The modern world is not quiet. Or maybe I should say:听people are not quiet. I live in a small mountain town, which you might expect to be an entirely peaceful habitat. But from my yard, throughout the day, I can hear cars on the interstate, kids playing, delivery trucks backing up鈥攊t鈥檚 a constant barrage of background noise that has become so much a part of our lives. I鈥檓 actually uneasy when I experience truly quiet situations.

Recently, I was camping alone in Utah, at the base of a canyon near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is several miles from the nearest road. The silence was all-encompassing. Occasionally, I could hear the wind move through a sandstone channel behind my campsite, but otherwise, there was no noise. The sound of silence was so far from my status quo that it was disconcerting. No bugs. No fire crackling. Just鈥e.

But we need that quiet in our lives. Studies show that experiencing even brief periods of silence can help lower , improve , and even stimulate . As the world becomes noisier, more people are in search of silence, with 鈥渜uiet-cations鈥� becoming one of the hottest trends in .

The good news? There are still places where you can go to find total quiet, or at least places where the only sounds you hear are from nature: birds, crickets, wind rustling trees.

is a non-profit that researches and certifies locations all over the world based on the decibel levels of background noise (background noise in certified quiet locations doesn鈥檛 exceed 45 decibels).听I selected some enticing destinations deemed Quiet by the organization and scoured our public lands, looking for broad swaths of wilderness that are located so far from noisy roads and towns that they鈥檙e bound to be silent.

Here are 9 hush-hush destinations for your next quiet adventure.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

There鈥檚 West Texas, and then there鈥檚 Far West Texas, a remote corner of the state near the Mexican border. Once you hit Far West, keep going, and you鈥檒l find Big Bend Ranch State Park, a massive (311,000 acres) swath of mountains, canyons, and desert along the Rio Grande. Together with its neighbor, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch makes up the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. The lack of ambient light pollution that delivers dark skies also means there鈥檚 a lack of ambient noise, contributing to quiet days. I spent several days exploring Big Bend Ranch on a mountain bike a few years ago and saw more road runners than people.

There are more than inside the park, some of which meander past old movie sets, Native American homesites, and the occasional oasis, not to mention more canyons and cacti听than I could count. Your best bet is to saddle up on a mountain bike ( has rentals from $50 a day) and pedal the 60-mile that combines singletrack, dirt roads, and dry creek beds to deliver you deep into the heart of the park. There are multiple bail-out options along the way if you don鈥檛 want to tackle the full route.

What to Listen For: The sound of a small waterfall (the Epic route passes by an oasis) and the neigh of feral donkeys that live within the park.

2. Olympic National Park, Washington

The last time I was in Olympic National Park, I was riding a bike, so I mostly heard the sound of my own heavy breathing as I tried to keep up with my group. But this is the park that inspired acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton to create Quiet Parks International in an attempt to preserve peaceful places. It鈥檚 a big park with a diverse landscape that ranges from craggy coastline to glaciated peaks, so there鈥檚 plenty of space to spread out and find your own slice of peace and quiet.

I鈥檝e spent near-silent afternoons paddling Lake Crescent with no soundtrack but my paddle strokes, and lonely stretches of beach offer opportunities to give yourself over to the sound of crashing waves. But it鈥檚 the Hoh Rain Forest, a 24-square-mile temperate rain forest on the west side of the park, that鈥檚 the most intriguing from a sonic experience. Giant old growth conifers rise towards the heavens while thick ferns and mosses blanket the forest floor, all combining to dampen sound.

The , an .8-mile loop near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, is the easiest way to experience the landscape, the trail’s namesake moss climbing the trunks of the trees throughout the area. If you want to explore further, hike a piece of the 17-mile Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows, which offers a view of Mount Olympus. Most day hikers turn around at Five Mile Island, making it a that will definitely get you away from the crowds.

What to Listen For: The babbling Hoh River will, unsurprisingly, accompany you on the Hoh River Trail. Also, keep an ear out for bugles from the herd of elk that live in the rainforest. And then there鈥檚 the rain; Hoh gets 12 feet of it per year.

3. Mount Tabor Park, Portland

You don鈥檛 have to leave the city for peace and quiet. , a 175-acre park on the eastern edge of Portland, was named the country鈥檚 first by Quiet Parks International in 2023. Mount Tabor is a popular park, and during the certification process, acoustic engineers recorded background noise between 38 and 43 decibels, which is just below the threshold for what Quiet Parks International considers quiet. But Mount Tabor鈥檚 accessibility to such a large and diverse population gave it the edge for the final designation.

Mount Tabor itself is a dormant cinder cone volcano, the shape of which helps isolate background noise. So, if one section of the park is noisy, you can trek to the other side for a more subdued experience. The park鈥檚 53 tree species, including a dense Douglas fir forest, help absorb some of the ambient noise as well. Mount Tabor has six miles of official trail and nearly the same length of social trail. Hiking the mile-long Red Trail and looking for a quiet path into the woods is your best bet for silence.

What to Listen For: Children playing. It鈥檚 an urban park with playgrounds, and the sounds of children playing are among the best human-made sounds on earth.

4. Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska

The Niobrara River begins in Wyoming and runs more than 500 miles before joining the Missouri River, but a particularly gorgeous 76-mile stretch has been designated a National Scenic River thanks to its outstanding beauty. Here, the Niobrara passes through the Sandhills of Nebraska鈥攔olling mounds of sand dunes stabilized by permanent grass and grazed upon by elk鈥攚hile also carving a path through the occasional sandstone cliff. The river is fed by hundreds of natural springs, some of which tumble into the Niobrara as waterfalls. You鈥檒l find the 63-foot Smith Falls, the tallest plunge in the state, along this designated National Scenic River.

The Niobrara National Scenic River has also earned the distinction of being the first certified from the Quiet Parks organization. The best way to explore the river and experience the soundscape is from the hull of a canoe.听Most of the land surrounding the river is private ranch land, but the nine-mile stretch through the听 just east of Valentine offers a scenic and mellow run with the chance to hop out of the boat and hike the refuge.听 has canoe rentals (from $69).

What to Listen For: Waterfalls, the sound of your paddle in the water, and waterfowl overhead.

5. Dixie National Forest, Utah

The is huge, occupying almost two million acres of aspen-topped mountains and red sandstone canyons in Southern Utah. Maybe more important from a sonic perspective, those two million acres are buffered by Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, so the forest sits in the heart of a massive complex of public lands that has very few auditory distractions. I spent a week backpacking through Dixie and Grand Staircase and didn鈥檛 come across a single person outside of my small group. The only thing I heard was the wind whistling through the aspens and the occasional elk bugle.

Elevations in the forest range from 11,322 feet at the summit of Boulder Mountain to just under 3,000 feet, and the ecosystem shifts with the altitude. Up high, you鈥檒l find dense groves of aspens and evergreens and boulder-choked creeks. Down low is slick rock desert with narrow canyons and steep cliffs.

The Escalante Ranger District of Dixie has a robust trail system offering relatively easy access to solitude from the small town of Boulder. Pick up the Slickrock Trail northeast of town for a pleasant walk through a high-elevation spruce forest. If you really want to get away from it all (and you have solid route-finding skills), look south to one of the many canyons that drop from the ridge, traveling through a remote corner of the forest before entering Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

What to Listen For: The wind rustling through the aspen leaves at higher elevations is a delightful sound.

6. Green Bank and Spruce Knob, West Virginia

At least part of the joy of finding quiet places is embracing the notion of getting offline. No cell phones, no social media, no buzzing alerts on your phone鈥攖hat听disconnection is what makes the small town of Green Bank, West Virginia, so damn appealing. It sits in the heart of a 13,000-square-mile National Radio Quiet Zone, which is a federal designation that bans all wireless tech. No radio, no cell service, no wi-fi. The rule is in place to remove any potential interference with the seven telescopes pointed skyward.

The Observatory is cool, but the Quiet Zone also encompasses some intriguing portions of the Monongahela National Forest, including 4,863-foot Spruce Knob, the tallest mountain in West Virginia. Hike the easy .5-mile Whispering Spruce Trail for a loop around the summit and views of Seneca Rocks, a fin-like sandstone outcropping that鈥檚 popular with climbers. If that nature trail isn鈥檛 quiet enough for you, hike deeper into the Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek Backcountry, where 60 miles of trail explores meadows, streams, and hardwood forests. Pick up the 5.2-mile at the summit and drop 1,000 feet of elevation off the ridge into fields of wild blueberries and huckleberries until you reach Seneca Creek.

What to Listen For: The wind whipping through the forest at the summit, so strong and constant that the peak鈥檚 red spruces have become deformed and only have branches and nettles on one side.

7. Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho

滨诲补丑辞鈥檚 Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is the largest federally designated wilderness area in the lower 48 at a robust 2.37 million acres. That means if you鈥檙e standing in the heart of Frank Church, there isn鈥檛 a road or mechanical device within two million acres. Promising from an auditory perspective.

Most people experience Frank Church from the hull of a raft careening down the Salmon River, which is a bucket list adventure to be sure, but it鈥檚 not exactly the peaceful scenario we鈥檙e looking for here. I say lace up your boots and explore one of the primitive trails that traverse the Frank.

