are dreaming of a getaway into this natural wonder, consider visiting one of these charming Bayou towns.
Acadia National Park is a stunning national treasure on the coast of Maine. It is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine's Mount Desert Island. It also contains the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. While we recommend you spend a few days at this national park in Maine, if you only have a single day, consider visiting Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock, and Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise.
Assateague Island is a 37-mile-long barrier island located off the eastern coast of Delmarva. The northern two-thirds of the island is in Maryland while the southern third is in Virginia. It is famous for its herds of wild horses, pristine beaches, and the Assateague Lighthouse. This is the type of place where you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairytale when you visit.
Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses nearly 44,000 acres on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts. It includes 40 miles of ponds, woods, and beachfront of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion. While you can always spend your time simply enjoying the beautiful beaches here, there are many other things to do at Cape Cod National Seashore including hiking, water activities, photography, wildlife viewing, and even ranger-guided activities.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore consists of a 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring immense sand dunes sculpted entirely by the winds and waters. In 2011, the area won the title of "The Most Beautiful Place in America" from Good Morning America. While this is a popular place year-round, we particularly love visiting in the summer when you can picnic on the beach and play in the water.
This wilderness area offers over one MILLION acres of forests, glacial lakes, and streams. A popular spot for fishing and canoeing, this is the most visited wilderness area in the United States. And while it is magical in the summer months when the list of outdoor activities is long, there is something magical about Boundary Waters Canoe Area in the winter.
Often called "The Grand Canyon of the Mississippi," Red Bluff is over 200 feet deep. Caused by erosion, it is continually expanding and has necessitated the movement of a nearby highway twice. However, be aware that visiting this canyon is no easy journey. You'll trek on a primitive trail that is quite steep — the right hiking gear is a necessity!
One of the best state parks in Missouri is Elephant Rocks State Park. This destination is packed with massive boulders that will make you feel quite small in size. The red granite boulders are over a billion years old and can be as large as ... an elephant. Walk around the park and spend some time at the overlooks — it's pretty remarkable here.
Glacier National Park is easily one of the most beautiful natural wonders in America. It is the type of place where you'll immediately fall in love with Mother Nature's creations. Enjoy over 700 miles of trails at this stunning park and make sure you plan to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. There is nothing else quite like it.
This unique rock formation was once a landmark on the Oregon Trail. Comprised of clay, sandstone, and volcanic ash, this very visible spot towers nearly 300 feet above ground level. When visiting, make sure to stop by the visitors center where you'll learn all about the rock, the area, and the history of westward migration.
Valley of Fire State Park deserves a spot at the top of any bucket list. Dedicated in 1935, this is the oldest state park in Nevada and today, it is the largest state park in Nevada. The vibrant color comes from Aztec Sandstone and many unique rock formations can be found here including the well-known Elephant Rock. Atlatl Rock is also well-known for its petroglyphs.
At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. It is part of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains and is known for erratic weather patterns and high wind speeds. In fact, Mount Washington is one of the most dangerous mountain peaks in the U.S. If you plan to hike this mountain, make sure you are prepared. This is not an area for beginning hikers.
The southernmost peak of the Kittatinny Mountain Range, this gem on the Delaware makes for a fantastic hike. You'll be rewarded with spectacular views, but the journey can be arduous. Be prepared for the 5.5-mile loop trail with some challenging climbs. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to stop and catch your breath and take in the stunning views.
The highlight of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad Cavern includes a natural limestone chamber called "The Big Room." It is one of the largest cave chambers in the world, reaching a maximum height of 255 feet. The cavern also has several other named areas including "The Hall of Giants," pictured.
Niagara Falls is actually a collection of three waterfalls — Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. These incredible falls are known for their beauty and usefulness as a source of hydroelectric power. If you combine the three falls, they have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America over 160 feet. More than six million cubic feet of water go over the falls every single minute.
Jockey's Ridge is the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. Free to visit, it is the most popular state park in North Carolina. Plan a day trip picnicking, hiking, or sandboarding at this North Carolina natural wonder. This area is also well-known for its incredible hang gliding.
The Little Missouri River runs through this rugged terrain and you'll find several striking canyons. Painted Canyon is pictured. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is well worth a visit from any corner of the state as it features one of the largest petrified forests in the country, is one of the best places to stargaze in North Dakota, and is home to unique wildlife like longhorn steers.
A spectacular place to visit, Hocking Hills State Park has everything you would want in a state park — rock formations, caves, waterfalls, and so much more. To fully appreciate its beauty, you have to explore it for yourself. Old Man's Cave and The Devil's Bathtub are popular attractions within the park. We recommend staying several days to fully admire and enjoy all that this area has to offer.
As Oklahoma’s most unique state park, The Great Salt Plains is comprised of salt left behind from an ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times. The saltwater lake in the park, Great Salt Plains Lake, is about half as salty as the ocean. It is the only place in the world where visitors can dig for selenite crystals.
Located in the crater of a dead volcano in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake is a wonder to behold. This lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and the 8th deepest in the world, and it has some of the purest, bluest water imaginable. You absolutely should see this majestic mountaintop lake for yourself.
Penn’s Cave is a stunning limestone cave filled with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, and it’s the only natural cavern in the United States with an all-water bottom. Boat tours offer amazing views of the inside of the cave, taking you through amazing natural passageways on an otherworldly trip you won’t forget.
The Mohegan Bluffs are beautiful, 150-foot clay cliffs on the majestic Block Island. The cliffs offer amazing views of the ocean or you can take the stairs down to the lovely Corn Cove. Just remember what comes down must come up and you'll want to prepare yourself for the trek back up the 141 stairs.
The Angel Oak in South Carolina is one of the oldest trees east of the Mississippi River. This beautiful oak is believed to be between 500 and 1,500 years old and has a circumference of 28 feet and a majestic canopy that shades approximately 17,200 square feet. It truly is a sight to behold.
This amazing 242,756-acre national park in southwestern South Dakota is an otherworldly beauty with a dramatic, colorful landscape. Badlands National Park features 244,000 acres of historical rock formations to explore and is where you can camp, hike, and participate in some of the best landscape and wildlife photography in the area.
What could be more enchanting than an underground waterfall? Ruby Falls in Tennessee is a majestic 145-foot waterfall located inside Lookout Mountain and is considered the tallest underground waterfall in America. There are a variety of guided tours available if you wish to view the falls in person, and the one-mile hike is ideal for the entire family.
Hamilton Pool may be one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Texas. It is a gorgeous turquoise pool partially covered by an amazing, collapsed limestone grotto. Waterfalls cascade gently into the pool from above creating a picturesque scene. Plus, this swimming hole is easy to access, making it perfect for a day outdoors.
Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, like the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as many other unusual rock formations. In some areas, the forces of nature have exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary features of the park create a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms, and textures that are unlike any other in the world.
Known colloquially as "Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon," Quechee Gorge is a beautiful 165-foot deep gorge carved over many years by the winding Ottauquechee River. You can view this breathtaking natural wonder on the U.S. Route 4 bridge and from trails that you can find on both sides of the gorge.
Located in Rockbridge County, Virginia, Natural Bridge is a stunning, 215-foot geological formation made of limestone that arches gracefully over the lovely Cedar Creek. This breathtaking natural wonder is located in one of Virginia's newest state parks — Natural Bridge State Park. This entire area is gorgeous and we recommend staying for a while and exploring one of the nearby trails.
Palouse Falls is a gorgeous 198-foot waterfall on the Palouse River near its confluence with the Snake River.
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The landscape here is jaw-dropping, as the reflective river carves its way through dramatic canyons and then cascades roaringly into a deep blue basin. This is a wonderful destination for both hiking and picnicking.
The Seneca Rocks of West Virginia is a large, beautiful geological formation and one of the best-known natural attractions in the state. The incredible rocks can only be traversed by climbing, which makes it a popular destination for rock climbers. It's especially beautiful in the evening when it's illuminated by the setting sun.
Wisconsin: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin consists of 21 beautiful islands that are home to forests, lighthouses, sandstone caves, and more. In the winter, you can visit the ice caves: magical ice caverns decorated with sparkling icicles. Keep in mind that due to the weather and safety concerns, this natural wonder may not be accessible or open to the public.
