Trip Ideas National Parks The Best National Park in Every State By Josh Laskin Updated on September 1, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Getty Images From golden sand dunes to hardwood forests, from historic sites and iconic monuments to the winding trails that crisscross the United States, our National Park Service has ensured that every state in the nation protects at least a sliver (or a generous wedge) of its most cherished places. Those in search of solitude will find it while wandering deep into the glaciated peaks and rainforests of Olympic National Park, while rock climbers from around the world will challenge themselves on one of many world-class routes up the 3,000 feet of vertical on El Capitan in Yosemite. History buffs and those curious about the country’s past walk the battlefields of Gettysburg, which shaped the United States into the nation as we know it. You don’t even have to step outside of your home state to experience something the Service has worked to recognize and protect. You can spend a night under an expansive sky of stars in Wyoming, or between mountains as old as the earth itself rising from Montana like the country’s great, curved spine. A Road Trip Through Alabama, Where Creatives are Grappling With the Past and Building a Brighter Future 01 of 50 Selma to Montgomery, Alabama Getty Images Alabama may not be known for its outdoor recreation, but that doesn’t mean the National Park Service has nothing to offer here. On March 7, 1965, 600 civil rights activists marched along Route 80 from Selma toward Montgomery. Only six blocks later local officials attacked the activists as they reached the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Martin Luther King Jr. led two more attempts at the march over the coming days, and, by the time the walk finally reached Montgomery on Thursday, March 25, there were more than 25,000 in attendance. Visitors can retrace their steps on this National Historic Trail, and pay respects to the fallen. 02 of 50 Denali, Alaska Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Home to North America’s tallest mountain — which gives this park its namesake — Denali’s six million acres of wilderness is disturbed by only one road. Visitors can frequently see wildlife such as caribou, brown bears, moose, Dall sheep, bison, and wolves roaming the forests. Many peaks remain snow-covered year-round, and access to the park becomes limited once the snow begins to fall in September or October. The park is most accessible during the summer months, but the more experienced outdoorsman may want to visit in the spring or fall to beat the crowds. 03 of 50 Grand Canyon, Arizona Dean Fikar/Getty Images Cut to a depth of over a mile by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, making it the largest canyon in the country. Well over four million people visit each year, so those looking to avoid the masses may want to consider heading to the less-popular North Rim of the canyon. There’s also a cooler climate here due to its higher elevation, and it’s a great starting point for hikers seeking more remote sections. The North Kaibab Trail is an excellent, albeit strenuous, hike that delivers visitors into the heart of the canyon. Experts recommend completing it in no less than two days. 04 of 50 Buffalo, Arkansas Wesley Hitt/Getty Images All 135 miles of the Buffalo National River run without dams, making the waterway one of the few undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. As you canoe, kayak, or raft down the river, you’ll quickly find yourself meandering through the incredible cliffs and mountainous terrain of the Ozarks. Fishermen may be pleased with the smallmouth bass population in the upper reaches of the river or the largemouth bass and catfish in the lower reaches. As you explore the area, be sure to keep your eyes open for the chance to see a Rocky Mountain Elk. 05 of 50 Yosemite, California Getty Images Yosemite (one of the most well-known rock climbing destinations in the country thanks to its iconic wall, El Capitan) has enough outdoor recreation opportunities and breathtaking scenery for everyone to enjoy. Both Yosemite Falls and Half-Dome are extremely picturesque — landscape photographers around the world travel for an opportunity to shoot in this park. Consider exploring the Tuolumne Meadows area on the east side of the park for a more private experience. 06 of 50 Great Sand Dunes, Colorado Jun Dong/Getty Images Snowcapped mountains, incredible backcountry skiing, and lush vegetation are some of the biggest attractions that draw tourists to the state of Colorado. Because of this, many unknowingly miss out on these golden-orange dunes that come aglow in the afternoon sun. Camp under the stars in this Sahara-like setting, or explore the surrounding meadows and view the dunes from afar. It can get windy in the dunes, so plan accordingly when setting up a campsite. 