9 National Parks in the US You Should Visit This Year
Denali National Park
Set within the Alaskan Interior, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to the highest mountain in North America, Denali, which has a summit elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level. The park features a diverse habitat, including forest in the lower elevations, tundra in the middle, and glaciers, snow and rock in the highest elevations.
This diversity lends itself as the ideal place for a nearly endless number of animal species to reside. Moose can frequently be seen munching on aquatic plants in small lakes and swamps, while Dall sheep climb the steep mountainsides. Caribou, grizzly bears, black bears, gray wolves and many smaller animals can be spotted here too.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachians, spanning a wide range of elevations. Over 65 mammal species, more than 200 varieties of birds, nearly 70 native fish species and over 80 types of amphibians and reptiles reside here.
The black bear is the area’s most famous inhabitant as the park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the east with some 1,500 bears residing inside its borders today.
The most popular thing to do in the park is to hike — there are over 800 miles of trails, though you can also see quite a bit, including sweeping mountain vistas, weathered historic structures and endless forest, from the nearly 300 miles of roads.
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Everglades National Park
Spread across the southern tip of Florida, the Everglades are sure to thrill young and old alike. There are 14 rare and endangered species that live here, including the Florida panther, West Indian manatee and the American crocodile. Take the 26-mile loop drive and you can see alligators right alongside the road.
Meanwhile, a walk on one of the trails provides a unique perspective on the park’s diverse ecosystem. Rent a canoe or kayak for the day and paddle around, or take a boat tour of the 10,000 islands.