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Wyoming: Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Yellowstone National Park’s most popular destinations. This strikingly colorful spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. This incredible feature is an otherworldly beauty that everyone should see for themselves. And if you want to spend even more time in the park, check out this two-day road trip through Yellowstone National Park to visit some of its lesser-known gems.
How many of these natural wonders in the U.S. have you seen? What would you add to our list? What are some of your favorite places to visit in the country? Tell us in the comments below.
Every year, I get asked the same question: "What do you think tornado season will be like?" As a storm chaser and photographer, a lot of my friends (as well as the public) rely on me (and other chasers!) for information during severe weather season that can save their homes, or better, their lives – and one of the most frequently asked-about issues is just how severe the season will be.
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Well, friends, I have good news, and I have bad news: the good news is that this season probably won't be as cranked up as 2023 was. 2023 was a year of above-average everything when it came to severe weather. The bad news, though, is that there's a decent chance – given a few factors – that this season will still be slightly above average regarding the numbers. So, without further ado, here are some thoughts on the 2024 severe weather outlook:
First, allow me to begin with a bit of a disclaimer: it's nigh on impossible to forecast what any one season will be like this far out – or, really, in general. There are simply too many factors that will come into play on a day-to-day basis that can make a forecast the night before essentially useless by morning, so weeks out is particularly dubious.
But, we can use a few historical statistics to figure out a general idea of how things may play out based on historical data and examples. So, what are some tell-tale signals that might just offer up some intriguing insight?
Well, for one, La Nina is making a return, meaning waters in the Pacific Ocean near the equator will likely be cooler than average (El Nino, its opposite, occurs when water in the equatorial Pacific is warmer than average) by the end of the year.
The transition from El Nino to La Nina means more tornadoes, typically – El Nino often suppresses spring tornadoes (and hail as well, which is great for crops), so as it fades, the likelihood of these things tends to go up. This year, meteorologists are fairly confident that we'll see a return to traditional tornado alley: states like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and parts of Colorado and Nebraska.
In 2023, areas outside the "traditional" tornado alley saw an unusually high number of tornadoes.
In many ways, it was an odd year – March and April were very active in states like Illinois and Iowa, and May was unusually busy as well (especially in the upper Midwest, while it was more average in the traditional plains). June lit up across the high plains of Colorado and other places, and this year, a return to more "traditional" areas is a welcome shift from the strange drought Oklahoma and Kansas have been feeling from our weirdly beloved "good bad weather."
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...you know the type I'm talking about: the kind of weather where the sirens go off and we all go outside to see what we can spot before we have to retreat to the shelter. Last one to the shelter wins (note: please don't do this – take warnings seriously and err on the side of saving your own life)!
Even though sometimes severe weather can be scary and, ultimately, life-altering, there's also a strange beauty to it that most of us can't even begin to deny: the skies turn an astonishing shade of teal or blue-green (maybe sometimes even orange), and the smell of rain permeates through every crevice. The cattle start acting kind of odd and huddle together to protect themselves from the coming onslaught of rain and wind. The bowling-alley rumble of hail approaching from the horizon surrounds you. The wind begins to whistle. It means business.
One of the telling factors that will ultimately decide just how busy – or how not-so-busy – the spring season is is moisture.
If we get a good, strong flow consistently coming up into the plains from the Gulf of Mexico, then severe storms and tornadoes are much more likely. But if southerly flow is weak or not present, storm potential could ultimately suffer.
And, honestly, nobody can say that's a bad thing; less severe weather means less damage to homes, families, and lives – and nobody can complain about that.
So, while a 2024 severe weather outlook might not be the most accurate way to tell what storm season has in store – nobody has a crystal ball, after all – the general professional consensus is that this season will likely be above average. On average, the United States sees about 1,225 tornadoes per year; as of this writing, the projected total for 2024 is thought to be between 1,250 to 1,375 (according to Accuweather).
It all remains to be seen; we'll see what happens! No matter what, though, stay weather-aware and have a plan – you never know what the season holds in store. Do you have a "favorite" storm you've experienced in Indiana? Tell me about it in the comments. It would be better if you sent photos, too! More of a winter person? Check out some of the worst blizzards in Indiana history!
