Inspire Me, U.S. National Parks!
They are the classic among U.S. destinations: America's fascinating national parks. While they're beloved among travelers, they're also often tricky for travel agencies – accommodations are booked up early, and in some places it's really hard to find luxury. But the natural beauty is definitely worth the effort. And there's so much more to recommend than just the perennial favorites like the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, or Bryce Canyon (pictured). Bet you don't know all ten of these parks!!!
Inspire Me, US-Nationalparks!
Inspire Me, U.S. National Parks!
They are the classic among U.S. destinations: America's fascinating national parks. While they're beloved among travelers, they're also often tricky for travel agencies – accommodations are booked up early, and in some places it's really hard to find luxury. But the natural beauty is definitely worth the effort. And there's so much more to recommend than just the perennial favorites like the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, or Bryce Canyon (pictured). Bet you don't know all ten of these parks!!!
How about this one, for example: 99 percent of Dry Tortugas National Park is underwater. To be precise, it's a 260-square-kilometer (100sq. mi.) part of the Gulf of Mexico located about 113 kilometers (70mi.) west of Key West that surrounds seven tiny coral islands. Accordingly, it's best to travel with a small boat (and a few sea-sickness remedies). Don't forget the snorkeling equipment – the main attraction is the amazingly colorful underwater world! Of course, you should also visit Fort Jefferson, a former prison (pictured).
How about this one, for example: 99 percent of Dry Tortugas National Park is underwater. To be precise, it's a 260-square-kilometer (100sq. mi.) part of the Gulf of Mexico located about 113 kilometers (70mi.) west of Key West that surrounds seven tiny coral islands. Accordingly, it's best to travel with a small boat (and a few sea-sickness remedies). Don't forget the snorkeling equipment – the main attraction is the amazingly colorful underwater world! Of course, you should also visit Fort Jefferson, a former prison (pictured).
Also an island paradise – but with 137 significantly larger islands of volcanic origin – Hawaii is one of the top luxury destinations in the U.S. Even today, the 50th state likes to show off its fiery side. Adventurers who have already braved the popular helicopter flight over the lava-spewing volcano Kilauea can now discover it by boat, getting ever closer to where the glowing hot lava hisses into the cold waters of the Pacific at Volcanoes National Park. The activity of Kilauea can change daily, so check the forecast on the website of the National Park Service, which provides more detailed information.
Also an island paradise – but with 137 significantly larger islands of volcanic origin – Hawaii is one of the top luxury destinations in the U.S. Even today, the 50th state likes to show off its fiery side. Adventurers who have already braved the popular helicopter flight over the lava-spewing volcano Kilauea can now discover it by boat, getting ever closer to where the glowing hot lava hisses into the cold waters of the Pacific at Volcanoes National Park. The activity of Kilauea can change daily, so check the forecast on the website of the National Park Service, which provides more detailed information.
Now to change the element from fire to water, and more specifically rain since the next tip is for the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the few that exist within the temperate climate zone. It is located in Olympic National Park, transporting visitors to a fairytale forest, veiled with ethereal mists and mossy trees. Highly recommended for amateur photographers! Oh yea, don't forget your rain jacket.
Now to change the element from fire to water, and more specifically rain since the next tip is for the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the few that exist within the temperate climate zone. It is located in Olympic National Park, transporting visitors to a fairytale forest, veiled with ethereal mists and mossy trees. Highly recommended for amateur photographers! Oh yea, don't forget your rain jacket.
No, it's not the Grand Canyon, but it is a canyon that can easily compete with its more famous cousin in Arizona. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is without question spectacular, and as an insider tip: much less crowded. Your Insta-Feed will also be happy about this one, since even at the most beautiful spots you run into only a handful of other visitors.
No, it's not the Grand Canyon, but it is a canyon that can easily compete with its more famous cousin in Arizona. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is without question spectacular, and as an insider tip: much less crowded. Your Insta-Feed will also be happy about this one, since even at the most beautiful spots you run into only a handful of other visitors.
