Our national parks showcase the diverse and beautiful landscapes America has to offer. From the vast desert terrain of Death Valley to the rugged coastal wilderness of Acadia, there are over 400 national parks across the country for you to explore and reconnect with nature.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. To help celebrate a century of protecting America’s natural treasures, all 127 National Parks that normally charge an entrance fee are offering free admission for 16 days throughout 2016!
With so many incredible parks to choose from, we’ve created a list of 5 parks that embody the true spirit of the land of the free and the home of the brave.
1) Yellowstone National Park
Where: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
Not only is Yellowstone the country’s first national park, it’s the first national park in the world! Established in 1872, this pristine national park in America’s wild west boasts abundant wildlife, captivating geothermal features (Old Faithful, anyone?), and cascading waterfalls. There are plenty of opportunities to see our national mammal, the North American bison, up close. They’re known to own the road and cause traffic jams throughout the park.
2) Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Where: North Carolina and Tennessee
Rolling ridges of dense forests blanket America’s most visited national park. These ancient mountains are home to diverse animal and plant life, and protect the heritage of Southern Appalachian culture. Cades Cove, a lush valley teeming with wildlife, is one of the park’s most popular attractions. Along the scenic eleven-mile loop around the cove, you’ll discover historic homes, log cabins, and churches built by the area’s European settlers.
3) Grand Canyon National Park
Where: Arizona
One of the most iconic sights in the country, the world-famous Grand Canyon is a breathtaking 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and a mile deep. Explore this vast natural wonder on the water, over land, and by air. Hike down to the bottom of the canyon, cruise along the Colorado River, or take in spectacular views on a thrilling helicopter ride. This is one national park that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
4) Acadia National Park
Where: Maine
The Atlantic Ocean meets unspoiled mountain terrain in one of the country’s most picturesque national parks. While Acadia is one of the smaller national parks, it’s chock full of scenic drives, hiking trails, swimming areas, and is home to the tallest mountain on the east coast. Get up early, hike or drive to the top of Cadillac mountain, and be one of the first in the country to see the sun rise.
5) Death Valley National Park
Where: California and Nevada
Don’t let the name scare you away! Death Valley has the distinction of being the hottest, the driest, and the lowest national park in America. Explore 3.4 million acres of diverse and striking landscapes that might have you thinking you’re on another planet. From stretching salt flats and rolling sand dunes to lush oases and deep canyons, there is an abundance of natural wonder to discover in Death Valley.
On your journey to discover America’s national parks, you’ll need a retreat from your incredible outdoor adventures. InTown Suites’ extended stay properties offer affordable accommodations in convenient locations.
Our national parks showcase the diverse and beautiful landscapes America has to offer. From the vast desert terrain of Death Valley to the rugged coastal wilderness of Acadia, there are over 400 national parks across the country for you to explore and reconnect with nature.
This year marks the 100
th anniversary of the National Park Service. To help celebrate a century of protecting America’s natural treasures, all 127 National Parks that normally charge an entrance fee are offering free admission for 16 days throughout 2016!
With so many incredible parks to choose from, we’ve created a list of 5 parks that embody the true spirit of the land of the free and the home of the brave.
1) Yellowstone National Park
Where: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
Not only is Yellowstone the country’s first national park, it’s the first national park in the world! Established in 1872, this pristine national park in America’s wild west boasts abundant wildlife, captivating geothermal features (Old Faithful, anyone?), and cascading waterfalls. There are plenty of opportunities to see our national mammal, the North American bison, up close. They’re known to own the road and cause traffic jams throughout the park.
2) Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Where: North Carolina and Tennessee
Rolling ridges of dense forests blanket America’s most visited national park. These ancient mountains are home to diverse animal and plant life, and protect the heritage of Southern Appalachian culture. Cades Cove, a lush valley teeming with wildlife, is one of the park’s most popular attractions. Along the scenic eleven-mile loop around the cove, you’ll discover historic homes, log cabins, and churches built by the area’s European settlers.
3) Grand Canyon National Park
Where: Arizona
One of the most iconic sights in the country, the world-famous Grand Canyon is a breathtaking 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and a mile deep. Explore this vast natural wonder on the water, over land, and by air. Hike down to the bottom of the canyon, cruise along the Colorado River, or take in spectacular views on a thrilling helicopter ride. This is one national park that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
4) Acadia National Park
Where: Maine
The Atlantic Ocean meets unspoiled mountain terrain in one of the country’s most picturesque national parks. While Acadia is one of the smaller national parks, it’s chock full of scenic drives, hiking trails, swimming areas, and is home to the tallest mountain on the east coast. Get up early, hike or drive to the top of Cadillac mountain, and be one of the first in the country to see the sun rise.
5) Death Valley National Park
Where: California and Nevada
Don’t let the name scare you away! Death Valley has the distinction of being the hottest, the driest, and the lowest national park in America. Explore 3.4 million acres of diverse and striking landscapes that might have you thinking you’re on another planet. From stretching salt flats and rolling sand dunes to lush oases and deep canyons, there is an abundance of natural wonder to discover in Death Valley.
On your journey to discover America’s national parks, you’ll need a retreat from your incredible outdoor adventures. InTown Suites’
extended stay properties offer affordable accommodations in convenient locations.