07 of 50 New England Trail, Connecticut Danielle Donders/Getty Images The 215-mile New England National Scenic Trail runs from Guilford, CT, up to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire border. This cross-country trail traverses mountain ridges and winds past scenic vistas, but also gives hikers a taste of New England culture as it passes through farms and historic colonial villages. The audacious may choose to through-hike the entire trail, while the more novice hiker may plan to hike a smaller section in just a day. 08 of 50 First State, Delaware Getty Images Even though those searching for backcountry adventure often overlook this small state, the National Park Service does have some spectacular things to offer here. As the first state to ratify the constitution in 1787, visitors can see an important piece of U.S. history in the First State National Historical Park. Walk through the forested trails of Woodlawn, or visit the 1732 Court House (where abolitionists stood trial for standing up for their beliefs). If visiting in the spring, be sure to go to New Castle to experience an annual celebration of Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain. 09 of 50 Everglades, Florida Raul Rodriguez/Getty Images We know you’ll never tire of the powdery beaches that Florida is known for, but it’s worth it to pull yourself away from the ocean to spend time exploring the mangrove waterways and wilderness of the Everglades National Park. Keep your eyes open for manatees, crocodiles, or even a Florida panther. Fishermen will feel at home here, with opportunities to catch everything from acrobatic tarpon to snapper or snook. 10 of 50 Cumberland Island, Georgia Michael Shi/Getty Images Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia’s largest barrier island, is full of untouched maritime forests, beaches, and marshes. Visitors can find solitude while camping under the stars in the 9,800 acres of designated wilderness area or can see one of the many historic sites and structures such as Dungeness (an abandoned mansion that was originally built as a hunting lodge in 1736). Access to the island is by ferry out of St. Marys, Georgia. Reservations are recommended, as the ferries do fill up. 11 of 50 Haleakala, Hawaii Getty Images While it’s tempting to spend your Hawaiian getaway in a cabana on a beach, sipping fruity, frothy cocktails, those who do only that during their visit to Maui will be cheating themselves of a beautiful, otherworldly escape. Located in the heart of the island, visitors to this National Park will remain busy for days on end. A drive to the 10,000-foot summit of the Haleakala Volcano to watch the sunrise or sunset is a Maui tradition — as is a loop around the coastal reaches of the park for spectacular views of deep blue waves and black sand beaches below. Many of the park’s most prominent attractions can also be reached by foot or by bike. 12 of 50 Craters of the Moon, Idaho Getty Images You may think you’ve been launched into space, but you’re only in central Idaho. Between 2,000 and 15,000 years ago, eight major volcanic eruptive periods occurred, forming the deep cracks, craters, and lava fields currently found in the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. The area’s sub-surface still has high levels of volcanic and tectonic activity, so the landscape is ever-changing. Start at the visitor center, where experts share knowledge about the area’s geology and lithology. From there, explore Indian Tunnel and take a hike around Broken Top Loop trail. 13 of 50 Lincoln Home, Illinois Getty Images Claimed as their own by both Democrats and Republicans, Abraham Lincoln saved the Union and reshaped our republic. Under Lincoln, slavery was abolished, and the United States of America took a huge step toward equality for all. The National Park Service maintains and preserves the home of Lincoln so that visitors can see where the 16th (and arguably one of the most important) presidents lived. Located in downtown Springfield, the home has been open to the public since 1887 and continues to allow visitors to take tours through the 12-room house. 14 of 50 Indiana Dunes, Indiana Getty Images This National Park encompasses 15 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Indiana. With over 50 miles of hiking trails located on 15,000 acres of federally funded land, visitors will find no shortage of prime kite-flying real estate, wildlife, wetlands, and dunes. Visitors will also discover quaint towns and vibrant nightlife surrounding the lakeshore area. When you’re finished with the lakeshore, explore the lakeside city of Portage or artsy Chesterton. 15 of 50 Effigy Mounds, Iowa Getty Images Over 1,000 years ago, thousands of mounds of earth were constructed across parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois by more than 20 different Native American tribes. At least 200 of these have been preserved and can be found at the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. Wander through one of the most beautiful places in the Upper Mississippi River Valley while trying to find and recognize the animals that inspired the non-uniform mounds (think: lynx, bison, birds, and bears). Out of respect for the culture and history of this sacred site, the mounds are accessible only by foot. 16 of 50 Tallgrass Prairie, Kansas Getty Images When we sing about America’s “amber waves of grain” and “beautiful for spacious skies,” we’re probably conjuring images of this swath of Kansas. Founded in 1996, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve covers around 10,000 acres — a tiny fraction of the 170 million acres of prairie that once covered North America. The park's 40+ miles of hiking trails allow visitors to explore the ancient landscape and the animals that live in it, including a herd of bison. From the center of this impossibly quiet, wide-open space, you’ll have a sense of the original America. 