I didn’t intend for this to be such a domestically focused travel year. It just worked out that way. Thanks in part to my expertise in the Southern region, many trips I took were close to home. But I also vowed to see more of my own country this year, which was accomplished during a trip out west for a friend’s wedding.
America may do plenty of things wrong (native rights, gender and minority equality, care for veterans, and term limits, just to name a few…) but we do national parks right. People come from all over the world just to marvel at the diverse landscapes that make up our 50 states.
This year, our nation celebrated 100 years of the National Parks System. I’ve now visited nine of the 59 parks, including six this year alone, which doesn’t include the NPS-managed historic parks and sites. I live within a short drive from three of these.
So for this end of the year post, I wanted to honor the parks I’ve visited so far. And with another trip to Wyoming and South Dakota in the works for 2017, I hope to add to it soon! Just remember that when you’re visiting these parks, treat them the way you’d want your children to see them in future generations. With respect.
Acadia National Park, Maine
I wasn’t convinced that I would like Acadia National Park when my family and I embarked on a multi-state road trip up the East Coast of the United States. But a visit to the first Eastern national park was a surprise. The town of Bar Harbor, the gateway to the park, was the type of lobster fishing town I’d only read about in books.
During our time in the park, we woke up early for the sunrise over Cadillac Mountain, the first point for it to rise in the country. We also went on a hike to Gorham Point and stopped by Otter Point, Sand Beach, and the Thunder Hole. People come here for the tall green pines that fade into ocean.
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Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park is one of the country’s newest, located near Columbia, South Carolina. I drove past the highway exit for many years before finally stopping earlier this month. Formerly private logging lands, the locals banded together to earn the NPS distinction in 2003.
It boasts unique wildlife and biodiversity, including old-growth hardwood. The cypress knees stick out from the ground and boardwalks mark the path, as during many parts of the year it can be flooded. You can leave the boardwalk and even camp and kayak within the park.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Visitors to Miami can go on day trips to Everglades National Park, but it takes more than an afternoon to truly experience the park, something I feel like I have hardly done. Known as the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, it’s one of only a few of these ecosystems in the world.
The park is also home to species you can’t find anywhere else, like the elusive Florida panther, and endangered species like the manatee and American crocodile. The park spans over 1 million acres, mostly water, so experience the park by boat.
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Grand Teton, Wyoming
When I picture the West, I see Grand Teton National Park. It’s everything I ever expected from one of America’s most famous national parks. Frequently coupled with Yellowstone, the park still has private residents on the land. Named for the peaks always in view, Jackson Hole is the closest town for amenities like stores and restaurants. We enjoyed a number of beginner-friendly hikes as well as meals in the park. Be sure to look out for wildlife!
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Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Perhaps the park closest to my heart, I grew up visiting Great Smoky Mountain National Park every year. We’d stay in Gatlinburg or one of the surrounding communities and drive the Roaring Fork Motor Trail and other scenic drives. I got to go back this year, just a few weeks before the devastating fires, and captured this shot in Cades Cove, the most photogenic portion.
Here, you can tour the cabins and churches where people lived before it became a national park. Elk and black bears are spotted in the park and hiking is a favorite pastime.
If you love the Smokies as I do, I hope you’ll make a donation to help with the relief efforts.
Hawaii Volcanoes, Hawaii
When you think of national parks, Hawaii probably doesn’t come to mind. But Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is another unique park that you can’t find hardly anywhere else. Roads stop out of nowhere, covered in hardened lava.
You can rarely see an active volcano eruption here, unless you’re flying in a helicopter, but that doesn’t make it less fascinating. In addition to the geological activity, you can spot native birds like the Nene and wander through lava tubes. Stay in Hilo if you can’t nab a spot at the Volcano House lodge.
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Hot Springs, Arkansas
In an effort to see the more outdoorsy side of the South, I accepted a spot on a press trip to Arkansas. While the trip itself had hits or misses (involving a dangerous mountain biking excursion), I found Hot Springs National Park to be interesting.
It includes both the forest surrounding and the town itself with its historic bathhouses and row of shops and restaurants. The town is quirky, but the bathhouse tradition is certainly one I could get used to, especially post-hike. I even wrote a BBC Travel story about it!
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Rocky Mountain, Colorado
Once you’ve visited three parks, it’s worth the cost of the annual pass. Our third park for my trip this past summer was Rocky Mountain National Park, located just “up the hill” from Estes Park, Colorado. We’d experienced all sorts of weather during the trip but weren’t prepared for the snow-capped peaks in June.
The park has over 400 acres that are best experienced by the Trail Ridge Road, which reaches 12,000 feet. If you’re not used to driving in snow and ice, they also offer a shuttle.
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Yellowstone, Wyoming
Known as America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park is certainly the country’s most well-known. The geothermal pools make you feel like you’re on another planet, but you can be in a totally different universe depending on what part of the park you’re in.
Bison and other creatures make themselves at home, as it is their home before yours, and you might even spot an elk or bear. Just remember to keep your distance. I believe that the park is best experienced by staying within it, whether camping or in the lodges.
An excellent list with some breathtaking outdoor venues. Smokies have been one of my favorites and it is sad to see the aftermaths of Wild fire. Thanks for including the donation link.