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Boondocking

Unlock the freedom of the open road and immerse yourself in the world of boondocking – the ultimate adventure for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Boondocking, also known as dry camping or wild camping, is the art of camping off the grid, away from traditional campgrounds and hookups. It’s a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the natural world.

Boondocking allows you to create your own path and choose your own adventure. Whether you prefer the serene solitude of remote wilderness areas, the breathtaking beauty of national forests, or the tranquility of lakeshores and deserts, boondocking offers endless possibilities to explore and discover.

Our comprehensive guide to boondocking equips you with essential knowledge, tips, and top boondocking locations across the country. From the rolling hills of Appalachia to the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, we’ll help you plan your off-grid escape.

With boondocking, you can camp under starlit skies, wake up to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the thrill of self-sufficiency. Whether you’re in an RV, camper, or just a tent, the freedom to choose your own campsite and immerse yourself in the great outdoors is unparalleled.

Boondocking is more than a way to camp; it’s a lifestyle that encourages exploration, self-discovery, and a deep connection with the natural world. Experience the beauty of unspoiled landscapes, the excitement of new horizons, and the simplicity of life on the road.

Join the growing community of boondockers and start your journey today. Embrace the spirit of adventure and the joy of spontaneous exploration. Discover why boondocking is the ultimate way to experience the world and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.

The Great Middle Prong Trail and 2 Waterfalls

by John - Laurel Rodgers November 11, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

The Middle Prong Trail is a 14.3-mile path near Townsend, Tennessee. Most people think of it as a moderately hard route, and it takes an average of 7 hours to finish. This trail is used by a lot of people to walk, run, and hike, but you can still get some alone time when it’s not busy. From March to October is the best time to visit this trail. Dogs can’t go on this trail, so you’ll have to leave them at home.

Difficulty: Leg Burner
Length: 14.3 mi
Elevation gain: 2,824 ft
Route type: Loop

Hiking, Walking, Running, Views, No dogs

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Tennessee?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

History of the Middle Prong Trail

You should already know that Middle Prong Trail is in the mountains near Tremont. When you put “tree” and “mountain” together, you get the word “Tremont.”

The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company, which was based in Townsend, cut down most of the trees in this area in the early 1900s. As a result, there aren’t many trees left in some areas. During the logging years, there were a lot of people living in the Tremont area. Even though not much is left, there are still some signs of the past.

Middle Prong Trail Highlights

Middle Prong Trail is a hike where the journey is more important than the destination, because there isn’t really a destination (unless you count the old Cadillac).

This is the real path to nowhere. On the Middle Prong Trail, there are often horses, so watch where you step. We didn’t see any horses or horse poop on our hike.

The beautiful water is the best thing about Middle Prong Trail. The trail runs along the river the whole way. From the beginning to the end, the rushing river, waterfalls, and cascades can be seen and heard.

Even though Abrams Falls Trail is much more popular, Middle Prong Trail has much better waterfalls and cascades. This is the trail to go on if you want to see and enjoy the best water in the Smokies.

About 1.5 miles in, you will cross the small footbridge shown below. It goes over a small stream that flows into it. Even though the bridge looks a little worn, it is still safe to walk on. The area right before the bridge is very rocky.

Middle Prong Trail

The Great Middle Prong Trail and Waterfalls

check out our video

Description

One of the main reasons people go to the Smoky Mountains is to hike on the many trails. The Middle Prong Trail is good for both casual walkers and hard-core outdoor enthusiasts.

On some of these hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can hear and feel the power of Smoky Mountain waterfalls. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you hike the Middle Prong Trail.

On this beautiful hike through the Smoky Mountains, you’ll see wildflowers, waterfalls, and even a bit of history, just for good measure.

The Middle Prong Trail is also nice because it is wide, at least in the beginning. The wide trail was once a railroad bed for the Little River Lumber Company when it was logging. It gives hikers plenty of room to come and go.

This hike along the Lynn Camp Prong part of the hike to the beautiful Indian Flats Falls is the perfect example of a stream hike in the Smoky Mountains. When you hike the Middle Prong Trail, don’t forget to bring your camera. From the spring flowers to the beautiful fall colors in October, you’ll want to take pictures of every step of this beautiful trail.

The hike is becoming more and more popular, so be prepared for crowds on busy fall weekends. The trail is moderately hard because it is long (14.3 miles round-trip) and has a lot of elevation gain.

Middle Prong Trail

Hiking Tips For the Middle Prong Trail

In the winter, cars aren’t allowed on the last three miles of Tremont Road, which lead to the Middle Prong Trail. If the weather is good, you can combine biking and hiking at Indian Flats Falls. Park at the place where the road is closed and ride your bike the last three miles to the trailhead. Note that you can’t ride bikes on the trail.

Along the Middle Prong Trail, bears are often seen, especially in the fall. While hiking, keep an eye out for them.

Even though spring and fall are the best times to hike Indian Flats Falls, the trail is fun and enjoyable any time of year. In April, the forest floor is covered with dwarf iris, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, violet, and other wildflowers. In October, the trail is lit up by the leaves.

The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is the closest place to the Middle Prong Trail where you can use the bathroom. If the facility is closed, go back to the Cades Cove Picnic Area or stop in the town of Tremont.