The hiking is tough (rangers recommend you carry a handsaw in case you need to clear any downed trees), but the offers an approachable entry into the wilderness. Pick up the trailhead at the Langer Monument on Beaver Creek Road and hike 2.1 miles to the aforementioned backcountry lake. The climbing begins immediately, gaining almost 1,000 feet in the first mile, but it levels out in a valley recovering from a previous wildfire. The lake itself is a 12-acre pond at the base of the craggy Roughneck Peak that is known to have feisty rainbow and cutthroat trout if you are so inclined.

What to Listen For: The sound of your fly smacking the water as you hunt patiently for one of the wild trout within the lake.

8. 100-Mile Wilderness, Maine

The 2,000-mile long Appalachian Trail, running from North Georgia to North Maine, is arguably the most famous footpath in the world. Some 2,000 people try to hike the entire thing every year, but most of them give up before they hit Maine. That means they never get to experience the 100-Mile Wilderness, the most remote stretch of the entire A.T., with no paved roads or towns along its corridor. The terrain is a mix of backcountry lakes, craggy peaks, and dense hardwood forests, with steep climbs and a tread that is notoriously rocky and rooty.听 So why bother, you ask? For the chance to take cold dips in backcountry lakes, spy 360-degree vistas from peaks, and experience real solitude, which can be tough to find on the eastern seaboard.

You could hike the entire thing if you鈥檙e looking for an epic adventure ( can help with logistics like shuttles and food drops), but if you don鈥檛 have the requisite week to 10 days this sort of effort requires, I recommend heading to the portion of the 100 Mile Wilderness. This is a 1,600-acre tract owned and preserved by Maine Audubon that offers day hikers a manageable intro to the wilderness via a handful of short trails. Hike the 1-mile , which follows the shore of a pond before climbing to the rocky, dual-peak summits of Borestone Mountain. From there, you鈥檒l get a 360-degree view of the wilderness that, on a clear day, extends all the way to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the A.T.

What to Listen For: It鈥檚 an Audubon preserve, so listen for the 10 warbler species that call the sanctuary home. Peregrine falcons are also known to soar near the craggy peaks, and moose are commonly found near the lakes.

9. Deer Haven, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

If you want to get away from the noise of modern life, heading to South Dakota is a good start; the entire state has less than a million residents, many of whom are huddled in Sioux Falls. Exploring Badlands National Park will get you even further from any ambient noise, as the park鈥檚 steep canyons, tall buttes, and thick red clay have appeared inhospitable to humans since the Lakota gave the area the 鈥渂adlands鈥� moniker. But tough terrain often equals quiet, as few visitors venture into the park鈥檚 backcountry.

Start at the Conata Picnic Area and pick up the , an unmaintained game trail that leads for 2.5 miles through grasslands and between buttes to a cluster of juniper trees. Bring a tent and find a primitive site either in the prairie at the base of the buttes or tucked into the junipers.

What to Listen For: Keep an ear out for the hooves of the 1,000-strong bison herd that roams this section of Badlands.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national-parks columnist. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he is fortunate enough to live within a few hours of three free national parks. He recently wrote about the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, his favorite mountain town, and the national park he chose as the most adventurous.

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No adventure compares to driving across the United States. I鈥檒l never forget my first coast-to-coast drive. It was two friends and me, post college, in a beat-up Subaru loaded with everything I owned. We took the long way home, starting in the farmlands of Vermont and making out-of-the-way pitstops for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains听of Tennessee, dining at legendary barbecue spots across Mississippi, and listening to live music in New Orleans. We drove west, climbed the highest peak in Texas, ate green chile in New Mexico, and stared into the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Most nights, we slept in a tent and dreamed of where the next day would take us. When we finally crossed the California state line toward our final destination, I remember feeling like I wanted to stay on the road forever.

The cross-country road trip is an American rite, a true pilgrimage where you can plan only so much; the rest will unfold wherever the road goes. These three epic journeys have starting and ending points, as well as some spots that may be worth pulling over for along the way, but what you make of the trip鈥攁nd what you ultimately take away from it鈥攊s up to you.

We鈥檝e picked three routes on major highways that cross the country (for a Southwest specific guide, explore our seven best road trips of that region), but along the way, we鈥檝e provided suggestions for detours and byways that get you off the beaten path and out of your car to stretch your legs, experience local culture, and see the sights you鈥檒l be talking about all the way to your next stop. You鈥檒l pull over for things like meteor craters, giant art installations, and donuts. With visits to roadside national monuments, waterfalls, and hot springs鈥攁nd with stays at unique hotels, campsites, and cabins along the way, these road trips aren鈥檛 just a long drive, they鈥檙e an incredible adventure waiting to happen.

The Music Lover鈥檚 Journey: Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington

Route: Interstate 90

Distance: 3,051 miles

This northern route across the U.S. follows Interstate 90 from east to west, passing by major cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Minneapolis. But you鈥檒l also touch on some of the country鈥檚 coolest wild spaces, like the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Inspire your road trip playlist by checking out the outdoor music venues and festivals throughout this route.

Pitstop: The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Hop on Interstate 90 in Boston and point it west. Your first stop is the Berkshires, a mountainous region filled with charming small towns 120 miles west of Boston. Go for a hike in , then pick up a tangleberry pie or farm-fresh apples from market in Great Barrington. In Stockbridge, the is worth a stop to learn more about American painter Norman Rockwell, who lived in the area, or check the performance calendar at , home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for major touring acts in this pastoral outdoor music venue. It鈥檚 worth the 30-mile detour off the highway to North Adams to post up for a night or two at (from $194), a revamped motor lodge that hosts guided hikes, live music, and pop-up dinners.

Must See: Niagara Falls, New York

Peel off the highway in Buffalo, New York, for a visit to , America鈥檚 oldest state park and home to its three namesake waterfalls. Grab a yellow poncho and a ticket ($14) to view the falls from below at the observation decks.

Pitstop: Saint Charles, Iowa

Take a detour to visit Saint Charles, Iowa, home to the four-day held each August on a 350-acre plot of grassland. This year鈥檚 headliners include Tyler, the Creator, Kacey Musgraves, and Lana Del Ray. You can camp on site during the festival and hop a free shuttle into nearby Des Moines. If you can鈥檛 make the show, Des Moines still delivers, with 800 miles of trails to explore on foot or bike, including the paved 25-mile , a converted rail-trail with an iconic bridge that鈥檚 lit up at night over the Des Moines River valley. rents bikes.

Pitstop: Black Hills, South Dakota

There鈥檚 tons to see in the Black Hills of South Dakota, including famous highlights like and , as well as lesser known gems like the third longest caves in the world at or the annual buffalo roundup each September in . Grab donuts for the road from , a famed roadside attraction. Stay in a canvas tent among ponderosa pines at (from $179), outside the town of Keystone.

Stretch Your Legs: Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

It鈥檚 not far off I-90 to reach , a geologic monolith with deep roots to indigenous cultures in the northern plains and the country鈥檚 first national monument. Parking and trails can be crowded here, so skip the main lot and hike the 1.5-mile instead鈥攊t鈥檚 less busy and still has good views of the tower.

Pitstop: Bozeman, Montana

Post up at the (from $189) in downtown Bozeman, which has on the property. Stroll Main Street, then take a walk up through Burke Park, a few blocks away, for a nice view of town. It鈥檚 about an hour and 20 minutes drive to reach the north entrance to , known for its geysers and 2.2 million acres of wilderness. If you鈥檙e on the road for music, the in nearby Big Sky takes place in early August.

Pitstop: Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho

Home to Lake Coeur d鈥橝lene as well as dozens of smaller lakes, you鈥檒l want to stop in Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho, for a swim or a paddle. rents kayaks and paddleboards. on the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille has cabins and campsites (from $48), a , and access to 45 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

Must See: The Gorge Amphitheater, Washington听

Music听breaks up the drive, and there鈥檚 no better place to see live music outdoors in this part of the country than the in Quincy, Washington. There鈥檚 on-site camping during shows and an upcoming lineup that includes Billy Strings and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Stretch Your Legs: Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Hike to stunning alpine lakes on Snoqualmie Pass, just an hour outside of Seattle on I-90. You鈥檒l need a $5 to access most of the hikes in this area. The 2-mile follows the Snoqualmie River to a 70-foot waterfall. For a more stout climb, the 8.5-mile roundtrip hike to in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a real gem.

Final Stop: Seattle, Washington

Celebrate the end of an epic journey by watching the sunset over the Olympic Mountains and dipping your toes into Puget Sound from Seattle鈥檚 . Stay in the heart of downtown at the (from $189) and you can browse fresh produce and maker鈥檚 stalls outside your door. The 10-mile paved sits right along the waterfront. Want more live music to cap off your trip? The is downtown Seattle鈥檚 coolest music venue.

The Best National Parks Road Trip: San Francisco, California, to Washington, D.C.

Route: Interstate 80 and Interstate 70

Distance: 2,915 miles

Travel across the heartland of the U.S. on this iconic route along I-80 and I-70, passing through stunning western mountain ranges like California鈥檚 Sierra Nevada, Nevada鈥檚 Ruby Mountains, Utah鈥檚 Wasatch, and Colorado鈥檚 Rockies. You鈥檒l visit the great national parks across southern Utah听and hit cities like Denver, Colorado; Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, and Columbus, Ohio, before landing in the country鈥檚 capital.