Welcome to the bear's land of milk and honey! And by milk and honey we mean lox and...something punny. Anyway yes – this phenomenon in Katmai National Park is the real deal. During the annual salmon migration in Alaska, where the fish must swim upstream and jump through rapids to reach their mating grounds, the grizzlies are standing in the middle of Brooks Falls and patiently wait for the fish to leap into their mouths. Visitors gasp from elevated wooden platforms, which provide a perfect view of this show.
Welcome to the bear's land of milk and honey! And by milk and honey we mean lox and...something punny. Anyway yes – this phenomenon in Katmai National Park is the real deal. During the annual salmon migration in Alaska, where the fish must swim upstream and jump through rapids to reach their mating grounds, the grizzlies wade into the middle of Brooks Falls and patiently wait for the fish to leap into their mouths. Visitors gasp from elevated wooden platforms, which provide a perfect view of this show.
It may not seem like it at first glance, but it comes with a boatload of history. This bronze cast marks the original sandstone foundation of the wooden cabin where former president Abraham Lincoln grew up. Just a few steps away, a replica of the family's farmhouse at that time has also been erected as part of the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial Park in Indiana. It's hard to imagine how the 6'3" (190cm) young Abe put up with the low ceilings for 14 years...
It may not seem like it at first glance, but it comes with a boatload of history. This bronze cast marks the original sandstone foundation of the wooden cabin where former president Abraham Lincoln grew up. Just a few steps away, a replica of the family's farmhouse at that time has also been erected as part of the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial Park in Indiana. It's hard to imagine how the 6'3" (190cm) young Abe put up with the low ceilings for 14 years...
There's blue, bluer, and bluest. And then there's Crater Lake – and that's without Photoshop. On the contrary, photos can't do justice to the incredibly rich colors of the deepest lake in the U.S. That's because the water is absolutely pure, comprised of rainwater that has collected in the caldera over the centuries. During the summers in Crater Lake National Park, rangers operate a small boat that takes visitors across to Wizard Island. But be prepared for a good hike before and after!
There's blue, bluer, and bluest. And then there's Crater Lake – and that's without Photoshop. On the contrary, photos can't do justice to the incredibly rich colors of the deepest lake in the U.S. That's because the water is absolutely pure, comprised of rainwater that has collected in the caldera over the centuries. During the summers in Crater Lake National Park, rangers operate a small boat that takes visitors across to Wizard Island. But be prepared for a good hike before and after!
What would be vandalism today was not an issue in the early 19th century: visitors from all over North America immortalized themselves in the caverns of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Names, dates of visits, and hometowns were inscribed on the ceiling of the world's most extensive known cave system – usually "dabbed" with the soot from candles. But if you have very good eyes, you can also spot a tiny sparkle. Long ago, a lady named Elizabeth carved her personal details into the rock with a hatpin. Nowadays, teeny tiny crystals have formed in her delicately curved lines.
What would be vandalism today was not an issue in the early 19th century: visitors from all over North America immortalized themselves in the caverns of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Names, dates of visits, and hometowns were inscribed on the ceiling of the world's most extensive known cave system – usually "dabbed" with the soot from candles. But if you have very good eyes, you can also spot a tiny sparkle. Long ago, a lady named Elizabeth carved her personal details into the rock with a hatpin. Nowadays, teeny tiny crystals have formed in her delicately curved lines.
So have we been able to inspire you?
On the National Park Service website, you'll find everything you need to know about selling the parks, current information (road closures, events, lava flow, etc.), registration options for guided ranger tours, and hiking maps for the most popular trails.
One suggestion for a charming souvenir? Fans of the parks can get a small passport booklet and add a customized park stamp, including the date of their visit, free of charge at any park visitor center.
So have we been able to inspire you?
On the National Park Service website, you'll find everything you need to know about the parks, current information (road closures, events, lava flow, etc.), registration options for guided ranger tours, and hiking maps for the most popular trails.
One suggestion for a charming souvenir? Fans of the parks can get a small passport booklet and add a customized park stamp, including the date of their visit, free of charge at any park visitor center.