Spring into action! As winter melts away, national parks transform into lush paradises, offering infinite opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first national parks trip, this season beckons you with open arms.
Ready to feel the FOMO? Keep reading to uncover the best spring activities that’ll make your Instagram pop and provide memories to last a lifetime.
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Table of Contents
1. Exploring Hiking Trails
Spring is the ideal time to hike many of the trails in our national parks. Spring’s mild weather makes it perfect for hiking, as the temperatures are comfortable and the trails are less crowded compared to summer.
➡️ See some of my favorite trails in spring here.
2. Wildlife Watching: Spotting the Spring Newcomers
Spring means new life in the world of wildlife. This is a great time to see adorable baby animals – from chirpy fledglings to spotted fawns exploring their surroundings.
Bring a pair of binoculars and your curiosity.
➡️ Find the best binoculars for the money or the best spotting scopes for wildlife viewing.
Yellowstone and Yosemite are prime locations for witnessing this annual miracle of life in action.
Another excellent spot for wildlife watching in spring is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including black bears, elk, and deer, which are more active and visible during this season. The park’s Cades Cove area is particularly good for spotting wildlife, and early morning or late afternoon are the best times for sightings.
3. Enjoying Scenic Picnic Spots
What’s a day in nature without a picnic? Picture yourself on a grassy knoll, beneath a kaleidoscope of blossoms, with your favorite snacks and refreshments. National parks offer countless idyllic picnic spots.
One of the best places for a spring picnic is Shenandoah National Park. The park’s Skyline Drive offers numerous overlooks with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for a scenic picnic. The Big Meadows area is another excellent spot, with its open fields and nearby trails.
➡️ Get a backpack picnic set with blanket for your picnic here.
4. Discovering Park History Through Guided Tours
Many national parks are steeped in history, offering guided tours that enrich your visit with stories that shaped these majestic lands.
The ancient cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde are fascinating. Guided tours typically start mid-May.
Another great park for historical tours is Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. Spring is a great time to visit as the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller than in the summer. Guided tours of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center provide fascinating insights into America’s founding history.
5. Joining a Volunteering Day
Why not give back to the parks that bring us so much joy? Volunteering is a fantastic way to support conservation efforts and meet like-minded individuals. Many parks organize spring cleanup and preservation events. Not only are these activities fulfilling, but they also leave you with a sense of accomplishment.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for instance, offers various volunteer opportunities in spring, such as trail maintenance and invasive species removal. Participating in these activities helps preserve the park’s natural beauty and ensures that future generations can enjoy it.
Whether it’s trail maintenance or habitat restoration, your time and effort contribute to preserving these breathtaking environments. Spring’s mild weather and the sense of renewal make it a perfect time to engage in volunteer work, fostering a deeper connection with the park.
6. Taking a Scenic Drive
If you prefer wheels to walking, scenic drives offer a fantastic opportunity to explore vast terrains with minimal exertion.
One of the best scenic drives in spring is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through Virginia and North Carolina. The parkway offers breathtaking views of blooming wildflowers, budding trees, and distant mountain ranges. The mild spring weather makes it an ideal time for a leisurely drive with the windows down.
➡️ Read More: Most Scenic Drives in American National Parks
7. Kayaking Through Majestic Waters
Water lovers, this one’s for you. Spring offers perfect conditions for kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of national parks. Glide through picturesque settings like the calm waters of Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area or the marshland of Everglades.
Another excellent spot for spring kayaking is Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. The park’s interconnected waterways and pristine lakes provide a serene and scenic backdrop for kayaking. Spring’s cooler temperatures and fewer insects make it an ideal time for paddling.
8. Geocaching for Treasure Hunters
Ever tried geocaching? It’s like a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS to find hidden caches located in vast park landscapes. Spring is the perfect time to start this adventure-filled hobby. It combines nature exploration with the excitement of discovery.
One great park for geocaching is Shenandoah National Park. The park’s diverse terrain and numerous trails provide plenty of hiding spots for geocaches. Spring’s mild weather and blooming flowers make it an enjoyable time to embark on a treasure hunt.
Just bring a smartphone with the right app, and you’re all set for a hunt that’ll leave you wanting more. Spring’s sense of renewal and adventure makes it an ideal time to try geocaching, offering a fun and engaging way to explore national parks.
9. Experiencing “Forest Bathing”
The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in nature and absorbing its calming presence. No strenuous activity required here; just find a quiet place in the forest, sit, and breathe in nature’s serenity.
Olympic National Park is an excellent place for forest bathing. The park’s lush rainforests, such as the Hoh and Quinault, provide a tranquil and immersive experience. Spring’s new growth and vibrant greenery enhance the calming effects of forest bathing. The fresh, crisp air and the sounds of birds and rustling leaves create a serene environment that rejuvenates both body and mind.
10. Rock Climbing Adventures
For adrenaline junkies, spring offers optimum conditions for rock climbing. With clear skies and cool temps, you’ll be ready to tackle those cliffs. Yosemite‘s granite provides a legendary challenge, while Joshua Tree‘s formations offer something for climbers of all levels.
Another fantastic climbing destination is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas. Spring’s mild temperatures and dry conditions make it an ideal time for climbing the park’s sandstone cliffs. The park offers routes for climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Always put safety first. Ensuring the right gear and guidance can turn a daunting climb into a climber’s triumph. Spring’s favorable weather conditions and the sense of adventure make it the perfect time to tackle rock climbing challenges in national parks.
11. Discovering Unique Park Festivals
Many national parks host spring festivals celebrating the season’s bounty and unique environmental attributes. Events often include educational programs, live performances, and opportunities to support local conservation efforts.
One such festival is the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Virginia. This annual event, held in the spring, celebrates the blooming apple trees with parades, concerts, and family-friendly activities. The festival provides a unique way to experience the park’s natural beauty and local culture.
Make sure to check park schedules in advance so you can join the festivities and experience local culture. Spring’s sense of renewal and celebration makes it an ideal time to participate in park festivals, offering a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
12. Birdwatching for Feathered Friends
Springtime migration brings a plethora of bird species to national parks, making it a boon for birdwatchers. Places like Great Smoky Mountains become hotspots for a variety of species during this time.
Another excellent birdwatching destination is Point Reyes National Seashore in California. The park’s diverse habitats attract a wide range of bird species, including shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Spring’s migration season brings an influx of birds, making it an exciting time for birdwatching.
So, which of these spring national park activities look fun to you? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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