Yosemite National Park, California
The Sierra Nevada Mountains of California are known for their waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, mountain peaks, and glaciers – and guess which national park in the US has all of these combined! Yosemite ranks as one of the top national parks in the US for the sheer scale of its features and biological diversity.
The U-shaped valley called Tunnel View is one of the most striking locations in the park and a scenic camping location from where you can set off on climbing and hiking trails. These will take you to spots overlooking cliffs, green meadows, or even high-altitude lakes. Popular trails are along Glacier Road and Tioga road.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Heading to Florida to get some sun and sand can never go wrong. But apart from the beaches, if you‘re up for an adventure through a tropical wetland brimming with exotic animals, the Everglades National Park will not disappoint. It is probably one of the few national parks in the US that can give you the ‘Africa experience’ close to home!
You‘ll be forgiven if you thought of the Everglades as just a big swamp – it‘s actually the third–largest national park in the mainland US. It is home to three unique types of ecosystems: mangroves, sawgrass prairies, and cypress forests. You‘ll find that its nickname – River of Grass – is quite fitting!
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
When you think of “hot springs,” Yellowstone is the first thing that comes to mind! It would be a shame not to visit the first declared national park in the United States (and possibly the world) at least once in your lifetime. It is best known for the Yellowstone Supervolcano, which is currently classified as active and is expected to erupt in the near future. Is it dangerous enough to warrant a trip?
Of course, there’s Old Faithful, the geyser that has erupted approximately every 45 minutes since 2000. A popular challenge here is to try to capture the eruption in a photograph – it’s more difficult than you think!
Acadia National Park, Maine
If there was ever a national park in the United States that had the perfect blend of coastal charm and accessibility, this is it. Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s Northeastern Atlantic seaboard, is the ideal antidote to city life, with its spruce and fir forests, humid climate, and heady sea breezes.
The sunrise from Cadillac Mountain peak is breathtaking – the ideal reason for an early morning hike! You can also rent a car and take the Park Loop Road if you prefer to enjoy the scenic coastal route. Don’t miss a stop at the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the ocean.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
No list of national parks in the United States is complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon, a perennial favourite! It is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, with over six million visitors each year. It is one of the eight natural wonders of the world. The iconic gorges, ridges, and rock formations carved into the red stone landscape by the Colorado River have become world famous.
But it’s more than just a picturesque location – adventure is the name of the game here! The hiking trails are the most popular attraction, with many visitors taking on the rugged Arizona landscape.