The simple joys of life aren’t difficult to find. In fact, many of them are located right in our backyards. Everything from forests to rivers to beautiful flora, fauna, and majestic mountain views can be seen across America.
Why not take a tour of all the beauty the country has to offer? With over 400 national park sites in the US, touring nature can be an exciting and rejuvenating experience for everyone.
The History of National Parks
The history of America’s national parks began in 1906, when President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act. This gave presidents the authority to preserve areas of natural or historic value on public lands.
In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the first national park. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Services act, which protected national parks, reservations, and monuments across America.
By 1933, an executive order was passed that transferred 56 monuments and military sites to the National Park Service (NPS). Today, 423 protected sites on more than 84 million acres make up the National Park System. Of these, 63 of them include the name “National Park” as part of their official name.
Popular National Parks
Protected sites in the US all fall under different categories under the NPS. Many of them are visited by millions of tourists and nature enthusiasts every year. This list focuses on the nine most popular national parks and their locations, making them easy to add to any national park road trip itinerary.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina
- Zion National Park in Utah
- Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
- Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
- Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
- Acadia National Park in Maine
- Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
- Yosemite National Park in California
- Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana
National Parks Rules and Regulations
Disturbing the native state of parks can be detrimental to their success and survival. Doing something as simple as picking a wildflower can interfere with pollination and its ability to repopulate and support wildlife that depends on it. Leave only footprints and take only pictures.
Animals can seem adorable, but keep in mind that they are wild. Feeding them is never a good idea and disturbs their natural behavior. If caught feeding wildlife, a hefty fine inevitably follows.
Veering off marked trails while hiking or biking is dangerous for humans and the environment. Trekking or bushwhacking causes diseases and fungus to spread from area to area. Forests grow by the inch and die by the foot.
Carving initials or spray painting rocks or trees are forms of vandalizing these beautiful places. It is also illegal in national parks. Leave your mark by simply enjoying the parks with your senses.
Part of the reason national parks were created is to offer visitors a place to find fresh air. Should you feel the need to smoke, find a designated area or step outside the park to do so. Consider the comfort of those around you as well as the risk of wildfires.
Playing loud music is rude and disrespectful to those wanting to enjoy nature’s silence and can disturb wildlife. Headphones are recommended if you’re interested in playing music while in nature.
Some forms of technology are prohibited in national parks, including drones. Avoid being banned or fined by checking with each park’s set of rules and regulations.
Best Time to Visit
Every season offers a spectacular view or activity in a national park. The best time to visit America’s national parks also depends on your group’s size. Spring break, winter break, or summer are great times to visit if you’re traveling with children or large groups of friends or family members.
For those seeking a quieter experience, a good time to go is when kids return to school and are not on break. These times not only offer fewer crowds, but also an escape from the extreme summer heat.
Regardless of which time of year you go exploring, book campsites ahead of time and plan for all weather conditions. At higher elevations, temperatures, terrain, and weather patterns can be drastically different. Don’t forget a couple of appropriate and comfortable hiking shoes.
Items to bring should include healthy snacks, plenty of water, a map, and first aid and emergency kits. Camping is unpredictable. Being prepared for the unexpected will add to the enjoyment of your national park adventures.
Hitting the Road
Planning is essential if you want to experience the best things in each park. Spend some time creating an itinerary that facilitates smooth travels. Between the rivers, forests, wildlife, and terrain that make up a national park, it may seem difficult to choose which ones to see and what to do. Nonetheless, each park offers a plethora of activities and something unique for everyone, making every visit unforgettable.