17 of 50 Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Getty Images Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the hilly countryside of south-central Kentucky and is a part of the Green River Valley. With over 400 miles of explored cave system, Mammoth is the longest known cave in the world. Visitors to the park can enjoy surface and subsurface exploration, canoeing the Green River, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. 18 of 50 Atchafalaya, Louisiana Getty Images/Gallo Images Upon entering the state of Louisiana, it can almost feel like you’re entering a different country. The smells, sights, and culture are distinctly Louisianan. Containing 14 different parishes in south-central Louisiana, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area promotes and preserves the state’s unique Cajun heritage. Of course, there’s an aesthetic component to the National Park Service’s selection of land, too, as the landscapes range from wetlands and wildlife refuges to marshes. While here, be sure to take a boat tour through the swamps of the bayou. 19 of 50 Acadia, Maine Anand Goteti/Getty Images/Cavan Images RF Granite cliffs piercing the sea and the sky are Acadia National Park’s most recognizable feature. Located right next to the bustling New England town of Bar Harbor, Acadia has a rugged seashore, great rock climbing opportunities, and more than enough hiking, camping, and paddling to go around. The adventurous and daring hiker may want to take on the metal rungs and wood bridges on the exposed Precipice Trail hike, while others may prefer to drive through the park and up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. From here, you can be the first in the country to watch the sunrise. 20 of 50 Assateague Island, Maryland Maddie Meyer/The Washington Post via Getty Images Too many people driving across Maryland go right past the National Seashore, which is inhabited by wild horses, without even knowing to stop. Walking along the remote, wind-swept barrier island and spending the night on the waterfront alongside the horses is a very unique and memorable experience. Come in the fall, or in spring before the temperature rises and the bugs are out in full force. 21 of 50 Cape Cod, Massachusetts Getty Images Impossibly white beaches, marshes, and the lighthouses that decorate New England’s coast appear in abundance at the Cape Cod National Seashore. Tourists on the Cape can catch striped bass in the surf or from a charter boat, swim in the ocean on balmy summer days, or hike and bike along the region’s many miles of trails. Provincetown, commonly known by locals as P-town, is a colorful community where one can find nightlife, art, and great food. If you’re visiting during the summer, plan accordingly for traffic congestion. 22 of 50 Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan Getty Images Dunes rising 450 feet above the edges of Lake Michigan, countless miles of beaches, clear water, and spectacular views can be found at this National Lakeshore in Michigan. This park also includes many inland lakes, meadows, wetlands, and northern hardwood and conifer forests. Visitors can access most areas by car, but there is also no shortage of hiking trails. 23 of 50 Voyageurs, Minnesota Getty Images Named after the first Europeans to travel in this part of the country — the French fur traders known as Voyageurs — this park is famous for its water sports. Canoers, kayakers, and fishermen will find themselves in paradise in this National Park, as a third of its 218,055 acres is made up of water. Primary access to the park is by water, so be sure to arrange a boat rental upon arrival. In the wintertime, the park offers exceptional cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities. 24 of 50 Gulf Islands, Mississippi Getty Images Spanning the southeastern coast of Mississippi and into the panhandle of Florida, the Gulf Islands National Seashore encompasses both parts of the mainland as well as the islands. The blue-green waters of the gulf and 4,080 acres of designated wilderness area draw millions of visitors each year. Exploring the area by kayak is a fairly inexpensive, yet effective way to spend your time on the coast. Less experienced kayakers may want to consider hiring a guide to take them out to Horn Island or one of the other surrounding islands, as tidal waters can be a risky place to paddle for a first-timer. 25 of 50 Pony Express, Missouri Universal Images Group via Getty Images In the era of email and social media, it is difficult to imagine a country in which the main source of delivering mail was by horseback. Between April 1860 and October 1861, mail was carried by horseback on an 1800-mile trail from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, in only 10 days. Today, visitors can follow the footsteps of these postal pioneers on an auto road route. The western reaches of the Pony Express National Historic Trail are the best preserved, with opportunities to see traces of the original track, landmarks, graves, preserved structures, and markets, but exploring the Missouri segment allows you to see the trail's origins, particularly at the Pony Express National Museum. 