6 National Parks We Love
A handpicked list of parks worth exploring on your next adventure.
For many the camping season is winding down, but that doesn’t mean it’s too soon to start thinking about that next getaway. And when you consider just how many national parks are in our backyard (over 60 in case you were curious), it would be a shame to not visit at least at least one or two on your next great adventure. So to help you out, we cobbled up a quick (and far from exhaustive) list of 6 national parks we love.
Acadia National Park
Why we love it.
There are few parts of the country as lovely as the Northeast – Especially in the Fall. And Acadia lives up to the vibrancy and wonder you’d expect from the coast of Maine. With hundreds of miles for hiking, driving, or even taking a carriage along the rocky headlands, you would do well to bring a trusty camera with you to capture some of the magic.
Further reading.
Nearby campgrounds.
Yosemite National Park
Why we love it.
From the High Sierra to the glaciers, and all of the geological wonder in between, Yosemite is absolutely breathtaking. With 1,200 miles of waterfalls, meadows, and giant sequoias, it’s going to feel like you somehow got teleported into a Star Wars movie. May the Force (and a map) be with you.
Further reading.
Nearby campground.
Everglades National Park
Why we love it.
It’s not every day you find a park with so many types of seemingly exotic species all in one place – but the Everglades is as diverse an ecosystem as they come. Looking for an American crocodile? Check. A panther in Florida? They’ve got ‘em. How about massive pythons? Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your relationship to snakes), they have those, too. Rich swamp life and vegetation make this a truly unique excursion near Miami.
Nearby campground.
Joshua Tree National Park
Why we love it.
Before it was a hit record that endeared Bono in all of our hearts, Joshua Tree was (and remains) one of the most fascinating and geologically interesting parks in the world. With a wide variety of animals and plans making their way through Mojave and Colorado-like ecosystems, it’s nothing if not a surreal experience. And considering how close it is to Palm Springs, you could easily spend a week in this beautiful desert.
Further reading.
Nearby campground.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Why we love it.
Located in the heart of Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to deep rivers, rolling hills, and the world’s longest-known cave system — spanning over 400 miles. Visitors can take guided tours beneath the surface to explore the depths of the cavern, as well as traverse well over 70 miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, and stunning ecology.
Further reading.
Nearby campground.
Great Falls Park
Why we love it.
With 800 acres of beautiful Virginia wildlands, Great Falls is as vast as it is beautiful. Not to mention it’s only a hop and a skip from our Nation’s Capital. Imagine hiking along the Potomac River one day, and then pursuing the National Mall the next. Maybe throw in a Commanders game and you’ve just chalked up a perfect D.C. long weekend.