Parks With Hiking Trails

26 of the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for 2022

Top Attractions

When it comes to parks with hiking trails, there are plenty of attractions to explore. From stunning natural landscapes to historical landmarks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the top attractions to consider include:

The Grand Canyon National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yosemite National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions are certainly worth visiting, there are also many hidden gems to discover in parks with hiking trails. These lesser-known spots often offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. A few hidden gems to consider include:

The Narrows in Zion National Park
The Wave in Coyote Buttes
Hamilton Pool Preserve in Texas
Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon National Park
Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Arizona

Food Scene

Exploring parks with hiking trails can work up quite an appetite, and luckily there are plenty of delicious food options available. From local cuisine to international fare, there is something to satisfy every craving. Some great options to try include:

Barbecue in Texas
Seafood in Maine
Pizza in New York City
Burgers in California
Tacos in Arizona

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling to parks with hiking trails doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few budget-friendly tips, you can enjoy a memorable trip without spending a fortune. Some tips to consider include:

Camp instead of staying in hotels
Bring your own food and snacks
Use public transportation or carpool to save on gas
Take advantage of free activities and events
Visit during the off-season for lower prices and fewer crowds

Outdoor Adventures

Parks with hiking trails offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there are trails for every level of experience. Some popular outdoor activities to try include:

Hiking
Biking
Kayaking
Camping
Fishing

Historical Landmarks

Many parks with hiking trails also have significant historical landmarks to explore. These sites provide a glimpse into the past and offer a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural and natural history. Some notable historical landmarks to visit include:

The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
The Statue of Liberty in New York City

Family-Friendly Activities

Parks with hiking trails can be a great destination for families with children. There are plenty of activities and attractions that are fun for all ages. Some family-friendly activities to consider include:

Picnicking
Nature walks
Junior Ranger programs
Wildlife spotting
Swimming and water activities

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, consider seeking out off-the-beaten-path experiences in parks with hiking trails. These experiences may require a bit more effort to find, but they can be well worth the adventure. Some off-the-beaten-path experiences to try include:

Hot springs in Yellowstone National Park
The Wave in Coyote Buttes
Canyoneering in Zion National Park
Exploring lava tubes in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Visiting ghost towns in Death Valley National Park

Natural Wonders

Parks with hiking trails are home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. From towering waterfalls to colorful rock formations, there is no shortage of natural beauty to admire. Some stunning natural wonders to see include:

The Grand Canyon in Arizona
Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park
The Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
The Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park
The Niagara Falls in New York

Vibrant Nightlife

While parks with hiking trails may not be known for their nightlife, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy some evening entertainment. Many parks have live music, theater performances, and other events that take place after dark. Some fun nightlife options to consider include:

Stargazing
Night hikes
Campfire storytelling
Outdoor movie screenings
Nighttime wildlife viewing

Local Markets

Exploring local markets is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the area surrounding parks with hiking trails. These markets offer a wide range of products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Some top local markets to visit include:

Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington
The French Market in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, California
The Union Square Greenmarket in New York City
The Pearl Farmers Market in San Antonio, Texas

Beaches and Mountains

Parks with hiking trails are often located in some of the most scenic areas of the country, including both beaches and mountains. Whether you prefer the ocean or the mountains, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some great beach and mountain destinations to consider include:

Acadia National Park in Maine
Olympic National Park in Washington
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
Big Bend National Park in Texas
Joshua Tree National Park in California

Cultural Immersion

Exploring parks with hiking trails can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. From attending festivals to visiting museums, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the area’s history and traditions. Some top cultural immersion experiences to consider include:

The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C.
The Museum of Modern Art in New York City
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

Art and Music Scene

Parks with hiking trails are often located in areas with vibrant art and music scenes. Whether you’re looking for live music or art galleries, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some top art and music destinations to consider include:

The Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee
The Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois
The Portland Art Museum in Oregon
The Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas
The High Line Park in New York City

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore parks with hiking trails and learn more about the area’s history and culture. Many parks offer guided tours or self-guided walking tours that allow you to explore at your own pace. Some top walking tours to consider include:

The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts
The River Walk in San Antonio, Texas
The Historic District in Savannah, Georgia
The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City
The Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California

Architectural Marvels

Parks with hiking trails are often located in areas with impressive architecture and engineering feats. From skyscrapers to bridges, there are plenty of architectural marvels to admire. Some top architectural marvels to see include: