TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED AT ONE OF THESE NATIONAL PARKS

Arizona - Petrified Forest

The extensive petrified wood, fossils of the forests that once stood in the desert is what visitors come here to see. Not just of geologic interest; it’s also quite beautiful, the wood’s organic material replaced by minerals of varying colors. Don’t be tempted to tuck a piece in your pocket – the visitor center includes a display about the supposed “curse” on those who do, complete with letters of apology from those who claim to have felt its effects...and who mailed the wood back.

Kentucky - Mammoth Cave

The longest known cave system in the world, with over 600 explored kilometres. The Frozen Niagara section looks, as it sounds, as if the great waterfalls had been formed out of rock. The only way to visit the cave is by a ranger-lead tour.

Nevada - Great Basin

This park offers unforgettable vistas and the opportunity to explore the region around Great Basin Desert. Wheeler Peak is a 3,962-metre mountain in the park that can be hiked or driven, making for stunning photographs. The park also offers underground exploration, in the form of the distinctive Lehman Caves.

Florida - Dry Tortugas

Almost 113 km west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life - great for snorkeling - and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.

Texas - Big Bend

Deep in the heart of southwest Texas lies the well-known, but rarely visited, Big Bend National Park. The remote location is likely the reason, but Big Bend is worth the effort it takes to visit it. The entire Chisos Mountain Range, a portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande form spectacular scenery here.