The national parks in the United States are beautiful places. According to the website of Travel + Leisure, a travel-focused magazine, sixty-three parks in the United States “have the ‘National Parks’ designation in their names.” Travel + Leisure also states that the United States has a total of 429 “national park sites.” When deciding which national parks to include in vacation plans, there are many to choose from.
You might consider the three parks discussed below. Each of these parks has been selected to focus on a different travel itinerary. One park is ideal for people who want to hike while taking in dramatic views. The second is a great place to bring kids. The third could be the site of a memorable camping adventure.
1. A National Park for Hiking Amidst Splendid Vistas
The periodical U.S. News and World Report is known for its college rankings. It also has a ranked list of the top sixteen United States national parks. The ranking process takes into account the points of view of park visitors. It also considers the perspectives of knowledgeable people in the travel field. The park ranked first is Glacier National Park.
This impressive park contains mountains, waterfalls, and over seven hundred lakes. The park features hiking trails with amazing views. Hikes of varying levels of difficulty are available. The Trail of the Cedars is suitable if you are looking for a gentle hike. The hike route is a loop of about a mile. It involves hiking through a fragrant forest of cedar trees. Hikers looking for more of a challenge could try the hike to Grinnell Glacier. This hike is slightly over ten miles long. It features scenic views of Grinnell Glacier as well as lake and waterfall views.
2. A Great National Park to Visit with Children
Frommer’s is a publisher of travel guides. The Frommer’s website includes a list of national parks worth visiting with children. Acadia National Park tops the Frommer’s website list. There are a variety of places to stay nearby suitable for families with children. There are also many activities perfect for creating wonderful family vacation memories.
This park is located along the coast of Maine. The park features picturesque cliffs. There are seaside hiking routes suitable for hikers of all ages. Families can try out kayaking or just spend time at the beach. For those who want to venture into town, Bar Harbor, cheerful and inviting, is nearby.
3. A National Park Ideal for Camping
These scenic parks can be great places to camp. Travel + Leisure features on its website a list of the best national parks for camping. Topping its list is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park is the national park that receives the most visitors. It is spread out through Tennessee and North Carolina. Those who visit can enjoy its beautiful mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
Of all the places for camping available in the park, the website particularly recommends Elkmont Campground. Tent camping and RV camping are both options at this site. The camping spot is picturesque and is near prominent features, such as Laurel Falls. The campground is located close to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is a fun town to visit and features many options for vacation activities.
Overall Takeaways
The national parks in the United States provide many different options for people wanting vacations they will remember fondly. Hikers of varying levels can find trails full of beautiful views. There are activities in and near the parks suitable for families. Camping in the parks can be a great way to spend time in nature. The parks featured here have plenty to offer to people interested in visiting these wonderful parks.