Pitstop: Lake Tahoe, California

Depart San Francisco on Interstate 80 heading east, leaving the shores of the Pacific Ocean to begin a steady climb toward the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range.听, in the roadside town of Auburn, has good burgers and homemade pies for the road. Lake Tahoe is your first stop, a short but worthy departure from the highway. Stay at the new听 (from $138), which opens in March, and you鈥檒l be steps from the lake. Rent bikes at听 to pedal the world-class singletrack along the听 or grab a paddleboard from听. Don鈥檛 miss dinner at the newly opened, featuring eclectic dishes and locally-sourced ingredients.

Pitstop: Ruby Mountains, Nevada

听There鈥檚 not much on Interstate 80 as you cross Nevada between Reno and Salt Lake City鈥攅xcept for the Ruby Mountains, which spike straight up from the desert floor of the Great Basin. In the winter,听 offers heli-ski access to 200,000 acres of rugged terrain. In the summer, there鈥檚听. Stay at Ruby Mountain Heli鈥檚听 or one of their two mountainside yurts (from $190).

Must See: Great Basin National Park, Nevada

For a national park detour, consider visiting听, which has one of the darkest skies in the world for stargazing. Near the entrance to the park, the听 make for a great overnight stop and snack resupply station.

Pitstop: Moab, Utah

In Salt Lake City, you鈥檒l say goodbye to Interstate 80 and head south to meet up with Interstate 70, but not before spending time to explore the Mighty Five national parks that made southern Utah famous: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. You could spend weeks here鈥攐r just a couple of days. Be sure to book a self-guided or ranger-led hike in the slot canyons of the in Arches National Park and get a permit to hike the exposed rocky cliffside of in Zion National Park. (from $129) makes for a great base camp, or there鈥檚 .

Stretch Your Legs: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado

Get back on I-70 and make your way into Colorado, where scenic Glenwood Canyon makes for a stunning drive along the Colorado River. The paved parallels the highway for over 16 miles, making for an easy biking or running destination. Afterward, stay for a soak in the . A new 16-suite boutique hotel called Hotel 1888 is opening near the hot springs this summer.

Pitstop: Breckenridge, Colorado

Spend the night at (from $320), which opened in early 2025 at the base of Peak 9 at, home to skiing and snowboarding in the winter and biking and hiking come summer. Stroll the charming Main Street of downtown Breck and don鈥檛 miss a visit to the , a 15-foot-tall wooden art installation now located on the town鈥檚 Trollstigen Trail.

Must See: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

It鈥檚 not exactly on the way, but this adventure clearly detours for national parks, so make the trek north to Rocky Mountain National Park, a quiet, snowy paradise in the winter and a fishing and backpacking mecca in the warmer months. The short hikes to and are popular among families. For experienced mountain travelers, Longs Peak is the park鈥檚 most famous 14er鈥� leads guided treks to the peak. Stay overnight in Denver before you head into the plains: (from $189), the country鈥檚 first carbon positive hotel, opened in Denver鈥檚 Civic Center Park late last year.

Stretch Your Legs: Monument Rocks, Kansas

There鈥檚 a on an 80-foot easel鈥攐ne of three in the world鈥攙isible from the highway in the town of Goodland, Kansas. Then, pull over for 50-foot-high fossil rock outcroppings and limestone spires on the Kansas prairie at , which is on private land that鈥檚 open to the public south of Oakley, Kansas, right off I-70. 国产吃瓜黑料 of Topeka, you can visit the , a former school site that commemorates the historic end of racial segregation in public schools.

Pitstop: St. Louis, Missouri

Next stop on your national park tour? The of St. Louis. You can ride a tram 630 feet to the top of the arch, walk the palatial grounds beneath the architectural wonder, or admire the arch from a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The (from $149) is housed in a historic shoe company building and has a rooftop pool and restaurant overlooking the city. is a public market with a food hall, retail shops, and live music, and don鈥檛 miss brunch amid a plant nursery at the city鈥檚 .

Pitstop: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio听

Ohio has but one national park and it鈥檚 worth the detour to visit: has paddling along the Cuyahoga River, 20 miles of multi-use pathways along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and 125 miles of hiking trails through woodlands and wetlands. There鈥檚 no camping within the national park but has tent camping (from $40) nearby or the (from $200) is within the park and on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Final Stop: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

End your national parks tour of the U.S. with a visit to the . The C&O Canal follows the Potomac River for 184 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C. It makes for a great walk or bike ride. Pitch a tent at one of the free hiker or biker campsites or pull your car up to one of a handful of drive-in sites (from $10). Or you can stay in a (from $175) along the canal.

The History Buff鈥檚 Tour of the U.S.: Los Angeles, California, to Charlottesville, Virginia

Route: Interstate 40

Distance: 2,696 miles

This pilgrimage sticks to one highway only for most of the way: Interstate 40, which starts in the Mojave Desert of California and crosses the southern portion of the U.S., over the Rocky Mountains and through the Great Plains and the Appalachian Mountains. It traverses Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Much of the western route parallels the historic U.S. Route 66, so it feels like a throwback to another era, a perfect journey for those who love learning about our nation鈥檚 past.

Pitstop: Mojave National Preserve, California

听You can watch a drive-in movie, visit a ghost town, or hike through lava tubes in . You can鈥檛 miss a visit to , an hour away, for stellar stargazing, rock climbing, and 300 miles of hiking trails. Stay in an adobe bungalow at the centrally located (from $195), which has an on-site farm, restaurant, and picnic lunches to go.

Stretch Your Legs: Lake Havasu, Arizona

will deliver you a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters of the , once a major tributary on the lower Colorado River and one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest.

Pitstop: Flagstaff, Arizona

Post up at the (from $109) in Flagstaff, Arizona, and then go explore the sights around Flagstaff, including , an hour and a half north. The 3-mile , along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, makes for a mellow stroll. The on Route 66 in Flagstaff used to be a historic taxidermy shop and is now a popular bar for country music and line dancing.

Must See: Meteor Crater National Landmark

Yep, you鈥檙e pulling off the highway to see this: The most preserved meteorite impact site on earth is right off I-40 near Winslow, Arizona. For a $29 admission at the , you can sign up for a guided hike of the crater鈥檚 rim.

Stretch Your Legs: Continental Divide Trail; Grants, New Mexico

听You鈥檙e passing from one side of the Continental Divide to the other: Might as well get out of the car and go for a trail run or hike along the Continental Divide Trail, which crosses Interstate 40 near the town of Grants, New Mexico.

Pitstop: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take a detour off I-40 in Albuquerque to spend a night or two in Santa Fe, the highest elevation capital city in the U.S., which sits at 7,000 feet in the high desert. Splurge on a night at (from $645), a full-service retreat in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos. For art and history buffs, the and the are well worth a visit.

Must See: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

You鈥檝e already seen the actual Grand Canyon, so now it鈥檚 time to see the Grand Canyon of Texas, in , 25 miles outside of Amarillo. The park has camping and cabins, an 800-foot-deep canyon, mountain bike trails, and an outdoor stage where actors perform a Texas musical.

Pitstop: Hot Springs, Arkansas

You鈥檒l come to Hot Springs for the historic bathhouses and modern-day spa resorts. At , you can soak in one of two original bathhouses. Want to learn about some of the country鈥檚 most infamous criminals? , in downtown Hot Springs, has exhibits on Al Capone and Owen Madden. The (from $169) is housed in a centrally located historic building. Don鈥檛 miss: is the only brewery in the world that uses thermal spring water for its beers.

Must See: Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

If you鈥檙e into geologic history, add a visit to Arkansas鈥� , where you can dig for minerals and gems in a 37-acre field on an eroded volcanic crater. (And yes, notable diamonds have been discovered here.)

Pitstop: Nashville, Tennessee

From the music scene to the foodie paradise, you might never want to leave Nashville. Stay in one of eight suites in a 19th century mansion at (from $306), where wood-fired pizzas are served in the backyard. The currently has exhibits on Luke Combs and Rosanne Cash. Go for a walk or run in or take a guided bike tour of the city鈥檚 murals and street art with .

Pitstop: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, you can hike to waterfalls like Mouse Creek Falls or Mingo Falls, fish for brook trout, or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, which is closed to cars on Wednesdays from May through September. The coolest place in the park to sleep? The (from $189), located atop Mount Le Conte and accessible only via foot. Open from March through November, the lodge requires at least a five-mile hike to reach. Bookings for this year are mostly snatched up already, but you can get on the waitlist or plan ahead for next year.

Final Stop: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

Your trip finale comes in the form of ditching Interstate 40 in exchange for a meandering drive along the , a 469-mile stretch through the Appalachian Mountains and one of the most scenic roadways in America. You鈥檒l stop to see Whitewater Falls, the east coast鈥檚 tallest waterfall at 411 feet, and the rugged Linville Gorge Wilderness. Stay nearby at (from $175), which opened in the mountain town of Highlands in 2024 with a supper club and Nordic spa. They鈥檒l also book you outdoor excursions, ranging from rock climbing to fly fishing.

