A big game hunter prepares to slaughter an elk

The inaccessible terrain whose navigation once posed the greatest challenge to Lewis and Clark on their famed early 19th century expedition across the states is also what keeps Idaho off most people's radar.

Dinner time in Katmai National Park

With some of the world's best bear-viewing, salmon fishing, canoeing and hiking, Katmai National Park should be more well-known than it is.

A bleached moose skull in Nome, Alaska

Nome, almost on the Arctic Circle, burst into life in 1898 when gold was found on the beach and thousands came to pan for their fortunes.

In the far southeastern corner of Alaska, Prince of Wales Island doesn't see many visitors, but with the advent of two ferry services it can now form part of an extended loop though the region.

In a state with very few roads, Prince of Wales is over-supplied. Old logging roads make excellent mountain biking territory, but also allow car and RV drivers access to wonderful coves, remote beaches and El Capitan, Alaska's deepest cave system.

Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado

Considering the quality of nearby attractions, this lively low-key university town in southwest Colorado remains remarkably under-visited.

You're always being watched in Everglades National Park

The lush, inky green Everglades National Park that blankets much of the southern tip of Florida is best known for its mangrove forests.

However, the 1.5 million-acre subtropical wilderness encompasses a huge range of ecosystems including extensive rivers, lakes and saltwater lagoons, open prairies, islands of hardwood tree, cypress domes and pinelands.

St Augustine is America's oldest city

With the size and uncanny feel of a small Mediterranean town, St Augustine is America's oldest and Florida's most engaging city.

Established by the Spanish in 1565, the town formalized Spain's claim to North America and has been occupied ever since.

Lobster boats in Portland, Maine

Perhaps because of its northerly status, Portland often gets slighted as a destination. Really though, it's only a two hour drive from Boston (it's also accessible by the affordable Amtrak Downeaster train) and is well worth the scenic drive.

Autumn foliage in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts

Nestled in quiet western Massachusetts, word is slowly getting out about this summertime arts Mecca.

Generally viewed as a playground for the rich, there's more to the Berkshires than lofty estates and upscale digs (although these, too, are fun to explore - check out Wheatleigh or Blantyre in Lenox, MA).

Monogamy rules at the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City

Despite the high-profile 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City remains a bit of an unsung destination but really offers a major international gateway to rival Denver.