In the short amount of time that I have been visiting National Parks, I have noticed the people visit them for multiple reasons. Whether it is to be more outdoorsy or truly to enjoy the National Park system, there is always one thing that brings someone to a park. Here are my top 5 reasons to visit "America's Best Idea."
Adventure
Each National Park has an adventure for everyone. These adventures could be a walk around the visitor center or taking a walk (aka a hike.) Like in the Grand Canyon, there is a wonderful visitor center (Desert View Watchtower) where you can learn about different murals and look out onto the Colorado River. Or take an adventurous hike the Bright Angel Trail or Shoshoni point. Whatever adventure you take, you're going to have a fun time.
History
The National Park System also has historic parks, such as Cumberland Gap. The Cumberland Gap is where Daniel Boone led settlers and soldiers westward for a US expansion. This is just one example of the historic events that the National Park protects (and it's also fun and important to learn about the nation's history.)
Views
Nature in National Parks are always breathtaking. In Bryce Canyon, the red and orange hoodoos were fun and interesting to look at because there is nothing like them in Kentucky. My friends and I hiked to Queens Garden (which is absolutely beautiful.) The trail leads you through hoodoos, plants and wonderful natural archways.
Patriotism
In March 2018, I visited the Grand Canyon. This is probably one of the more iconic parks in the whole park system. Every American family jumps into an RV and treks to this massive canyon in the middle of Arizona. Don't get me wrong, as soon as I saw the opening and the layers of red rock that was exposed, I was in shock and was speechless (which is hard to do.) But the more and more that I thought about the reason that I was there was mainly for the patriotic fact that is was the grand canyon, a pinnacle of American vacations. I felt like I need to blare the national anthem while holding a flag as a bald eagle flew over my head. I think that National Parks provides a way for those who aren't extremely patriotic to have a stake in American and feel a sense of pride.
Nostalgia
Currently, I have visited Mammoth Cave (my state's National Park) a total of four times. Twice when I was under 15 and twice this year. I kept coming back because I knew the area and wanted to learn more about this park and it's surrounding area. I learned about how the park was founded, its history and relevance today. I also loved remembering a time where my curiously got the better of me and explored without a care in the world. In my most recent trip to Mammoth Cave, I was able to go on a cave tour where the start was traveling inside the historic entrance. I haven't been in that entrance since I was ten. It helped me rekindle my love of nature and our national park system. Once in the cave, the park ranger turned off all the lights in the cave (which is my favorite part of going underground.)
Everyone has their own reasons why they visit National Parks. Hopefully, the reasons I listed above show some insight on my I love going to National Parks.
Until next time,
Erin Burke
