Exploring national parks in the United States is an incredible way to experience some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country. From the dramatic cliffs of Yosemite to the colorful sandstone arches in Utah, each park has its own unique vibe and story to tell.
Whether you’re hiking through the misty trails of the Great Smoky Mountains or gazing into the endless expanse of the Grand Canyon, visiting these parks feels like stepping into nature’s most amazing artwork. It’s not just about the views either – it’s about the thrill of adventure, the peace of being outdoors, and the memories you’ll make along the way.
Explore my blog posts to plan your next epic national park adventure! From top hiking trails to detailed travel guides, I share practical tips and personal stories to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly hikes or thrilling summit climbs, you’ll find all the inspiration and information you need to create unforgettable national park experiences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Entrance Fee: No entry fee, but parking tags are required.
Size: Covers about 522,000 acres, making it the largest national park in the eastern U.S.
Highest Elevation: Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the highest peak at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters).
Popular Hikes: Alum Cave Trail, Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), and Abrams Falls Trail.
Popular Waterfall Hikes: Laurel Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Grotto Falls.
Scenic Drives: Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove Loop Road, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Gatlinburg (TN), Pigeon Forge (TN), Cherokee (NC), Bryson City (NC), Townsend (TN).
Recent Blog Posts – Great Smokies
Hike Chimney Tops in Smoky Mountains: Beginner’s Guide
Embark on one of the most iconic hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Chimney Tops! Covering 3.8 miles (roundtrip), this trail features a…
Grotto Falls: Must-see Waterfall in Smoky Mountains
Grotto Falls is a breathtaking and unique waterfall hike nestled in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Trillium Gap Trail winds through…
Yosemite National Park
Location: Central California within the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: The park spans 750,000 acres (approximately 1,187 square miles).
Highest Elevation: Mount Lyell is the highest point at 13,114 feet (3,997 m).
Famous Landmarks: Half Dome, El Capitan, California Tunnel Tree, Yosemite Falls, Tuolumne Meadows.
Popular Hikes: Half Dome, John Muir Trail, Mist Trail (Vernal Fall), Panorama Trail, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Four Mile Trail, Clouds Rest, Upper Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake.
Popular Waterfall Hikes: Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Wapama Falls.
Scenic Drives: Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road.
Nearby Towns/Cities: El Portal, Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Mammoth Lakes, Lee Vining, Mariposa, Fish Camp.
Recent Blog Posts – Yosemite
Wapama Falls: Must-do Hike in Hetch Hetchy
Get ready to experience the beauty of Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy with this detailed hiking guide! This unforgettable trek is a must for anyone…
Visit Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite: A Complete Guide
Planning a trip to Hetch Hetchy but not sure where to begin? Don’t worry – this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know, including…
How to Hike Upper Yosemite Falls: The Ultimate Guide
The hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is a must for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Yosemite! Check out this blog post for all the…
Top Yosemite Travel Guides
Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Northern Arizona spanning across the Colorado Plateau.
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: The park covers over 1.2 million acres (around 1,900 square miles).
Highest Elevation: The highest points are found at Point Imperial on the North Rim (8,803 feet) and Navajo Point on the South Rim (7,498 feet).
Famous Viewpoints: South Rim – Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Yaki Point, Grandview Point, Hopi Point, Ooh Ah Point, Plateau Point. North Rim – Redwall Bridge, Angel’s Window, Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial.
Popular Hikes: Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and North Kaibab Trail.
Scenic Drives: Desert View Drive (East Rim Drive), Hermit’s Road, Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Tusayan, Williams, Kingman, Flagstaff, Page.
Recent Blog Posts – Grand Canyon
Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon: Ultimate Guide
The Bright Angel Trail, one of the most iconic hiking routes in Grand Canyon National Park, offers a breathtaking journey into the heart of this…
Joshua Tree National Park
Location: Southeastern California spanning parts of both the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: The park covers 795,000 acres (approximately 1,240 square miles).
Highest elevation: Quail Mountain is the highest peak at 5,816 feet (1,773 m).
Popular Hikes: Hidden Valley Trail, Ryan Mountain Trail, Barker Dam Trail, Cholla Cactus Garden, Split Rock Trail, Arch Rock Trail, Wallstreet Mill.
Famous Rock Formations: Arch Rock, Heart Rock, Skull Rock, Split Rock, Face Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Wonderland of Rocks.
Scenic Drives: Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree’s North Entrance Road, Cottonwood Spring Road.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree.
Recent Blog Posts – Joshua Tree
Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree: Ultimate Guide
Discover one of the most captivating spots in Joshua Tree National Park: the Cholla Cactus Garden. This unique garden is teeming with the iconic teddy…
![Split Rock Trail in Joshua Tree [beginner’s guide]](https://adventureplanningqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Split-Rock-Trail-in-Joshua-Tree_Featured-Image-600x600.jpg)
Split Rock Trail in Joshua Tree [beginner’s guide]
The Split Rock Trail is a captivating 2.5-mile loop that takes you through Joshua Tree’s diverse landscape of towering boulders, winding sand paths, and iconic…
Wall Street Mill: Historical Hike in Joshua Tree
Head to Joshua Tree National Park and embark on the scenic Wall Street Mill Trail. This short yet captivating hike takes you through a rich…
Sequoia National Park
Location: Central California within the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: Covers approximately 404,000 acres (631 square miles).
Highest Elevation: 14,500 feet (4,420 meters) at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.
Famous Landmarks: General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Mount Whitney, Crystal Cave, Tunnel Log.
Popular Hikes: Big Trees Trail, Congress Trail, General Sherman Tree Trail, Tokopah Falls, Moro Rock, Lakes Trail, Marble Falls.
Scenic Drives: Generals Highway.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Three Rivers, Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Woodlake, Porterville.
Recent Blog Posts – Sequoia
Lakes Trail: Most Scenic Hike in Sequoia National Park
The Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park is a breathtaking adventure that invites you to immerse yourself in California’s stunning natural beauty. This incredible hike…
Shenandoah National Park
Location: The park stretches along the eastern side of the Shenandoah Valley within the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle – valid for 7 days. (America the Beautiful Pass grants entry)
Size: Approximately 200,000 acres (311 square miles).
Highest Elevation: Hawksbill Summit is the highest point at 4,050 feet.
Popular Hikes: Old Rag Mountain, Hawksbill Summit, Stony Man, Mary’s Rock, Bearfence Mountain, Blackrock Summit.
Popular Waterfall Hikes: Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls, Cedar Run Falls, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, South River Falls.
Scenic Drives: Skyline Drive.
Nearby Towns/Cities: Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, Staunton, Crozet, Luray, Front Royal.
Recent Blog Posts – Shenandoah
Whiteoak Canyon Falls in Virginia: Best Hiking Guide
The Whiteoak Canyon Trail showcases a series of six stunning waterfalls, while the Cedar Run Trail offers its own enchanting cascades and natural swimming holes.…
![How to Hike Stony Man in Virginia [guide + tips]](https://adventureplanningqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Stony-Man_Featured-Image-600x600.jpg)
How to Hike Stony Man in Virginia [guide + tips]
Looking for a short, easy hike with some of the most breathtaking views in Virginia? Stony Man in Shenandoah National Park is the perfect choice!…
Hike Bearfence Mountain in Virginia: Beginner’s Guide
Bearfence Mountain is one of the most thrilling and rewarding hikes in Shenandoah National Park, offering a unique combination of adventure and stunning views. For…