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Activities
There is no better way to get to know a park than by heading out into the backcountry and going backpacking. Getting away from the more heavily populated areas and surrounding yourself in the true wilderness of any park is the most rewarding experience and a true way of getting outdoors. The serenity and calm of the great outdoors is best experienced with a backpack on your back and a bivy under the big night sky. This is the ultimate way to enjoy any park that has backcountry areas and wilderness.
For the more adventurous park visitors, climbing is a very popular activity in many parks. There are restrictions but as long as you abide by the rules by the National Park Service, climbing in parks are probably some of the most rewarding places to really dig your fingers in. Spectacular views, stunning scenery and a true feeling of the great outdoors perched up on one of the most famous rocks in the United States is an experience to treasure for a lifetime. So pack up your climbing harnesses and ascenders and plan your next climbing adventure in a park!
Cross-Country Skiing is a very popular activity done in the US National Parks and Monuments. Rocky Mountain National Park is an extremely popular destination as well as places like Acadia or Glacier National Parks.
Leaf Peeping is a common reason for traveling to the National Parks during Fall. The colors of Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah explode in reds, yellows and oranges. The aspens of the Rocky Mountains cover the mountains is a brilliant golden yellow glow.
National Parks, Monuments, BLM Sites, Forest Service, your local State Parks as well as other federal and local public lands are excellent places to go hiking. Hiking is a wonderful way to stay healthy and fit. Exploring parks on foot is one of the best ways to get to know your parks. The majority of visitors don’t usually explore past scenic viewpoints or short walks so going further and venturing into a park will always be a much more rewarding experience. The best experiences are typically day hikes so bring your backpack, food and water bottle and go explore your parks on foot!
Whitewater rafting is a popular way to experience the US National Parks' remote canyons. From origins high in the Rocky Mountains, the Green and Yampa Rivers wind their way across sagebrush covered plains before entering this outstretched arm of the Unita Mountains. Rivers and lakes offer adventurous routes through some of the country's most remarkable landscapes by canoe or kayak, including views you just can't see from land.
Whether you are a professional photographer or just starting out with your new camera, you can't ask for better scenery or subjects of that of National Parks, Monuments, local State Parks and other Federal Parks. These protected places offer everything from majestic scenery to the very unique photography challenges. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to take advantage of much photography opportunities in parks but places like Yellowstone are a photographers playground and can get shocking images during any time of the day.
Looking to plan a scenic trip in the US? Our pre-planned road trip suggestions take you through some of America's most stunning national parks. Our road trips are designed to help you put together your own route.
Snowshoeing is an excellent way to explore the US National Parks during winter. Most trails are very accommodating to this sport and makes for a great way to enjoy the parks with the family for a winter parks adventure.
Wildflower blooms are one of the most popular reasons travelers from all around the world come to visit the National Parks. From the gorgeous wildflower blooms in the valleys of Rocky Mountain National Park or Glacier National Park to the rare and stunning blooms at Death Valley National Park.
Parks offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities anyone could ask for. While some parks are home to more rare species or more elusive animals, some parks also can offer predictable viewing experiences like Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Depending on what type of wildlife you are hoping to see, mornings and evenings are typically the best times to view wildlife. Larger animals tend to be more commonly seen in mountainous parks while small critters can often be seen in much more varied parks. See more about wildlife viewing in parks.
Maine ocean islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic puffins in the United States. Eastern Egg Rock in the midcoast region, Seal Island and Matinicus Rock at the mouth of Penobscot Bay, and Machias Seal Island and Petit Manan Island off the downeast coast provide habitat for more than 4,000 puffins each summer.