The national park system is made up of a whopping 407 areas of interest, according to NPS.gov, so you probably will have a hard time visiting every single one unless you want to quit your job. So in honor of National Parks Week (April 18-26), we’ve selected our favorites that everyone should see at least once. Also note that if you live near national parks and it usually costs money to get in, it’s free this weekend!
Guy Francis/Wikimedia Commons
Yosemite National Park (California): This park, known for its waterfalls, cliffs, and giant sequoias, is the third most-visited national park in the U.S., according to CNN. It’s a true beauty you could spend years exploring.
Wikimedia Commons
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho): Old Faithful is here, as are the majority of the world’s geysers, according to NPS.gov. Mountains, wildlife, beauty aplenty – this is not to be missed. Fun fact: Yellowstone was established in 1872 as America’s first national park.
Roger Bolsius/Wikimedia Commons
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): Pictures — amazing views — don’t even come close to doing this justice. It’s huge, it’s beautiful, it’s simply amazing. And you don’t just have to stand at the ledge and look – you can do down at certain points, and you can travel down the Colorado River, too.
Heipei/Wikimedia Commons
Acadia National Park (Maine): Beautiful rugged coast, granite peaks, lakes – this is one of the oldest National Parks east of the Mississippi River has it all. And it’s one of the most amazing spots from which to watch the sunrise.
Todd Clark/Wikimedia Commons
Channel Islands National Park (California): Last but not least, unlike other national parks, this national park is little known but incredibly rewarding to visit. You have to get there by boat, and you will be rewarded with ocean island scenery the likes of which you’ve never seen.
From vvdailypress.com