Where to Stay in America’s Most Popular National Parks
If you are planning to spend some of your fall in the serenity of natural wonders, namely the many US National Parks, then you’ll want to know what you are getting into. Here is the list of some top US national parks and different facilities they offer to visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
Situated on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains is arguably the most visited natural park in the entire country. It attracts more than 10 million visitors a year!
Regardless of your approach towards natural reserves, there is something for everyone in the Smoky Mountains. If you like backpack trekking and long hikes, go to one of the 12 primitive Appalachian tracks and shelters for backpackers.
In case you seek serenity and peace, there are log cabins in Gatlinburg, where relaxation is guaranteed.
Grand Canyon Arizona
The Grand Canyon may come second in terms of the number of visitors per year, but it is undoubtedly second to none when it comes to grandeur. Besides, the Grand Canyon is famous worldwide as it provides a glimpse into our geological past over millions of years.
The north and south rims of the canyon are riddled with campsites, hotel rooms and cabins. However, the most unusual place for the stay has to be the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Canyon. The ranch is only accessible by foot, raft or on the back of a mule and the legendary bolthole has been entertaining travelers for almost a century now.
Rocky Mountain, Colorado
Stretching all the way from northern New Mexico towards Canada, this mountain range near Estes Park essentially serves as a protection for a pristine pocket of alpine habitat located northwest of Denver.
If you are in the region, one of the most famous places to stay is the Moraine Park Campground which is two and a half miles south of the Beaver Meadows entrance. The picturesque sights greatly help you acclimatize to the high altitude of the camp, which is at 2,487 meters above sea level.
Yosemite, California
The Majestic Yosemite, formerly known as the Ahwahnee, is Yosemite’s showcase hotel. Showing off its rustic style, it is made from native stone, wood, and lots of windows. However, for a whopping $500 a night, Majestic Yosemite is not within every visitor’s budget. Instead, most people would head to Camp 4.
The camp is a walk-in where only tents are available. The campsite is within easy reach of a nine-meter-high Columbia boulder which boasts a number of rock climbing challenges including the most famous of all: Midnight Lightning.
Yellowstone, Wyoming
Carefully nestled in the lap of the canyon carved into dramatic pink, red and white sandstone by the legendary Virgin River, Zion is a mecca for climbers, hikers, and desert lovers from all over the world.
Located just outside the east entrance of the iconic Yellowstone Park, Zion Ponderosa Resort spans over 4,000 acres of land. The accommodation at the historic ranch ranges from well-furnished holiday homes to refurbished wagons and old rustic cabins. There are adequate dining and cooking facilities available to the visitors, who can also enjoy some horse riding around the park.