The 10 best national parks that must be on your list of buckets

From Acadia to Shenandoah, these national parks are worth a visit this summer.


Now that summer has arrived, it's the perfect time to startVacation to one of the 63 superb national parks in the country.

While each park offers its own reasons to visit, whether it is a unique visualization of fauna, such as America sheep from Badlands National Park, a unique opportunity, such as seeing the lava flowing in the volcano national park 'Hawai'i, or the navigation of pleasure alongside crocodiles in the Everglades - Some parks will always be more popular than the others.

Yellowstone National Park, the country's first national park and one of the most famous in the system, is an extremely popular summer holiday destination, recording4.8 million visitors in 2021. Unfortunately, for travelers this summer, a large part of the park remains closed as it hassuffering from extreme floods, Giving some summer travel plans. But, in order not to fear - there are dozens of other parks that can be part of your travel plan this year.

Here are some of the best national parks that must be on your list of buckets. And then do not miss the10 best American islands you don't need a passport for.

1
Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock

When you imagine a national park, you probably imagine a mountain range or a large open -air open area. But, some of the most interesting parks in the country are not at all located outside ... Instead, they are underground, like New MexicoCarlsbad Caverns National Park.

The park, located in the Guadalupe mountains, contains more than 100 different caves.

"The master bedroom, called in an appropriate way, is the largest cave room in North America in volume, about four thousand feet long, 625 feet wide and 255 feet high at its highest point," explainsAlex Tiffany, a travel planner and blogger atJust go explore. "The caves contain thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, some of which measure more than 60 feet."

Caves are not the only reasons why travelers are traveling in the south of New Mexico: the park also has aBat flight program Where visitors can watch bats go to the sky every night at sunset.

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2
New River Gorge National Park

New River Gorge National Park
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Although it is appointed for the New River that crosses the Park, New River Gorge National Park is also aptly named because it is the last national park in the country and the state of Virginia-Western.The park, which does not charge entry fees, covers 70,000 acres from the Appalachian mountains and is an excellent basis for participating in activities such as bright water rafting and, of course, hiking.

"[The park is] imbued with rich history and outdoor leisure, including hiking, mountain biking, climbing and rafting in lively water," explainsGrace guess, a main account framework atBvk, a public relations company specializing in travel.

New River Gorge National Park has been redesigned from a national river to the park which it is currently in 2021, and it regularly presentsguided hikes Along the river led by the park's rangers.

"The park also encompasses the new river, which is one of the oldest rivers on the continent, and the third arc bridge at a single range of the world, extending on 3,030 feet and seated at 876 above the New River Gorge - By making the second highest vehicle bridge in Le Monde. You can even cross the podium under the bridge, which takes you to 1.25 miles from the other. "

3
Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park
David Samuel / Shutterstock

When you imagine a trip to a national park, you probably do not imagine a vacation at the tropical beach, but this is what you can get in the Virgin Islands National Park, which is located on the US virgin Islands of the the Caribbean Sea.

"C Restant than half of the island of Saint-Jean in the American virgin islands, you can relax on some of the best beaches in the world," saidKristin Young travel siteSubscribe and hike.

A trip to the Virgin Islands National Park is not only a day on the beach. Well, it can be. But it can also be much more, because the park offers pleasure, apnea and old diving. It is also one of the least frequent and more underestimated parks, with only304,000 Visitors in 2018, since it is a little more difficult to travel than certain continental parks.

"This will require a little more work to get there, because you will have to go to St. Thomas, then take a ferry in Saint-Jean, but it is worth it for such a unique national park experience," said Young.

4
Biscayne National Park

Lighthouse at Biscayne National Park
Nyker / Shutterstock

There is something about the Florida Keys who gives the impression that a different world, and there is something in the Biscayne National Park, located in the keys, which also helps it to the rest of the country's parks : It is almost entirely underwater. Approximately 95% ofthe park is presented on water, and some of the best activities to do, there are coral reefs, kayaking or participants in one of the parksguided tours, like snorkeling after the shipwreck.

"Biscayne Bay is a sailor sanctuary that houses the Lamantins, Turtles, Exotic Fish and Sweat", explainsKACY Matthews ofK. Sutherland Pr, A company that focuses on travel and lifestyle.

One of the reasons why the park is underestimated is that it can be a little difficult to reach, because the majority is underwater, but Matthews says that the park quickly becomes more accessible.

"The journey to the park can be a little trying, but the Biscayne National Park Institute offers a new diving adventure at the Coco which takes visitors to Dinner Key Marina and takes them to the Bay and in the Biscayne National Park", said Matthews.

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5
Lasen volcanic national park

Lassen Volcanic National Park
Joshua Hawley / Shutterstock

One of the nine national parks in California, the Lasen volcanic national park, not far from Redding, is one of the most unique places in the country. The characteristics of the stars of the park are its volcanoes, and it is the only place in the world where the four types of volcanoes (shield, dome of sheet, ash and composite cone) are visible.

"The volcanic national park of Lasen has incredible mountain landscapes that recall Yosemite, as well as fascinating thermal wonders similar to Yellowstone with just a small fraction of visitors", explainsNicole Ayllon, destination marketing atInternational Development Advisors.

During the summer, the park is not only great to explore during the day - it has a storageStarry night program and an annualBlack sky festival, a three -day event filled with stars and astronomical activities.

