While many national parks are currently closed because of COVID-19, it is never too early to start planning your next adventure.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Whether you are an avid hiker or first time park visitor, there is an activity that fits most personalities and experience levels. According to the park’s website, https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm the park has hundreds of miles of trails and streams for hiking and fishing. If you are more comfortable in the car, there are plenty of scenic drives and pull-offs located throughout the park. The park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and in 2019 was the most visited in the world according to the National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/visitation-numbers.htm.
- Grand Teton National Park
The Grand Tetons are located in the heart of Wyoming, 31 miles away from Yellowstone National Park. The Teton Mountain Range is the focal point of this national park; with the tallest peak reaching 13,775 feet according to the National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/management/statistics.htm. The park offers hiking, rivers and lakes for boating and fishing, and it is full of wildlife. Bears, elk, moose and bison are among the wildlife that live throughout the park.
- Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located on the coastline of Maine. The park is known for its stunning seashores and Fall foliage. Cadillac Mountain is one of the tallest peaks among the North Atlantic coast and is located in Acadia. The top of Cadillac Mountain is known for the amazing sunrises that many visitors enjoy. Acadia is surrounded by small fishing villages and towns that are full of New England charm.
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located about 70 miles outside of Denver, Colorado. One of the most popular things to do in the park is to drive on Trail Ridge Road. This is a 48 mile drive that takes visitors through the park and above the treeline, in some places, with breathtaking views of the Rockies.
- Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 making it the first national park in the world. The park is famous for sites such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Yellowstone features over 500 active geysers, which accounts for more than half of the world’s total. This park is unbelievably large and features countless activities for any age and experience level. The majority of Yellowstone is located in Wyoming but a small portion of the park is in Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons sit about 30 miles apart, which makes it easy to see two amazing national parks in one trip.
For some, national parks can be a place to get away from daily life and step back into nature. Each park is unique and could lead to a new adventure, so a trip to a national park could be the right choice for you.
