When all else fails, just take a trip to the park. Lucky for US citizens, the country has been blessed with one of the best national park systems in the world. Not only do these parks allow travelers to experience closeness to mother nature, but it also has many opportunities for adventure such as discovering exquisite white sand beaches or simply going on a hiking trip.
With more than 63 national parks in the US, it can become rather difficult to decide which parks are the best for visiting. Even though you may wish to visit each one during your voyage across the States, it can become a hassle to travel through the country in search of the best parks.
To narrow down the project of discovering national parks for you, here are our top picks for the national parks that you must visit in the US:
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
If you go by the rules of popularity, then the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the US. Apart from free admission, this national park tends to attract many foreign travelers since it can be accessed from multiple airports. Even if people only have a few hours to spend in the US, making their way down to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park always sounds like a good idea.
If you are a fan of discovering wildlife, then this national park would surely be a treat for you. Here, you can discover black bears, otters, or even elks in their natural habitat.
If you are looking for a greater adventure, then the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 150 hiking trails to discover. Each one has a different difficulty level, so make sure you take the advice of a tour guide before setting foot on a random trail in the park.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Everyone has heard of the iconic Grand Canyon in the United States. Being one of the most popular and frequently visited national parks in the US, the Grand Canyon National Park truly has some of the best sights that you can find across the country.
Although every picture you see of the Grand Canyon National Park would be beautiful, there is little justice done to the scenic views through mere photographs. In order to actually appreciate the beauty of the place, it is a requirement to see it in person.
You can visit two areas of the Grand Canyon National Park: The South Rim or the North Rim. Even though the North Rim is far more beautiful, it does require one to be a professional or trained hiker to get through the trails. If you are looking for a more subtle and simple adventure with great views of the canyon, then the South Rim is sufficient.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
If you are one who enjoys an adventure for your trip to the park, then the Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to visit. To find the stunning views of the mountains and pine forests, all you need to do is find a trail that is suitable.
The Long Peak is one of the most popular mountainous trails to embark on, but the Dream Lake, Sky Pond, and Gem Lake are also great hiking options for visitors.