Tess Rose Lampert is a New York City-based writer, beverage educator, and lover of savings. With over a decade in the alcoholic beverage industry, she strives to enhance consumers' everyday experiences with food and beverage through dynamic and interactive writings, educational seminars, and events.
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From Florida to Washington state, the United States is full of beautiful views. Whether perched on a mountaintop looking out over the natural wonders of the land, standing ankle deep in a river surrounded by cliffs, or meandering among historic buildings in a local or national park, every state — and Washington, D.C. — has a stunning vantage point to offer.
Fort Payne
Hiking through this area of Little River Canyon in the Southern Appalachians, called Hawks Glide, affords views that include flowering trees and seasonal waterfalls, depending on the time of year.
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Anchorage
At Flattop Mountain, trails from 1.5 to 5.5 miles lead to the summit and overlooks with panoramic views. A viewpoint directly off a parking area offers up the panorama sans hiking. Access is free year-round.
Phoenix
Arizona is home to many must-see views, including the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, but the incredible beauty from on high doesn't stop there. The Camelback Mountain trails reach a summit of more than 2,704 feet for offer views of the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area near Phoenix.
St. Joe
America's first national river and its surrounding steep bluffs make for pretty outstanding views. The Buffalo flows for 135 miles, can be floated and fished, and there are hiking trails around it, too.
Death Valley National Park
The views from this 713-foot elevation in Death Valley National Park, most popular at dawn and dusk, seem otherworldly but require just a short walk from a nearby parking area.
Montrose
This picturesque trail looks like something out of a fairy tale, with clear blue lakes amid green, lush mountains. Located in Uncompahgre National Forest, the 8.6-mile hike leads to a 11,720-foot peak and views of three major lakes. The view from the road to the trail is equally spectacular.
Related: Stunning Photos of Iconic Landscapes in the American West
Cornwall
Located in the Mohawk State Forest, the 1,683-foot summit of Mohawk Mountain provides bird's-eye views of the Berkshire, Taconic, and Catskill mountain regions.
Related: Fun Facts About New England
Lewes
Once used by military forces during World War II, this state park's observation tower offers clear views of the coastline and other landscapes in every direction.
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Washington, D.C.
This view of the Columbia Island Marina is just one possible perspective at this less-crowded D.C. destination. At the Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac, visitors can also find views of lush meadows, the National Mall, and a striking granite megalith carved by sculptor Harold Vogel.
Jacksonville
This northern Florida preserve offers stunning views of salt marshes — this particular view is of Round Marsh — coastal dunes, and more.
St. Marys
This area offers views of maritime forest, undeveloped beaches, marches, and vegetated sand dunes like these that help support island wildlife.
Oahu
There is no shortage of places to catch a magical view in Hawaii. This local favorite is a windy stone terrace just a short car ride from downtown Honolulu. The view from more than 1,000 feet up looks out over mountains, the coast, and botanical gardens.
Related: The Best of Hawaii on a Budget
Boise
This moderately difficult trail provides a view of Boise for most of its 3.8 miles, making it a popular hike for people of all ages. Those who prefer to skip the walk can drive to the top of the trail and enjoy the view.
Herod
The rocky bluffs affording panoramic views at this recreation area in Illinois' Shawnee National Forest are easily accessed via a quarter-mile trail.
Indianapolis
Elevators and stairs allow guests to scale this 284-foot commemorative tower, where observation decks reveal panoramic views of Indianapolis and surrounding sculptures below.
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Lansing
Reaching 450 feet over Lansing, the top of the bluff in this 104-acre park offers panoramic views of the mighty Mississippi River Valley.
White Cloud
This simple elevated platform in White Cloud promises views of four states — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and distant Iowa — on clear days, and there's no missing the Missouri River below. The lookout, which dates to the 1930s, got a significant revamp and expansion in preparation for the 2004 bicentennial celebration of when Lewis and Clark floated by.
Middlesboro
This renowned overlook is in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Considered one of the highlights of the park, it features sprawling mountain views from a 2,440-foot vantage point.
Natchitoches Parish
Views of historic structures, gardens, and the verdant surrounding landscape are abundant in Cane River Creole National Historical Park near scenic Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Bar Harbor
Head into Acadia National Park for this view, which rewards hikers as they reach the summit of the 1.7-mile round trip Great Head Trail.
Cumberland
On Wills Mountain, off Route 40, is a spot — in popular lore, thought to be where denied lovers leaped to their deaths — from which to view the Cumberland Narrows rock formations at 1,652 feet. The view extends to Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Great Barrington
Climb Monument Mountain to the 1,642-foot summit of Squaw Peak and look out over the Housatonic River Valley, including a sprawling river and rolling mountains virtually unchanged over hundreds of years. The view extends as far as Mount Greylock near Vermont and the Catskills of New York.
Alger County
One of the state's most picturesque areas, this Lake Superior destination offers majestic views of cliffs, waterfalls, beaches, and more.
Related: The Best Lakes in All 50 States
Beaver Bay Township
The Palisade Head, at mile 56 on the North Shore Scenic Drive, is an offshoot that leads to high ground with spectacular views. The view of a sheer cliff plunging into blue water is dramatic and accessible by car.
