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Whether your definition of a nature-filled getaway is hiking through ancient redwood forests, scuba diving a sunken wreck or watching an egret emerge through the reeds of a lagoon, the United States has it all. Americans and those visiting American soil have the privilege of seeing some of the world's most breathtaking nature destinations. For a better nature experience, consider renting a vacation rental over staying in a hotel, or maybe even camping in a tent.

WATERFALLS

If you want to spend time on your vacation visiting a breathtaking waterfall, Niagara Falls, sitting on the border between the United States and Canada is a great place to visit. The falls actually consist of three separate waterfalls: Horshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. For more information, visit www.niagarafallsusa.org.

If you want to visit someplace other than New York, the United States has plenty of other places to go with beautiful waterfalls. Other popular destinations include Amicalola Falls (Georgia), Honokohau Falls (Maui, Hawaii), Multnomah Falls (Oregon), and Yosemite Falls (California).

SKIING / SNOWBOARDING

During the winter months, a visit to Lake Tahoe, sitting right on the border of California and Nevada, will offer you plenty of options for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Lake Tahoe contains 39 trillion gallons of water and covers 193 square miles. Favorite ski resorts include Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley USA, Sierra-At-Tahoe, Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak, Kirkwood-At-Tahoe, and Heavenly.

The closest airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO). For more information about Lake Tahoe, visit www.visitinglaketahoe.com.

SCUB A DIVING

If you're are a PADI certified scuba diver, you are familiar with the thrills of venturing below the surface and discovering what goes on underwater. In the USA, one of the best places to scuba dive wrecks and artificial reefs is Morehead City, North Carolina, also known as the Crystal Coast. The water temperature is tolerable to warm and visibility is usually between 50 and 100 feet.

HIKING

If you want to set your sights high, consider walking up to the top of the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney. As many as 300 people a day try to make this 11 mile hike, so you won't be walking alone. If you plan on hiking between May 22 and October 15th, the U.S. Forest Service will require you to have a permit. You can reserve your permit up to six months in advance.

Learn more about this author, Caroline Atkins.
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