Why Park Rangers Recommend This Great Starting Point For National Park Visitors

National park trips in the United States require some preplanning. Not knowing what to expect can leave you sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. Some national parks require reservations due to such popularity. Other parks are so big that they have multiple entrances as well, like Yellowstone and Everglades. If any of this sounds overwhelming, national park rangers have tips on where to start.

All the different types of rangers working in national parks know the ins and outs of the land, and many have shared advice on national park best practices. They recommend starting your adventure at the park's visitor center. Go here to narrow down your hiking trail options, learn about what there is to see in the park, and get permits for things like backcountry camping. Given that national parks are subject to unpredictable weather, some deal with road closures. The visitor center can give you a heads up about any places currently inaccessible so you can plan your around blocked areas. Grab some maps too, in case any section of the park has spotty phone signal. Any other safety aspects will be covered here as well.

To get the most out of a national park visit, it is important to learn about what makes the park special and worthy of federal protections. Visitor centers often have displays on the park's geologic formations, Indigenous history, and artifacts on exhibit. As you get oriented with the national park's story, you can speak directly to park rangers and ask questions. Remember that law enforcement is not the only part of a park ranger's job description. They are incredibly knowledgeable and can help visitors ensure the best possible national park experience. In these ways, national park visitor centers are like museums. Soaking in this knowledge beforehand makes each amazing bit of scenery all the more impactful.

Kids can learn what it means to be a park ranger through Junior Ranger programs, and parks often host other educational opportunities. Information on these programs is online, but national park visitor centers will help you get involved too. So if you're bringing kids to a national park, this is another reason to make the park's visitor center your first stop. Junior Rangers get to keep their activity booklets and badges, but you can get souvenirs for of all ages at visitor center gift shops too.