National Park Week: Get Out and Explore

National Park Week started Saturday, April 20th, and runs through Sunday, April 28th, It is a week to celebrate the over 400 National Parks! Throughout the week, parks will host events to highlight the unique nature of the parks, how you can volunteer, and the innovation happening across the country. National Park Week also encompasses Earth Day, on Monday, April 22nd.

At WeatherNation we spoke to some of the most popular, and lesser-known, national parks across the U.S. and highlighted them in our "Get Out and Explore" series.

Catoctin Mountain Park (Maryland)

This mountain park sits near the hustle and bustle of East Coast cities such as D.C. and Philly and allows people to explore the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. The heavily forested park offers hiking, camping, stargazing, and more. If you look closely you might even find old whiskey and moonshine stills during the prohibition period. 

Death Valley National Park (California)

Home of extreme weather, this park is known for canyons, salt flats, and North America’s lowest point.  

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Lake Clark in Alaska sits about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage and is only accessible via small plane. This park boasts incredible wildlife and views as well as some of Alaska’s extreme weather. 

Lava Beds National Park (N. California)

Sitting just south of Oregon, Lava Beds National Monument is surrounded by volcanos. Visitors can explore lava tubes ranging in difficulty from easy to expert. This gives people a chance to explore the “volcanic plumbing” of the region.  

Black Canyon of the Gunnison N.P. (Colorado)

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the steepest and narrowest canyon of the entire U.S. and sits in Southwest Colorado. The canyon provides intense changes in temperatures and is impacted by monsoon season during the summer months. 

Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

An “undiscovered gem” in the national park system, Badlands offers landscapes, wildlife, and spectacular stargazing. NPS recommends spending at least some time in the park at night to fully experience another side of the park. 

Manassas National Battlefield Park (Virginia)

History lovers will love taking a trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park. Home of two major civil war battles, the park has acres of walking tours to explore a piece of American history. 

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site (New Hampshire)

Check out the only national park dedicated to a sculpture! It doesn't open until May so mark your calendars for next month.