26 of 50 Glacier, Montana Getty Images/Cavan Images RF As its name suggests, Glacier National Park’s rugged mountains and sheer cliffs are crowned by glaciers that are rapidly waning due to global warming. Going-to-the-Sun Road, which connects the eastern and western halves of the park, makes the area accessible for those unwilling or unable to explore the backcountry by foot. Although the entire park deserves its fair share of exploration time, the east side is a bit more scenic and contains more of the aforementioned glaciers. Consider spending a night at Two Medicine Campground, a car-camping site with RV hookups that makes a great base camp. 27 of 50 Scotts Bluff, Nebraska Getty Images Nebraska is generally thought of as flat and barren. While this is true for much of the state, some magnificent and noteworthy places such as Scotts Bluff National Monument do exist. Reaching over 800 feet above the North Platte River at its highest point, the Bluff is an important and magnificent monument along the 19th-century Oregon and Mormon trails. Today, visitors hike both paved and unpaved trails, such as the North and South Overlook, for beautiful vistas. You can also see replica-covered wagons while walking the historic Oregon Trail Pathway. 28 of 50 Great Basin, Nevada Getty Images If you think Las Vegas is the only worthwhile stop in Nevada, a visit to the Great Basin National Park should change your mind. Mountains towering over 13,000 feet above sea level, 4,000-year-old pine trees, the smell of sagebrush in the desert, and some of the darkest night skies in the country are the rewards for travelers here. Stargazing, hiking, and fishing are common activities in the spring, summer, and fall, while skiers and snowshoers will have plenty of terrain and solitude for themselves in the winter. 29 of 50 Appalachian Trail, New Hampshire Getty Images While this National Scenic Trail traverses over 2,190 miles of terrain between Georgia and Maine, some of the most beautiful stretches can be found in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The 161 miles of trail that pass through here feature more exposed, above-tree-line terrain than any other state, affording hikers uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountain ranges. You can’t miss Mt. Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeast. Hikers should be aware that weather changes quickly on the high peaks, and while it can be sunny and 65 degrees in the valleys, it is not uncommon for it to be snowing simultaneously at higher elevations. 30 of 50 Delaware Gap, New Jersey Getty Images Many people associate New Jersey with the Jersey Shore, but The Garden State is also home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which contains 70,000 acres of streams, waterfalls, forests, and a stretch of the Delaware River. A day hike up Mt. Minsi, on the Pennsylvania side of the river, is moderate and yields panoramic views into the 1,000-foot deep water gap and across the river toward New Jersey's Mt. Tammany. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll be rewarded with the sweet wild berries that grow throughout the park. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the black bears that may be looking to enjoy the same fruits as you. 31 of 50 Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico Getty Images The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument contains caves that have been used as shelters by nomadic peoples for thousands of years. Rooms have been built, pottery has been made, and families have been raised in these cliffs as peoples of different cultures came and went. The park service offers educational tours of the dwellings as well as bird watching, nature walks, and wildlife viewing tours. Backpackers (and horseback riders) will not be disappointed either, as the monument lies within the Gila Wilderness, an 870-square-mile designated wilderness area that was the first in the country. 32 of 50 Hudson River Valley, New York Getty Images This National Heritage Area spans from New York City to Albany and is full of scenic parks, outdoor recreation, and plenty of history. Historians may want to visit one of the many historic sites or museums such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts may prefer rock climbing in the Shawangunks or hiking in the Catskills. The Hudson River Valley also boasts farmers markets, upscale restaurants, and impressive art and sculpture exhibitions. 33 of 50 Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Getty Images This 469-mile parkway lazily meanders through the Appalachian Highlands in Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Some of the parkway’s most spectacular stretches can be found here in the Tar Heel State, especially just south of Asheville. Adventure-seekers may want to take a few days to explore the Shining Rock wilderness area in the Pisgah National Forest, which can be accessed via the Graveyard Fields trailhead. The Art Loeb Trail traverses a few significant peaks and balds over the 6,000-foot mark, and should not be overlooked. 