Where is Havasu Falls located?
A "hell" in California? Discover 10 secret natural wonders of America
Many Americans—as well as people from around the world—have already had the chance to visit iconic US landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls. But beyond these famous landscapes, our country is home to many other spectacular natural wonders that have been overlooked for years. Have you ever heard of Thor's Well, Lost River Cave, or Turnip Rock? Whether you're familiar with them or not, you're going to find some surprises in this article about 10 of America's hidden natural treasures!
Image: Jamie Street
Thor's Well, Oregon
Imagine there is a huge, circular hole in the sea where water seems to fall endlessly into an abyss. Spooky, right? Well, this is what you'll see if you look at the incredible Thor's Well, located on the Oregon coast.
Despite its name, it's not a well but a large, bowl-shaped sinkhole situated on the rocky shore. When you see it, it gives the impression that the ocean is being drained away! The ocean waves flow in and out of the hole, creating a dancing water spectacle. But that's not all; the site is surrounded by rugged volcanic rock that becomes slippery and hazardous when wet. It feels almost like stepping into a scene from a fantasy movie.
Image: Eric Muhr
Devil's Den, Florida
When it comes to spooky names, Devil's Den stands out. While its name might not sound very inviting—unless you’re a horror fan—this is actually an incredibly beautiful place with a charm that is hard to match.
Devil's Den is a prehistoric underground spring and cave system. Picture yourself walking through the state of Florida when suddenly you find a big, mysterious hole in the ground. When you look down, you discover a cave with a bright blue body of water inside. Scientists believe that the roof of an underground river collapsed here, exposing the water surface and creating what we now know as Devil's Den Spring.
If you haven't visited this spot yet, this is your invitation; you won't regret it!
Image: Michael Behrens
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is an incredible landscape filled with reddish-purple rock formations on eroded terrain. The site has amazing geological structures sculpted from sedimentary rock.
While this scene looks like something out of a science fiction movie set on some distant planet, this extraordinary place is not only on Earth but also right here in northwestern New Mexico.
Want to know what its name means? Bisti and De-Na-Zin are Navajo words that can be translated to "a large area of shale hills" and "standing rock," respectively.
Image: John Fowler
Bumpass Hell, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park in northeastern California has something to surprise visitors: a geothermal basin.
We're talking about Bumpass Hell, a place with a name that has an interesting history. This spot owes its name to Kern Bumpass, a miner who, in the 19th century, was one of the first to explore this little-known wonder. Bumpass suffered injuries and burns due to the geothermal activity, which gave rise to the ingenious name that the area has today.
What you see upon arrival is a series of steam vents reaching temperatures of up to 200°F, rising from bubbling hot springs. And as if all this weren't enough, Bumpass Hell is framed by the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
Image: Quentin Burgess
Havasu Falls, Arizona
While the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is one of our country's best-known natural landmarks, it also holds a special spot that many overlook. Although a permit is required and access is a bit tricky, the effort is well worth it to find the beautiful Havasu Falls. The most common way to reach Havasu Falls is by hiking, but you can also get there by helicopter.
The waterfall is an impressive 100 feet high and splashes against the unique rocky backdrop. This spot is mesmerizing, and this fact is reflected in its name: Havasu translates to "blue-green water" in the Havasupai language.
Image: Cara Fuller
Turnip Rock, Michigan
The Great Lakes are well-known for their beauty and size, but there's a hidden gem among them that has been overlooked for a long time.
Picture yourself standing on the shore of a lake and suddenly spotting a large rock formation that appears to be balancing on the water. If you experience this, you're probably in the state of Michigan, precisely standing by Lake Huron, witnessing the incredible formation called Turnip Rock.
Its name comes from its strange shape: over the years, the action of the waves has eroded the base of the rock, making it narrow while leaving the top wide. As a result, the rock now resembles a giant turnip. The best way to reach this site is by kayak, so if you like that activity, Michigan is the perfect place for you!
Image: Cody Doherty
Apostle Islands Sea Caves, Wisconsin
Wisconsin boasts some of the most beautiful natural areas and holds unexpected scenery.
If you enjoy museums and art, don't miss Apostle Islands Sea Caves in Wisconsin. Here, nature is the main work of art, with water as the star sculptor!
In this spot, the water has drastically affected the cliffs, carving out wonderful rock formations with incredible shapes. However, all of this becomes even more amazing in winter when the site is covered with ice water and adorned with icicles hanging like spikes!
Image: Spencer Fitzgerald
Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
If you are someone who has always dreamed of traveling to space and stepping foot on the moon, this place might become your new favorite spot.
While it's not actually in outer space, Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho makes you feel as if you were there. As the name suggests, the landscape here resembles lunar craters. These pits and fissures in the dark, hardened ground are the result of volcanic activity that has occurred in the area over the past 15,000 years.
If you enjoy hiking, exploring caves, and taking in spectacular views, don’t miss the chance to visit this remarkable place!
Image: Chris Bair
Lost River Cave, Kentucky
As if descending into the dark depths of a cave weren’t enough, imagine the sensation of navigating an underground river! If you're not afraid of that scenario, then you can visit Lost River Cave in Kentucky.
After passing through a dramatic entrance, you'll enter the cave system, a mysterious world adorned with stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the entire space. But the highlight is the river flowing through it. Visitors can experience this adventure by taking a boat ride along the underground river with other guests. It’s an experience you definitely won't want to miss!
Image: Bruno van der Kraan
Providence Canyon, Georgia
Yes, the Grand Canyon is absolutely impressive and beautiful, but it's not the only canyon in our country. Right here in the US, we also have the Providence Canyon, located in southwestern Georgia.
Sometimes called "Georgia's Grand Canyon," this stunning place is approximately 120 miles southwest of Atlanta and covers about 1,000 acres. The rock formations here delight visitors with a varied color palette, ranging from pink to red, orange, and even purple.
In addition, the canyon's depth ranges from 15 to 50 feet, offering magnificent views to enjoy during the hike. If you love to explore, make sure to visit Georgia!
Image: Shelby Cohron