With more than 84 million acres and over 17,000 miles of trails to explore, our national parks offer plenty of adventure for everyone. The system is comprised of 391 areas, which include:
National parkways
National monuments
Wildlife refuges
Battlefields and historical sites
Lakeshores, seashores, and scenic rivers
Recreation areas
14 national cemeteries
And, last but not least, the White House
Fortunately, getting around and enjoying almost all of the parks has become easier in recent years. From user-friendly trails and boardwalks to improved picnic and campground facilities, there are now even more ways to appreciate our national treasures. An added bonus for those of us who may have difficulty walking is that you may be eligible for a lifetime “Access Pass” (formerly called the Golden Access Passport), which gives free admission to all federally operated parks and a 50% discount on fees for campsites, boat launching, and parking. To learn more about the Access Pass, visit www.nps.gov/pub_aff/access/access_pass.htm
There’s at least one national park in every state except Delaware. Like the most famous national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, most of the parks offer a variety of trails, including at least a few smooth, gentle trails to choose from.
Here are just a few of the many wild places that are surprisingly easy to explore:
Everglades National Park, Florida The largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. offers over 156 miles of well-maintained trails, campsites, and boardwalks, along with kayak and canoe routes. If you don’t feel like getting too close to the wildlife—which includes a wealth of birds, snakes, lizards, and alligators—it can also be viewed from the comfort of your car. For more info, visit www.nps.gov/ever
Padre Island National Park, Texas Looking for surf, sand, and sea turtles? Padre Island is the most important nesting beach in the U.S. for the Kemp’s ridley, the most endangered sea turtle in the world. The park also participates in global efforts to restore the populations of four other threatened and endangered sea turtle species. Before you plan a trip, be aware that most of the island is accessible only to four-wheel-drive vehicles. If you feel like beachcombing with minimal effort, the park offers wheelchairs designed for use on the beach, free of charge. For more info, visit www.nps.gov/pais
Death Valley, California/Nevada So you’re asking yourself: Why would I ever vacation in a place that contains the word “death” in it? Don’t let the name fool you. Actually, Death Valley is an ideal destination for a winter getaway. Although in summer it’s about the opposite of conventional, as temperatures commonly run above 120 degrees. From November to April, the weather is generally mild, and with the wildflowers in full bloom, the scenery is spectacular. And with the help of modern technology and recent access improvements, many of Death Valley’s trails and sites are now accessible to everybody. The area also offers a number of scenic driving routes, including Artist's Drive, where you can see mountains covered in almost every imaginable color. For more info, visit www.nps.gov/deva
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Colorado You don’t have to go to a beach to play in the sand. At Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, visitors who wish to conserve their energy can venture onto the dunes on wheelchairs specially designed for sand travel. There’s also accessible backcountry camping. Want to pick up the speed? Try sandboarding on a slick-surfaced sled. For more info, visit www.nps.gov/grsa
Note: This website does not have a relationship with or endorse the third parties mentioned in the content.