34 of 50 Lewis and Clark, North Dakota Getty Images Many know the story of Lewis and Clark but are unaware that the tale involved so much more than these two pioneers. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which stretches across the north-central and northwestern part of the country toward the Pacific Ocean, beckons visitors to walk the path of many women and men alike, including servicemen, scientists, and Native Americans. The trail can be followed by car, bicycle, or boat, as many roads parallel the route and are marked accordingly. 35 of 50 Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio Getty Images Located near Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park allows visitors to escape the daily grind of urban life and immerse themselves in nature. Thriving with diverse plants and wildlife, this park is full of beautiful forests, meandering rivers, rolling hills, and farmland. Take the kids on a vintage train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, or hike through one of the flowering meadows on a stretch of the 125 miles of trails that can be found within the park boundaries. 36 of 50 Chickasaw, Oklahoma Getty Images Fishermen, boaters, and swimmers alike will find what they are looking for at Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma. Located in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains, a quarter of Chickasaw’s almost 10,000 acres are covered by water. Visitors find ample opportunities to cool down in the natural springs, streams, and lakes of the park. Although popular and often crowded, the Little Niagara swimming hole is a great place to spend an afternoon. 37 of 50 Crater Lake, Oregon Getty Images Deep, impossibly dark blue waters have collected in this crater of an active volcano from rainfall and snowmelt over thousands of years. Today, Crater Lake National Park boasts, at 1,943 feet, the deepest lake in the country, and one of the cleanest too, as there are no inlets or outlets to allow for contamination. The best views of the lake can be accessed from vistas along East and West Rim Drive, as well as from points that can be reached during one of many day hikes. The solitude of this park in the wintertime is like no other, and cross-country skiers and snowshoers should not miss an opportunity to experience it. 38 of 50 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Getty Images Gettysburg National Military Park, located in south-central Pennsylvania, is the site of arguably the most consequential battle of the Civil War. After a big success in the Shenandoah Valley, General Lee of the Confederate Army pushed north only to be stopped dead in his tracks at Gettysburg. Today, visitors can almost hear the haunting cries of soldiers fighting on the preserved battlefields. Join an educational tour at this park, or watch a reenactment of the battle. This is a great place to bring the kids and introduce them to the nation’s history. 39 of 50 Blackstone River Valley, Rhode Island James Marshall/Getty Images The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor can be considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, as the Blackstone River in Pawtucket powered America’s first successful cotton mill and initiated America’s push toward industrialization. Visitors are welcome to explore the small towns and villages of the valley, which are full of farmers markets, hiking trails, history, and outdoor recreation. Consider taking a tour of the Blackstone Canal, which is responsible for many mills and subsequent mill villages along the river. 40 of 50 Congaree, South Carolina Getty Images Congaree National Park, covering 26,500 acres of South Carolina, is home to the largest old-growth forest in the southeastern United States. The Congaree and Wateree Rivers flow through the park, helping to sustain one of the highest deciduous tree canopies in the world. Over half of the park is designated wilderness area, so backpackers and hikers will have no problem finding untouched backcountry. There are also ample sites for camping, hiking, canoeing, and bird watching. 41 of 50 Badlands, South Dakota Getty Images Mt. Rushmore is by no means the only worthwhile destination in the frequently overlooked state of South Dakota. Punctuating the fairly flat state, the Badlands contain rock formations that have resulted from millions of years of deposition and erosion. The Badlands Loop Road is beloved by photographers and is a perfect entry point for day hikes. Visitors to this park may be lucky enough to spot bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison, and black-footed ferrets. The Sage Creek Wilderness Area is well separated from the crowds. 