Parks, Preserves and More
Alaska
Denali National Park & Preserve
In a state that has an epic eight national parks, it was hard to choose just one. But our love for Denali runs deep, and with more than 600,000 visitors each year, we're clearly not alone. Home to an immense mountain range with 6 million acres of rugged wilderness, this national park encompasses some of the most beautiful vistas in the entire state.
Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park
Arguably one of the most popular national parks in the entire U.S., Arizona's Grand Canyon is one of three national parks in the state, but it sees more than three times the annual visitor traffic of the other two parks, combined. Famous for its sweeping views and mile-deep canyon, as well as hiking trails, waterfalls and history, this is one park everyone should visit once in their lifetime.
Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park
Nicknamed "America's Spa," the natural geothermal pools located in Arkansas' Hot Springs (both the city and the national park) have long enticed visitors. Set amid a stunning natural backdrop, the outdoor thermal pools are no longer open to the public, but thankfully, sanctioned bathhouses in the park are available, for a fee.
California
Yosemite National Park
Set in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is just one of nine national parks in the state. What makes this particular park so special is its towering granite canyons, carved over millennia from glaciers and groves of giant sequoia trees. Popular destinations in Yosemite include Mariposa Grove and the serenely beautiful Yosemite Valley.
Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
It's one of four national parks in colorful Colorado, but it's also one of the most beautiful. Located 76 miles from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts snow-capped mountain views, lush forests, ravines, plentiful wildlife and more than 385 miles of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Connecticut
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Although this New England state doesn't have a national park, it does have numerous historic and scenic trails, with one of the most popular being the fabled Appalachian Trail. Spanning more than 2,180 miles across 14 states, this popular hiking trail is the longest footpath in the world, and was featured in writer Bill Bryson's travel book "A Walk in the Woods," which later became a movie.
