America is rich in history and filled with beautiful scenic parks. To be exact, the Department of the Interior explains that the U.S. has 560 national wildlife refuges and over 400 national parks. There are also approximately 250 million acres of additional Interior-managed public lands, so chances are there’s one close to you.
While it's hard to whittle the list of 400 parks down to a few must-see natural landscapes, there are some parks that you must visit in your lifetime. These national parks were designated as such to protect valuable historical and natural land features. So, come along as we journey through some of the best national parks in the United States. Located in Montana, this park is also known as “The Backbone of the World” or the “Crown of the Continent.” Others know it as America’s Switzerland because of its immaculate alpine scenery. The Department of the Interior established it as a national park in 1910. The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated it as part of the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park in 1932. The other part of the park, Waterton Lakes National Park, is located in Alberta, Canada.
As if that wasn’t enough, Glacier National Park is heaven to hikers, with over 700 hiking trails. Its beautiful lakes and rugged wilderness are perfect for adventure seekers who want peace and solitude. Relive the golden days through the park’s historic lodges and chalets as well as the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The park includes over one million Montana wilderness acres, two mountains, and over 130 lakes. Glacier National Park has plenty of places to stay, with 13 campgrounds and seven lodges, but plan your trip ahead of time because reservations fill up fast. As if the natural aspects weren’t enough, there are also plenty of amenities, activities, and facilities. Yosemite first came under protection in 1864. It encompasses about 1,200 square miles of majestic meadows, deep valleys, and giant primitive sequoia trees in California.
This park is famous for its waterfalls and represents the strength and power of glaciers and granite mountains. Yosemite is also infamous for the Yosemite Grant Act that allowed the government for the first time ever to allocate specific parkland for the public use and preservation of resources.
The park service made sure that Yosemite was easily accessible to many, and there are plenty of accommodations for your stay. For over 150 years, Yosemite has continued to awe and influence thousands of poets, environmentalists, outdoor adventurers, climbers, hikers, and artists. There are almost 750,000 acres of natural beauty and wilderness to inspire even the most adventurous soul.
Yosemite is as busy as Glacier National Park, with over four million visitors every year. Still, you may be able to carve out your own peaceful spot at least temporarily.
The richly historic Cades Cove is an 11-mile driving loop that lets you leisurely enjoy seeing a working grist mill and other lovingly restored 17th and 18th-century houses and buildings. Europeans were the first settlers in this area, and they arrived sometime between 1818 and 1821. The area boasted 271 people by 1830.
You can get out on foot and explore the buildings up close. The cove is also great for biking when it's closed to vehicles until 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday from the beginning of May until late in September. Hike many trails, such as the five-mile round-trip hike between the Cades Cove Nature Trail and Abrams Falls. The longer hiking trails, Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountain, also begin in Cades Cove.
Follow the same paths that the Cherokee Indians hunted on for centuries. Enjoy the same wildlife they did, such as coyotes, deer, turkeys, and other wild animals. Wild black bears roam the park, and you can observe them from a safe distance with no fences between you.
You can’t just wander into the national parks unprepared. For all their natural beauty, these parks represent the full spectrum of wilderness in all of its glory. There’s rough terrain, harsh temperatures, bad weather, and other elements to factor in when preparing for your adventure.
Hydration systems, also known as camel packs, are packs that you carry on your back, so they are convenient to use compared to water bottles. They keep your hands free to deal with other obstacles that you may come upon.
They should also be waterproof, as well as easily readable in the dark without hitting the backlight button. If you’re rappelling, fishing, or doing some other activity, you want to be able to read your watch by simply tilting your head.
A few other handy items to bring are insect repellent, extra socks and clothing, a camera, and bear spray. With the right equipment, you can enjoy your trip to the national park of your choice. You’ll be prepared for anything and worry less if anything unexpected comes up. No matter what the challenge, you’re sure to enjoy the natural splendor and historical features of these national parks.
