Originally Posted By t1lersm0m Well, we are going to the Smoky Mountains in June, and thought I'd start a topic about your favorite national parks. They don't have to be in the U.S. I know Canada has national parks, and I'm sure other countries do, although Canada and the Caribbean are the only places I've ever been outside of the U.S. I'm not really looking for places to go....just a thread people can talk about the great national parks and what makes them so great. I had really wanted to go to Yellowstone, but with what we currently have on our plate, I couldn't justify the cost of flying out there. I'm sure the airline tickets wouldn't be outrageous, but going somewhere within driving distance was a lot more feasible. So, I've heard how great Yellowstone is...feel free to discuss that. Feel free to also post links to pictures you have taken in parks. I've heard Yosemite is great too. Denali has been on the Travel Channel, and looks breathtaking. Where have you been? Share your pictures. Share your stories.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I was in Yosemite last weekend and may go again next weekend. Phenomenal. There was a large group of us on this last trip, most of whom had never been there. My favorite quote was "This splendor *stuff* is everywhere!" I'll be in Yellowstone again this summer (missing the LP meet for it). I can hardly wait!
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m Wow, that is quite a powerful statement. Yosemite and Yellowstone are definitely on my list of Must See National Parks in the U.S. I even like the idea someone meantioned before about doing a driving tour of many of the National Parks out West. There is quite a bit to see.
Originally Posted By RangerPooh My favorite is Yosemite!!!!!!!!!!! I miss that place. It went from being an hour drive (4 if at parents house) to being a multi day drive. I especially miss it this time of the year wit the waterfalls going full and the dogwod in bloom. Must see for me include Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Tetons, Isle Royale...
Originally Posted By mrichmondj Nothing beats Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island -- absolutely amazing! I could spend a lifetime there!
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter Yosemite is the only National Park I've experienced. It was beyond breathtaking, and I will definitely return. There are no words to do it justice, although one of my traveling companions came close. Her comment was something to the effect of, "It's God's way of saying, 'I am here, and I made this just for you.'" Awesome in the purest sense of the word.
Originally Posted By trailsend You will enjoy the Smoky Mountains. Have you been before? What area will you be in? There is such a quiet, majestic beauty about the Smoky Mountains. Don't miss: Clingsman Dome <a href="http://www.great.smoky.mountains.national-park.com/sights.htm#cling" target="_blank">http://www.great.smoky.mountai ns.national-park.com/sights.htm#cling</a> Cades Cove: <a href="http://www.great.smoky.mountains.national-park.com/sights.htm#cade" target="_blank">http://www.great.smoky.mountai ns.national-park.com/sights.htm#cade</a> Pigeon Forge (Dollywood) Gatlinburg Sevierville (Dolly Parton's homeplace) The scenery is spectacular. The town of Gatlinburg is a must to walk through. Don't miss Dollywood ~ it is a wonderful park and if Dolly is in town, she stays in her apartment in the park and will ride around the park. She is delightful and loves her fans. Pigeon Forge is packed with things to do. You can mine for gold and gems. Have fun! We love it!
Originally Posted By JohnS1 Once again - Death Valley is an amazing place. Largest National Park outside Alaska. But I love Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier and Mt. Rainier as well. In Uthah - I love Bryce, Zion and Canyonlands. It all depends on what sort of scenery and what types of tourist facilities you need to make for a comfortable vacation.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Yosemite is my home away from home. We have a rich Indian history there. It's a very spiritual and majestic place. They have plenty of lodging, camping, food facilites and activities for families within the park and on the outskirts. It's just magical.
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m <<You will enjoy the Smoky Mountains. Have you been before? What area will you be in?>> No, we've never been there before. I had looked into going there a few years ago, and we ended up at (surprise surprise) Disney World instead. LOL But we're definitely going this June. I just have to pick a cabin out to stay in (wahooskipper twisted my arm). I ordered our passes for Dollywood. We plan on staying in one of the cabins that <a href="http://www.mountainchalets.com" target="_blank">http://www.mountainchalets.com</a> has. We plan on doing a lot of the attractions in Gatlinburg, and going to Dollywood, and spending a day or two exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
Originally Posted By trailsend The whole drive from Sevierville through Pigeon Forge then into Gatlinburg is absolutely PACKED with things to do. And don't miss The Applebarn between Pigeon Forge and Sevierville and be sure and eat there! YUM! They have apple "everything" and hot apple dumplings you watch them make. You will love Dollywood and maybe go to Dixie Stampede. She owns that as well as it is so much fun. We have usually stayed at The River Park Place in downtown Gatlinburg. We walk everywhere until we decide to drive on into Pigeon Forge. PLEASE, PLEASE do not miss Cades Cove. You are in for a wonderful trip!
Originally Posted By wahooskipper The Smokey Mountain National Park is the most visited of our national parks, due in large part to the location. But, I'm with others in that I LOVE Yosemite.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd I love Glacier, Mesa Verde, Zion, Carlsbad Caverns and of course the Grand Canyon.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I bought a National Park annual pass last year to help me get motivated to visit more of them. Entrance is normally $20. For $65, I get into every park as much as I want for a year. I've already gotten my money's worth and that's without Yellowstone and the Tetons coming up in July! Senior prices for that pass are incredibly cheap. I highly recommend it for anyone thinking to travel in the National Park System.
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m ^^That's a good idea...it would motivate me to see more of the parks system. Maybe I will do that next year....or maybe this year, who knows.
Originally Posted By RangerPooh For anyone insterested in finding about family activities available near/within the Smokey Mountains pick up the April 2006 issue of Family Fun magazine. It has a 5 page spread about the park and nearby communities, including trails with little ones/strollers, water activities, how too avoid the crowds, food, and accommodations. I've been staring at this article for a week now and it's motivating me to check it out sometime.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ It's good for 12 months from date of purchase, so you don't have to worry about calendar year. I think it's good at all of the National monuments and everything too. I gave one to my parents when they did a Washington DC, Gettysburg, etc. trip.
