Buzz
Across the world, there are many captivating and unique forests that enthrall numerous travelers. In the United States, a country boasting over 31% forest coverage, there are woodland havens that etch unforgettable memories with just a single touch.
Forests, the Distinctive Charm of American Tourism
* Petrified Forest National Park in the Northeast of Arizona showcases thousands of petrified wood trunks, a result of water impact from storms, frost, and mist permeating the wood fibers from the Triassic period around 200 million years ago.
And now, the world's largest petrified wood forest becomes a gathering place for amateur photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset, when sunlight choreographs a mesmerizing dance of colors on the petrified tree trunks...
* The accumulation of debris from a series of 19th-century earthquakes altered the river's course, creating Caddo Lake on the Texas-Louisiana border, surrounded by 189 different tree species.
And Caddo Lake Wetland Forest presents a unique image for Caddo Lake, one of the most legendary natural lakes in the southern United States.
* Mount Hood National Forest on the east side of Portland, Oregon, not only renowned for its stunning beauty but also enticing visitors with diverse recreational activities, making it one of the most sought-after forest destinations in the United States, hosting 4 million visitors annually.
* Pando Plant Community (quaking aspen, Populus Tremuloides) in Fishlake National Forest, western Utah, is considered the habitat of the largest and oldest living organism.
This forest comprises 47,000 genetically identical trees connected by a single root system. These trees have an average age of 130 years, yet the tree entities continue to regenerate without interruption for over 80,000 years.
* Temperate Rainforests with Hoh and Quinault Rainforests within Olympic National Park, Washington, seem to step out of a fairy tale as the coastal area is surrounded by mountains, and most trees are covered with moss throughout the year.
Hoh Rainforest boasts numerous fir trees hundreds of years old, including trees taller than 90m and the oldest reaching an impressive 600 years.
In Quinault, moss not only drapes from the trees but also forms a lush carpet beneath them. These enchanting scenes captivate millions of visitors each year.
* At the base of the northern cliffs of Arizona lies the Coconino Forest, stretching over 7,000 km² on sandy terrain. Coconino Forest is part of the world's largest Ponderosa pine forest and stands as one of the most diverse national forests in the United States.
The forest landscape varies from bone-chilling ridges in mountain gorges to plains and snow-covered mountain peaks.
* Annually, Saguaro National Park in Southern Arizona welcomes nearly 700,000 visitors, all drawn to the singular beauty of the saguaro cactus!
Here, you can easily admire the largest candelabra-shaped saguaro cacti with multiple branches, some over 150 years old, towering nearly 14m and weighing tons.
Saguaro cacti in Saguaro are also closely associated with the imagery of the Wild West and the legendary character Lucky Luke.
* The Bayou Swamp Forest along the winding sections of the Mississippi River in the state of Louisiana, unlike typical marshy wetlands, is primarily freshwater with a slow, gentle flow.
This forest is home to colossal cypress trees with roots submerged in water, and Spanish moss draping over the branches. Among the bayou forest residents is the iconic American bald eagle...
Exploring the bayous by boat has become a central experience for Louisiana tourism.
* Yosemite National Forest in the Sierra Nevada consists mainly of pine trees and notably giant sequoias. The towering mountain cliffs add a unique and majestic charm to Yosemite Forest.
* Redwood National Park in California attracts visitors with its immense redwood trees. The spectacular landscapes of Redwood have graced the screens of numerous blockbuster films like Star Wars...
* Meanwhile, Sequoia National Park is home to General Sherman, considered the most magnificent living being globally, towering at 83.8 meters with an estimated age of 2,200 years.
By Binh An/Youth
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourNovember 10, 2016
