Not every national park adventure has to include miles of switchbacks or an all-day trek. While I've certainly done my time hiking to the top of massive waterfalls, sometimes those long hikes just aren't in the cards, especially when traveling with my kids, or with others who have mobility issues.
Thankfully, many of the country's most spectacular national parks can be enjoyed from scenic drives, accessible overlooks, boardwalks, boat rides, and short nature walks.
Whether you're traveling with young children or older adults, or just looking for a rest-day activity that doesn't include breaking a sweat, these four national parks make it easy to experience America's natural wonders at your own pace.
In this article
Acadia National Park in Maine
As one of the top 10 most-visited national parks, Acadia welcomes visitors to explore its craggy coastline, granite peaks, and quiet freshwater lakes via the 27-mile Park Loop Road. This driving route will take you to many of the park's most popular stops, including Cadillac Mountain (a favorite spot to watch the sunrise), Sand Beach, and Jordan Pond, without any lengthy walks.
Those who wish to visit in the summer or early fall without a car can take the fare-free Island Explorer shuttle, which stops at many of the same spots, minus Cadillac Mountain. This wheelchair-accessible shuttle service lets you avoid the headache of finding parking at popular spots, and instead allows you take in the park's beauty along the way.
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
As the world's first national park, Yellowstone has been a favorite among visitors seeking to experience the wonders of Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and other geysers, mud pots, and steam vents.
Popular spots throughout the park include accessible boardwalks that allow visitors to see these hydrothermal areas up close. You can also drive the 142-mile Grand Loop Road to visit many of the park's top attractions and check out wildlife, such as elk, moose, and bison without walking at all.
Winter visitors are also in for a real treat, as the majority of the park is accessible only by snowmobile or snowcoach. My family took a guided snowcoach tour through the park in December a few years back, and we encountered bison on the road to visit Old Faithful, where we were among only a few dozen visitors.
Everglades National Park in Florida
Everglades National Park is one of the few parks best visited by boat, as much of the park's 1.5 million acres of wetland is only accessible that way.
Pontoon boat tours take you through the scenic Ten Thousand Islands, Florida Bay, and Whitewater Bay to check out alligators, crocodiles, and colorful birds, such as the vibrant pink Roseate Spoonbill. Those looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure can book an airboat tour that will have you speeding through the waterways.
Paddle through mangrove forests and freshwater marshes via the park's many kayak and canoe trails. Bring your own watercraft, rent one from a nearby outfitter, or book a guided experience that will do all the work for you.
Badlands National Park in South Dakota
Visitors to Badlands National Park are drawn to the park's otherworldly landscape of striped rock formations, eroded buttes, and rugged peaks. With over a dozen overlooks and pull-offs, touring Badlands Loop Road by car is the most popular way to view the park's North Unit without having to hit the trail on foot.
Stop for a picnic at Bigfoot Pass Overlook and then continue on to visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, where you can check out the fossil preparation lab. If you're up for a short walk with big rewards along a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, the Door Trail and Window Trail are both near the visitor center and offer stunning views of the landscape through breaks in the Badlands Wall.
The Shortcut
Take Yellowstone's 142-mile Grand Loop Road to spot elk, moose, and bison without leaving the car, or catch Old Faithful up close on an accessible boardwalk.
Skip the crowds and the parking headache at Acadia: the fare-free, wheelchair-accessible Island Explorer shuttle hits most of Park Loop Road's top stops (minus Cadillac Mountain).
The Everglades are best seen by boat: pontoon tours cover Ten Thousand Islands and Florida Bay, while airboats add some speed if you want it.
These state parks have views the rival the best of the National Parks and are worth adding to your list too.
