Some people dream about taking big trips across borders. Not you. You appreciate the natural wonders that can be found right in your backyard.
You understand that America is a large and diverse country that deserves exploration because there’s so much more to do here than meets the eye. And the U.S. national parks are a great place to start. Why? Well, they’ll give you a flavor of different adventures available in the various landscapes of this beautiful country.
The only question left to ask is, which national park will you visit first?
Honestly, it’s not an easy answer. The first park you visit will be based on a number of factors that you’ll need to consider.
Tips to Pick Your First National Park
Here are some tips for selecting which national park to visit first.
Budget
When you’re thinking about which national park to visit, your budget will play a major role. If you live in New York and have a small budget, you may not be able to visit Yellowstone National Park this year. Instead, maybe you plan a road trip to Letchworth State Park. It’s not as well-known, but this park that’s dubbed “the Grand Canyon of the East,” is breathtaking nonetheless.
Transportation
If you’re going on a cross-country road trip, you may want to do it in an RV, an Airstream or with a camper. You can make the trek in a car or SUV, but it may not be as comfortable. Either way, it’s crucial that you visit a service and parts center before you go. You want to ensure you get to your destination safely, so this becomes the first of many trips to national parks.
Interests
National parks are about as diverse as our nation, and regardless of which state you choose to explore, you can find a park that suits your interest. There really are parks to suit a diverse array of interests.
Arts, Culture and History
If you’re interested in arts and culture, you’ve got lots of options such as the First Ladies National Historic Site in Ohio, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Nebraska, Manassas National Battlefield Park in Virginia, or the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C. There are over 100 national parks that could scratch your itch for arts and culture. All you have to do is find the right fit.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Did you know that 39 national parks offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities. The list includes parks like Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, and Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland.
Caving
You can have the opportunity to partake in this unique activity at 16 national parks across the country. Such parks include Buffalo National River in Arkansas, Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, and Great Basin National Park in Nevada.
Fly Fishing
If fly fishing is your thing, you can visit any of 19 national parks to get your fix. You can fly fish at parks like Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is an exciting adventure, and it just might make the ideal activity for a first national park visit. If that sounds good to you, head to Alabama Scenic River Trail, Canyonlands National Park in Utah, Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado, or any of the 12 other national parks that offer whitewater rafting.
Wildflowers
If you like seeing nature at its most colorful, there is several amazing national parks for wildflowers, such as Shenandoah National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. Most of those parks burst into an explosion of color after the snow has melted and winter rains have subsided in spring. A state park that’s also phenomenal to see wildflowers is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California.
Wildlife
Another thing that makes the national parks in America so extraordinary is the opportunity to see iconic wildlife. Especially the parks in the West are well-known for their wildlife, which includes American bison, wolves, black bears and grizzly bears, and moose. Examples of those parks are Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The ultimate wildlife watching experience awaits in Alaska, though!
There are too many interests and parks to cover here, but if you’re looking for the perfect match for your location and interests, check out FindYourPark.com. Find Your Park is a collaboration between the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service.
Once you figure out your budget and desired activities, the rest should come easy. There are so many amazing state parks in this nation, too, that you won’t have any trouble finding a park that’s perfect for a first visit. The only problem you may have is narrowing your selection down to just one!