Situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota, an area of invaluable cultural significance to the Lakota people, Wind Cave National Park preserves sprawling prairie landscapes, the historical home of plains animals like prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, pronghorn, and bison. The park also encompasses one of the longest and most complex caves on Earth—Wind Cave was…
Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) in Glacier National Park is easily one of the greatest national park experiences in the United States. This high-elevation mountain road cuts through the heart of the park, passing by numerous trailheads and epic viewpoints, attracting thousands of visitors every day in summer. In this post, I’ll focus on what…
Situated on the shimmering shores of Florida Bay, Flamingo is the southernmost of the four main tourist areas in Everglades National Park. It’s located near the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Flamingo sits at the end of the popular Main Park Road, which runs from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center all the way…
More than 500 miles of hiking trails zigzag and crisscross their way over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. From easy strolls to strenuous mountain ascents, the variety in day hikes in Shenandoah National Park allows pretty much every visitor to experience the great outdoors.
In southwestern South Dakota, a huge collection of multicolored rock formations sits within sprawling prairie, providing a home to one of America’s largest federal bison herds. Although its name implies otherwise, “there is nothing bad about Badlands National Park,” the National Park Service says. “In fact, it should be called ‘goodlands.’ For it is a…
During the spring calving and fall mating seasons, elk can be particularly dangerous. This post offers useful information about how to stay safe while observing and recreating near elk. Following these elk safety tips will ensure that your elk viewing experience is a safe and successful one.
The centerpiece and crown jewel of Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful is by far the most visited single attraction in the park. Innumerable other hydrothermal features dot the Upper Geyser Basin too, from fumaroles to hot springs, many of which are visible from trails and boardwalks. Old Faithful, however, is the star of the show,…
A park renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, expansive views, waterfalls, and wildflowers, Mount Rainier National Park attracts day visitors, campers, and backpackers alike. Many people come to enjoy the park’s incredible mountain scenery, whether while auto touring, cycling, or hiking. One of the biggest drawcards of Mount Rainier is its magnificent panoramic views, which can…
the various day hikes in Acadia National Park bring outdoor enthusiasts to remote surf-pounded beaches, to the bare summits of coastal mountains or deep into the forests that cover part of Mount Desert Island.
From April to June, wildflower hikes dominate outdoor recreation in the Columbia River Gorge. Both in Washington and Oregon, there are a number of trails that run across meadows and hills covered in colorful balsamroot, Indian paintbrush, lupines and more.
One of the most popular U.S. national parks, Zion National Park in southwestern Utah is a place of amazing scenery, rugged terrain, unique geological formations, and stunning views. One of the best ways to take in the majesty of the park is through its scenic overlooks and viewpoints, which offer breathtaking views of Zion Canyon,…
The sagebrush flats, ponds, streams, and mountains of Grand Teton National Park are prime bear habitat. Both black and grizzly bears call Grand Teton home, thriving in the park’s varied ecosystems and present in virtually all areas. Some parts of the park, however, are simply better than others to view these magnificent animals in the…
Situated on the south slope of Mount Rainier, Paradise is arguably the most popular visitor area in Mount Rainier National Park. It is usually open year-round, covered in wildflowers in summer, boasting beautiful fall foliage in autumn, and providing various winter sports activities in winter. At Paradise, you’ll find everything from the park’s main visitor center and…
The centerpiece and namesake of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, the Teton Range is one of America’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges. Few national parks have such amazing mountain vistas as Grand Teton National Park, which is thanks mainly to the absence of any foothills. Instead, due to their location at the so-called Teton Fault and…