Visit U.S. Parks

10/09/2026

Let's talk about something we don't discuss enough when visiting national parks. The FOOD!

One of my favorite things about visiting Acadia is the famous popovers at Jordan Pond House. Warm, served with butter and strawberry jam, and enjoyed with an incredible view. What's not to love?

But Acadia isn't the only park with memorable food. Here are a few others worth checking out:
- Acadia National Park – The famous popovers at Jordan Pond House. A tradition for over 100 years.
- Yosemite National Park – A meal in the historic Ahwahnee Dining Room or a sandwich from Degnan's Kitchen.
- Grand Canyon National Park – The historic El Tovar Dining Room, right along the canyon rim.
- Badlands National Park – The famous Indian tacos made with fresh fry bread at Cedar Pass Lodge.
- Yellowstone National Park – Bison burgers, trout, and hearty meals after a long day of exploring.

And sometimes, nothing beats a good picnic with an incredible view.
Now we want to hear from you!

What's the BEST thing you've eaten while visiting a national or state park?

Was it a restaurant, a roadside snack, or something you packed for the trail?

Share your favorites in the comments. We'd love to discover some hidden gems for our next adventure!

10/09/2026

Have you visited one of America's most popular national parks recently?

Millions of people explore our national parks every year, and we're curious how everyone's trips have been going!

According to the latest National Park Service annual visitation data, these are the four most-visited national parks:
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN/NC) – 11.5 million visitors
2. Zion National Park (UT) – 5 million visitors
3. Yellowstone National Park (WY/MT/ID) – 4.8 million visitors
4. Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) – 4.4 million visitors

And let's not forget the Blue Ridge Parkway, which welcomed more than 16.5 million visits, making it the most-visited destination in the National Park Service!

Did you visit any of these parks over the last few weeks?

We'd love to hear about your experience! Were the trails crowded? How was the weather? Did anything surprise you?

Share your experiences, photos, or recommendations in the comments. Your insights might help someone planning their next adventure!

10/09/2026

The weather's getting colder, and we're already thinking about winter adventures.

Fall gets all the attention, but some state parks are just as incredible in winter. If you're looking for a reason to get outside this season, here are a few worth planning a trip around.

Closer to home in New England:
- Wachusett Mountain, MA – Skiing, snowy trails, and mountain views. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
- Douglas State Forest, MA – Peaceful trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Douglas State Forest
- Purgatory Chasm, MA – Snow-covered scenery and quiet woodland walks. Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
- Moore State Park, MA – Historic ruins, waterfalls, and winter trails. Moore State Park

A few worth traveling for:
- Pokagon State Park, IN – Home to a famous quarter-mile toboggan run. Pokagon State Park
- Saratoga Spa State Park, NY – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mineral baths. Saratoga Spa State Park
- Bannack State Park, MT – Explore a historic ghost town surrounded by snow. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Dead Horse Point State Park, UT – Stunning red-rock landscapes, fewer crowds, and cozy yurts. Dead Horse Point State Park

Some experiences are weather-dependent, so check park conditions before heading out.

What's one state park you'd love to visit this winter? Or better yet, what's a winter park experience you'd recommend to others?

10/08/2026

🍁 Fall foliage season is here, and America's state parks are putting on a show! 🍂

There's something magical about autumn in the parks. Crisp mountain air, winding trails covered in fallen leaves, and entire landscapes transformed into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. 😍

If you're looking for the perfect fall adventure, here are six incredible state parks and reservations worth exploring:

🍁 Franconia Notch State Park, NH – Dramatic mountain views, colorful reflections on Echo Lake, and the breathtaking Flume Gorge. Only In New Hampshire

🍂 Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, MA – Sweeping summit views and miles of trails surrounded by beautiful New England foliage. Visit Massachusetts

🍁 Talcott Mountain State Park, CT – Hike to historic Heublein Tower for panoramic views of the colorful Farmington River Valley. Connecticut State Parks

🍂 Letchworth State Park, NY – Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," with spectacular waterfalls framed by vibrant autumn forests. NY State Parks & Historic Sites

🍁 Custer State Park, SD – Golden aspens, towering granite formations, and the rugged beauty of the Black Hills. Custer State Park

🍂 John Bryan State Park, OH – Gorgeous wooded trails, limestone cliffs, and the scenic Little Miami River gorge. Ohio State Parks

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for an excuse to get outside, fall is one of the most beautiful times to explore our state parks.

📸 We want to hear from you! Where's your favorite place to experience fall foliage? Have you visited any of these parks?

👇 Share your favorite fall destinations (or your best foliage photos!) in the comments. You might inspire someone's next adventure!

10/07/2026

Watkins Glen State Park is one of those places that almost doesn’t look real. 🌿💧

The gorge trail winds past waterfalls, stone staircases, towering cliffs, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the Finger Lakes.

Have you visited Watkins Glen—or is it still on your travel list?

If you want a little reminder of the park at home, you can find the Watkins Glen sticker in the Visit US Parks Etsy shop:

https://visitusparks.etsy.com/listing/4490880554

NY State Parks & Historic Sites

This Laptop Decals item by visitusparks has 11 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Foxboro, MA. Listed on Aug 29, 2026

10/07/2026

Valley of Fire is one of those places that makes you want to start planning a Nevada State Parks road trip immediately. 🔥🏜️

The red sandstone formations, scenic drives, trails, and desert views make it a park that really sticks with you.

Have you been to Valley of Fire—or is it still on your list?

And if you want a little reminder of the park at home, I’ve got a Valley of Fire sticker available in the Visit US Parks Etsy shop:

https://visitusparks.etsy.com/listing/4491108741

This Laptop Decals item by visitusparks has 4 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Foxboro, MA. Listed on Sep 16, 2026

08/20/2026

🌲 A different kind of national park experience in Vermont.

Tucked into beautiful Woodstock, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park brings together history, nature, and the story of conservation in America.

Explore historic gardens, wander through the forests of Mount Tom, follow miles of carriage roads and trails, and learn how generations of conservationists helped shape the way we think about protecting the land today.

It’s an easy park to work into a day exploring Woodstock — and a great reminder that National Park Service sites come in all shapes and sizes. 🥾🌿

📍 Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

📍 Woodstock, Vermont

Would you add this stop to a Vermont road trip?

08/12/2026

We plan trips around destinations.
But somehow the memories that stick are usually the little things that happened in between.

What’s one travel moment you still think about?