Climate & Nature...

With the advent of Spring comes a strong desire to experience the great outdoors (for me, at least). That said, what better way to commune with nature (and have a low impact vacation to boot) than to visit a national park? The following list is a collection of some of the most impressive natural wonders in the United States. So, pack up your rucksack, hop in your fuel-efficient vehicle, and get ready to camp out in the best national parks this country has to offer.

1. Yosemite National Park – California

Breathtaking views, enormous waterfalls, massive granitic rocks, and over 2,000 varieties of plants and animals make Yosemite an absolute must on the National Park circuit.

2. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming

Yellowstone was established in 1872, making it the country’s first national park. While it’s located primarily in Wyoming, the park stretches into both Montana and Idaho, and is home to a large variety of wildlife including (but not limited to) grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Also, be sure to check out Old Faithful and the stunning assortment of hot springs and geysers.

3. Glacier National Park – Montana

With over 700 miles of hiking trails, lush forest, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes, Glacier National Park is considered one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.

4. Acadia National Park – Maine

The first national park founded east of the Mississippi River, Acadia is home to the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or just sitting back and taking in gorgeous scenery, Acadia provides an experience you’re not likely to forget.

5. Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming

The most impressive aspect of this northwestern Wyoming park is the striking contrast between the jagged, rocky Teton range and the placid, pristine valleys and glacial lakes that lie below it.

6. Denali National Park – Alaska

Formerly known as McKinley National Park, Denali boasts North America’s tallest peak, the 20,320 foot Mount McKinley. A landscape peppered with striking mountains and glaciers, combined with a rich sub-arctic ecosystem that includes grizzly bears, wolves, sheep, and moose, make Denali National Park a destination not be missed.

7. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

You have to visit the Grand Canyon. Period. I was at first skeptical about just how impressive a giant hole in the ground could be. But, let me tell you, it is darned impressive.

8. Carlsbad Caverns – New Mexico

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountain range in southeastern New Mexico, the Caverns are comprised of 113 of the largest underground caves in North America.

9. Mount Rushmore National Memorial – South Dakota

Although this is technically a monument rather than a park, I’ve included it in the list for a couple of reasons. First off, the monument itself, carved into a massive granite face, receives almost three million visitors a year, and has become incredibly recognizable as a symbol of America. Second, it’s located in an incredibly lush, forested area of South Dakota (there’s plenty of camping nearby). Finally, if you didn’t get enough of a park experience at Mt. Rushmore, check out the nearby Badlands National Park to complete your experience.

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina

A diverse terrain that includes jagged mountains, rolling hills, sweeping valleys, and thick forests, combined with a rich cultural history that extends back thousands of years – from prehistoric Paleo Indians to early European settlers – make the Smoky Mountains the last, but certainly not least, must see park on the list.

Well, what are you waiting for? Hit the road already. Happy trails.