Megan Michelson is an 国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor who loves long drives, even when her two children are whining in the backseat. She has recently written about Airbnb treehouses, the most beautiful long walks in the world, and the 10 vacations that will help you live longer.听

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Many of America鈥檚 63 national parks charge an entrance fee, usually $30-$35 per vehicle or $15 if you鈥檙e walking or on a bike. Or you can get an for just $80. The fee covers you for seven days, and the money goes to a good cause: according to the NPS, 80 percent is used within the park, helping to improve trails, campsites, and roads, and 20 percent goes to other park sites. And there are six or so .

You can also have a national-park experience for free another way, by visiting one of the 20 national parks that don鈥檛 charge an entrance fee ever. Come and go as you please without dropping a dime. Many of them are among our least-visited national parks, which means you might have these landscapes to yourself.

These are the 20 national parks that are free to visit every day. If you’re wondering whether these are good ones, they鈥檙e not鈥攖hey鈥檙e great ones.

1. Biscayne National Park, Florida

A coastal park located in south Florida where the mainland transitions to the Keys, Biscayne National Park is a collection of islands, mangroves, coral reefs, and open water that鈥檚 largely inaccessible except by boat. While entering the park doesn鈥檛 cost a thing, if you鈥檙e bringing a boat and want to anchor at certain areas, expect a $25 docking fee on weekends and holidays.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is hot and buggy (with temps in the 90s and mosquitoes), and hurricanes are possible in the fall. Shoot for winter, when temps hover in the mid 70s and the storms and bugs are dormant.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Biscayne Bay is known for its shipwrecks, and the Mandalay, a schooner that sank in the 鈥�60s, is one of the top sites, as the hull sits in shallow enough water to be seen by snorkelers as well as divers. This wreck is part of the which includes five others. Don鈥檛 want to spend your time underwater? Head to Boca Chita Key, also part of the park, a 32-acre island with camping ($25 a night, first-come, first-served), hiking, and a lighthouse. The half-mile trail that circumnavigates the small island leads to its beaches.

2. Channel Islands National Park, California

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five rugged islands in the Pacific Ocean about 30 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. If you ever wondered what Southern California would look like without the development and traffic, this is it. The park is full of remote beaches, steep cliffs, expansive meadows, and pristine forests.

Best Time to Visit: Summer, as the water and air temps are both in the 70s, a little cooler than most of Southern California but still warm, so you can make the most of those beaches scattered throughout the park.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: I hit Channel Islands last summer as part of a seven-day adventure cruise, but the easiest way (compared to arriving via seaplane or private boat) to reach the park is by ferry, with (day trips from $96). Get dropped off on Santa Rosa Island and hike the 12-mile out-and-back to Skunk Point, a prominent peninsula with sand dunes and cliffs jutting into the Pacific. You鈥檒l pass rare Torrey pines, a gnarled-looking, wind-twisted type of tree only found on the Channel Islands and in La Jolla on the mainland, and have copious views of the ocean and island along the way.

Or book a sea-kayaking tour with and paddle to sea caves and gaze at natural rock arches (from $145 per person).

3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

You could say Congaree National Park is a swamp, and you wouldn鈥檛 be wrong, but the word doesn鈥檛 do the place justice. The 26,692-acre Congaree holds the largest intact old-growth bottom-wood forest in the South, boasting trophy-sized loblolly pines and cypress that rise straight from the water. The same forest has one of the tallest canopies in the eastern United States, with an average tree height of more than 100 feet.

Best Time to Visit: Avoid summer because of the sweltering heat and bugs. Winter and spring are fine, but you might as well show up in the fall when the weather is perfect, the rivers are full from seasonal rains, and the hardwoods, like tupelos and sweet gums, are popping with color.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Most of the fun in Congaree is water-based, so bring a canoe or paddle board and slowly make your way through the , a 15-mile marked 鈥減ath鈥� that winds through old-growth cypress. The current is mellow enough to paddle up or downstream, so you don鈥檛 need a shuttle.

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

An oasis of public land sandwiched between the bustling cities of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley holds 33,000 acres of forest and historic farmland surrounding the Cuyahoga River. What the park lacks in towering peaks or grand vistas, it makes up for in waterways, waterfalls, and cultural significance; you can ride your bike beside the Ohio and Erie Canal, which connected the Ohio River with Lake Erie, key to the country鈥檚 western expansion during the early 1800s.

Best Time to Visit: It鈥檚 a four-season park (although winters can be cold and snowy), and I could make an argument for every season. Fall brings bright foliage, and spring is mild and uncrowded, but show up in summer and you can take advantage of the many farmers鈥� markets in and around the park. The Cuyahoga Valley is still a very active agricultural hub of the Midwest.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: You have to bike at least a section of the , a 100-mile crushed-gravel trail that follows the Ohio and Erie Canal. Roughly 20 miles of the Towpath sit inside the park, passing through small towns and meadows full of wildflowers, like trillium and bloodroot, with deer and foxes along the way.

5. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Want remote wilderness? Go to Alaska, then keep heading north into the Brooks Range, and you鈥檒l find Gates of the Arctic, a 13,000-square-mile expanse of mountains and river valleys north of the Arctic Circle. There are no roads in Gates of the Arctic, nor a visitor center or gift shop, nor even established trails. Just herds of caribou, the glow of the northern lights, and several federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers winding through the tundra. 听

Best Time to Visit: Hands down, summer has the warmest temps, as well as rivers that are full from snowmelt and a landscape that comes alive as everything from wildflowers to grizzly bears makes the most of the sunshine. There鈥檚 plenty of that, too; you鈥檙e so far north, you can expect daylight for up to a month at a time in the summer.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Try, if you can, to see this park from the hull of a boat. Consider paddling the Noatak, a sinuous river that鈥檚 carved a broad valley through the Brooks Range. You鈥檇 plan for a 10-day canoe-camping trip, with mostly calm water and a few stretches of class II rapids on the 60-mile section inside the park. You鈥檒l float past meadows full of alpine sunflowers and snow buttercups, fish for arctic char, and keep an eye out for grizzlies, wolves, and Dall sheep ( from $8,900).

6. Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri

Gateway Arch isn鈥檛 like other national parks on this list. It鈥檚 an urban park, located in St. Louis, that was originally set aside to commemorate the cultural significance of our country鈥檚 push westward. It鈥檚 only 91 acres, tucked into the banks of the Mississippi River, and has the 630-foot Gateway Arch as its centerpiece. Fun fact: this is the tallest arch in the U.S. Inside the park are five miles of paved trails for walking and running along the Mississippi.

Best Time to Visit: Show up in fall or spring, when the weather is mild and the crowds are minimal.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Really, ride the tram to the top of the arch. The journey takes you through the structure鈥檚 hollow legs and ends at a viewing platform with a panorama of the Mississippi River and its many bridges below. The only catch? The ride will cost you $19.

7. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

It takes some effort to reach Great Basin National Park, in eastern Nevada roughly 285 miles north of Las Vegas, but once you鈥檙e there, you won鈥檛 need to contend with crowds. Only 140,000 people a year venture to Great Basin, compared to 14 million visitors for Great Smoky Mountains National Park听in 2023. Yet Great Basin has towering 13,000-foot peaks; groves of shimmering aspen as well as old-growth bristlecone pines, which are believed to be the oldest known tree species in the world; and a fascinating system of caves to explore.

Best Time to Visit: Much of the park can be inaccessible during winter, when the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which ascends from 6,700 to 10,180 feet in elevation, is unplowed but open to skiers and snowshoers, and there are various other winter closures. So going between late spring and early fall is your best bet. Late summer will give you the best chance for snow-free trails.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: The cave tours are popular, but I say hike to the top of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, where views of the Great Basin Desert, the only 鈥渃old鈥� desert in America鈥攖he precipitation comes from snow鈥攕tretch in every direction for 100 miles on a clear day. It鈥檚 a 6.1-mile that gains 3,000 feet, much of which is above tree line, so take it slowly if you鈥檙e coming from sea level. Interested in something milder? Hike the 2.7-mile , which brings you to the edges of Teresa and Stella Lakes, both pools surrounded by evergreens.

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

This is the most popular national park in the country, with, as said above, some 14 million visitors annually. Fortunately, there are 500,000 acres of mountains in Great Smoky Mountains National Park听for all those people to explore, with more than 900 miles of trail that access 6,000-foot peaks, pristine trout streams, and historic farming valleys.

Best Time to Visit: There鈥檚 no bad time to hit GSMNP. The foliage goes nuts come fall, winter can bring snow and solitude, and spring is budding with renewed life鈥ut I like summer in the Smokies. Sure, some parts of the park are crowded, but the temperatures are perfect for splashing in the waterfalls and swimming holes.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Most visitors stick to the scenic Newfound Gap Road and its short nature trails, but I recommend hiking the 11-mile out-and-back up to LeConte Lodge, a backcountry inn on top of the 6,000-foot peak of the same name. Some sections of the trail are so exposed you use cables for safety, and you鈥檒l pass through Alum Cave, a rock overhang with a long-range view into the park. If you can鈥檛 score overnight reservations at the lodge, purchase a sack lunch from the kitchen for a picnic in some quiet spot with a view before heading back down to the trailhead.

9. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

An aerial view shows Hot Springs Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs National Park, Garland County, Arkansas, in summer amid the region’s green hills. Video courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Forget rugged cliffs or backcountry lakes. Hot Springs National Park protects a small town that was built on top of thermal springs that attracted travelers for centuries before the area ever became a national park. Today, you鈥檒l find two brick bathhouses for soaking your weary muscles and public fountains where you can fill a jug with natural spring water for drinking.

Best Time to Visit: The weather in the park is generally mild, so it鈥檚 a popular destination year round, but winter feels like the right time to sit in a tub of hot water.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Can relaxing be an adventure? Who cares? When in Hot Springs National Park, you sit in hot water. The Buckstaff Bathhouse has small private tubs, while the has a series of larger, Roman-style pools for group bathing as well. A man-made steam cave captures the radiant heat from the 143-degree water (from $25 per person). You can also hike the trails here and are welcome to bike on any of the paved roads and the Pullman Trail.

10.听 Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Katmai National Park is surely best known for its live bear cams, where you can watch massive brown bears fish for salmon from the comfort of your office chair. But this 4-million-acre park in Southern Alaska is more than just an internet sensation; it鈥檚 a playground of lakes, rivers, and mountains, with an active volcano.

Best Time to Visit: Show up in July when the temps approach 70, and the brown bears are actively hunting for fish.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Try to get a campsite or lodge room at the float-plane accessible (make reservations starting January 5, $18 per campsite per night) on the edge of Naknek Lake, and hike the 1.2-mile out and back to Brooks Falls, where the park鈥檚 most popular bear cam catches grizzlies poking around the water for salmon. Don鈥檛 worry, the hike ends at an overlook a safe distance from the action.

11. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

The heart of Kenai Fjords is the Harding Icefield, a 700-square-mile sheet of ice that has shaped Alaska鈥檚 Kenai Peninsula by leaving glaciers and carving fjords. Visitors to the park have 600,000 acres of fjords to paddle, many trails to hike, and innumerable icy crevices to explore, with 听options available.

Best Time to Visit: Technically, Kenai Fjords is open year round, but winters are cold and snowy, and the only way into the park is by fat bike, XC skis, or dogsled. Show up from June through August and the trails are open to hikers, the roads are clear, and wildlife is most visible, as animals actively look for food.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: This is your chance to explore a glacier in all its shrinking glory. A paved road leads to the edge of Exit Glacier, which forms the tail end of the Harding Icefield. From here a system of trails explores the valley carved by the glacier, offering a variety of views. Hike the 8.2-mile out-and-back , a strenuous climb through cottonwood forests and meadows, then above a tree line ridge that stops at the edge of the massive expanse of ice.

12. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

Kobuk Valley is one of the least-visited units of the national-park system (just over 17,000 people made the trip in 2023), but that鈥檚 more a reflection of the park鈥檚 location north of the Arctic Circle than its landscape, which is a mix of rivers and sand dunes that are populated by a hell of a lot of caribou traveling along the Kobuk River. No roads lead into Kobuk Valley, so most visitors arrive via . The other option would be a very long paddle in.

Best Time to Visit: Shoot for June or July, when you鈥檒l enjoy nearly 24 hours of light every day, blooming wildflowers like the herbaceous locoweed, and temperatures in the mid 60s. Or show up in August when the caribou begin their migration through the park.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: With no established trails or campgrounds inside the park, you need to be self-sufficient. Most people show up to camp in the 25-square-mile Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, or paddle and fish for salmon and whitefish along the 61 miles of the Kobuk River within the park鈥檚 borders. Either way, keep an eye out for caribou, which look like lean reindeer.

13. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Much like Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark has no roads leading into the park and is typically accessed by small plane. But make the effort and you鈥檒l see 4 million acres of quintessential Alaskan terrain with 10,000-foot peaks, backcountry lakes, glaciers, and wild rivers, all about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Best Time to Visit: It鈥檚 Alaska, so summer will give you the longest days and warmest weather of the year. The brown bears are active too, filling up on salmon running up the rivers, so it can be a once-in-a-lifetime thrill seeing them (from a safe distance).

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Catch a to Crescent Lake and spend your time on a boat, fishing for sockeye salmon, which fill the lake in July during their annual migration, or lake trout. Bring your binoculars too, as the lake is a hub for brown-bear activity during the summer.

14. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Most national parks wow you with what鈥檚 above ground, but Mammoth Cave鈥檚 secret sauce lies beneath the dirt; the park protects the largest cave system in the world, with more than 400 miles of mapped passages.

Best Time to Visit: Mammoth might be the truest year-round park in the system, as the temperature in the caves is a consistent 54 degrees through every season. But visit in the fall and the hardwoods above ground are bursting with color.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: The landscape offers plenty to do above ground, from paddling the Green River to mountain biking the park鈥檚 20 miles of singletrack, but you鈥檙e here for the caves. The Historic Cave Tour is the classic introduction, a two-hour guided adventure that hits the biggest rooms and tight channels alike ($24 per person). Or if you鈥檙e feeling adventurous, sign up for a Wild Cave Tour and crawl through tight passages that lead to lesser-seen rooms over 5.5 miles of exploration ($79 per person).

15. National Park of American Samoa

Looking for something remote and tropical? American Samoa is a collection of seven islands located 2,600 miles south of Hawaii. National Park of American Samoa protects pieces of four of those islands, boasting tropical rainforests, steep peaks, remote beaches, and access to the surrounding ocean and coral reefs.

Best Time to Visit: It鈥檚 warm year round in American Samoa, but winter can be rainy. The dry season runs from June to September, offering the best chances of good weather for hiking and clear water for snorkeling.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Tutuila, the largest island of Samoa, is loaded with hiking trails that lead through rainforests to dramatic viewpoints over the coast. If I ever get to go, I鈥檓 visiting Ofu Island, which has a remote shoreline with pink sand that has been called the most beautiful beach in the world. The is amazing too, as the water is clear, the coral reefs are close to shore and packed with colorful fish, and the area hosts more than 950 species of fish.

16. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park packs an adventurous punch in its svelte 73,000 acres, protecting 53 miles of the class IV New River and the steep, rocky gorge around it. Rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting鈥ou can do it all inside this relatively small park.

Best Time to Visit: Summer brings the warmest weather for rafting, but if you鈥檙e looking to climb, show up in the fall when the humidity dissipates, temps drop, and the leaves pop.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: It鈥檚 hard to pick just one here, but rafting the New has to top the list. The river drops 750 feet inside the park鈥檚 boundaries, unraveling in a series of III-IV wave trains, drops, and big pillows. A number of outfitters , from half-day milder water options to two-day overnight adventures.

17. North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades might be close enough to Seattle for a day trip, but this landscape is a world removed from the bustling city, with high alpine terrain full of evergreen forests, craggy peaks, backcountry lakes, and more than 300 glaciers鈥搕he largest collection in any park outside of Alaska.

Best Time to Visit: Late June to late September has the most user-friendly weather and the best chances for snow-free trails.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Take on , a steep 9.4-mile hike from the edge of Ross Lake that passes through meadows toward sweeping views from a historic lookout tower that Jack Kerouac once lived in while working as a fire scout. On the horizon are the craggy, fin-like Hozomeen Peak and a portion of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

18. Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands

Protecting two-thirds of the island of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park is packed with beaches, lush mountains, and tropical rainforests. Visitors will split their time between water activities, lounging on beaches, and hiking through the hills.

Best Time to Visit: Summer can be hot and rainy and fall brings hurricanes, but winter in the Virgin Islands is delightful, with temps in the 80s and minimal rainfall.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: Explore Salomon and Honeymoon Bay, dueling white-sand beaches separated by a rocky point. Snorkelers have colonies of coral reefs teeming with tropical fish to explore. Or go for a swim in Brown Bay, from a beach that鈥檚 only accessible by boat or a 1.5-mile hike on Brown Bay Trail.

19. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Situated on the Canadian border in Northern Minnesota, the 218,055-acre Voyageurs National Park is known for its series of lakes interconnected by 60 miles of canoe trails. Moose and wolves thrive inside the park, which is also a good spot for seeing the northern lights.

Best Time to Visit: Visitor centers and tour operators open in June and the lakes are busiest in the summer, but September brings changing colors and fewer crowds. The season ends quickly, though, and October can feel more like winter than fall.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: People visit Voyageurs to canoe and fish the lakes for walleye and northern pike. The larger lakes can be busy with motorboat traffic, but the smaller interior lakes are linked by a series of marked canoe trails and backcountry campsites. Paddle the 13-mile Chain of Lakes trail, which traverses four small lakes on the Kabetogama Peninsula via small creeks and short portages. Each lake has a campsite, and the park service stages boats for use by those with camping .

20. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

One of the oldest national parks in our system, established in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt, the 33,000-acre Wind Cave protects a landscape in transition, where the Great Plains give way to the Black Hills. Above ground, the park boasts broad swaths of grassland occupied by herds of bison and elk, but underneath that bounty of wildlife are 143 miles of mapped cave passages.

Best time to Visit: Summer is hot and thunderstorms with hail are common, while winter brings snow and sub-freezing temps. Hit Wind Cave in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for mild weather and to see active wildlife.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料: The only way to explore the caves is on a . The Natural Entrance tour is a good family-friendly option, as visitors experience the winding opening of the cave system before exploring some of the larger interior passages, known for walls that look like honeycombs. If you want more of an adventure, sign up for the Wild Cave tour, which will have you crawling through smaller, undeveloped passages deep down in the system ($17 per person).

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national-parks columnist. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he is fortunate enough to live within a few hours of three free national parks. He recently wrote about the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, his favorite mountain town, and the national park he chose as the most adventurous.

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I shrieked like a kid on a carnival ride the first time I saw a fireball鈥攁n exceptionally bright and colorful meteor. It was autumn 2022, and I was on a northern-lights road trip in Iceland. I鈥檇 spent hours watching the sky fill with green swirls, but this surprise, teal-tinged streak stole the show.

I expect to see more of these cosmic marvels when the year鈥檚 most powerful meteor shower, the Perseids, peaks on August 12. According to the , the spectacle could produce up to 100 meteors per hour as debris from the shower鈥檚 parent comet, Swift-Tuttle, strikes earth鈥檚 atmosphere, creating the effect of shooting stars that could be visible for up to several minutes. Thanks to the comet鈥檚 above-average size, says the Perseids produce more fireballs, which can have subtle blue and red hues, than virtually any other shower.

Weather permitting, and in areas without light pollution, this year鈥檚 Perseids could put on an exceptional display between midnight and early morning from August 11 to 13. That鈥檚 because around midnight each night, the waxing gibbous moon will slide beneath the horizon, eliminating lunar light that diminishes stargazing.

How to See the Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseids appear near the Perseus constellation, which will climb higher in the northeast-east sky throughout the night. (Download a stargazing app beforehand if you need help locating Perseus.)

Seek out a viewing spot with as few overhead obstructions as possible, such as a hillside above the treetops, a sprawling desert, or an open field. While the bulk of activity will happen eastward, keep your eyes peeled across the sky for any Delta Aquariid meteors; says this Southern Hemisphere shower is expected to speckle our sky on these nights, too.

Here鈥檚 a time lapse of last year鈥檚 Perseid shower in California鈥檚 Joshua Tree National Park, to give you an idea of how a night might go:

It鈥檚 important to know that, unlike the powerful May 10, 2024 aurora show, which was so strong it dazzled Americans in the lower 48 with colorful ribbons in even the most light-polluted cities, you can鈥檛 watch the Perseid meteor shower just anywhere. In addition to clear skies with few clouds, you need to set yourself up in a spot with minimal light pollution, as city lights can obscure all but the most powerful meteors.

To help you find those dark skies, and make the most of the year鈥檚 grandest meteor shower, I鈥檝e picked seven of the best national parks for Perseids peeping, including many I鈥檝e stargazed from myself. Read on for my recommendations of exactly where to watch within each park, as well as educational ranger-led events taking place.

The Best Dark Sky Parks to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is lauded for its ancient rock layers, but in recent years, its nightscapes have become just as beloved. According to ranger and dark-sky advocate Rader Lane, stargazing is now the park鈥檚 most popular programming, with a special celebration for the Perseids.

The Grand Canyon, which is certified as a Dark Sky Park by light-pollution authority DarkSky International, will host astronomical events at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, on the South Rim, from August 9 to 13 beginning at 9 P.M. In addition to watching for meteors and admiring the Milky Way, guests can enjoy laser-guided constellation talks led by rangers.

To chase the Perseids on your own, hit the South Rim Trail, which is open 24/7. Or snag a spot at the (from $18, with availability as of publication) and then stroll to the adjacent Desert View Point to watch for fireballs, with an otherworldly backdrop of the Elephant and Cardenas Buttes.

If you鈥檙e feeling lucky, apply for a backcountry permit via and head down into the canyon for a night of camping (from $10 per permit, plus a nightly charge of $15 per person), or even better, see if you can鈥檛 get a last-minute听Phantom Ranch reservation (from $213.50 for two people per night), to watch the sky burst with comet confetti from my favorite Grand Canyon stargazing perch: the remote floor.

2. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

What makes Voyageurs great for national-park aurora hunting鈥攎assive lakes with open, unobstructed sky views鈥攕ets it up for ideal Perseids watching, too. More than a third of this Dark Sky-certified park is actually water, with front-country lodging and backcountry island camping promising picturesque shooting stars that reflect off glassy lakes.

Pre-game the Perseids with the , which takes place in the evenings from August 8 to 10. Scheduled experiences include telescope sessions, expert-led stargazing, and paddling under the stars (and potentially a few meteors).

Come Perseids peak, Voyageurs National Park suggests basing yourself at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center or the Meadwood Road Day Use Area near the Ash River Visitor Center for ideal sky watching. I had exceptional luck stargazing at the on Kabetogama Lake in 2020, with amazing panoramas of not only the Milky Way but that summer鈥檚 night-sky showstopper, Comet Neowise.

Another alternative for seclusion beneath the stars is camping on the islands that dot the park鈥檚 backcountry. Just make sure to avoid any spots with forested obstructions to the northeast-east sky. Campsites like Peary Lake, Namakan Island, and Sexton Island are all great; are required for backcountry camping (from $16), with canoe rentals available from the park (from $14).

3. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Alien-like sedimentary rock shapes at Badlands look even more extraterrestrial beneath a star-dotted sky. From this remote park, over 7,500 stars are visible on a given night, according to the park website, with skies dark enough to admire the Milky Way and the Perseids.

Badlands, which is being considered for Dark Sky International certification, runs a every evening at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater throughout the month of August, including during the August 11 to 13 Perseids peak. Guests can take a gander at the heavens via telescopes while listening to the park鈥檚 night-sky experts.

Many overlooks and open grasslands offer stellar meteor-shower views, too. Ed Welsh, an education specialist for Badlands National Park, suggests the Fossil Exhibit Trail (map below) and areas in the park鈥檚 north unit, which are farthest from city lights. The Pinnacles Overlook and are good plans as well.

If you鈥檙e craving particularly impressive starscapes, head to the nearby Badlands Observatory, less than 30 miles from the north unit鈥檚 Ben Reifel Visitor Center, for a of the night sky at 9:30 P.M. (from $29.70).

4. Glacier National Park, Montana

With virtually no light pollution, Glacier National Park鈥攐pen all day and night鈥攊s a stargazing oasis. It鈥檚 also the first Dark Sky-certified park project to cross international borders, encompassing Glacier and its northern neighbor, Waterton Lakes National Park, in Alberta.

Skies here are about as inky as the Mountain West gets, making it the perfect setting for catching a meteor shower. And the spectacle will be enhanced by on August 11, 12, and 13; the 鈥淗alf the Park Happens After Dark鈥� event, which begins at 10 P.M. at the Apgar Visitor Center, includes astronomer-led sky tours and telescope experiences.

It鈥檚 hard to top the scene at mirror-still Lake McDonald, according to the . Much of the park lodging is booked during this time, but as of press time, you could still find a glamping tent at nearby , located just nine miles south of Lake McDonald (from $329). While towering pines obscure the stars above most tents, you can find open-sky vistas near the fire pits if you don鈥檛 want to head the short distance to the park.

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Enjoy a clear, unobstructed night sky in remote Great Sand Dunes, a Dark Sky-certified park that鈥檚 also open around the clock. Grab a towel and walk into the dunes to rest on the sand and patiently watch Perseus. Or for an even more remote view, there鈥檚 still availability for a permit via for the backcountry dunes (from $6) at least 1.5 miles or more into this massive swath of sand.

For a particularly space-like night, head roughly 30 miles west of the park visitor center to the quirky 鈥攁 roadside attraction dedicated to chasing extraterrestrials, with an on-site tower, exhibit, and campsite (from $20). Closer to the small town of Del Norte, you might opt for a night in the 鈥檚 yurts or steelmaster sheds, which include access to 3D-printed, adobe-style Skylos rooms that look up into the open night sky.

6. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion leaves visitors slack-jawed at all hours, but nighttime is extra special鈥攅specially when shooting stars and fireballs soar overhead. The Dark Sky-certified park is open 24 hours, and one of my favorite places to enjoy wide-open views is the , accessible from the park visitor center and the South Campground. This area may be closer to the town of Springdale, but in 2023, the community actually became DarkSky-certified. The viewpoints like Lava Point Overlook and Wildcat Canyon Trailhead along Kolob Terrace Road for stargazing, too.

As of publication, there are still a few available spots at the visitor-center-adjacent (from $130) during the peak August dates. You can also spot the meteor shower nearby at astro-friendly properties like (from $252), which opened last summer with glamping tents, Airstreams, and accessible cabins.

7. Wrangell鈥揝t. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Remote barely begins to describe Wrangell鈥揝t. Elias, one of the least visited and largest national parks in the country. This isolation may make getting here hard鈥攅xpect long transit times from Anchorage via car and bush plane鈥攂ut when the midnight sun begins to wane and the park鈥檚 dark, starry nightscapes reappear, you鈥檒l appreciate the effort.

While minimal light in small park towns like McCarthy promises stunning Perseids sightings, your best bet is to get into the park鈥檚 wilderness. For that, try an overnight backpacking trip on the Root Glacier with (from $580) This outing includes crampon hiking across the paper-white glacier, then sleeping on it, surrounded by not one but four mountain ranges. I recently camped here on the longest day of the year, but I鈥檓 already dreaming of a trip back to watch August鈥檚 potential two-for-one interstellar show: the Perseid meteor shower and the northern lights.

Stephanie Vermillion is an adventure and astrotourism writer and author of the upcoming National Geographic book , out December 3.

Editor鈥檚 note: Leave No Trace principles are just as important after dark; stick to the designated trails and viewing areas, pack out all that you bring in, and turn off your flashlight once you鈥檝e arrived at your viewing spot to ensure others can enjoy the sights, too.

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is about much more than monuments and motorcycles. It’s home to breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and iconic attractions. In this episode, series host explores the Badlands, rock climbs towering granite spires in Custer State Park, and samples delicious local cuisine. She also learns about ancestral lands, traditions and history of Lakota people who are indigenous to this amazing destination.

听enhances the quality of life for South Dakotans and visitors by strengthening the communities, encouraging responsible stewardship, and creating meaningful experiences for all to enjoy. Together, we鈥檙e here to serve the people of South Dakota and all who come to explore.

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Thriving pheasant populations and excellent hunting conditions are primarily the result of two things: high-quality habitat and access to that habitat. South Dakota works hard to protect and add to pheasant habitat while improving public walk-in access to these bountiful areas. But keeping these enhancements in motion is a team effort. , with support from has introduced a new program that incentivizes private landowners to join in conservation efforts. To learn more about this program and other improvements to public access in South Dakota, we talked to Jared Wiklund, director of communications at Pheasants Forever.听

国产吃瓜黑料: What is the mission of Pheasants Forever?

Jared Wiklund: In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters noticed a correlation between upland habitat loss and declining pheasant populations. The missing piece: an organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever filled the void. Pheasants Forever鈥檚 mission work quickly garnered the group a reputation as 鈥渢he habitat organization,鈥� a tagline the nonprofit conservation group still uses proudly today.

How does onX serve bird hunters in South Dakota?

From upland e-scouting to exploring lesser-known public land, onX has changed the concept of access. This mapping technology contributes to hunting and across the country. Now, all bird hunters鈥攂eginners to veterans鈥� have the best available technology to find places to recreate outdoors.听

South Dakota has many designated land-use areas and access programs, including game production areas, waterfowl production areas, walk-in access, and more. All of these areas are locatable using the听. The onX app is one of the most important tools a bird hunter can use to identify quality habitat and access points. Plus, the brand is committed to conservation through its land access initiatives, including the newly established Public Access to Habitat (PATH) program in South Dakota.

Can you tell us more about the PATH program in South Dakota?

The program will accelerate the statewide enrollment of lands in long-term conservation programs, while bolstering participation in South Dakota Game, Fish, and Park鈥檚 Walk-in Area program. On August 23, 2023, Pheasants Forever launched this new outdoor access initiative with an ongoing goal to enroll 10,000 acres per year in South Dakota. The program was fully funded through a collaboration between onX Hunt and Pheasants Forever, which led to听听opening on September 1, 2023.

In return for ten years of undisturbed habitat and access on private lands, PATH incentivizes private landowners with up to $25 per acre, paid in advance. Landowners work directly with biologists from Pheasants Forever or South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks for a site evaluation and program implementation. This per-acre payout is also met with other financial incentives, like a signing bonus and payment for Walk-in Area program participation. In addition, PATH enrollments pay landowners a competitive rate for a decade of habitat and access stewardship.

鈥淰oluntary public access programs like PATH are what help make South Dakota a premier upland hunting destination,鈥� says Ben Brettingen, wingshooting manager at onX. 鈥淎n impressive of the state鈥檚 huntable grounds鈥攁re accessible thanks to these unique agreements between private landowners and outdoorsmen facilitated by organizations like Pheasants Forever and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. We鈥檙e proud to support Pheasants Forever and its mission of habitat conservation and access鈥攈elping expand hunting opportunities for the future and preserving sporting traditions for years to come.鈥�

Find more information about the , with examples of funding for landowners and guidelines. And for landowners interested in enrollment opportunities, learn how to .

How are onX and Pheasants Forever working together to expand access for hunters?

Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, and onX have a strong history of supporting public access projects for upland hunters and their bird dogs to roam. After onX was announced as a national sponsor in 2018, the organizations joined forces around the project, which asks hunters to share access barriers they鈥檝e experienced on public lands and waters, along with any ideas for improvement.

In another effort to protect access, onX committed $15,000 to Pheasants Forever鈥檚 , which acquires and restores critical wildlife habitat for public use. In a flagship project, partners matched the onX contribution three to one to acquire a brand-new 269-acre public area in Iowa.

Since that time, their partnership has expanded to include individual access programs, such as PATH in South Dakota.

How can bird hunters best prepare for a hunting trip on public lands in South Dakota?

Scout. Use an application like onX Hunt to identify birdy properties before starting your adventure. Look for large tracts of pheasant-producing grassland and wetland complexes. Many hunters aren鈥檛 willing to go the distance; identifying hard-to-reach places may give you the advantage of solitude. Get out before hunting commences for the day, and travel back roads searching for bird numbers. Once you find food and cover, the birds will reveal themselves on roadsides and at the edges of fields.

Make a phone call. Reach out to state agencies, such as South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, to speak with conservation officers and biologists about the bird populations in your target area. Pheasants Forever is also a great resource. Use the to narrow your search.

Visit landowners. South Dakota has more than 1.4 million acres of walk-in-access lands, but don鈥檛 underestimate the 鈥減ower of the ask.鈥� Major public-land complexes border private land. If a large number of pheasants are identified on adjacent properties, use an app like onX to find the owner and to inquire about access permission prior to hunting season.

and make up the nation鈥檚 largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent鈥攖he only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 575,000 habitat projects benefiting 24 million acres.

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They say that if you find a job you love, you鈥檒l never work a day in your life. If that鈥檚 true, Taniya Bethke must feel like she鈥檚 on permanent vacation. As director of operations for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, Bethke is dedicated to making hunting and the outdoors more inclusive and accessible to a wide range of people. Her passion for welcoming others to a world she loves is obvious in the way her work and recreation priorities blend so naturally. In South Dakota, she鈥檚 found the perfect place to practice what she preaches, so we asked her about her home state, the rewards of pheasant hunting, and how others can share her passion for the outdoors.听

国产吃瓜黑料: What makes South Dakota a top pheasant hunting destination?

Taniya Bethke: Birds, access, and peace. South Dakota has more pheasants than any other state, with access programs and vast public land that support pheasant hunting for everyone. With fewer than a million people living in South Dakota, population density is low. That means you鈥檒l experience so much more than hunting. If you鈥檙e looking for solitude, unbelievable views, and peace, this is the place for you.

But that鈥檚 just the start. It鈥檚 also the welcoming outdoor culture, which makes living or visiting here so special. After moving to South Dakota six years ago, I have come to love the rhythm of the seasons and the way people come together outdoors. I expected to feel like a true outsider because I didn鈥檛 grow up hunting and am not from here, but instead, I was very fortunate to be adopted by an amazing group of badass women. We hang out, hunt, scout, train dogs, and prep for the season together. They have become my mentors and more. The camaraderie I feel sharing stories and a drink around a campfire fuels our friendships and inspires more adventures year after year.听

South Dakota is rich with a sense of community like this. There are people with open arms who love to be outside and are eager to share their knowledge and company. So, yes, the hunting is amazing, and so are the wild places, but there鈥檚 so much more that makes South Dakota incredibly special.

How is the pheasant hunting culture in South Dakota unique?

I鈥檝e lived in a lot of places in this country, but never before have I seen a place that literally rolls out the red carpet for hunters like South Dakota does. Pheasant hunting is woven into the fabric of South Dakota culture, from the chambers of commerce that set up welcome booths at airports during the nonresident pheasant opener, to the pheasant hunting traditions families have been celebrating for generations, to the learn-to-hunt offered by and .听

I have seen neighbors, friends, and colleagues do so much to open up pheasant hunting opportunities for others. I especially love , which is designed to engage and support women in upland bird hunting. The state also offers a program called that鈥檚 great for getting started. South Dakota gets that you didn鈥檛 have to grow up in a hunting family to be able to enjoy the cornflower-blue skies, camaraderie, and uninterrupted prairie views of pheasant season.

What鈥檚 it like outdoors in a South Dakota fall?

The season itself is so special. In South Dakota, winters are frigid and summers are scorching, yet pheasant hunting鈥攖he season typically starts around October 21鈥攃omes at one of those magical pivot points between extremes. Fall is glorious in South Dakota, with crisp breezes rustling through cattails and swirling the tall prairie grasses. I love hiking, so to have a chance to hike through remote grassland vistas while working next to friends and behind dogs is next to divine.

How should someone start planning a pheasant hunting trip in South Dakota?

Your first stop should be , a resource developed by the South Dakota Department of Tourism and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. You鈥檒l find everything you need to scout locations, find guide services and lodging, address equipment needs, and brush up on regulations.

Do you have a favorite pheasant hunting experience in South Dakota so far?

A few years ago, I had the chance to hunt with friends outside of Aberdeen on land secured through the . The coalition provides funding to open up private land for public hunting access. When we arrived on the property, it was snowing and soggy, but there were SO MANY BIRDS! I kept thinking to myself, 鈥淚 can鈥檛 believe this opportunity even exists!鈥� The habitat was unbelievable鈥攆or birds and people alike. As a public land hunter, I feel so fortunate to live in a state where people innovate and collaborate to provide hunting opportunities for all.

enhances the quality of life for South Dakotans and visitors by strengthening communities, encouraging responsible stewardship, and creating meaningful experiences for all to enjoy. Together, we鈥檙e here to serve the people of South Dakota and all who come to explore.

