From Alaska to Florida and further beyond, we share the US national parks you can visit for free
Some countries are better than others when it comes to access to the outdoors. Iceland, New Zealand and Finland have some of the cleanest air in the world while Chile, Norway and Nepal offer excellent hiking. Britain, meanwhile, is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
The US fares well by some measures and not so well by others. There is no doubt, however, that it has some of the most arresting landscapes on Earth. From a plethora of weird and wonderful sights to some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, US national parks are rich with natural beauty.
Sadly, not everyone can access this beauty given the cost of park entrance fees, gear and transport. Thankfully, there are nearly two dozen US national parks you can visit for free.
US national parks you can visit for free
From Alaska to Florida and as far as the Virgin Islands and American Samoa, we share the US national parks you can visit for free, along with our favourite hike therein.
1. Biscayne National Park
State: Florida
Hike: Spite Highway to Hidden Beach
More info: NPS
Biscayne National Park is known as a ‘watery wonderland’. This coastal park of emerald islands, mangroves and coral reefs acts as a gateway between the mainland and the Florida Keys.
The park is home to numerous shipwrecks, the most notable of which is the Mandalay, a schooner that sank in the 1960s. The hull of the ship lies in water shallow enough to be seen by snorkelers. Indeed, for many, Biscayne is best explored by water (there is a $25 docking fee on weekends and holidays), but you can enjoy much of the scenery on the 9km Spite Highway to Hidden Beach hike.
2. Channel Islands National Park
State: California
Hike: Lobo Canyon Trail
More info: NPS
Channel Islands National Park comprises five extraordinary islands rearing up from the Pacific Ocean. Their isolation over thousands of years of separation from the mainland has created flora, fauna and archaeology found nowhere else on the planet and earned them the nickname ‘California’s Galápagos’.
The 8km out-and-back Lobo Canyon Trail weaves through grassland bluffs with sweeping views of the ocean before dropping into a canyon sheltering several of the islands’ 50…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Atlas & Boots…