While America may not have a high-speed train system to rival Japan or Germany, it does have one strong selling point that many people refer to as "America's best idea": national parks. And you may be surprised to learn that you can take trains to many of the country's best national parks, no car needed.
Long-distance Amtrak trains have all the luxury of expensive train tours, like observation cars with clear roofs, fine dining and cocktails, and comfortable sleeper berths with private showers. But Amtrak is far more affordable than most fancier tourist trains (though we do love the Rocky Mountaineer).
National parks are great places for admiring nature. That's where you'll find enjoyment, education, inspiration, and endless adventures. Unique wonders and unforgettable terrains attract millions of visitors all year long, and they don't stop to impress us.
Here's a list of the best National Parks in the USA that will leave you in awe.
1. Bryce Canyon National Park
Only a half mile from the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park all you have to do is park your rig and let the outdoor adventures begin! Besides having convenient perks such as a laundromat this park features a mini campers store and even a post office! Looking for some exciting activities? There are numerous trails where you can fill one day in Bryce Canyon with ATV rides or a more calming horseback ride.
Take a hike through Bryce Canyon and enjoy a series of natural amphitheaters. They are a stunning array of white and orange limestone columns and walls that have been sculpted over time by erosion. Evenings can be enjoyed by the parks pool and hot tub or in the park bar and grill.
2. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton in Wyoming has glittering lakes which reflect the mountains. This park offers an excellent opportunity for discovering alpine terrain and taking incredible photos. In the summer season, there’s an opportunity to hike and discover hidden waterfalls. The Snake River that runs through the park is perfect for kayaking and rafting.
This river is also attractive to fishermen and pelican-watchers. Grand Teton NP contains a range of wildlife, including black bears, antelope, and bison.
Each of the national parks have their distinct characteristics; all are worthy of exploration and appreciation. To many, Teton is only a surprise bonus to a Yellowstone visit. Because of proximity, it has climbed to become the 8th most visited of the 62 US full national parks behind Yellowstone’s number 6.
It may surprise some to learn that to many, Teton has become a destination independent of and sometimes to the exclusion of Yellowstone, it's that amazing. This could bewilder because, on the surface, viewed from a couple of turnouts on the way to or from Yellowstone, isn’t the whole attraction of Teton Park nothing more than pretty scenery of jagged mountains?
Others have probed deeper to allow there are some pleasant lakes to walk along and some amazing reflections to be photographed if you know where and when to seek them. So, maybe, half a day? The deeper, more soul-wrenching aspects of Teton aren’t for everybody nor could the greater masses appreciate them.
Teton is a complimentary counterpart to Yellowstone geologically, historically and ecologically. What happened here changed the way the world looks at preservation over conservation. It was the scene of the most contentious battle for open space in US lower 48 states history.
But here and now, how does Teton impact? To consider the Tetons only beautiful mountains is similar to watching Old Faithful and thinking, 'that was different,' or, 'hmm, disappointing, I like the yellow canyon better.' It's reducing scenery to spectacle, to entertainment value. None of the parks can compete in a contest of earth-shaking orchestrated “wow” factor to what's done every evening at Epcot Center or Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida. Parks are more subtle; Teton is even more so than Yellowstone.
Slow down. Arrive at String Lake early, before the crowds, and walk between the Leigh Lake Trailhead snd the String Lake Trailhead. Or, go north to Leigh Lake. Or, walk 1.4 kilometres from the Colter Bay Visitor Center out on a peninsula jutting into Jackson Lake.
Hike 6.4 km total to Bradley and Taggart Lakes, right underneath the tallest Tetons. In May there's too much snow; but that works too if you’re prepared. June through September there’s too many people, hence the early start, with the sun. If you walk up a canyon or up a bit of elevation, your sense of the dimensionality of terrain increases.
With exertion, hydrating and fueling yourself of course, prepared for the unexpected, your senses open up. You feel more alive because at this point you are. Now is the time the wisps of cloud between the spires can speak to you.
Now, the scents upon the breeze, the sound of the rushing stream, the colours of various delicate flowers, the unexpected sight of watermelon snow, a marmot, pika, deer or moose, a tiny bird you wouldn’t have noticed the day before, the changing weather or lighting with the hour, and many other unbilled players in this largely unknown theatre of quiet spectacle can reach your heart and change you.
There is so much more going on here than the people out on the highway imagine. This is a very special place. It's one which changed the world. It has the power to invigourate and revitalise you, too. But you need to slow down, get out early, breathe deeply. See deeply. Feel magnificence. It's all about you, here.
Yellowstone and the Grand Teton are among the most beautiful places in the world! Drive off to Grand Teton National Park, home to some of the youngest mountains! Grand Teton National Park is a great place for summer vacations. You can enjoy outdoor activities like boating, fishing and horseback riding here.
3. Zion National Park
Utah has the third most national parks of any State in the US. Welcome to Zion National Park, a treasure of the West! Make your way to the Narrows, explore the Outback and end in Bryce Canyon, famed for its multi-colored rock pinnacles called 'hoodoo'.
