The US states with the most natural beauty

The United States is known for being one of the largest and most beautiful countries in the world. Some travelers fall in love with the hustle and bustle of the cities, while others prefer the natural wonders. When it comes to its diverse landscape, each state has its fair share of natural beauty, but there are some states that have the upper hand when it comes to natural resources.

With this in mind, Booking.com has analyzed each state to reveal which has the most natural beauty, by looking at the number of volcanoes, mountains, shorelines, national parks, state parks, inland water, and waterfalls each state has to offer.

The top 10 states with the most natural beauty

Hawaii ranks first, with a natural beauty score of 9.53 out of 10. It doesn’t take a lot of convincing for travelers to start planning a vacation to Hawaii, with its distinct culture, flora and fauna, flowing volcanoes, and deep emerald valleys. Known across the US for its brilliant landscapes, Hawaii’s unique natural beauty is carefully protected by 60 state parks and 2 national parks.

In second place is Washington, with a natural beauty score of 8.40. The state is home to a multitude of natural wonders, including 144 state parks, 3 national parks, and 19 volcanoes. One of Washington’s most popular destinations is Mount Rainier National Park. Located in southeast Pierce County and northeast Lewis County, this natural wonder offers hundreds of hiking trails and scenic drives.

California takes the third spot, with over 3,400 miles of stunning shorelines, 9 mountains, 282 state parks, and 9 national parks. As the third-largest state by land area in the country, California has a vast collection of beautiful natural wonders for travelers to visit. The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is 2,000 acres of coastal state park located in San Diego and is well worth a visit. With pine forests and sandstone canyons, the park has a series of well-kept trails that wind along the cliffs offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The Eagle Rock Canyon Trail in Los Angeles is also a must for any nature lover. With its unique craggy surface and panoramic views, Eagle Rock is one of the most exciting hiking destinations in Topanga State Park.

Although one of the USA’s smallest states, New Hampshire’s natural beauty stands out for its valleys, rivers, lakes, and mountains, and ranks in fourth place with a natural beauty score of 7.06. Its highest peak, Mount Washington, stands at 6,288 feet in the White Mountains, and Lake Winnipesaukee is known to be one of the best inland resorts amongst travelers, surrounded by three mountain ranges, a wooded shoreline, and crystal clear water.

Oregon is best known for its rugged coastline, beaches, mountains, and forests. Since many of Oregon’s natural wonders are a long way from its bustling metropolitan areas, a road trip is often the best way to explore the state. From the snowy mountains over Portland to the deep canyons of Eastern Oregon, the state ranks in fifth place, with a natural beauty score of 6.82 out of 10.

Alaska takes the sixth spot on the list. Covered in glaciers, mountains, and rugged wilderness, Alaska has an impressive 65 mountains, 101 volcanoes and is home to 124 state parks. Some of the best natural wonders Alaska has to offer include Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, and the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, which has over 50 named glaciers.

New Jersey takes the joint sixth spot alongside Alaska, with a score of 5.92 out of 10. Here you’ll find the Palisades Interstate Park, with views of the River Hudson, and Mount Tammy, one of New Jersey’s tallest mountains. The state has over 1,700 miles of shoreline and 67 waterfalls for travelers to see and explore.

In seventh place is North Carolina, with a natural beauty score of 5.77. With thousands of miles of pristine shoreline, it’s easy to see that North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the US. Linville Gorge is one of the must-see natural wonders and is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of North Carolina. Other natural beauty spots worth seeking out include the Uwharrie National Forest and Whitewater Falls.

Virginia has long been renowned for its natural beauty, and that is why it ranks in eighth place with a score of 5.71. Situated between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia is home to 186 waterfalls, 45 state parks, and more than 3,000 miles of shoreline.

Maine is an all-year-round destination known for having some of the most incredible sights and natural landmarks – from Acadia National Park to the Gulf Hagas. It also ranks in ninth place for its natural beauty, with a score of 5.42 out of 10.

Take a look below to see how all 50 states rank when it comes to their natural beauty.

Whether you’re looking for mountains, national parks, waterfalls, or shorelines, these states offer stunning scenery that is sure to wow any traveler. With our list of the US states with the most natural beauty, it’ll be easy to decide on your next US adventure.

Methodology:

Booking.com analyzed each state across seven different metrics: volcanoes, mountains (5,000 ft or more), shoreline (including Great Lakes), national parks, state parks, inland water, and waterfalls. Each of these metrics were weighted. Every state was then allocated a score based on their figures for each metric, with their overall score determining their final rank within the index. The full data set is available upon request.