The Joys of Hiking - Conquering National and State Parks
(Check out episode 4 "Conquering 41 State Parks, and Rome in 24 hours, in between" on the Freedom Now! Travel podcast!)
Hiking is an activity that combines freedom, passion and joy. Whether in a state park or national park, it can be incredibly rewarding to explore the natural beauty of our planet. But don’t just take our word for it—why not experience it yourself?
When hiking you will experience all kinds of amazing sights, from towering mountain peaks to tranquil lakes and rivers. You will also get to see some of the country’s most picturesque views! Plus, the physical benefits are great: You'll burn calories while strengthening your cardiovascular system, build strength and endurance in your legs and increase bone density.
If you’re looking to conquer state parks, then you're in luck as there is a wealth of options.
For example, in North Carolina you've got 41 state parks to choose from, like Mount Mitchell and Chimney Rock. Check out your state's website for other state parks where you are. Simply Google the name of your state and add "state parks" and you'll inevitably find links that detail what state park is there and what fun can be had in each location, like canoeing, camping, hiking, and so on. Another place to look is stateparks.com. I'm not sure how frequently the information gets updated, and yet, it's a great place to start for information about what types of parks and the number of how many of those parks are in your state.
If you’re looking for the best national parks, there is no short list. From Acadia National Park in Maine to Big Bend National Park in Texas, you'll be able to find amazing views and experiences throughout the country. The ratings of these parks vary depending on which state you're in—so it's important to do your research before embarking on your journey. These treasured places have something for everyone. In many of them, like state parks, you can enjoy activities like camping, fishing, bird-watching and more!
When it comes to national parks, there are some absolute musts across the US: Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking waterfalls and dramatic rock formations; Yellowstone National Park is home to Old Faithful geyser and is full of incredible wildlife; Glacier National Park has meadows filled with wildflowers, mountain goats and stunning views; lastly, Grand Canyon National Park provides unmatched panoramic vistas from its edge.
Do you know that there are a plethora of park types?
Your state is filled with them: State parks, forests, natural historic sites, wildlife management areas, nature preserves, arboretums, and I'm sure there are other types I've yet to discover. There are also as many different national park types: national wildlife refuges, recreation areas, parks, forests, seashores (if you border an ocean), etc. What a way to discover the beauty of your state (or any state you want to explore!)
No matter what you decide to do when visiting our countries ecological and natural treasures, you will be able to explore the land while having fun and getting a good workout in too! These national parks and state parks offer a wealth of different activities, including powerful mental benefits such as reduced stress and improved cognitive functioning just by hiking.
Take a break from your day-to-day life, fill up on some much needed Vitamin D, get in an awesome workout, and explore the country’s most beautiful parks with a hike. So, what are you waiting for? Listen to Episode 3 of Freedom Now! Travel podcast to hear more about how to experience the joys of hiking today!
Happy Hiking!
