Wildlife and North America go hand in hand and if you’re thinking of exploring whilst equipped with just a day pack and a camera then you can rest assured that you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to those all-important finger clicking moments.
Across the length and breadth of the United States there are no end of national parks, mountain foothills and picture perfect wilderness areas that are teeming with wildlife and if you fancy spending your days behind a lens or steadying a tripod then read on and be prepared to be amazed.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Situated within central Alaska and featuring North America’s tallest mountain (Mt McKinley), Denali National Park is an absolute haven for nature photographers looking to get away from it all. Aside from the frozen peaks and alpine views, Denali is known for numerous flowering species of plant and come the summer you’ll be treated to a blanket of colour that will cap any blue sky day where little fluffy clouds can be seen scudding across the horizon.
Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado
There can be few other North American landscapes to photograph that carry such weight and gravitas with everything from pine-fringed lakes to distant mountain peaks providing no end of options for lovers of photography and wildlife holidays. Towering pines and firs, raging melt-water rivers and no end of wildlife make the Rockies an absolute delight and if you’re up for a spot of camping then there’s no better means of catching the sunrise on yet another perfect day.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Head down south from Miami and you’ll discover a complete and utter haven for nature photographers with the chance to explore by boat taking you ever-deeper into the mangroves and freshwater channels which are inhabited by all manner of turtles, herons and alligators. If you’re thinking of the optimum time to visit then after December and before April is usually the best bet as the climate is fairly mild and there’s less chance of getting eaten alive by mozzies.
Acadia National Park, Maine
If you’re heading for the east coast of America and are hoping to capture a combination of ocean, mountain and woodland views then Acadia National Park (which can be found in Maine) is most definitely the place for you. With numerous offshore islands (including Mount Desert), Acadia NP is a thoroughly absorbing area to photograph and when it comes to iconic images of red and white striped lighthouses then there’s no finer place on the planet.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Although the majority of Yellowstone is situated within Wyoming the borders do also cross into Idaho as well as Montana which all adds up to over a couple of million acres worth of incredible preserved parkland. Mountains, canyons, waterfalls and sun sets over lakes can all be found here and if you’re in the mood for a few seismic shots then look no further than the spurting geysers with Old Faithful no doubt completing your Yellowstone album to full effect.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
As part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and providing the highest point of the Appalachian Trail (at over 6000ft) the Great Smoky Mountains are definitely crying out for nature photographers who have a passion for those all-important high-altitude vistas. As with most national parks in America the autumn is one of the prettiest times to explore however, you’ll find numerous observation decks and over 850 miles of hiking trails to ensure that you capture the perfect picture no matter when you’re visiting.
