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Get Fit in America's National Parks
Summer is the perfect time to get fit and refreshed in our national parks. The parks offer energizing recreation, such as hiking, biking, swimming and ocean kayaking, as well as opportunities for reflection and renewal while, say, birding or whale watching. Whether you’re traveling with your kids, your partner or your best friend, we’ve got a trip for you.
Family-Friendly
Visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a park with unlimited sun and surf. It is part of the Outer Banks, the thin ribbon of barrier islands between mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. Active families will find plenty to do: swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating, camping and exploring wild places by foot and bike. Those wanting a real cardio workout can climb the 248 steps of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of three such structures in the park. You also can slow the pace by hunting for seashells or observing wildlife.
For more information: Visit the National Park Service Website at www.nps.gov/caha.
Other good choices for families: Channel Islands National Park in California; Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia; and Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and Mississippi.
Just the Two of Us
Couples seeking an active getaway should consider Olympic National Park, in Washington State. Known as one of the wildest places in the U.S., it spans glacier-capped mountain peaks, rain forests, lakes, streams and 73 miles of Pacific coastline.
Staying in shape there is easy, requiring only a good pair of walking shoes for nature trails. More strenuous options exist too, such as camping and backpacking in spectacular scenery, freshwater and saltwater fishing, birding and whalewatching.
The park boasts not only rugged backcountry but also comfort and romance at Kalaloch Lodge, where guests can stay in a rustic room with a fireplace or in a cozy cabin that has no TV or phone.
For more information: Visit the National Park Service Website at www.nps.gov/olym.
Other accommodations for couples: Thunderbird Lodge at Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona; Volcano House in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; and Rock Harbor Lodge in Isle Royale National Park in Michigan.
Girl Power
When it's time for a girl's weekend away, head to Hot Springs National Park, in Arkansas, which combines outdoor recreation with spa relaxation. Unlike many parks, this one is in an urban setting: the town of Hot Springs, which grew up around thermal mineral springs. For centuries visitors have come for the waters, hoping to cure all sorts of medical conditions.
Today visitors walk more than 26 miles of trails, dine at fine restaurants and enjoy the complete spa treatment — massages, facials, hydrotherapy, body wraps and thermal baths — at a number of local establishments.
For more information: Visit the National Park Service Website at www.nps.gov/hosp.
Other spa facilities: Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and Everglades National Park in Florida.
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I would love to see some of the American National parks! My family does most of it's travel within Canada, but I think maybe this year a trip south could be really fun!