## National Park Overload: Some Are Treasures, Others…Meh
The United States boasts 63 national parks, each a breathtaking testament to the raw power and serene beauty of nature. But let’s be real, not all parks are created equal. Some leave you breathless with their grandeur, while others leave you wondering if the gas money was worth it.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the country, and I love returning to it again and again. From its stunning mountain vistas to its glaciers and wildflower-filled meadows, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. One of the reasons I love Mount Rainier is its accessibility – I can visit without spending a fortune or with long planning periods. The park’s proximity to Seattle, Washington, also makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region.
I also love the park’s diverse range of landscapes. From the snow-capped mountains to the lush forests, there’s something for every level of hiker or nature lover. The park’s scenic drives and hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it easy to spend hours exploring. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or simply enjoy the scenic views, Mount Rainier has something for everyone.
The Three Parks I Love Returning to
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the country, and I love returning to it again and again. From its stunning mountain vistas to its wildflower-filled meadows, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. One of the reasons I love Great Smoky Mountains is its accessibility – I can visit without spending a fortune or with long planning periods. The park’s proximity to Asheville, North Carolina, also makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region.
- I also love the park’s diverse range of landscapes. From the snow-capped mountains to the lush forests, there’s something for every level of hiker or nature lover.
- The park’s scenic drives and hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it easy to spend hours exploring.
Acadia National Park in Maine
Why I Love Returning to Acadia
Acadia National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the world, and for good reason. From its stunning coastline to its fall foliage, this park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature. I love returning to Acadia because of its accessibility – I can visit without spending a fortune or with long planning periods. The park’s proximity to Bar Harbor also makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region.
There’s always something new to discover at Acadia, whether it’s a new hiking trail, a hidden cove, or a stunning sunset view. The park’s modest size is also a blessing in disguise. You can either quickly see the highlights or spend a longer time at each stop without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, which has created a stronger connection to the park for me.
The Three Parks I Love Returning to
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is full of natural beauty, and I love returning to it again and again. From the second the Teton Range came into view through my windshield, I knew it would be the place I would return to more than any other. The park’s rugged coastline and unique, jutting mountain peaks make it a must-visit destination for any nature lover.
- With challenging hikes, unique, jutting mountain peaks, and crystal-blue alpine lakes, this park always has something new to discover.
- Grand Teton is close to Jackson, Wyoming, and is the only national park with a commercial airport entirely within its boundaries.
The Three Parks I Love Returning to
New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge received national-park designation in 2021, and I’ve already visited several times and plan to return. This park is easily accessible and has activities and beauty to impress even the most well-traveled park visitor. I recommend spending the day hiking, driving, or even white water rafting in this stunning and unique part of the country.
- However, I probably won’t return to Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska.
Gates of the Arctic National Park
A Challenge to Visit
Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic National Park is an incredible sight to see. Encompassing more than 8.4 million acres of land entirely north of the Arctic Circle, the second-largest US national park is also the least visited — with just 11,045 visitors making the trek in 2023. Getting there is part of the adventure, as there are no roads or established trails to enter the park.
Because of this, though, I had to book a series of three flights to get there — the last of which cost $1,750 roundtrip. Though it was definitely worth seeing the incredible landscapes of the Brooks Range, because of the logistics and cost, I probably won’t be visiting more than once.
Conclusion
In “I’ve been to all 63 major US national parks. Here are the 3 I love going back to and the 3 I’m glad I saw once,” the author shares a unique perspective on their extensive travels through the United States’ breathtaking national parks. The article highlights the author’s favorite parks, which include Zion National Park’s natural beauty, Great Smoky Mountains’ diverse wildlife, and Olympic National Park’s rugged coastline. Conversely, the author also shares their most memorable experiences in parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, emphasizing that while these parks are iconic and awe-inspiring, they may not necessarily warrant repeated visits. Instead, the author’s list showcases the diversity and richness of America’s national parks.
The significance of this article lies in its thought-provoking exploration of the human experience and our connection to nature. As the author’s experiences demonstrate, our favorite parks can evoke strong emotions and create lasting memories. At the same time, the article encourages readers to reflect on the value of conservation and preservation of these natural wonders. In an era of climate change and environmental degradation, the author’s candid discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding our planet’s most precious resources.
As we continue to explore and appreciate America’s national parks, it is essential that we prioritize their conservation and protection. The author’s reflections on their experiences offer a powerful reminder that our relationships with nature are complex and multifaceted, and that the memories we create in these parks are not just personal, but also have a profound impact on our collective well-being. As we move forward, let us cherish and honor these natural treasures, and strive to leave a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Add Comment