Photo: Most Amazing Places
Before you begin, it’s only fair to warn you that unless I was to write a book, this list is nowhere near complete. There are so many amazing National Parks in the United States that are worth seeing that it’s almost unfair to whittle it down to just a few of the most popular but that’s that we’ll attempt to do today. If you are an avid camper, you should try to camp at one of these amazing National Parks.
As always, if you feel slighted, or there’s a park that you feel should be included, sound off in the comments area and tell us why it’s worth seeing.
On to the best National Parks to visit in the United States, let’s get started.
California: Yosemite
The best National Park in California would have to be Yosemite. Yosemite was first protected in 1864 and is best known for its waterfalls and abundant wildlife, such as black bear, coyotes and a large deer population. Of course, that’s not anywhere near all there is to see. The 1,000+ square mile National Park is nestled snugly into the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is also home to some spectacular cliffs – like Half Dome – if climbing is your thing, or endless meadows and trees if you’re prefer a peaceful hike through the park.
Montana: Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is arguably the most beautiful in the entire country making it the best National Park in Montana. With miles of hiking trails, backcountry camping, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, and even a casual ride – via car or bike – on Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park has a lot to offer. Take your camera, and enjoy all that big sky country has to offer.
Oregon: Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is the best National Park in Oregon. It’s not often that you get to witness such pristine beauty and visit a place deemed as sacred by the native Oregonians. Crater Lake is just what it sounds like, a giant crater. This crater was formed by the remnants of an ancient volcano, Mount Mazama and features crystal clear water which reaches 1,943 feet at its deepest point – making it the deepest lake in the United States and the 9th deepest in the entire world.
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is hands down the best National Park in Wyoming and features plenty to see and do during a typical visit. Yellowstone Falls is one of the more popular sites in the park, but the true king – and a must see attraction – is Old Faithful. Old Faithful is actually one of several geysers in the park, but it’s easily the most reliable with eruptions every 35 to 120 minutes that last from 1 to 5 minutes and can shoot boiling hot water up to 185 feet! In addition to the amazing geysers, Yellowstone also features abundant wildlife and one of the few near-fully intact ecosystems in the temperate zone of the United States. Grizzly bears, bison, elk and wolves are all regularly spotted within the park, so keep your camera handy.
Maine: Acadia National Park
Acadia is the best National Park in Maine and features rugged mountains, picturesque sunrises, and beautiful pine and deciduous forests that stretch for miles along the Atlantic coast. The park is even home to one of America’s oldest lighthouses. While visiting, you can remain as pampered or as rugged as you’d like, and whether you’d prefer facials in one of the nearby spas, or a rugged day hiking the sharp bluffs and cliffs that overlook the Atlantic, you’re in luck. Bring the family and enjoy a swim at one of the beaches during the warmer summer months or just relax and enjoy the winter snow during the harsh winter from inside your very own room at a nearby lodge.
