TIDBITS, A SERIES ON “DID YOU KNOW?” FACTS
Hiking In the USA
Top six rated hiking spots.
Vacation time means different things to different people. For some, it is an all-inclusive luxury cruise or flight to an exotic island to be pampered for a week. For others, it is a car trip across the country with the flexibility to stop at places of interest along the way. Then you have the hikers. I’ve always admired the free spirit and the desire to be “one with nature.”
Surviving off the land and only the supplies you can carry during your journey is impressive. There are so many beautiful places to hike around the world. With advanced planning, your hiking vacation can take you to exotic destinations across the globe for the cost of a week’s vacation in the States. During my research, I discovered that the top ten to fifteen hiking destinations varied depending on the reporting source. However, most had a core of destinations in common.
Did You Know The Top Six Hiking Destinations in The USA?
#1 Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State
Mt. Rainier rises 14,410 feet above sea level. It is an iconic Washington State Park with an active volcano.
- The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Visitation/Tourism peaks in July and August when the weather is dry and warm, and the wildflowers are blooming.
- The website offers detailed information on road status, trail conditions, climbing permits, weather, and wilderness permits.
- Campgrounds, picnic areas, food and lodging, and general stores are available.
I took facts from National Park Service
# 2 Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakala National Park is on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by picturesque waterfalls.
- The volcanic mountain rises 10,023 feet above sea level.
- It is possible to drive to the top of the summit, hiking is not required. The cost is $30.00 per private vehicle, the pass is good for three days.
- Reservations are required if entering the park for sunrise views. Entrance fees and reservations for a variety of activities are available.
I took facts from National Park Service
# 3 Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, just west of Washington, D.C. The park is 105 miles long.
Activities at the park include hiking, attending ranger programs, driving down Skyline Drive, and more.
Driving down Skyline Drive is a popular tourist attraction. It runs down the backbone of the park along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Special Park Note: No hunting is allowed inside Shenandoah National Park. However, several trails and gravel roads connect Shenandoah to the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area and private property where hunting is allowed. Be sure to wear blaze orange if hiking in the surrounding area during hunting season. Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to learn more about hunting regulations and seasons.
I took facts from the National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
# 4 Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is not actually a canyon. It is a sprawling reserve in southern Utah known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations.
- The most popular activity at the park is hiking.
- Other activities include:
- Backpacking, there are 30 miles of backcountry trails and 12 campsites.
- Horseback Riding
- Star Gazing, Astronomy lessons are available.
- Winter Skiing/Snowshoeing
- Shuttle Tours to avoid the congestion of tourism traffic.
- Ranger-led activities
I took facts from Park Junkie
# 5 Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park stretches for more than one million acres. Because of its overwhelming size, first-time visitors are encouraged to tackle Going-to-the-Sun Road. It is a scenic mountain pass located in the Rocky Mountains of Montanan’s Glacier National Park. It is 50 miles long with lots of twists, turns, and valleys. The Red Bus Tour is highly recommended. These iconic 1930’s era buses are a fun way to experience the park. Considered a “bucket-list” item.
- The wooden boat tours have been around for almost 100 years.
- There are over 350 structures in the park, including chalets, barracks, and hotels, that appear on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The park has 175 mountains.
I took facts from onlyinyourstate
# 6 Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
- Yosemite is famous for its giant, ancient Sequoia trees, which are estimated to be 3,000 years old.
- Yosemite is also famous for its iconic Bridalveil Fall and granite cliffs.
- There are several spectacular waterfalls in the park. The best time of year to see the waterfalls is in the spring (May and June). This is when the snowmelt is at it peak.
The waterfalls tend to run dry in August. Then they are refreshed in the fall by rainfall.
- Yosemite has a Mediterranean climate. In the summer it is very sunny and dry.
- Hiking is considered the best way to see the park and campsites are available.
- Although Yosemite is not the “official” first national park in the USA, it is said that it sets the standards for National Parks across the country. It has a very rich, iconic history.
I took facts from Treehugger
Conclusion
Whether you are a hiking enthusiast or just have a love for nature, the National Park System has something for everyone to enjoy. If you’ve never considered a National Park vacation, hopefully, these few reviews have piqued your interest. I also invite you to research the many other National Parks in the system.
I would love to hear from you if you have visited/hiked at these or other National Parks.
Thanks for reading!