If you like visiting National parks, consider Zion. This is a popular place that you must visit at least once in your life. Simply gorgeous, Zion offers you the chance to go kayaking or to explore the canyons. At this site you have easy access to Zion National Park, Quail Creek State Park, Red Cliffs State Park, and Sand Hollow State Park.
With friendly staff, large sites, and beautiful shade trees, you can easily slip into vacation mode. The park also features a shower house, laundry facility, a clubhouse with a library and a large pavilion and picnic area. There are fantastic ATV trails just minutes away, and where the park is situated there is less wind and cooler temperatures, so relaxation is at its finest.
Zion National Park is a jewel of Utah with a fantastic colorful canyon that attracts millions of visitors each year. Here, you'll have the opportunity to admire breathtaking views and massive sandstone formations of cream, pink, and red color. You'll also be able to explore twisty caves or experience one of the best camping spots in Utah and enjoy many outdoor adventures. Zion National Park is home to a unique array of plants and animals, as well.
There are both short hikes and long hikes in Zion National Park. Visit the website for information about them. In Zion Canyon itself, there are a lot of popular hikes that range from easy to strenuous. There are shuttle buses running continuously through Zion Canyon taking people to the many short walks and trailheads along the way.
The Virgin River Narrows hike starts at the north end of the canyon along river among trees surrounded by the high cliffs of the canyon. The paved walkway eventually ends and one can continue in the shallow river itself up the narrows. It’s beautiful, and maybe the only cool hike in the park during the hot summer months.
But if you want to get away from the crowds, the Kolob section of the park fifteen or more miles to the north offers some great long high desert hikes. Take plenty of water. Zion National Park might be a bit of a stretch, but is one of the most popular National Parks in the USA and perfect for a cooling hike upstream.
4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Park in Ohio is one of the best National Parks in the USA, according to many. Gorgeous waterfalls, caves, lush forests, and interesting rock formations are just some of the things you can expect to see here. The park offers numerous hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, and a golf course. Adventurous visitors will be happy to learn the Cuyahoga River is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
On the other hand, the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad is excellent for enjoying a scenic ride. You can easily spot eagles, deer, beavers, and otters passing by.
5. Kings Canyon National Park
Hike through Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks in California. Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular hikes when it comes to Sierras. With lakes, greens and mountains all around, this place is as serene as a place can be. About 8 miles into hiking through the dense forest around the Lake, you will come across a camping site where you can stay and rest for the night.
According to an article, you can either camp at the Upper Paradise valley, Middle Paradise valley or the Lower Paradise Valley. Going ahead in your trail, you can also camp at the area surrounding the Lake. When it comes to food, you can either eat instant snacks or fast foods that need minimal cooking with the help of a bonfire.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a place of magical beauty. Hiking trails surrounded by pine and spruce trees are the highlight of this park. What makes this place truly spectacular is the combined beauty of snowcapped peaks, picturesque meadows, serene valleys, and meandering rivers. You can breathe in the refreshing mountain air, enjoy lakes, and see beautifully colored wildflowers.
The lucky ones may even spot some wild animals, such as bighorn sheep. If you're a nature lover planning to settle in another State, you should consider Colorado. This state has an unparalleled natural beauty all around – in addition to the National Park territories.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spread over North Carolina, and Tennessee is among the most-visited national parks in the U.S. The park offers a diverse range of sights. There's everything from impressive rivers, waterfalls, spruce-fir forests, and blooming wildflowers to a population of black bears. If you visit the Clingman’s Dome observation tower, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the whole mountain range.
You simply cannot travel to Tennessee without spending some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The most popular national park in the United States is not only the place to see prehistoric trees. There are impressive and romantic mountains and a whole host of stunning wildlife.
It is also the place to get active in the great outdoors with horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, cycling and camping activities all available within its bounds. Plants growing on plants, the water is so plentiful. Even the air is saturated, hence the smokey look and the origin of the name—so great is the respiration going on. Beautiful thick forest stands. Some welcome open meadows. The Appalachian Trail follows the Tennessee and North Carolina border ridge line. The Smokey Mountains are terrific for hiking or just for being there.
If you are longing for a trip in timeless natural splendor resting in the cabins, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place for you. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in USA. The immense forest between North Carolina and Tennessee exceeds almost twice as many visits to the second in the top ten, the Grand Canyon of Colorado.
Another attraction is the presence of around 1,500 black bears that roam freely in these mountains. The best time to travel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina is from April to October. The park service charges a camping fee, but the rates are minimal.
8. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, located in New Hampshire, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. This park encompasses and preserves the home, gardens, and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens - the famous American sculptor. This is where he spent time producing some of his best work. Therefore, the whole area feels pretty inspirational.
There are two hiking trails for exploring and exciting exhibits for art lovers to check. No matter if you're local or a tourist - you should visit this wonderful gem. Furthermore, the team from mybrooksmoving.com says that this park is very highly rated by newcomers in the area.
Conclusion
The USA has many incredible places all over the country. You can spend a whole lifetime exploring them while traveling through different climates and landscapes. When it comes to the best National Parks in the USA, they are all very different and varied. So, you won't regret it if you put more of them on your bucket list.
And, the best of all - no matter where you live or which state you're visiting, there's at least one national park close by, waiting to be discovered.