The US is home to some of the most beautiful National Parks in the world. It’s also these locations where you’ll find some of the most captivating scenery and incredible experiences that immerse you in the beauty of nature. The unquestionable lure of the enchanting spots sees millions of visitors flock to popular spots across the country. So, where are the best places if you want to take a road trip this year?
There are a few things to consider if you want to visit a National Park, and thinking about these before you set off will ensure you are prepared for anything. Take a look at these handy tips before choosing your perfect destination:
What time of year will you be traveling? – If you’re going to brave the outdoor experience, the weather can be a crucial factor. Being prepared for anything from the cold to blistering hot days or stormy spells should be considered.
Where will you sleep? – The beauty of visiting National Parks is that you can camp right in the heart of the action. However, there are some rules to ensure the natural landscape is preserved. Before you head off, check the details and camping spot restrictions to ensure you are considerate of your surroundings.
Pack for an adventure – National Parks won’t have all the amenities you are used to, so planning your luggage is essential. Make sure you have everything from a comfortable sleeping bag to a suitable backpack to carry all your belongings. Don’t go overboard with stuff if you have no means to carry it around. Otherwise, your adventure won’t take you far from the car park.
Get insured – Depending on how wild you want to get around in National Parks, it can be a dangerous landscape for anyone not equipped with rough terrain. Before you head out, make sure you have the right insurance to cover accidents and injury. Plus, if you’re hiring an RV for the trip, make sure you have insurance to cover any mishaps.
Once you have everything in place, deciding where to go is the next step. Take a look at some of the best National Parks that are perfect for a road trip this year.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Covering more than 500,000 acres of land, the Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most critical bio-diverse sites in the country. This location is jam-packed with wildlife from bears through to beautiful birds. Plus, it is a haven of American history due to its early human settlements. Spring through to Fall are the best times to visit, and you can capture the enchanting beauty as the leaves turn different colors and blanket the scenery.
Everglades National Park
This spot is somewhere most people have heard of, and it is often filmed for wildlife documentaries due to its diverse biosystem. Although the area is beautiful, it is not for the faint-hearted of explorers. The location can present challenges for anyone looking to hike, and it’s usually better to see everything by boat. There are several camping spots; however, permits are commonly required. Unless you love adventure, visiting is best outside of the wet season (June to November).
Yosemite National Park
Located in California, Yosemite Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. It’s not hard to see why either, due to its striking granite structures and stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. It can be quite busy here. However, off-peak, you’ll find a quieter experience that allows you to explore with few interruptions. The park also has a myriad of maintained pathways and trails, which go on for miles.
Joshua Tree National Park
This unique location is home to a haven of Yucca trees of most commonly known as Joshua trees (hence the park’s name). The area is ideal for anyone looking to take to two wheels and experience mountain biking along the trails. Plus, rock climbers will also love the chance to scale granite boulders and rugged mountains. As the park also sits alongside the Colorado and Mojave Desert, there is also a landscape of cactus and lost-lost mineshafts to admire.
Zion National Park
The beautiful and enchanting landscape of Zion National Park is a sight to behold. The desert-like appearance and distinct canyons look like the image we have of the Mars landscape. In between these majestic structures sits azure pools and riverways that meander through the formations. The best time to visit is Spring and Fall, and there’s plenty of places to set up camp inside and outside of the park. If you’re traveling interstate and want to experience a more comfortable stay, opting for a home from home by renting RV near Monument Valley could be an attractive option.
Denali National Park
If you thought the other national parks were impressive, Alaska’s offering is often described as the next level. The sheer vastness of the landscape and beautiful wilderness means that most of the landscapes have remained untouched for centuries paving the way for wildlife and nature at its finest. Denali National Park is often described as one of the top parks in the country and welcomes visitors from across the globe in their droves. You can visit all year round, and during the winter, there is, of course, the chance to take part in winter sports. If you want to stick to the trails, you’ll find miles of maintained areas to explore. However, if you’re looking to appreciate Alaska in its raw and magical state, there is no end of land that is untamed to take you off the beaten track.
There is a selection of 419 national park sites, 62 of which have the official National Park title in their name – if you’re looking for a unique getaway in nature. Every location is diverse and bursting with experiences from hiking to white water rafting. These destinations play a significant part in the world’s ecosystem, and choosing to visit and support them helps to promote this crucial ecological feature.
