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Don't know if you'd consider it a must see but OK is a lot more beautiful than most people think. Which is why it's the perfect example of what this thread is asking for. The general public thinks that it's all flat prairie land (Which a lot of it is) but it has areas like these scattered throughout the state...
Black Mesa Preserve (This is technically the very extreme end of the "Rocky Mountains" near the NM/CO border)
When it comes to mountains OK has the best of both Worlds. More rugged hills/mountains in one part of the state and more lush green hills/mountains in another. They may not be huge but they're really pretty. It's also pretty diverse as far as landscapes/climates go. The only other state where you can go from semi arid high desert to subtropical swamp land with alligators is Texas. Interesting state imo
Okay, thanks. Those are some nice places. The sand dunes was a surprise to me. I didn't know that Oklahoma had anything like that.
I think Wyoming’s location/accessibility and it’s lack of big(er) cities and amenities has more to do with it being in the bottom third of visited, or to visit, states, and not of a preconceived notion that it’s a “desert wasteland” or somehow lacks beauty? Not that it comes up in conversation often, or hardly ever, but the few times I can recall that it has everyone seems to have a high opinion of its beauty. Namely due to the Rocky Mountains. A lot of people know of Jackson Hole regardless if they ski or not.
If one wants to argue WY is underrated, it would be for the Wind River range or the Big Horns. Yellowstone is all over any sort of Netflix or TV provider that shows nature shows. That shot of the Tetons is maybe even more distributed than Maroon Bells. The problem with the state is the towns that are there aren't next to the scenery, except for Jackson Hole, which is basically another top 10% elite retreat like Aspen. Sheridan is the other exception.
Don't know if you'd consider it a must see but OK is a lot more beautiful than most people think. Which is why it's the perfect example of what this thread is asking for. The general public thinks that it's all flat prairie land (Which a lot of it is) but it has areas like these scattered throughout the state...
Black Mesa Preserve (This is technically the very extreme end of the "Rocky Mountains" near the NM/CO border)
When it comes to mountains OK has the best of both Worlds. More rugged hills/mountains in one part of the state and more lush green hills/mountains in another. They may not be huge but they're really pretty. It's also pretty diverse as far as landscapes/climates go. The only other state where you can go from semi arid high desert to subtropical swamp land with alligators is Texas. Interesting state imo
What are some specific areas or regions that on a national scale you think are severely underrated?
My vote goes for Michigan's west coast and upper peninsula. Outside of the midwest, I don't think people really know how beautiful the beaches are in Michigan. Add to that its forests and charming seaside towns. I would even dare to say that Michigan's west coast and upper peninsula beaches are more beautiful than what you find in most of the Atlantic coast (except for Florida and New England, perhaps a tie). By far, Michigan's coastline is much more beautiful than anything you can find in the Gulf Coast part of the US (again maybe except for Florida, although Florida beaches aren't as dramatic as some Michigan ones).
Yet, outside the Great Lakes region you rarely ever hear anyone talk about its beauty or its beaches.
I vacationed in northern and western Michigan in the summer of 2019, and I completely agree with you: the scenic beauty of northern and western Michigan is highly underrated on a national scale. In fact, I would argue that Michigan is one of the most scenic states in the entire country, especially in the area stretching from Saugatuck in the Lower Peninsula to Copper Harbor to the northernmost reaches of the Upper Peninsula.
I am a native of Rhode Island, which has an extensive Atlantic Ocean coastline and is officially nicknamed the "Ocean State." Even though Rhode Island's beaches are very popular among New Englanders and New Yorkers alike, the only coastal area of the state where I have found "breathtaking" coastal scenery is Block Island. I believe the sand dunes of Cape Cod (Massachusetts), the seaside cliffs along the Maine coast and the Lake Champlain bluffs of Vermont are infinitely more scenic than the mainland beaches at Rhode Island, although I am sure there are many people who would disagree with me.
Aside from Michigan, I think New York is very underrated in terms of natural beauty, especially on a national scale, because so much of the state's commercial business and tourism activity occurs in and revolves around New York City. I have included links to photos of various areas of New York State that are very scenic and mostly unknown, even to many people throughout New York State and adjacent areas:
I vacationed in northern and western Michigan in the summer of 2019, and I completely agree with you: the scenic beauty of northern and western Michigan is highly underrated on a national scale. In fact, I would argue that Michigan is one of the most scenic states in the entire country, especially in the area stretching from Saugatuck in the Lower Peninsula to Copper Harbor to the northernmost reaches of the Upper Peninsula.
I am a native of Rhode Island, which has an extensive Atlantic Ocean coastline and is officially nicknamed the "Ocean State." Even though Rhode Island's beaches are very popular among New Englanders and New Yorkers alike, the only coastal area of the state where I have found "breathtaking" coastal scenery is Block Island. I believe the sand dunes of Cape Cod (Massachusetts), the seaside cliffs along the Maine coast and the Lake Champlain bluffs of Vermont are infinitely more scenic than the mainland beaches at Rhode Island, although I am sure there are many people who would disagree with me.
Aside from Michigan, I think New York is very underrated in terms of natural beauty, especially on a national scale, because so much of the state's commercial business and tourism activity occurs in and revolves around New York City. I have included links to photos of various areas of New York State that are very scenic and mostly unknown, even to many people throughout New York State and adjacent areas:
Driving across the country in order: WV in the fall; Kansas - I was expecting it to be flat as a pancake, the gentle rolling hills were stunning (while driving on the interstate and not another vehicle in sight on it); Pawnee Buttes in CO - just you and the badgers and the sky.
Good grief, I'm seeing Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma mentioned here?
Some correct answers:
1. Wisconsin in general, from the Driftless Area, to the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior, to Vilas County on the border with the UP, Door County, and on and on.
2. The aforementioned UP. It's all been said.
3. The top 2/3 of Idaho. Just Idaho in general. It's the most underrated state.
4. The North Shore of Minnesota and the Boundary Waters.
5. New Mexico runs a close second to Idaho as the most underrated state in general. Amazing high desert scenery, great food.
Okay, thanks. Those are some nice places. The sand dunes was a surprise to me. I didn't know that Oklahoma had anything like that.
here is what I consider the "prettiest place" in Oklahoma that wasn't a part of those links.
Ouachita/Kiamichi Mountains
Here is "The Great Salt Plains"
So we have a mini version of the Smoky Mountains and we have a mini version of the Utah Salt flats.
What I think makes Oklahoma "underrated" and "unique" is not that these things are necessarily spectacular compared to other places but they are all within a few hours of each other. The thing about it though is that all these places are relatively small in terms of how much land area they take up. So there is plenty of your standard hills and trees and your standard farm land that are intersperced with these truly unique and beautiful spots.
The two images I posted of the mountains and the salt flats are probably about 4 hours apart.
Last edited by eddie gein; 11-30-2020 at 06:35 PM..
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