Have you ever wanted to just hit the pause button in your life for just a few moments? To stop stressing, worrying, feeling overwhelmed, and bask at the moment. We do. We all want to find the “beauty” or “awesomeness” in life from time to time. That “wow” God created this moment. Well, if that’s what you’re looking for, then we suggest visiting a national state park near your hometown or travel to another national state park. Here’s our reason why.
National State Parks Are Inexpensive!
We had visited a couple of national parks so far, and on each visit, we had to pay less than $20 for each vehicle. Prices vary per national park or the type of vehicle you are driving or riding, such as taking a bus to the park or motorcycle. If you are a camper, you can rent a campsite for a small fee a night. You can also rent park-specific annual passes so you can visit that park anytime and as much as you like. Out of 400 U.S national parks, approximately 117 national parks charge an entrance fee. Meaning approximately 300 U.S. national parks are FREE!
Breathtaking
Remember what I said earlier about that “wow” God created this moment or that jaw-dropping moment; that’s what you will experience at a national park. National parks landscapes are impressive and diverse. It ranges from the red Aztec sandstone such as the Valley of fire to the lower cascades waterfall at Hanging Rock National Park. Each national park in the United States possesses its unique beauty that takes your breath away.
Recreational
Parks are known for recreational purposes such as exercising, playing basketball, walking, etc.; however national parks offer more exciting activities for thrill-seekers. You can go rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, zip-lining, paddleboarding, scuba diving, rafting, snorkeling, and many more activities. You can also do low-key activities such as camping, fishing, horseback riding, and swimming. In the winter seasons, they offer activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, or spelunking. Whatever your needs are, you can find them at a national park.
Relaxing
One of the main reasons we visit state national parks, aside from the views, is that it’s relaxing. Whether it’s from watching the sunset from Hole in the Rock at Papago Park, Arizona, unwind in a soothing bath at Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, or meditate at Lower cascade Falls at Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina. You can also shut off your electronic devices, unwind and spend quality time with your family on a camping trip without any interruptions.
Educational
Curious about the formation and the history of the state parks? What better way to learn than in person? Some parks have visitor centers with museums that will provide information on history, science, art, geography, geology, and conservation. They even have artifacts, virtual visuals, and more displayed at the museums at your leisure. If not, on your hike, there will be plaques of the information displayed throughout the park that will aid in understanding what you are currently observing and the history behind it.
Convenient
You may or may not have to travel out of state to visit a national park because out of 50 states; there are 58 parks in 27 states in the U.S. California holds the title for the most parks within a state with nine national parks, followed is Alaska with eight national parks, followed by Utah with five national parks. Depending on where you reside, a simple road trip to a national park may take a few or more hours to arrive there.
Versatile
National parks possess many natural wonders such as caves, volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and more. Depending on the season, you can visit a national park several times throughout the year and experience something different. You can visit Rocky Mountain state park and experience skijoring in the winter season, see ice sculptures, spot elks, see frozen waterfalls, attend a winter festival, and more. You can visit the same national park in the summer season and experience horseback riding, wildlife watching, see waterfalls and wildflowers, stay in a cabin, go for a picnic, and more. No matter which national park you choose, these parks offer versatility to cater to everyone’s needs.