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The US National Parks are one of the most beautiful and diverse places on Earth. They showcase mountains, forests, deep canyons and even unique wetlands. These parks are best places for anyone who is interested in hiking, camping, sightseeing or simply unwinding in nature. Below is a detailed guide to 10 best national parks to visit in the US and each with its unique charm and highlights.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
Yellowstone is the first national park in the world. It’s a must see park for its geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife. The park area is covered over 2.2 million acres offering visitors endless opportunities to explore.
Top Features:
- Old Faithful Geyser: Erupts approximately every 90 minutes shooting boiling water up to 180 feet in the air.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the US with vibrant rainbow colored waters.
- Wildlife Spotting: Bison, bears, elk and wolves roaming wild and free!
- Yellowstone Lake: A massive lake which offers boating and fishing as well.
Why Visit?
- It’s a paradise for nature lovers. With its beautiful geysers, waterfalls and wildlife.
- There are plenty of hiking trails which you can easily travel including the scenic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- The park is family friendly with accessible boardwalks around the hot springs.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
One of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is a must see natural wonder which offers breathtaking views and some unforgettable experiences for anyone who love adventure. Stretching over 277 miles long. His magnificent canyon plunges over a thousand feet in some places, all beautifully carved by the mighty Colorado River.
Top Features:
- South Rim: The most popular spot with views like Mather Point and Desert View.
- North Rim: It’s the best peaceful place to escape the daily hustle and bustle.
- Bright Angel Trail: A challenging hike which offers stunning views as you go into the canyon.
- River Rafting: Explore the Colorado River by rafting which gives an exceptional experience.
Why Visit?
- This place is best for photographer’s especially during sunrise and sunset when the canyon turns into a breathtaking red and orange masterpiece.
- It will definitely be a haven to all those who love to take adventurous activities such as hiking and rafting.
- The size of the canyon will leave you completely speechless every single time you visit.
3. Yosemite National Park
Location: California
Yosemite is famous for its granite rocks, massive waterfalls and also with ancient sequoia trees. The park covers over 750,000 acres which offers something for everyone including climbers fighting with El Capitan and tourists having a picnic among the meadows.
Top Features:
- El Capitan and Half Dome: Beautiful rocks well known by every climber in the world.
- Yosemite Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America especially powerful in spring.
- Mariposa Grove: Home to over 500 giant sequoia trees and some over 2,000 years old.
- Glacier Point: An overlook vantage point that provides tourists with a bird’s view of Yosemite Valley.
Why Visit?
- It is better to visit waterfalls in spring because then they will look most impressive.
- The park has nature trails for novices as well as for experienced hikers and trekkers.
- It’s one of the most photogenic parks with incredible views at every turn.
4. Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Zion National Park is well known to people for the bright red colored sandstone cliffs and canyons. There are exciting hiking trails, amazing and spectacular views as well as marvelous shaped rocks that cannot be found in any other park.
Top Features:
- Angels Landing: Tough trail but once you get to the top you get to enjoy of great view of the place.
- The Narrows: A unique hike through the Virgin River in a narrow canyon.
- Emerald Pools: A family friendly trail leading to beautiful waterfalls and pools.
- Kolob Canyons: A quieter area with very few number of people but equally stunning scenery.
Why Visit?
- There is something for everyone from easy walks to adrenaline pumping hikes.
- Autumn and spring should be the best seasons to visit owing to better weather and wonderful hues.
- The red rocks formation make it perfect to be a photographer’s paradise.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee and North Carolina
Known as the most visited national park in the US. Some of the many attractions characterized by the Smoky Mountains include misty peaks, forest and wildlife. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Features:
- Cades Cove: A scenic valley loop which presents an opportunity to view deer, bears and turkeys is also provided.
- Clingmans Dome: The highest peak in the park with a tower which offers exciting panoramic views.
- Abrams Falls Trail: A moderate hiking track which leads to a stunning waterfall.
- Wildflowers: The park is home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants.
Why Visit?
- Families will find it suitable since they have relatively easy trails for hiking and only natural parks to have picnics.
- Autumn also presents the best season for foliage while spring showcases colorful wildflowers.
- The best part about this park is that it’s free to enter.
6. Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
Glacier National Park which is also known as the “Crown of the Continent” is one of the best natural wonderland. It has glorious mountains, super clean water in the lakes, and valleys that were formed via glaciation implying a very beautiful view of the area.
Top Features:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: A road which passes through the middle of the park with some insane views.
- Grinnell Glacier Trail: A hard trail that offers spectacular sceneries of glaciers as well as lakes.
