Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Welcome back U.S. National Parks.
I have been so focused on the Chicago Marathon the last couple of weeks that I hardly noticed the U.S. government was shut down. It was a good thing I got my U.S. National Park fix out of the way with a hike in Isle Royale National Park in late August.
Now that a deal is on the table, and we can enjoy these amazing places again, here is a photo essay of some of the National Parks I have visited over the years. I have been to my fair share, but some of the most amazing ones including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Bryce Canyon have eluded me. I am sure I will make it there soon.
Isle Royale National Park
I tend to be drawn to the national parks on the eastern side of the Mississippi with multiple stops at the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and Isle Royale. I have made it to a few western parks as well with stops at Zion, Grand Canyon, a short trip to Joshua Tree, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
The beautiful desert at Joshua Tree
The next trip I would like to make is to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. What is your favorite U.S. National Park? Which one is on your bucket list?
This guy will gladly welcome you back to the Everglades National Park
Zion National Park
It is nice to know we can hike the Grand Canyon again
Impressive rock formations at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Rocky Mountain high
Great Smoky Mountains
Lake Superior and Isle Royale National Park
The Colorado River and the Grand Canyon
What would these guys have thought of the government shut down?
Probably would have thought they were one of these – Turkeys in the Great Smoky Mountains
Great egret in the Big Cypress National Preserve close to the Everglades
Joshua Tree National Park
Badlands National Park
Sunset in the Badlands
TT
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Here’s a marketing idea just in time for the holidays: a coffee table book of Traveling Ted photos. No one — and I do mean NO ONE — takes better travel photos. I have a new coffee table just aching for a distinguished collection of provocative nature photos by my favorite travel photographer.
Let me know when I can buy it.
P.S. We’re all so proud of the challenge you set for yourself in the Chicago marathon. Y’know, there are those among your fans who are lucky to hike to the grocery store. What you accomplished is an inspiration, because we know you will continue to do better and provide a role model for those of us who only think of healthy exercise — as well as those like yourself with a working plan to make discovery of the rugged outdoor world a part of how they aim their lives.
Jay Gordon recently posted..Cowboy poetry in Willits, Mendocino County (Photos)
Thanks Jay,
I always appreciate your words of encouragement. Also, thanks for the the congrats on the marathon. It was quite an experience. I hope to do better next year.
So many incredible places to see in our country. I hope to see many of these in person some day!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Jewels of Istanbul: Its Mosques
There sure are Raul. I hope to see them again and again myself.
Glad they are back in business! What a mess. Our country has some major issues. Love the photos Ted.
Matthew Karsten recently posted..Hitchhiking America: Using Rain & Body Odor to Score Rides (Part 9)
It sure does Matt. Hope our politicians can find a way to work together in the future. It sure is not working right now.
There is a lot U.S can offer. I will be happy to visit all of them.
Jeff recently posted..How to Avoid Overseas Theft While Traveling
The U.S. does have a fantastic system of federally protected areas. Glad to see they are all open again.
Tedward, you must get to Yellowstone. YOU MUST.
I’m elated that our National Parks are open once again. Theodore Roosevelt is high on my list, too! But my favorite has got to be Yellowstone. After having lived and worked in the park, it’s kinda hard to pick any other.
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted..Could we be the very first #GwOGuestTester Family?
Definitely want to get to Teddy R. Park. Yellowstone is on the list too.
What is my favorite U.S. National Park? Which one is on my bucket list?… Might have to get back to you on those… 😉 I’ll take your recommendations though! All these national parks look so gorgeous and peaceful!
lola dimarco recently posted..Hotel Le Germain, #Montreal – by @JETSETextra @TheWrldWanderer & @loladimarco
Acadia would be a good one for you Lola. Right close to home.
Why east coast vs. west coast? We have great stuff out here… Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon. 🙂
Jim Morrison said “West is the best.” I would tend to agree.
Hard question about what national park is my fave but I’d lean towards Arches, Canyonlands and Zion – and of course Grand Canyon. On my wish list – I might as well go big and say Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska as I don’t know of anyone who has been there.
Leigh recently posted..Hiking the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park
Those are some fantastic choices. I would agree with Zion and Grand Canyon. Gates of the Arctic sounds awesome.
So many wonderful places! I must admit that I have not been to many National Parks. Time to make up for lost time!
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..Music Monday: Ships in the Night.
I would agree Erin. Hope to see some national park features in the future.
AMAZING photos. One thing I promise you – when I am next in PS I shall visit the Joshua Tree
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..February around the world with British Airways
I hope you do. It is a great little drive and worth a day trip or more from Palm Springs.
The U.S. is full of so many wonderful experiences, and they definitely are not all big cities. I want to do a trip that would have me checking out the parks in and around the Four Corners, maybe along the Colorado. I’d love to visit Mesa Verde and Bryce.
Trips By Lance recently posted..Taos Pueblo: An Awe-Inspiring People
Bryce has long eluded me. I would love to check out this park as well.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, They’re open again. I was kind of disappointed that there was a potential that I could miss out on the national parks.
Gabriel recently posted..A Different Kind of Magic Mushroom Trip
Even if you are not in the states or have no intention of going to a park in the near future, it is kind of a bummer knowing they are closed and people are missing out.
True, but now everyone gets to enjoy them again =D
Gabriel recently posted..10 life lessons learned from surfing – Episode 7 – Frustration
Beautifully done, ted!
Thanks Charu!
Great photo essay! I am a lover of the National Parks as well. One you featured here, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is such an amazing place and an underrated park!
I’ll be in Chi-town in January (hopefully) and if your around we should get together and discuss National Parks and other travel stuff!
Erik recently posted..Europe 2013- Iceland Day 3- A Long, Bloody History
I have only been for a short stay twice to Black Canyon. I would love to stay for a day or two and explore.
Well, the USA is a stunning country. I need to check out more national parks, that’s for sure!
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo(s) of the Week: Fall in the Chicago Botanic Garden
You also need to check out some stunning national parks in India. I expect a full report on them when you return.