National Park
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Blue Ridge Parkway- VA & NC
Every region has its season, and the East owns fall. It is far too humid in the summer, and for the most part far too cold in the winter. Spring is alright, but all that rain makes it unpredictable. But in early fall, a time of apples, crisp weather and changing leaves, the East shines. And while there are many places up and down the coast you can peep the leaves, for those who love the open road, nothing compares to the Blue Ridge Parkway and its sweeping mountain vistas.
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Zion National Park- Springdale, UT
I recently read that Zion National Park may have to start limiting admission due to surging crowd numbers. I believe it. It is obscenely beautiful, and one of the most peaceful places on earth. It is impossible to return home without beautiful pictures, unless you just didn’t take any. Should everyone visit this park? Absolutely. But everyone does not need to do so during the three months of summer. Fall is an absolutely fabulous time to visit; hiking temperatures are perfect, and you will have many trails to yourself. At least more than you would have had during the summer in any event.
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Hot Springs National Park- Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs is a truly unique National Park. Sure, they all are, but typically you expect to encounter more nature and less architecture in your park experience. While there are no majestic vistas, soaring mountains, or protected species in Hot Springs, there are the eponymous springs themselves, and the wonderfully varied bathhouses from a different era to preserve and protect.
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Death Valley National Park- Death Valley, CA
Vast. Desolate. Harsh. Diverse. Beautiful. All those adjectives, and more. A geologist’s dream, Death Valley is without a doubt one of the most interesting National Parks in the United States.
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Bryce Canyon National Park- Bryce, UT
In one word, hoodoos. Thousands and thousands of hoodoos stand silent, watching as you hike down into the canyon. A dreamscape like no other, your first glance will leave you speechless.
