This Earth Day, embark on an adventure to these 10 stunning national parks that showcase the beauty of our planet!
by Emily T. Roberts
April 22, 2022
1. Dry Tortugas National Park
Located off the coast of Key West, Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park is anything but ordinary. Historically, this 101-square-mile archipelago served as a Civil War prison. Visitors can explore the 19th-century Fort Jefferson, which is enveloped by coral reefs and seven small islands teeming with marine life.
2. Petrified Forest National Park
Step into a magical realm at Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Renowned for its striking petrified wood—actually fossilized timber infused with vibrant quartz—this park spans 85,542 square miles of stunning desert landscape.
3. Big Bend National Park
Home to dramatic canyon walls and sweeping desert vistas, Big Bend National Park in western Texas offers one of the clearest night skies on the planet. Here, you can marvel at thousands of stars and galaxies without the aid of a telescope, making it a prime location for stargazing.
4. Denali National Park
Dotted with six million acres of breathtaking wilderness, Denali National Park showcases North America’s tallest peak, Denali. The park’s glacial landscapes provide a habitat for grizzly bears, caribou, and golden eagles, making it a hiker’s paradise.
5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
In New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park boasts over 119 underground caves, including a main chamber filled with awe-inspiring limestone formations that reach heights of 255 feet and stretch 4,000 feet long.
6. Devils Tower National Monument
Rising 1,267 feet in Wyoming, the iconic Devils Tower National Monument resembles a rocky guardian over the surrounding Black Hills. Its unique geology, characterized by parallel cracks, attracts climbers and hikers alike, who can explore easy trails through lush greenery along the Belle Fourche River.
7. Katmai National Park
Established in 1918, Alaska’s Katmai National Park is home to Mount Katmai and several active volcanoes, along with a significant population of brown bears. It’s a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
8. Haleakalā National Park
Known as the “house of the sun,” Haleakalā National Park on Maui features a colossal dormant volcano, Haleakalā Crater, which towers 10,023 feet above sea level. It’s revered by locals and offers diverse topography, bamboo forests, and exceptional stargazing opportunities.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to the beautiful Brandywine Falls. This lush, historic park features a beaver marsh and the charming 19th-century Everett Road covered bridge, making it a must-visit spot.
10. Wind Cave National Park
In South Dakota, Wind Cave National Park is celebrated as one of the longest and most intricate caves in the world and was the first cave designated as a national park. Visitors are drawn to its diverse wildlife and the unique boxwork mineral formations, while Indigenous peoples have revered it as a sacred site for centuries.
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Summary
This Earth Day, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature by exploring these 10 unique national parks, each offering unforgettable landscapes and experiences. From the underwater wonders of Dry Tortugas to the towering peaks of Denali, there’s a world of adventure waiting for you.
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