Plan The Perfect Backpacking Adventure At These US National Parks
By SERA PARRIS
Amidst stunning Washington scenery, this volcano has one-of-a-kind views, wildlife, forests, flower-filled meadows, valleys, glaciers, and waterfalls.
Mount Rainier National Park
There are a wealth of backpacker-friendly accommodations and iconic hiking options, such as the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile moderate to challenging excursion.
Nowhere on Earth is like the two billion-year-old, 1.2 million-acre Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It is undoubtedly a must for any wanderer.
Grand Canyon National Park
There are more than a few backpacking choices, like Havasupai Waterfalls, a 4-day, 27-mile, moderate trail. The iconic Rim-to-Rim route is a 4-day, 24-mile, moderate trek.
There are also many camping options, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and hiking. If you don't want a guided tour, there's help to plan your own.
Only a few hours from Seattle, Washington, Olympic National Park is brimming with activities, beautiful beaches, mountain peaks, glaciers, and Mount Olympus.
Olympic National Park
It has several hundred miles of hiking trails and an abundance of lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. There is also the majestic One Square Inch of Silence if you want to go off-grid.
First-rate stargazing, hiking, and wildlife-watching are what you can expect in this 1,200-square-mile wonderland in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Yosemite National Park
With cascading waterfalls, towering sequoia trees, stellar rock climbing, and 800-plus miles of hiking trails, Yosemite has incredible sights and is brimming with adventures.
Hike picturesque Mist Trail, Tuolumne Grove Trail, and Tenaya Lake. Must-see spots like El Capitan, the Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall can all be easily seen from Tunnel View.
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to hiking routes, biking paths, and horseback riding trails. The park is filled with history and natural wonders.
Great Smoky Mountains Park
Walk the Appalachian Trail, and see the national park's stunning landmarks like Charlie's Bunion, The Alum Cave Bluffs, Arch Rock, Cades Cove, and Sugarland Mountain.
Historical sites like the Walker Sisters Place, Elkmont Ghost Town, the Little Greenbrier School, the John Ownby Cabin, and the Little Cataloochee Church are captivating.