Iuka
The highest point in Mississippi, at 807 feet tall, Woodall Mountain provides sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Some locals scoff at calling the mound a mountain, though. It's also known as Yow Hill.
Camdenton
The Castle Trail in Ha Ha Tonka State Park is beloved for its view of Lake of the Ozarks (and its access to the ruins of a castle). The three scenic lookouts are reachable by a paved and handicapped-accessible trail from the parking lot.
Related: The Best Hidden Gem in Every State
Whitefish
The main hike on 6,817-foot Big Mountain is the Danny On Trail, which leads to a renowned view of lush land all the way to Glacier National Park. The 7-mile trail goes through bear territory, so bear spray and plenty of noise are highly recommended.
Gering
Take a free 10-minute summit shuttle ride and hear stories and history of the area on the way to the view at the top of Scotts Bluff. Or do the drive in your own car, or hike 1.6 miles to enjoy the trip in solitude — either way, you'll wind up 800 feet above the North Platte River.
Related: 30 Beautiful Road Trips That Celebrate American History
White Pine County
If stargazing is what you're after, this International Dark Sky Park offers incredible views of the Milky Way.
Related: See the Stars: Dark Sky Destinations Across America
Franconia
An impressive aerial tram offers passengers 360-degree views over land spanning New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Maine, and part of Canada. It includes a ride to and from the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain and its observation deck and walking paths.
Hoboken
Located just across the river from New York City, this is one of the best places to see Manhattan from a distance. It is actually the highest point in Hoboken, and part of the Stevens Institute of Technology campus, which is free to enter.
Cibola County
This monument west of Albuquerque offers incredible views like this one, plus visitors can explore nearby trails and ruins.
Related: National Monuments Everyone Should Visit at Least Once
Lake George
Move over Empire State Building: The lake- and mountain-studded panoramic view from the 1,756-foot summit of French Point Mountain is breathtaking. The 8.8-mile round-trip hike is difficult but well worth the stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape.
Carteret County
History and nature abound in the views offered at this set of barrier islands. Visitors will also find fishing, camping, birding, and lighthouses.
New Town
This historic lookout point in a state recreation area outside New Town provides a sweeping vista of Lake Sakakawea from 2,086 feet above sea level that has barely changed since the time of explorers Lewis and Clark.
Peninsula
Paved trails along this park's river of the same name offer lush views of verdant landscapes.
Murray County
This south-central Oklahoma park offer gorgeous views of the Lake of the Arbuckles, day and night.
Josephine County
The sunset views are spectacular — and panoramic — from this national preserve's Bigelow Lakes area.
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North Bend
Hyner View State Park has easy access to overlooks of the Susquehanna River and is a popular hang-gliding spot, which makes for extra entertainment while enjoying the view.
Providence
This small park in the College Hill area is a local favorite for impressive views of the capital. The free park at the top of a moderately steep hill is open day and night, though it's most popular for one-of-a-kind sunsets.
Pickens County
The high point in South Carolina is the top of Sassafras Mountain, reaching 3,533 feet. The free hiking area offers a moderate climb for those who love a challenge. There's a lookout deck off the parking area for those who just want the view.
Interior
Castle Trail in the Mount Rushmore State offers less sculpted views, but they're full of adventure among the prairie grasses and buttes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The view from 6,643 feet is worth a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is free year-round. The highest point, known as Clingmans Dome, is reached by car and a half-mile summit trail traversable only by foot to an observation tower at the peak. On a rare clear day, there's a 100-mile view.
Big Bend National Park
A difficult 10.5-mile round-trip hike leads to the highest point of Big Bend National Park, with a grand view from 7,825 feet in every direction.
Bryce Canyon
The mesmerizing views in Bryce Canyon are many, one seemingly greater than the next. Scenic Route 12 offers more than a dozen lookout points from which to see the shimmering, colorful rock formations known as the "Grand Staircase."
Jonesville
Harrington's View is recognized by locals and visitors as the ideal place to view the state's best-known mountain, Mount Mansfield. The 6.6-mile trail that leads to the sweeping vista is easily accessible by car.
Luray
The Tanners Ridge Overlook in Shenandoah affords view for miles of the surrounding countryside's hills and peaks.
LaCrosse
The waterfall cascading from nearly 200 feet at Palouse Falls State Park, near Starbuck, is best appreciated from a designated viewing area — the rest of the park is closed.
Grandview
The start of this trail offers a stunning vista of the New River and its dramatic valley. For those who wish to hike the trail, there is another view at the end, some 1,400 feet up.
Baraboo
The 500-foot quartzite bluffs offer vantage points overlooking the park's 360-acre lake. There are trails and hikes throughout the park at different levels of difficulty.
Related: The State Park You Don't Want to Miss in Every State
Lincoln County
This state is so full of amazing views that it's tough to pick just one, but panoramas like this one in Fossil Butte National Monument prove why it might be worth getting off the usual beaten (read: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.) path.
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