42 of 50 Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee Getty Images Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited park, and for good reason. Known for the plumes of fog that build up in the valleys between the mountains — settling like smoke over the peaks — the Smokies are teeming with plant and animal life as well as southern culture. Car-bound families will find 384 miles of paved and unpaved roads to explore, while those willing to stray a bit further from the beaten path will find beautiful wilderness. There are plenty of bare summits here that offer panoramic views of the area, including Gregory Bald, Rocky Top, and Andrews Bald. 43 of 50 Big Bend, Texas Getty Images A powerful river cutting deep into the limestone, breaking up the monotonous desert landscape, is what draws travelers from around the world to this part of Texas. Inclusive of an impressive 801,163 acres, Big Bend National Park has everything from mountains to arid desert. Backpackers may want to consider exploring the Chisos Mountains, as there are forty-two designated backcountry campsites to choose from. 44 of 50 Zion, Utah Don Eim/Travel + Leisure Zion National Park in southern Utah is arguably the most beautiful park in the state. With sandstone cliffs jutting out of the valley in a desert-like landscape, visitors to the park will be impressed as they come around every bend. Known for its famous slot canyons, Zion is ideal for hiking and canyoneering — though that doesn’t mean that the less athletic traveler will come up short on things to do. For those willing to set off by foot, attempt the Narrows: a slot canyon hike that requires hiking through the waters of the Virgin River. While this can be a refreshing trail in the summer heat, pay close attention to the weather forecast. 45 of 50 Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller, Vermont Getty Images/John Greim. Explore the New England forests filled with sugar maple and hemlock, old fire roads, and Green Mountain pastures in this National Historical Park. The park is well-known for its foliage, so fall is a great time to climb Mount Tom or explore other stretches of the park's over 20 miles of hiking trails. Next to the park entrance, the Billings Farm & Museum is an outdoor history museum where you can get a hands-on experience with animals during the live demonstrations. For those who enjoy the outdoors during all weather and seasons, this is an incredible place to explore in the winter via ski or snowshoe. 46 of 50 Shenandoah, Virginia Donald Startzell/Getty Images/500px Plus Located just over an hour’s drive from Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers a wilderness escape without having to venture too far. Black bears, deer, and other wildlife roam through the mountains and valleys, drink from the streams and waterfalls, and hide in the hardwood forests that are included in this park. Skyline Drive is a meandering scenic road that runs north to south and boasts countless scenic pull-offs. Hikers will love the technical and strenuous Old Rag hike, which affords great views at its pinnacle, although it is the busiest and most popular in the park. 47 of 50 Olympic, Washington Getty Images Acres of old-growth forests, miles of rocky coastline, lush rainforests, and glacier-capped peaks all contribute to the spectacular diversity and remoteness that this park offers to those willing to venture deep into it. Much of the park’s almost one million acres are only accessible by foot, which gives travelers a sense of solitude. In order to truly experience this park to its fullest potential, visitors should be willing to lace up their hiking boots and spend some time working their way into the depths of its wilderness. 48 of 50 New River Gorge, West Virginia Getty Images The New River, which snakes through West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina, is one of the oldest rivers on earth. West Virginia's New River Gorge, meanwhile, is the deepest and longest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, and the park it sits in — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, designated in 2021 — has plenty of accessible trails to explore. There are more than 1,400 established rock climbing routes in the park, making it one of the most popular areas in the country for this sport. 49 of 50 Apostle Islands, Wisconsin Getty Images With 21 islands, 12 miles of mainland shoreline, and plenty of lighthouses guarding the shores of Lake Superior, hikers, paddlers, sailors, and fishermen will all enjoy the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the islands and surrounding sea caves, and outfitters are readily available in the area. Those interested in fishing will have an opportunity to catch a large variety of trout and salmon. Be aware that weather around the lake can change with little to no notice, so it is important to be prepared for diverse conditions. 50 of 50 Grand Teton, Wyoming Getty Images Rugged slabs of rock speckled with glaciers and snowfields protrude through the clouds and overlook the entry to Grand Teton National Park. Located just south of Yellowstone, this park is often overlooked and is not nearly as accessible as its neighbor. While many destinations can be reached within a day’s hike, some of the most scenic and remote terrain can only be reached by multi-day hikes or technical climbs. Alpine lakes and steep summits also make it a great winter destination. Jackson Hole, located on the southern edge of the park, is one of the biggest skiing destinations in the country. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit