My daughter (currently 7 years old) and I have decided to make a bucket list out of visiting all the national parks. We are in the Midwest, so my plan is to hit up Indiana Dunes, Cuyahoga Valley, and Mammoth Caves this summer as they are not too far and wouldn't take a ton of planning. Those furthest away (Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, & American Samoas) will have to wait for quite a while, but I would love to work our way out West over the next 3-5 years and hit up 2-3 parks on each trip. What are your recommendations for national park combinations? And what advice would you give about visiting those parks (best time of year, certain trails to hike, permits/passes needed, etc)?
Also, how do you track/document the parks you've visited? I've seen a couple cool push-pin maps, but what other fun ways have you all come up with to show where you've hiked? Would love to see pictures of your displays!
I hate to be a downer, but I think the easiest mistake to make is going through them too quickly. Some deserve a month. (Yellowstone this summer. We spent two days there. It snowed in late June)
Posted by CallMeDaveFlowers are still emerging, and mosquitoes too.
Posted by CallMeDaveFlowers are still emerging, and mosquitoes too.
Posted by CallMeDaveFlowers are still emerging, and mosquitoes too.
Posted by CallMeDaveI've never been a big wildflower person, but this is the season for it here in Appalachia. Other people can identify every variety. I'm not there yet.
Posted by CallMeDaveI've never been a big wildflower person, but this is the season for it here in Appalachia. Other people can identify every variety. I'm not there yet.
Posted by xen0catI started getting into kayaking last year; I have a couple of folding kayaks (Oru brand) that I try to take out in summer months. eastern panhandle of WV area.
Posted by CallMeDaveWhere the turkey crossed the road
Posted by CallMeDaveFrom 1931 to 1953 the Appalachain Trail took an entirely different route through SW Virginia.
Posted by CallMeDaveFrom 1931 to 1953 the Appalachain Trail took an entirely different route through SW Virginia.
Posted by CallMeDaveFrom 1931 to 1953 the Appalachain Trail took an entirely different route through SW Virginia.
Posted by CallMeDaveI hiked over the dunes the morning (OBX)
Posted by CallMeDaveI hiked over the dunes the morning (OBX)
Posted by CallMeDaveHeart pine.
Posted by CallMeDaveNorth Mountain hike with a big crew from Appalachian Trail Club. 15 hikers. 12 miles. (I post mostly so this group doesn't go defunct)
Posted by CallMeDaveNorth Mountain hike with a big crew from Appalachian Trail Club. 15 hikers. 12 miles. (I post mostly so this group doesn't go defunct)
Posted by CallMeDaveNorth Mountain hike with a big crew from Appalachian Trail Club. 15 hikers. 12 miles. (I post mostly so this group doesn't go defunct)