With over 300 million visitors to the nation’s national parks last year, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to see. However, the high visitor numbers can take their toll on the environment, so it’s important to observe park rules. For example, you should never take home souvenirs and leave natural objects in the park. Additionally, national parks often don’t have trash cans, so make sure you pack trash bags with you.
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Olympic National Park
If you are planning to visit Olympic National Park, you should know that it is situated in Washington state. You will find it near the cities of Port Angeles and Forks. The closest airports are the Portland-Tacoma International Airport and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which are located in the Pacific Northwest. Once you arrive in the area, you can use either of these two airports to get to the park.
The Olympic National Park is located in northwest Washington State and covers more than a million acres of primeval forest and ocean coast. There is a diverse ecosystem within the park, with temperate rainforest, alpine wildflower meadows, and spectacular mountain peaks. You can explore the park’s coastline and wildlife, as well as hike through the rugged peaks of the Olympic Mountains.
The northern region of Olympic National Park contains many of the park’s most popular attractions, including sapphire lakes, old growth forests, and silvery waterfalls. This area is the gateway to Sol Duc Hot Springs, Hurricane Ridge, and Marymere Falls. The blue-green waters of Lake Crescent are popular with tourists and are stocked with trout. When visiting Olympic National Park, make sure to check the weather forecast before setting out for your trip.
The Olympic region is home to 8 Native American tribes, including the Coast Salish and Haida. The park is home to a number of species of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and black-tailed deer. Wildlife is also abundant in the park, with black bears and marmots sharing the scenery. Mount Olympus, at 7,980 feet, is the highest peak in the area. There are over 650 archaeological sites, 130 historic structures, and a Native American village.
Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of those places that every traveler should see at least once in his or her lifetime. These mountains are not just the beautiful scenery. It is also a great place to hike and enjoy a slice of solitude. While summers are scorching and humidity-filled, fall and winters are the perfect times to experience the park. Even if you’re not a big fan of nature, you’ll find lots to love here.
The Smokies are spread across eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina and have 62 species of mammals. It’s also home to 67 different kinds of fish and more than two hundred species of birds. There are even 1,000-year-old Cherokee roots. It’s easy to see why they’re named this way, as fog and mist make them look so amazing. And, if you’re looking for some adventure, try hiking the Appalachian Trail!
You can easily explore the entire Smoky Mountains in a single day. Start by heading to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, where you’ll find maps and information about special events. Then, follow the Little River Gorge Road to Cades Cove. It’s curvy, so slow down and take in the scenery. A backup plan can save the day if an unexpected situation arises.
The Smoky Mountains are famous for the stunning autumn colors of the trees. Nearly 100 different tree species can be found in this area. Fall foliage peaks in mid-September and October, while the spring and summer months are filled with blooms and colorful wildflowers. There are also over 1,500 flowering plants that bloom in the mountains during these seasons. For those who prefer to explore this part of the United States, REI Adventures offers guided trips to the Smokies.
Acadia National Park
There are many highlights of Acadia National Park, including breathtaking views and thrilling hikes. You can also take an interesting boat cruise. The 27-mile Park Loop Road connects the major sights on Mount Desert Island, and is best taken in sections over a few days. Highlights include the Otter Cliffs, where you can see the Atlantic Ocean in its full splendor.
The National Park is located off the Atlantic coast in Maine, on Mount Desert Island. It is the only national park east of the Mississippi River, and it’s a day’s drive from almost one-quarter of U.S. residents. There are 5 main entrances, including the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center. The park is open all year round, but you’ll find some of the park’s attractions closed during the ‘Mud Season’, which is from April to May.
This area has a number of hiking trails that are accessible all year round, and you can also try your hand at birdwatching. More than 300 species of birds spend part of the year in Acadia, making it an important migratory stopover and nesting ground. To learn more about birdwatching, you can attend the annual Acadia Birding Festival, which includes guided walks, boat tours, and talks. You can also observe songbirds while walking along the carriage roads. You’re guaranteed to see nesting falcons at Precipice. If you’re lucky, you’ll see raptors soaring over Cadillac Mountain in August and October.
If you’re looking for a great hike, Acadia National Park has more than 120 miles of trails to choose from. Popular hikes include the Beehive Loop Trail, Ship Harbor Nature Trail, and Cadillac Mountain Loop. If you’re more adventurous, you can take one of the many Precipice Trails that have ladders or metal rungs for climbers to scale the sheer rock face. Beginners can choose the Ocean Path or a loop around Jordan Pond.
Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is home to over 60 percent of the island’s rainforest. You can also dive into the coral reefs and shipwrecks. In fact, the Virgin Islands National Park is the home of over 500 species of fish and more than 40 kinds of coral. With so many unique natural wonders and activities to enjoy, Virgin Islands National Park is a destination that every traveler should visit at least once.
This tropical paradise is located on the small island of St. John and covers 60% of its area. Explore its pristine white beaches, spectacular snorkeling, and incredible hikes in this park. Plus, it boasts some of the CLEANEST water and beaches in the world. Get to the park easily, either via the Cyril E. King International Airport or the Red Hook Ferry Dock.
After seeing the breathtaking natural beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mikah decided to visit St. Croix. She said the islands are very different from each other, and this made the experience that much more meaningful. You can read more about Mikah’s experience on her website, or follow her on Facebook to see more pictures. If you like this article, please share it with others. It’s a wonderful experience that every traveler should have at least once in their life!
In addition to the breathtaking natural landscape of the Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands offer some of the best snorkeling in the world. You can also swim in the clear waters of the island’s crystal blue water. For those who are looking for something a little more relaxing, St. John offers a great selection of accommodations, including secluded beachfront retreats.
Yellowstone
If you’re considering visiting Yellowstone National Park, you’ll want to make sure you plan your trip around the best times to see wildlife. Although the park is crowded during summer, you can still see some wildlife if you visit in the off-season. March and April are the best times to see bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep. The winters are brutal, with as much as ten feet of snow a year. But don’t worry, the weather is great during these months, and you won’t have to wait too long for a hotel room.
There are a number of ways to see the park’s many attractions. You can drive from one park to another by car, or you can rent a bike or hike. Regardless of your mode of transportation, the visitor centers provide plenty of gas and parking, so you can get your fill-up without a problem. In the south entrance, the first center you’ll visit is Grant Village. After that, you’ll pass Old Faithful, Madison, Norris Geyser, Fishing Bridge, and Canyon. The next park centers, in a clockwise direction, are Old Faithful, Madison, and Fishing Bridge. The Albright Visitor Center is located near Mammoth, which is closest to the Canyon and Mammoth areas.
The weather in Yellowstone is unpredictable. Temperatures vary greatly depending on elevation, but it is typically warm between mid-30s and 60s degrees Fahrenheit during spring and fall. In winter, temperatures rarely exceed twenty degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, you can even snowmobile into the park. The weather is unpredictable, so check the weather before planning your trip. You never know when it might rain, and Yellowstone is no exception.
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