While it's hard to whittle the list of 400 parks down to a few must-see natural landscapes, there are some parks that you must visit in your lifetime. These national parks were designated as such to protect valuable historical and natural land features. So, come along as we journey through some of the best national parks in the United States. Located in Montana, this park is also known as “The Backbone of the World” or the “Crown of the Continent.” Others know it as America’s Switzerland because of its immaculate alpine scenery. The Department of the Interior established it as a national park in 1910. The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated it as part of the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park in 1932. The other part of the park, Waterton Lakes National Park, is located in Alberta, Canada.
As if that wasn’t enough, Glacier National Park is heaven to hikers, with over 700 hiking trails. Its beautiful lakes and rugged wilderness are perfect for adventure seekers who want peace and solitude. Relive the golden days through the park’s historic lodges and chalets as well as the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The park includes over one million Montana wilderness acres, two mountains, and over 130 lakes. Glacier National Park has plenty of places to stay, with 13 campgrounds and seven lodges, but plan your trip ahead of time because reservations fill up fast. As if the natural aspects weren’t enough, there are also plenty of amenities, activities, and facilities. Yosemite first came under protection in 1864. It encompasses about 1,200 square miles of majestic meadows, deep valleys, and giant primitive sequoia trees in California.
This park is famous for its waterfalls and represents the strength and power of glaciers and granite mountains. Yosemite is also infamous for the Yosemite Grant Act that allowed the government for the first time ever to allocate specific parkland for the public use and preservation of resources.
The park service made sure that Yosemite was easily accessible to many, and there are plenty of accommodations for your stay. For over 150 years, Yosemite has continued to awe and influence thousands of poets, environmentalists, outdoor adventurers, climbers, hikers, and artists. There are almost 750,000 acres of natural beauty and wilderness to inspire even the most adventurous soul.
Yosemite is as busy as Glacier National Park, with over four million visitors every year. Still, you may be able to carve out your own peaceful spot at least temporarily.
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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The richly historic Cades Cove is an 11-mile driving loop that lets you leisurely enjoy seeing a working grist mill and other lovingly restored 17th and 18th-century houses and buildings. Europeans were the first settlers in this area, and they arrived sometime between 1818 and 1821. The area boasted 271 people by 1830.
You can get out on foot and explore the buildings up close. The cove is also great for biking when it's closed to vehicles until 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday from the beginning of May until late in September. Hike many trails, such as the five-mile round-trip hike between the Cades Cove Nature Trail and Abrams Falls. The longer hiking trails, Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountain, also begin in Cades Cove.
Follow the same paths that the Cherokee Indians hunted on for centuries. Enjoy the same wildlife they did, such as coyotes, deer, turkeys, and other wild animals. Wild black bears roam the park, and you can observe them from a safe distance with no fences between you.
What to Bring
You can’t just wander into the national parks unprepared. For all their natural beauty, these parks represent the full spectrum of wilderness in all of its glory. There’s rough terrain, harsh temperatures, bad weather, and other elements to factor in when preparing for your adventure.
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Hiking or Tactical Boots
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Hydration Gear or Water Bottles
Hydration systems, also known as camel packs, are packs that you carry on your back, so they are convenient to use compared to water bottles. They keep your hands free to deal with other obstacles that you may come upon.
-
Sunglasses
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Tactical Watches
They should also be waterproof, as well as easily readable in the dark without hitting the backlight button. If you’re rappelling, fishing, or doing some other activity, you want to be able to read your watch by simply tilting your head.
-
Rain Jacket
-
Sunscreen
A few other handy items to bring are insect repellent, extra socks and clothing, a camera, and bear spray. With the right equipment, you can enjoy your trip to the national park of your choice. You’ll be prepared for anything and worry less if anything unexpected comes up. No matter what the challenge, you’re sure to enjoy the natural splendor and historical features of these national parks.