America’s national parks are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unique adventures on the planet.
With 63 parks spanning over 84 million acres, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to be had.1
Whether you’re looking to hike through ancient forests, kayak pristine waterways, or stargaze under some of the darkest night skies in the country, these 10 experiences will leave you in awe of the natural wonders that make America’s national parks so special.
1. Hike the Narrows – Zion National Park, Utah
Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This iconic trail takes you through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, where you’ll walk directly in the Virgin River between towering 1,000-foot-tall walls of red and white Navajo sandstone. The water is typically ankle to knee deep, making it a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
2. Kayak the Apostle Islands Sea Caves – Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Paddling through the sea caves of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is like exploring an otherworldly landscape. The caves, carved out of the sandstone cliffs over thousands of years, feature stunning colors and formations that change with the light and weather. Kayaking is the best way to get up close to these natural wonders, with guided tours available for all skill levels.
3. Watch the Sunrise from Haleakala Crater – Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park is a bucket list experience for many visitors to Maui. (ref) At 10,023 feet above sea level, the views from the crater’s edge are simply breathtaking. Arrive early to secure a spot and witness the sky light up in shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun peeks over the horizon.
4. Explore the Bioluminescent Bay – Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands
Kayaking through the bioluminescent bay in Virgin Islands National Park is a magical experience you won’t soon forget. The bay is home to a high concentration of microscopic plankton that glow in the dark when disturbed, creating an ethereal blue light show in the water. Guided tours are available to ensure you get the most out of this unique natural phenomenon.
5. Hike to Havasu Falls – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Havasu Falls is one of the most beautiful and photographed waterfalls in the world, and hiking to it is a true adventure. Located deep within the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, the falls feature a series of bright blue-green pools and cascades that contrast strikingly with the red rock walls.
The 10-mile hike (each way) is challenging but well worth it for the chance to swim in these stunning natural pools.
6. Stargaze at Acadia National Park – Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the best places on the eastern seaboard to stargaze, thanks to its location on the coast of Maine and its designation as an International Dark Sky Park. (ref) The park’s rugged coastline and granite peaks provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing, with guided programs and telescope viewings available to help you make the most of the experience.
7. Kayak the Kenai Fjords – Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kayaking through the Kenai Fjords in Alaska is a truly breathtaking experience. The park is home to massive tidewater glaciers, towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and puffins. Guided tours take you up close to the glaciers and through the fjords, where you can witness the power of nature firsthand.
8. Follow the Highline Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana
The trail follows the Garden Wall, a narrow ridge with sheer cliffs on both sides, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is challenging but well worth it for the chance to see the park’s famous wildflowers, wildlife, and glaciers up close.
9. Check Out the Bioluminescent Fireflies – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to one of the most incredible natural light shows on the planet: the synchronous fireflies. For a few weeks each summer, thousands of fireflies light up the forest in a synchronized display, creating a magical scene that draws visitors from around the world.
10. Trek to Delicate Arch – Arches National Park, Utah
Delicate Arch is one of the most iconic natural arches in the world, and hiking to it is a must-do experience for any visitor to Arches National Park. The 3-mile round-trip hike takes you up a steep, exposed trail to a viewpoint overlooking the arch, with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the arch glows in the warm light.
Source:
1. https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/blog/how-many-national-parks-are-there
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
