U.S. Landmarks in Off-Season

Oct. 4, 2001 -- Some destinations are so all-American they're part of the national psyche. Three of those are Washington, D.C., the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls (www.niagarafallslive.com), the world's second-largest falls behind Victoria Falls in South Africa, stretch across the Niagara River as they runs between New York and Ontario, Canada. Historically, May through September has been the peak season for the 12 million tourists who visit annually.

But during off season, this month through May, crowds are smaller and parking is free. And during winter, the falls take on a whole new face. Falling water and mist create ice formations along the banks of the falls and river, creating an ice bridge that can extend for several miles downriver.

The season is becoming a more popular time for tourists to visit. Do note that during off season you won't be able to take rides aboard the Maid of the Mist, the sightseeing boat that cruises along the base of the falls, or visit the Cave of the Winds, a tour to the base of American Falls — one of the three falls that actually make up Niagara Falls.

Grand Vistas

The Grand Canyon (www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm) is neither the biggest nor the deepest canyon in the world, but it is unmatched in its spectacularly vast panoramas and the geologic variety of its colorful landscape and exposed rock layers. It attracts 5 million visitors annually.

Like Niagara Falls, spring, summer and early fall are its high season, but this natural wonder also takes on a new face in winter. The crowds are gone, and the six lodges (www.grandcanyonlodges.com) on the South Rim offer discounted pricing and packages.

Winter's shorter days mean it's easier to get up in time to see a spectacular Grand Canyon sunrise. Visitors must be prepared for the extremes of winter weather, including icy roads and temperatures that can drop to below freezing. But it can also be a wonderful time to hike down into the canyon itself. In winter, canyon temperatures are actually warmer than temperatures on the rim.