Updated 4/23/2020
It’s National Parks Week! And what better way to celebrate than by sharing a few of my favorite national parks with you? Honestly, over the years I’ve come to really love and appreciate national parks tremendously. I’m in awe of the lush greenery, colorful floral displays, and beautiful landscapes, and it makes me appreciate nature even more.
They are perfect for rafting and paddling, hiking, star gazing, photography walks, biking, picnics, and so much more! With over 400 national parks sites in the U.S. and more than 40 in Canada, there are so many to choose from. Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, you’ll still be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and take in some pretty spectacular views. In addition, many of these parks are free to visit which makes them accessible for everyone. After visiting a few parks in recent years, I’m even more inspired to see as many as I can. Keep reading for my list of amazing national parks to visit in North America.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
A hidden gem tucked in between Akron and Cleveland, Ohio, Cuyahoga National Park is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It was established as a recreational area in 1974, and was deemed a national park in 2000. Although it’s not as well-known or as massive as some of the other parks, it still serves a great purpose in the metropolitan area. It provides recreational opportunities like biking, jogging, hiking, and kayaking. One of the biggest features is the beautiful cascading waterfall at Brandywine Falls. Be sure to stop and get some pictures! To read more about the park click here.
Some helpful info:
- How to get there: I-77 North or South (more info)
- When to visit: the park is open year-round and every season offers a new experience of the park
- What to wear: comfortable attire and shoes, bring a light jacket as well if it rains or gets chilly
- What to see: stop at Canal Visitor center for an overview and history, and inquire about walking tours and other special events
- How to get around: by foot, bike, raft
Fundy Trail Parkway – Bay of Fundy (St. Martins, New Brunswick, Canada)
If I could describe the Fundy Trail in two words, it would be “hidden treasure.” Located along the Bay of Fundy, and tucked away in the Village of St. Martins, this is a park that will certainly blow your mind. The park features numerous lookout points with stunning views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and an amazing suspension bridge. One of the centerpieces is the Sea Cave, which looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. You can take of your shoes and walk right across the stream to explore the inside of the cave. Feel free to stay a few hours, or spend the entire day experiencing the park’s wonders. For more information on the park click here.
Fuller Falls 
Helpful info:
- How to get there: Route 111 from Saint John or Sussex (more info)
- When to visit: May 17-Oct 20, 2019
- What to wear: comfortable, breathable attire and shoes (sneakers), and a light jacket in case it rains or gets chilly. Note: Bring sandals for the sea cave, because you’ll need to cross the water to get inside. Don’t wear sneakers for this
- What to see: various lookout points (Tufts Point, etc) Big Salmon River, suspension bridge, Sea Caves
- How to get around: by car (it’s very easy to drive through), by foot, by raft. Note: use the map given by the concierge to help you navigate the park
Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor, Maine)
Will you be visiting Maine soon? If so, consider adding Acadia National Park to your list. Located on Mount Desert Island, it spans 47,000 acres and sits right along the coast of Maine. Additionally, it boasts rocky beaches, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. Some popular sites of the park include Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, and Cadillac Mountain – the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast and the first place to see the sunrise, from early October to early March.
Acadia shares a border with Bar Harbor, a quaint seaside town and popular tourist destination. Bar Harbor is comprised of cute shops, restaurants, and an abundance of activities. Somewhat of a dynamic duo, you can’t see one without seeing the other. For added ease and convenience, there’s a shuttle bus that takes you on a tour of the park and Bar Harbor. Feel free to hop on or off at the various stops to see all the sites. To read more about Acadia and Bar Harbor, click here.
Downtown Bar Harbor
Helpful info:
- How to get there: I-95 north (more info)
- When to visit: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year
- What to wear: comfortable, breathable attire, comfortable shoes (sneakers), and a light jacket in case it rains or gets chilly
- What to see: Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Isle au Haut, Duck Harbor (summer only), Wild Gardens, Gorham Mountain Trail
- How to get around: by foot, car, shuttle bus, ferry, walking tours
- Cost: private vehicle $30 / motorcycle $25 / per person $15. Free on certain holidays (more info)
Yellowstone National Park, (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Yellowstone is one of the most famous national parks in the world. It’s located primarily in Wyoming, but has areas that span into Montana and Idaho as well. Some iconic sights at the park include Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and Mammoth Hot Springs. Did you know that Yellowstone is home to over half of the world’s geysers? The park is great for recreational activities like hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Yellowstone is definitely on my list!
Helpful info:
- Best times to visit: between April and May, or September and October
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and get a glimpse of wildlife roaming
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing
- Cost: 7-day pass for non-commercial vehicles is $35 per vehicle
- Interested in spending a few days? Reserve lodging here.
Mesa Verde National Park (Mesa Verde, Colorado)
Located in Mesa Verde, Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is known for its protection of archaeological sites such as ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park boasts spectacular views and is great for sightseeing and adventure activities. The park also offers lodging, fine dining, guided tours, and shopping. Here are some popular sites to check out: Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Spruce Tree House, Chapin Mesa, Archaeological Museum.
Helpful info:
- Entrance fee: $20 per car from May 1 – Oct 31, $15 per car for the rest of the year
- How to navigate the park: via car, self-guided tour, group tour
- Best time to visit: September, after labor day when the weather is warm and it’s less crowded
Grand Canyon National Park (Colorado River, Arizona)
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous national parks in the world. It’s a huge tourist site with popular attractions such as Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Railway, Havusu Falls, Grand Canyon Skywalk, and more. With scenic overlooks and its numerous hiking trails, this park will truly remind you of the vastness and beauty of nature.
Helpful info:
- Cost: $30 per vehicle
- Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, sunglasses/hat
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Located in the central southern region of Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most popular parks in the U.S. It’s famous for having the largest collection of hoodoos – unique cone-shaped rock formations. Famous sites at the park include Agua Canyon, Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Point, and Rainbow Point. Bryce Canyon is absolutely beautiful and should definitely be added to your list!
Helpful info:
- Best time to visit: from May to September (for best weather). To beat the crowds, visit in April or October
- Cost: $35 per car
- What to wear: comfortable clothing and shoes, jacket, hat/visor/sunglasses
Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada)
Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and is located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. It’s also the nation’s second largest national park, with over 1,000 hiking trails! Popular sites include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and Fairmont Banff Springs. Check out this post for an ultimate guide to visiting Banff.
Helpful info:
- Cost: $10 for adults, free for children or $19.60 per car
- You can also get the Discovery Pass for unlimited access for a year
- Best time to visit: June to August or December to March
Have you visited any of these parks? Which ones are your favorites, and where would you like to go next? Let’s chat in the comments!