- Wildlife: Home to mountain goats, grizzly bears and moose.
- Lake McDonald: An awesome lake with water which is crystal clear and colorful rocks which are around the lake.
Why Visit?
- Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, fishing and kayaking.
- Summer is the best time to visit when all roads and trails are open.
- It’s one of the best places to experience untouched wilderness.
7. Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Acadia National Park is a gem which is located in northeastern United States. It provides a combination of mountains, cliffs and forests. A tourist can enjoy beautiful scenery, clean air and improve his/her knowledge about rich culture Maine.
Top Features:
- Cadillac Mountain: The tallest peak in the park and the first place to see the sunrise in the US.
- Park Loop Road: A 27 mile scenic drive offering access to many of the park’s best sights.
- Sand Beach: A beautiful spot for swimming and relaxing which is surrounded by cliffs.
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: A beautiful lighthouse found at the southernmost part of the area in the park
Why Visit?
- This is ideal for lovers of the sea and several trails near the beaches.
- The park is great for kayaking, canoeing and tide pooling.
- Summer and fall are the best times to visit which offers clear weather and fewer crowds in autumn.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is characterized by mountain ranges, vast meadows, mountain lakes and tremendous views. Stretching across 415 square miles, the park is a favorite for hikers, wildlife watchers and anyone seeking high altitude adventures.
Top Features:
- Trail Ridge Road: A paved road in the US with some of the incredible scenery and a record of being the land’s highest continuous paved road.
- Bear Lake: A beautiful and easy to reach alpine lake surrounded by forests and mountains.
- Emerald Lake Trail: A fairly difficult trail that offers Abbey’s beautiful and picturesque lakes.
- Wildlife Viewing: Elk, bighorn sheep and moose are commonly seen here.
Why Visit?
- It has trails for all types of walking and hiking, from the easy to the most difficult trails.
- Attractions like snowshoeing and cross country skiing ensures it is an all season resort.
- Many shots contain the attractions found in summer wildflowers or autumn foliage.
9. Everglades National Park
Location: Florida
The Everglades is one of the most unique ecosystems in the US. Covering over 1.5 million acres of wetlands. This subtropical park is packed with wonderful fauna and flora including alligators, manatees, and special birds.
Top Features:
- Airboat Tours: Adventurous way of getting a close look at the park’s mangrove and water features.
- Flamingo Visitor Center: Provides kayaks and canoes for those who want to paddle on quieter parts of the park area.
- Anhinga Trail: A popular walking trail for spotting, especially the alligators and the wading birds.
- Shark Valley: A driving-tour route with an observation deck where people can admire views of the area.
Why Visit?
- It is an ideal tourist attraction center especially for those interested in learning about conservation.
- The winter is favorable for tourism in terms of weather and complete absence of mosquitoes.
- It presents unique features that provide visitors with exciting and unparalleled view of Florida wild side.
10. Arches National Park
Location: Utah
Arches National Park is a beautiful desert park with more than two thousand of the features for which it is named. It’s a photographers dream and an adventurers paradise!
Top Features:
- Delicate Arch: The park’s most famous landmark and an iconic symbol of Utah.
- Landscape Arch: One of the longest natural arches in the world located on the Devil’s Garden Trail.
- Windows Section: A collection of easily accessible arches and rock formations.
- Fiery Furnace: A network of difficult terrain, canyons and sandstone cliffs for intermediate and advanced level hikers.
Why Visit?
- Sunrise and sunset are great times for taking photographs since lighting is perfect.
- It is possible to note the absence of a large number of artificial lighting that makes the park suitable for astronomical observation.
Conclusion
National parks currently in the United States are by far among the most suitable ground if one wants to get close to nature. Every park is different starting from the geysers in Yellowstone to the desert of Arches. What a pleasure is it to take some time out of your day to visit these parks, have some fun, learn and make memories that will last a lifetime? So read on, book your travel and let’s venture into the wilderness of the US National Parks.
FAQs
1. What’s the best national park for families?
Great Smoky Mountains and Yellowstone are excellent choices with kid friendly trails and plenty of wildlife to see.
2. Are pets allowed in national parks?
Dogs are permitted in most parks but must remain restricted to features such as paved surfaces and developed camping areas.
3. What’s the least crowded park?
Michigan’s Isle Royale is one of the least crowded parks along with parks in Washington, North Cascades.
4. How much does it cost to enter a national park?
Entrance fees vary depending on the park but a base price will cost anything ranging from $5 to $35 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 annually and covers all parks.
5. Can I camp in national parks?
Most parks have campgrounds but don’t forget to book it in advance especially for peak seasons!
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