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Awesome Views in All 50 States

Published December 9, 2022•Updated October 24, 2024

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Waterfall at Little River Canyon National Preserve in northern Alabama — RobHainer / iStock

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.

Alabama | Little River Canyon National Preserve

Fort PayneHiking 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.

Alaska | Flattop Mountain

Flattop Mountain in Anchorage, AK — Valentin Martynov/shutterstock

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.

Arizona | Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, AZ — jessicakirsh/shutterstock

PhoenixArizona 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.

Arkansas | Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River, AR by NPCA Photos ((CC BY-ND))

St. JoeAmerica’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.

California | Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park, CA — Gary C. Tognoni/shutterstock

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.

Colorado | Blue Lakes

MontroseThis 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.

Connecticut | Mohawk Mountain

Mohawk Mountain in Connecticut — Alexander Farnsworth/istockphoto

CornwallLocated 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

Delaware | Observation Tower at Cape Henlopen State Park

Observation Tower At Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, DE — Jon Bilous/shutterstock

LewesOnce 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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District of Columbia | LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac

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.

Florida | Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

JacksonvilleThis northern Florida preserve offers stunning views of salt marshes — this particular view is of Round Marsh — coastal dunes, and more.

Georgia | Cumberland Island National Seashore

St. MarysThis area offers views of maritime forest, undeveloped beaches, marches, and vegetated sand dunes like these that help support island wildlife.

Hawaii | Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Nuuanu Pali Lookout in Oahu, HI — sangaku/shutterstock

OahuThere 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

Idaho | Table Rock Trail

Table Rock Trail in Boise, ID — IDAK/shutterstock

BoiseThis 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.

Illinois | Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

HerodThe rocky bluffs affording panoramic views at this recreation area in Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest are easily accessed via a quarter-mile trail.

Indiana | Soldiers & Sailors Monument

Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Indianapolis — Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument IMG_4888 by OZinOH ((CC BY-NC))

IndianapolisElevators and stairs allow guests to scale this 284-foot commemorative tower, where observation decks reveal panoramic views of Indianapolis and surrounding sculptures below.

Iowa | Mount Hosmer City Park

Mount Hosmer City Park in Lansing, IA — Zack Frank/shutterstock

LansingReaching 450 feet over Lansing, the top of the bluff in this 104-acre park offers panoramic views of the mighty Mississippi River Valley.

Kansas | Four-State Lookout

4-state lookout, White Cloud, Kansas by RubyT )((I come here for cameraderie!)) ((CC BY-NC-ND))

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.

Kentucky | Pinnacle Overlook

Pinnacle Overlook in Middlesboro, KY — Steven C Dishion/shutterstock

MiddlesboroThis 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.

Louisiana | Cane River Creole National Historical Park

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.

Maine | Great Head Summit

Bar HarborHead 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.

Maryland | Lovers’ Leap

Lovers' Leap in Cumberland, MD — Precipice by fishfoot ((CC BY-NC))

CumberlandOn 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.

Massachusetts | Monument Mountain

Monument Mountain in Great Barrington, MA — jdwfoto/shutterstock

Great BarringtonClimb 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.

Michigan | Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Alger CountyOne of the state’s most picturesque areas, this Lake Superior destination offers majestic views of cliffs, waterfalls, beaches, and more.

Minnesota | Palisade Head

Palisade Head in Beaver Bay Township, MN — AMB-MD Photography/shutterstock

Beaver Bay TownshipThe 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.

Mississippi | Woodall Mountain

Woodall Mountain in Iuka, MS — Woodall Mountain by Jimmy Emerson, DVM ((CC BY-NC-ND))

IukaThe 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.

Missouri | Castle Trail

Castle Trail in Camdenton, MO — Sharon Day/shutterstock

CamdentonThe 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.

Montana | Big Mountain

Big Mountain in Whitefish, MT — Christopher Jackson/shutterstock

WhitefishThe 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.

Nebraska | Scotts Bluff Summit

Scotts Bluff Summit in Gering, NE — Zack Frank/shutterstock

GeringTake 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.

Nevada | Great Basin National Park

White Pine CountyIf stargazing is what you’re after, this International Dark Sky Park offers incredible views of the Milky Way.

New Hampshire | Aerial Tram

Aerial Tram in Franconia, NH — Nancy Kennedy/shutterstock

FranconiaAn 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.

New Jersey | Castle Point

Castle Point in Hoboken, NJ — John Arehart/shutterstock

HobokenLocated 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.

New Mexico | El Morro National Monument

Cibola CountyThis monument west of Albuquerque offers incredible views like this one, plus visitors can explore nearby trails and ruins.

New York | French Point Mountain

French Point Mountain in Lake George, NY — tomtsya/shutterstock

Lake GeorgeMove 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.

North Carolina | Cape Lookout National Seashore

Carteret CountyHistory and nature abound in the views offered at this set of barrier islands. Visitors will also find fishing, camping, birding, and lighthouses.

North Dakota | Crow Flies High State Park

The old Four Bears Bridge spanning Lake Sakakawea/Missouri River seen from Crow Flies High view point, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, North Dakota — The old Four Bears Bridge spanning Lake Sakakawea/Missouri River by Naawada2016 ((CC BY-SA))

New TownThis 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.

Ohio | Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Peninsula Paved trails along this park’s river of the same name offer lush views of verdant landscapes.

Oklahoma | Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Murray County This south-central Oklahoma park offer gorgeous views of the Lake of the Arbuckles, day and night.

Oregon | Oregon Caves National Preserve

Josephine County The sunset views are spectacular — and panoramic — from this national preserve’s Bigelow Lakes area.

Related: Spectacular Caves You Can Rent

Pennsylvania | Hyner View

Hyner View in North Bend, PA — Hyner View State Park ((2)) by Nicholas A. Tonelli ((CC BY))

North BendHyner 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.

Rhode Island | Prospect Terrace Park

Prospect Terrace Park in Providence, RI — Richard Cavalleri/shutterstock

ProvidenceThis 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.

South Carolina | Sassafras Mountain

Sassafras Mtn View, Lakes Hartwell and Jocasse by Stephen Taylor ((CC BY-NC))

Pickens CountyThe 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.

South Dakota | Badlands National Park

Interior Castle Trail in the Mount Rushmore State offers less sculpted views, but they’re full of adventure among the prairie grasses and buttes.

Tennessee | Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN — Henryk Sadura/shutterstock

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkThe 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.

Texas | Emory Peak

Big Bend National ParkA 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.

Utah | Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce Canyon, UT — silky/shutterstock

Bryce CanyonThe 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.”

Vermont | Harrington’s View

JonesvilleHarrington’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.

Virginia | Shenandoah National Park

LurayThe Tanners Ridge Overlook in Shenandoah affords view for miles of the surrounding countryside’s hills and peaks.

Washington | Palouse Falls

Palouse Falls in LaCrosse, WA — kan_khampanya/shutterstock

LaCrosseThe 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.

West Virginia | Grandview Rim Trail

Grandview Rim Trail in Grandview, WV — Steve Heap/shutterstock

GrandviewThe 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.

Wisconsin | Devil’s Lake State Park

BarabooThe 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.

Wyoming | Fossil Butte

Lincoln CountyThis 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.

Meet the Writer

Tess Rose Lampert

Tess Rose Lampert is a New York City-based writer, beverage educator, and lover of savings. With a background in academic philosophy and nearly 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. Always on the lookout for creative ways to save, she is a regular contributor to Cheapism.com.