When most people think of National Parks, places like Yellowstone, Zion, and the Grand Canyon come to mind. The United States actually has over 60 National Parks, though, and some of them definitely deserve a bit more recognition. There are parks around the country of almost every conceivable setting, from the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam. Here are a few of our favorites:
North Cascades in Washington
Located along the Canadian border, this park looks like a postcard come to life. It’s full of waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Visitors can hike or raft as they take it all in. In the spring, the park becomes even more beautiful as the wildflowers bloom.
Dry Tortugas in Florida
Check out Dry Tortugas (Tortugas meaning turtles in Spanish) for seemingly endless clear water and coral reefs. The park also features a chain of small islands where visitors can camp overnight if they choose. Watersports and swimming are available for those who may enjoy them.
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
We give props to whoever was in charge of naming this park for their creativity. Long ago, this land was home to an enormous forest, which over time evolved into a multicolored, striped landscape as minerals hardened the wood. It may be in the U.S., but this National Park truly looks out of this world.