"Although Lassen Park is open all year round, access is generally limited from December to May," said Ayllon. "An excellent cross -country skiing is available, as well as interpretation visits led by Park Rangers. During the hot summer months in Redding, enjoy hiking, star, cycling, swimming and swimming and swimming and swimming and swimming Moreover."

6
Lac Crater National Park

Crater Lake National Park
Pierre Leclerc / Shutterstock

Located in the Oregon Cascade mountains, the Lac Crater National Park is appointed for exactly what it looks like: a lake almost 2,000 feet deep formed in the crater on the left after a volcanic explosion. The water is extraordinarily clear because there are no rivers flowing in or out of it.

"Seven millennia of rain and snow cast iron filled the crater, which led to one of the clearest bodies of water in the world," explainsEmele Hibdon, a representative of public relations forTravel southern Oregon. "Scientists have measured the clarity of the water up to 120 feet."

Although you can sit down and be memorized by crystal clear water all day, there is also an abundance of other activities to participate, such as hiking and vision of fauna. Or, if you prefer to drive, take out a business on Rim Drive, a road that goes around the lake and is over 25 overhangs.

"The Lac Crater National Park has 183,224 acres of mountains, peaks, old forests, volcanic fumaroles, two waterfalls and the lake," explains Hibdon. "Large -scale elevations throughout the park provide various habitats for a range of fauna and make an outdoor laboratory and an exceptional class."

RELATED: The best national park of each state.

7
Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park
Tomasz Wozniak / Shutterstock

If you are looking for aThrones Kind of decor with ice fields, sharp mountain peaks and a large ocean, then look no further than Kenai Fjords National Park, which houses around 35glacier.

"Kenai Fjords National Park in the Alaska Center-Sud offers an incredible mix of activities based on earth and water," explainsGaby Pilson, an outdoor educator and climbing instructor. "In the Kenai fjords, you can hike at the bottom of a solid glacier, browse the edge of the largest ice field which is fully contained in the United States, and do boat trips to see orcas, Strong whales and Steller's Sea Lions. "

The park is one of the eight national parks in Alaska; He follows California by one for the title of most national parks in an individual state. Compared to some of the other Alaska parks, Kenai Fjords, located just outside Seward, Alaska, is one of the easiest parks.

"It is relatively easy to get to Alaska parks," said Pilson. "There is a road that leads there directly from the city of Seward, and you can also do boat excursions from Seward."

8
Rocky Mountain National Park

Elk at Rocky Mountain National Park
Alfie / Shutterstock photography

By far, the most popular rocky national park isYellowstone National Park, which saw nearly 5 million visitors in 2021. But, head a little further south on the range and you will run in the 415 square miles of the Rocky Mountain National Park, located just outside the Estes Park , Colorado.

One of the highlights of the park is that he understands something for each traveler, according toSteve Warren ofCoffee cards. "The adventurous backpacker could hike for weeks both on new trails, the rock climber will find difficult routes, those with limited mobility will find accessible trails and families will find fauna and ice cream to Proximity, "says Warren, adding that the proximity of Park with the city of Estes Park facilitates the search for a hotel to stay and a restaurant to visit.

Wildlife viewing is also one of the advantages of the park's visit (which is about 90 minutes by car from Denver), because Bigorn sheep appear throughout the summer and Wapitis and moose can be seen all The year.

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9
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park
Vladimir Grablev / Shutterstock

It is only 75 miles from Washington D.C., but the tranquility ofShenandoah National Park feels like a world far from the national capital. The park, located in the Virginia Blue Ridge mountains, has more than 500 miles of trails for hikers of all levels.

"Nestled between the Shenandoah valley and the Piedmont region, this land overflows with cascades in cascades, flora and various fauna and windy peaks," saidBarbie Mission, a travel research analyst atTrip 101. "It also has mountains with unique formations dominating more than 4,000 feet high. With peaceful wooded valleys, hiking trails adapted to children and swimming holes, it is an ideal place to visit, especially for families."

The park also houses a section of the Appalachian trail, so you can either hike a day, or arrive and hike in the park for days with other travelers. If you don't want to hike too much, you can also take a look in the park.

"One thing that distinguishes this slice of paradise from other parks is Skyline Drive, the only public road that crosses the park," explains Mission. "This picturesque path offers several overhangs, including the view of the range and Spitler Knoll where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of nature."

10
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park
Alexey Stiop / Shutterstock

There are a lot of first associates at the Acadia National Park. It is the first park in alphabetical order, the first (and the only) park in New England, and one of the first places where the sun rises in the country, which makes it an ideal place for travelers who like Look at sunrise in extraordinarily magnificent environments.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"One of the best places in sunrise can be found here in Acadia, at the top of Cadillac Mountain", explains New EnglandSamantha Hamilton. "It is actually one of the very first places to see the sun rise on the horizon every morning in the whole United States, and you can either go hiking at the top, or drive the car for an experience easier and more carefree. "

Hamilton recommends visiting the park in the fall to see the leaves when they change color (something that New England is famous) and avoid a large part of the summer crowds that pack the park each year.

"The con to visit Acadia National Park is that during the summer, it's incredibly busy," said Hamilton. "The New Englanders live for the summer season after a cold and potentially rainy winter and cold spring.

Ideally, the park is open all year round and is classified as the third best place in the world to visit in October inUS News & World report.

For more news and travel advice, consultThe best tourist attraction of each state.


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