Ten Notable National Parks Accessible via Car for a Simple Adventure

Ten Notable National Parks Accessible via Car for a Simple Adventure

**Top 10 U.S. National Parks Perfect for Car Exploration**

Discover the beauty of America's national parks with these must-visit destinations, each offering scenic drives and accessible routes for an unforgettable road trip experience.

1. **Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)** Explore 800 square miles of mountain vistas and hiking trails via the Blue Ridge Parkway, connecting to Shenandoah National Park. The scenic drive boasts plenty of overlooks along its 469-mile route[1].

2. **Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)** Known for its Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road rich with overlooks and hiking opportunities. This road connects directly with the Great Smoky Mountains via the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it ideal for car exploration[1].

3. **Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)** The Rim Drive, a 33-mile route circling the deepest lake in the U.S., showcases spectacular volcanic landscapes and views of Wizard Island. The drive offers uninterrupted views and easy wildlife watching[2].

4. **Acadia National Park (Maine)** The Park Loop Road (27 miles) offers stunning coastal views, forest, and lakes. Cadillac Mountain, accessible by car, is known as one of the best sunrise spots in the country[2].

5. **Yosemite National Park (California)** Tioga Road crosses 46 miles of the park through alpine meadows and granite peaks. The route offers spectacular scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way[2].

6. **Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)** Part of the Pacific Northwest road trip route, it features volcanoes, hydrothermal areas, and alpine lakes easily seen by car[4].

7. **Redwood National Park (California)** Accessible by car via scenic routes through towering old-growth redwoods and the nearby Avenue of the Giants[4].

8. **Olympic National Park (Washington)** Offers diverse ecosystems accessible by car, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and mountain vistas. Part of the Pacific Northwest loop with other parks[4].

9. **Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)** Known for the iconic Mount Rainier volcano, accessible via park roads with many scenic viewpoints and trailheads[4].

10. **North Cascades National Park (Washington)** Renowned for its dramatic mountains and glacier views, accessible by car along the North Cascades Highway with many pullouts for exploration[4].

These parks and routes are perfect for car travellers, offering scenic drives that cover major park highlights with the convenience of vehicle access and manageable distances between key stops. Many of these parks are connected by famous parkways or highways, like the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Pacific Northwest loop, allowing for multi-park road trips[1][2][4].

For a complete car-based national park adventure, consider planning your trip along these scenic drives and making use of park loop roads, which maximize views and access while minimizing hiking or backcountry travel requirements.

Other notable mentions include Glacier National Park in Montana, known for its rugged mountain, alpine meadow, and clean lake landscapes, and Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, featuring geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, rugged mountains, and Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America.

References: [1] National Geographic. (2021). The Best Scenic Drives in the U.S. National Parks. [online] Available at: https://www.natgeotraveller.com/travel/north-america/united-states/best-scenic-drives-in-the-us-national-parks/ [Accessed 22 Mar. 2023]. [2] USA Today. (2022). The best scenic drives in America's national parks. [online] Available at: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2019/04/25/best-scenic-drives-american-national-parks-yellowstone-yosemite-glacier-grand-canyon/3531418002/ [Accessed 22 Mar. 2023]. [4] Forbes. (2019). The Best Scenic Drives In America's National Parks. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellymcleod/2019/04/24/the-best-scenic-drives-in-americas-national-parks/?sh=77058b8a4e0f [Accessed 22 Mar. 2023].

1. Whether you prefer history or nature, America's national parks offer an extraordinary blend, featuring towering trees, vibrant ecosystems, and captivating landscapes for exploration.
2. On your car trip, take the time to absorb the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where hiking trails and mountain vistas await.
3. Shenandoah National Park, with its Skyline Drive, offers breathtaking views of the landscape that you won't want to miss during your journey.
4. Known for its deep, blue lake, Crater Lake National Park's Rim Drive reveals volcanic landscapes and offers easy wildlife watching.
5. Acadia National Park promises stunning coastal views, forests, and lakes, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
6. Yosemite National Park features Tioga Road, a breathtaking route passing through alpine meadows and granite peaks, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting.
7. Lassen Volcanic National Park boasts volcanoes, hydrothermal areas, and alpine lakes, making it a unique stop on your outdoor adventure.
8. Redwood National Park showcases towering old-growth redwoods, accessible by car and nearby routes like the Avenue of the Giants.
9. Olympic National Park offers diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and mountain vistas, all within reach via car exploration.
10. Mount Rainier National Park presents the iconic Mount Rainier volcano, with many scenic viewpoints and trailheads accessible by car.
11. North Cascades National Park is renowned for its dramatic mountains and glacier views along the North Cascades Highway.
12. In addition to these, Glacier National Park, with its rugged mountains, alpine meadows, and clean lake landscapes, merits a visit during your road trip.
13. Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park, offers geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, rugged mountains, and Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America.
14. These national parks cater to car travelers, allowing access to major park highlights through scenic drives and park loop roads, minimizing hiking or backcountry travel requirements.
15. Many parks are connected by famous parkways or highways, making multi-park tours possible, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Pacific Northwest loop.
16. The peaceful quiet of these national parks, combined with the landscape's natural beauty, makes for a serene lifestyle change from your regular home-and-garden surroundings.
17. Quiet lakes and the expanse of the sky over desert cliffs offer unforgettable sunrise and sunset views, enhancing your travel experience.
18. Embrace the adventure of discovering America's national parks by mapping out a road trip using scenic drives, uncovering the beauty of each park and its unique character.

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