Best National Parks For Beginners

Seeker Editors

These top national park destinations are no stranger to newcomers, they have solidified themselves as some of the most famous and popular parks across the entire world. No matter what landscape you seek, from lush rainforests to spiral rock formations, there is a park waiting for you- complete with well-paved walking trails, quirky tourist traps for the entire family, and plenty of guidance documented online and at the site. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and some comfortable shoes because we are ready to take you on your first, life-changing National Park adventure for beginners.

Tags: Hiking, National Parks, Nature, Wildlife, Eco Travel

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States

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      Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues along a stretch of the famous Great Smoky Mountains in both Tennesee and North Carolina. One of the largest and most popular preserved spaces in the country, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has solidified itself as a must-see for any true nature lover. As this park features a comprehensive guide for first-comers and expects new tourists every day, it is certainly a great national park for beginners.

  • Bryce Canyon National Park, United States

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      Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its dark sky that provides prime stargazing every night, easy-access scenic viewpoints, and plentiful friendly walking trails. This park gets quite crowded, attracting visitors from across the world daily, and has great resources for any first-time adventurers through the sprawling, rugged landscape. Because of that reason, Bryce Canyon is one of the top national parks for beginners.

  • Yosemite National Park, United States

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      Located in California's gorgeous sierra mountains, Yosemite National Park is an American treasure that hosts some of the highest foot traffic areas across the nation. Because of its accessibility, Yosemite is one of the top National Parks that we recommend for beginners. Witness the power of nature through iridescent cascading waterfalls, granite cliffs, and have a blast trying out plenty of touristy-type shops and restaurants.

  • Zion National Park, United States

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      Zion National Park is one of the top-visited parks across the country so you can bet there will be plenty of scenic trails laid out clearly for any newcomers. Famous for sparkling waterfalls, steep lookout points, and emerald-colored waters- Zion National Park offers visitors a chance to witness both diverse landscapes and wildlife that will have them hooked on visiting National Parks.

  • Grand Canyon National Park, United States

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      The Grand Canyon is the ultimate family summer activity in the US and a straightforward National Park with clear lookout points and paved trails. The Grand Canyon is perfect for first-time National Park goers who are new to the whole schtick, as it attracts newbies from across the *entire* planet daily and is expertly prepared for accomodating visitors. Take a scenic train by some of the main sights or cop some Instagram-worthy photographs near the impressive edges of the canyon, this stop is fun for the whole family.

  • Arches National Park, United States

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      Enjoy a scenic drive for some of the most iconic views of this famous park destination, Arches National Park stuns visitors every day with breathtaking scenery. Made up primarily of unique rock arch formations in a sandy red hue- this park offers insane and life-changing views with straightforward ways of achieving such. Brace some rugged hiking trails or chill by the side of the road, either way, it will be amazing.

  • Yellowstone National Park, United States

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      Yellowstone is easily one of the most famous and top-visited parks across the country, making it a great place for beginners to get their feet wet *cough*not in the burning hot waters *cough*. Make the most of all the cheesy but delightful tourist stops and spot some of the most iconic natural structures in the world.

  • Olympic National Park in Washington, United States

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      Olympic National Park in Washington state is full of beginner-friendly hikes and stunning surroundings that are sure to keep visitors coming back for more. One of the most famous parks in the country, spend your days traversing through rainforest trails steeped in rich history and biodiversity. Along with the plentiful simple hiking trails and kid-friendly areas, Olympic National Park is ideal for an "icebreaking" park adventure experience, or a family weekend getaway.