With regards to showcasing the pure magnificence and variety of america, nationwide parks do their greatest as they function all kinds of landscapes, from sandy stretches to deserts to forests.
The Great Smoky Mountains, the most popular national park in the USA, which is sort of 95% lined in forests, protects a lot of the Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains on the Tennessee-North Carolina Border.
Yellowstone National Park, one in every of the oldest national parks in the U.S., can also be acknowledged for its numerous surroundings, from majestic mountains to deep valleys to distinctive geothermal options.
You’ll be able to go to the likes of the Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park for beautiful desert landscapes.
Exploring all of the US nationwide parks is worth it and interesting, as most depart a giant impression, however it’s additionally necessary to not neglect in regards to the communities close to them. These cities are greater than gateways to those parks, as they provide points of interest and actions of their very own, making them stand out as distinctive trip spots.
Uncover seven underrated small cities with a high nationwide park on their doorstep.
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7 Rockville, Utah
Close to Zion Nationwide Park
One of many scenic small towns in Utah just outside national parks, Rockville, is simply 4.7 miles away from Zion National Park. Nestled alongside the Virgin River, it is among the best-hidden gems in Southwestern Utah and ensures an genuine trip expertise.
You’ll be able to take pleasure in loads of enjoyable adventures in Rockville, from marveling on the space’s picturesque mountain views to strolling alongside the riverfront and exploring historic points of interest like Grafton, arguably probably the most photographed ghost city within the West. You may as well discover the Rockville Bridge, the primary direct hyperlink between Zion and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, constructed in 1964.
6 Three Rivers, California
Close to Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nationwide Park
Three Rivers is among the underrated small cities with a high nationwide park on its doorstep. It is inside a 10-minute drive from Sequoia’s Ash Mountain Entrance, however stays one of many under-the-radar small cities in California.
Positioned within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s the greatest basecamp for exploring the park for exploring the park, because of its unimaginable number of lodging, eating, and buying alternatives.
In addition to, the city has a thriving arts scene, and a go to to Nadi Spencer Art and Cort Gallery is a must-do!
5 Townsend, Tennessee
Close to Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
One of many most charming river towns in Tennessee, Townsend is among the underrated small cities with a nationwide park at its doorstep.
Solely 22.4 miles away from the Nice Smoky Mountains, the city has the Little Tennessee River operating by means of it and several other lakes only a quick distance away, vacationers can take pleasure in a variety of outside actions, from mountaineering to kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
Also known as the “Peaceable Aspect of the Smokies,” the city makes an ideal different to the crowded Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, two of the most well-liked gateways to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park.
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4 El Portal, California
Close to Yosemite Nationwide Park
Solely three miles from Yosemite National Park, the number one rated national park for hiking, El Portal is a superb base camp for exploring the crown jewel of California’s nationwide parks.
There are lots of enjoyable adventures to take pleasure in on this city, beginning with the three-mile drive to the park’s Arch Rock Entrance, which is extremely scenic. You’ll additionally take pleasure in a number of the greatest hikes, waterfalls, rock formations, and wildlife-spotting alternatives.
Nestled alongside the Merced River, the city additionally boasts points of interest of its personal, together with El Portal Market, your final cease for fuel or some meals earlier than you enter Yosemite Valley.
3 Silver Gate, Montana
Close to Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Silver Gate is one in every of the most underrated small towns near Yellowstone, only one.1 miles from the park’s northeast entrance, giving entry to a number of the most scenic, but neglected sights, like Lamar Valley.
Nestled on the Montana/Wyoming border, the city is surrounded by the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains and provides limitless alternatives for out of doors recreation. Its logging and rustic structure, plus the scenic pure environment give it an alpine village look.
2 Columbia Falls, Montana
Close to Glacier Nationwide Park
One of many beautiful small towns in Montana with easy national park access, Columbia Falls, is simply 17.5 miles from Glacier National Park. Nestled alongside the Flathead River, it is among the excellent small cities for a rustic trip, because of its quiet, stress-free really feel, scenic environment, and a number of alternatives for out of doors enjoyable.
Other than Glacier, this underrated city is simply a brief distance from Flathead Lake and Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. Go to Columbia Falls Community Market for a variety of experiences, together with scrumptious meals, stunning arts and crafts, stay music, and brews.
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1 Kelly, Wyoming
Close to Grand Teton Nationwide Park
The pink hills within the Gros Ventre space close to Kelly, Wyoming
One of many underrated small cities with a high nationwide park on its doorstep, Kelly, Wyoming enjoys a scenic location on Jackson Gap Valley’s japanese aspect, alongside the attractive Gros Ventre River, a tributary of the Snake River.
It’s solely about 26.4 miles and a few 20-minute drive from Jackson. The city is technically inside Grand Teton National Park however doesn’t get as a lot consideration as Jackson, the most well-liked gateway to the park. Bordering Nationwide Elk Refuge, Kelly provides a number of the greatest wildlife viewing alternatives, with moose, elk, and bison being a number of the hottest sightings.
Additionally it is acknowledged for its breathtaking views of the Tetons and provides a variety of outside actions, from fishing to mountaineering and biking.
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