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Want to see animals in their element? Your best bet is to visit unfractured wilderness with minimal human interruption. Bonus points for complex ecosystems, which support tons of different species, and wide-open landscapes, which are better for long-range viewing. ticks all of these boxes, which is why it鈥檚 one of the best places in the United States to see rare and endangered wildlife.

Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park encompasses more than 244,000 acres of preserved wilderness. 鈥淚t鈥檚 got a rich mix of habitats and landscapes,鈥� explains Mike Pflaum, who lived and worked in Badlands for seven years before he retired as park superintendent in 2022. 鈥淚t鈥檚 east meets west, and prairie and plains meet mountains.鈥� And the animals that roam this unique intersection of landscapes are as otherworldly as the park鈥檚 striking geologic features. At dawn and dusk, elk and deer tiptoe into the open, and endangered black-footed ferrets peek from their burrows to hunt. Bighorn sheep pick their way down to watering holes in the morning, and bison close out the day with the thundering of hooves. Here are the uniquely American species that live in the park, plus tips for maximizing your chances of spotting them.听听听

Bison

The Great Plains were once home to an estimated 60 million bison, but the species was nearly extinct by 1889, when South Dakota became a state. Today, Badlands National Park is home to more than 1,200 bison鈥攎ostly descendents of a herd reintroduced to the badlands in the 1860s. 鈥淭he best place to see bison is from the very scenic Sage Creek Rim Road, in the western portion of the North Unit of the park,鈥� says Pflaum. He adds that bison are active year-round, but April, when calves are born, is the best time for photo ops of female bison and their young. 鈥淭he calves are orange-red in color, and they鈥檙e just dancing and prancing around,鈥� he says. If you have more time in South Dakota, Pflaum recommends stopping in nearby , home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds. Target the Prairie Trail for some of the best viewing.

Bighorn Sheep

Badlands National Park has historically supported one of the most robust populations of bighorn sheep in the United States, as well as some of the largest rams in North America. While the population usually hovers around 250, the sheep tend to move around the park in smaller herds rather than as one large group. Because bighorn sheep have no natural predators here, they鈥檙e bold and easy to spot. Pflaum suggests visiting during May, when ewes give birth to their young. 鈥淎t the Pinnacles Overlook, you can watch the lambs run around in their little nursery groups,鈥� he says. For the best chance at seeing rams clash horns, Pflaum recommends planning to arrive during the rut, which usually peaks in November.听

Pronghorn Antelope

Roaming the grasslands of Badlands National Park, pronghorn antelope are distinguishable by their white and russet markings. These animals are active in daytime and congregate north of the or nearby Buffalo Gap National Grassland, which Pflaum says is also home to bison and black-footed ferrets. If a herd of antelope gets spooked while you鈥檙e observing them, take care not to blink: pronghorns can sustain speeds of 55 mph while running, making them the world鈥檚 fastest land mammal over long distances.听

Black-Footed Ferrets

Black-footed ferrets are one of Badlands鈥� most elusive creatures, which makes them among the most rewarding species to spot in the park. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e fascinating animals and one of the most endangered mammals in North America,鈥� Pflaum adds. In 1980, the black-footed ferret was considered extinct. That was until a small colony was discovered in Wyoming later that decade. The species was then reintroduced to the park; today, the population currently sits at around 120 ferrets. Though they鈥檙e occasionally visible at dusk and dawn, they spend most of their time underground in abandoned prairie dog tunnels, Pflaum says, which means you鈥檒l need a sharp eye to spot them. Most of the park鈥檚 ferrets live in the Conata Basin area.

Prairie Dogs

Black-tailed prairie dogs live throughout Badlands National Park, but some viewpoints provide a better vantage than others. Pflaum recommends heading to Roberts Prairie Dog Town, about a ten-minute drive from the park鈥檚 Wall entrance. Or take your binoculars to the Burns Basin Overlook. Both areas are home to prairie dog colonies鈥攁 network of tunnels that act as an underground prairie dog city. 鈥淩oberts is the largest prairie dog town in the park,鈥� Pflaum says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also home to burrowing owls, which are these really attractive little birds that live in the prairie dog burrows during the summer.鈥� For the best chance of seeing prairie dogs in action, head out around dawn. The animals are most active in the hour after sunrise, when they emerge from their burrows to bask in the sun and forage for breakfast. Want to up the cuteness factor? Schedule your trip in mid-June during pup season, as young prairie dog pups come aboveground at just six weeks old.

enhances the quality of life for South Dakotans and visitors by strengthening the communities, encouraging responsible stewardship, and creating meaningful experiences for all to enjoy. Together, we鈥檙e here to serve the people of South Dakota and all who come to explore.

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When you take your family somewhere new, it feels like a true adventure鈥攆or all of you. If that鈥檚 the experience you鈥檙e after, you鈥檇 be hard-pressed to do better than South Dakota. With dense forests and deep lakes, mazelike rock formations, abundant archaeological sites, and otherworldly sunsets, South Dakota delivers on family-friendly exploration. Wild, wide open, and teeming with wildlife, it鈥檚 got something for kiddos and parents alike. The best part? Somehow this outdoor destination has managed to stay under the radar. That means you鈥檒l have the whole place to yourself this summer, more or less. So hit the road, pitch a tent, cast a line, and climb through caves on this kid-approved seven-day itinerary.

Days 1鈥�2: Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls may be South Dakota鈥檚 biggest city, but with sprawling public lands and just 200,000 residents, it feels like a charming prairie town. Kick off the trip at , just 25 minutes outside the city. Spend the afternoon kayaking beneath pink quartzite cliffs on Split Rock Creek. Kayak rentals are available on-site. Want to up the adventure ante? Check out the , which range from beginner-friendly scrambles to 5.12 climbs. Camp in Palisades or head back to the city for easy access to .

In the morning, to cruise around downtown Sioux Falls. A 29-mile paved bike path loops around the city, connecting 80 parks and greenspaces. Stop at in the heart of town and enjoy views of the city鈥檚 namesake falls from the park鈥檚 observation tower.听

Day 3: The Badlands

Drive west to , a highlight of any South Dakota itinerary. The park is home to one of the richest fossil deposits in the world. Visit the on-site Fossil Preparation Lab to learn from working paleontologists who conduct research at the park. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to spot live animals. 鈥淜eep your eyes peeled for bison, endangered black-footed ferrets, and bighorn sheep,鈥� recommends Patty Ressler, executive director of the local nonprofit Black Hills Parks and Forests Association. Wildlife and natural history are only part of the allure, Ressler adds. With nearly 7,000 years of Indigenous ancestry, this region has a rich cultural history.听

Whether you book a campsite or plan to hit the road from here, be sure to stick around the park for sunset. When the light dims, the pink-and-white-striped hills turn into a pastel moonscape.听

Days 4鈥�5: Southern Black Hills

Head west again to Custer, an excellent base camp for exploring the Black Hills. Visit two parks in one at . Aboveground, a sprawling prairie is home to elk and a thriving bison population. Below, you鈥檒l find one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the country. According to Lakota legend, Wind Cave contains a portal between the human and spirit worlds from which their people emerged. Learn about more natural and cultural history on a ranger-led tour of the caves. Book in advance鈥攖ours sell out during peak travel periods. You can make reservations on three to 120 days before the tour date.

Next, visit , where Ressler recommends an out-and-back hike on the 5.8-mile Grace Coolidge Trail. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fully paved, and there are plenty of spots to rest,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great if you鈥檝e got smaller children.鈥� Cap it off with a swim in Center Lake, one of Custer鈥檚 hidden gems. Then explore the world鈥檚 third-longest cave at . Fun fact: because it has only one entrance, the cave technically contains the most remote point on Earth. Join a ranger-led tour to see the interior and learn more about the rock formations within the cave. Reservations are recommended and available through .

Days 6鈥�7: Central and Northern Black Hills

Pack a picnic lunch and drive north from Custer toward . Ressler recommends stopping at the Breezy Point Picnic Area, just off Highway 244. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a short hike that takes you to an overlook,鈥� Ressler says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the most amazing views in the Black Hills.鈥� Once in Mount Rushmore National Memorial, hike the 0.6-mile President鈥檚 Trail to peek at our forefather鈥檚 faces. Then treat yourself to a night of glamping at . 听

Spend the final day of your trip in for a morning of hiking. The park鈥檚 trail system connects two gorgeous waterfalls鈥擱oughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls. See both on a four-mile hike. If you have fishing gear and energy for another two miles round-trip, hike to Savoy Pond to try casting for rainbow trout. After a day of exploring, don鈥檛 miss . The town is famous for its historic buildings and the Wild West reenactments regularly staged on Main Street. For families who thrive on two wheels, the starts here鈥攜ou can also hop on at 15 trailheads along the route鈥攁nd follows a historic railroad bed through the Black Hills. Bike rentals and guided tours are available through .

enhances the quality of life for South Dakotans and visitors by strengthening the communities, encouraging responsible stewardship, and creating meaningful experiences for all to enjoy. Together, we鈥檙e here to serve the people of South Dakota and all who come to explore.

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