Middle Prong Trail

Directions to Trailhead:

From the intersection of Little River Road and TN 73 at Townsend Y, go southwest toward Cades Cove. Turn left onto Tremont Road after going 0.2 miles. After two miles, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont will be on your left, and then the road will turn into gravel.

Keep going three more miles down the gravel road until you reach the end of the road. Park here to get to the trail. If you want to park close to the trailhead on busy weekends, you should get there early.

The Middle Prong Trail starts by going over a high bridge over the Middle Prong River and into a flat area that used to be a lumber camp. The trail is wide, and the Lynn Camp Prong runs along the left side of it. The trail goes up higher over the river, and there are wildflowers all around.

As you walk up the trail, you’ll see chutes, falls, and pools in the river. The trail starts to even out, and at.7 miles, there is a bench where you can rest. In this area, there is a small waterfall that is all that is left of old splash dams that loggers used to help get logs down the mountain to the sawmill in Townsend.

Review

Because my wife and son wanted to see waterfalls and I wanted to see a different part of the Middle Prong Trail than I usually do, I chose this section. When I went to the visitor center to get a map, the veteran ranger at the desk told me that the Middle Prong Trail was his favorite hike in the whole park. Now I know why. The road is paved for the first part of the way to the Tremont Institute.

From the grounds, the Middle Prong Trail leads to Spruce Flat Falls. The West Prong trail, which goes up the side of the mountains, it starts at a parking lot on the south side of the road. Drive past both until you reach the end of the pavement. About four more miles of gravel lead up to the Middle Prong trail parking lot.

The road’s slope makes it easy for a family sedan to get there, Finding a place to park at the Middle Prong Trail trailhead without hitting a rock, a tree, or another car is the bigger problem.

The first part of the Middle Prong Trail has a gentle slope because it is another logging railbed. We got some great pictures of the lower and upper Lynn Camp falls, but we didn’t make it all the way to Indian Camp Falls, so that’s already on our list for our next trip.

Nearby Trails to Hike

Spruce Flats Falls

Enjoy the 1.8-mile Spruce Flats Falls Trail near Townsend, Tennessee. The trail goes out and back. Most people think of it as a moderately hard route, and it takes an average of 57 minutes to finish. This is a popular place to hike, so you’ll probably run into other people while you’re there. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of year. Dogs can’t go on this trail, so you’ll have to leave them at home.

Difficulty: Moderate Tough
Length: 1.8 mi
Elevation gain: 413 ft
Route type: Out & back

Hiking, Forest, River, Views, Waterfall, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Scramble, Off trail, No dogs

Review

The trail is well marked. Everyone did well, from 5 to 65 years old. The path can get pretty steep, narrow, rocky, and wet. The falls are worth it in the end for sure. The trail was marked with yellow jacket nests, but they didn’t bother us at all. No bears were seen. Somewhat busy trail, which means we saw a lot of people, but not so many that they were in our way when we tried to move. Con: There’s only one bathroom stall. There are only about 10 places to park, and there is nowhere else to park if they are taken so go out early.

Little River Trail

Check out this out-and-back trail that is 12.3 miles long and is near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Most people think of it as an easy route, and it takes an average of 4 hours and 45 minutes to finish. This is a popular place for hiking, camping, and fishing, so you’ll probably run into other people while you’re out exploring. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of year. Dogs can’t go on this trail, so you’ll have to leave them at home.

Difficulty: Long But Easy
Length: 12.3 mi
Elevation gain: 1,213 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Walking, Running, Forest, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs

Review

It was a beautiful steady uphill that was very easy to do for 3 miles. You can walk in a circle and come down on the other side, but we chose to go back the way we came along the river. With the leaves changing colors, it was so beautiful outside. Just the best. Dogs aren’t allowed, and most of the people we met on the trail were older.

A lot of people had walking poles, but you don’t need them for most of the first stretch. If you want a nice, safe hike in the Smokies that is also beautiful, this is a great choice. It’s easy to find because it’s right by the river. Oh, and after miles 1 and 2, there are a couple of clean benches where you can take a break. Bring water!

Sugarland Mountain Trail

This point-to-point trail is 11.7 miles long and is near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Most people think of it as a difficult route, and it takes an average of 6 hours to finish. This is a popular trail for hiking, camping, and backpacking, but there are times of the day when you can still be alone. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of year. Dogs can’t go on this trail, so you’ll have to leave them at home.

Difficulty: Very Challenging
Length: 11.7 mi
Elevation gain: 4,422 ft
Route type: Point to point

Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Running, Forest, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs

Review

On the Middle Prong Trail, I only went out and back 8 miles, but it was a beautiful hike. The parking lot was full, but I didn’t get there until 11 a.m. because I got off to a late start. Even though the parking lot was full, I was the only person on this trail, and it was raining, so I think everyone else was across the street. A few trees are down, but it’s easy to get around them. There are also two places that are sunk, so be careful after it rains a lot. I will be back for sure!

Things to Do Near the Middle Prong Trail

Visit the Sinks

The Sinks area is one of the most beautiful places along the Middle Prong Trail and the Little River Road scenic drive. Visitors can see Mother Nature at her best in this area, which is 12 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

The Sinks are where a beautiful mountain river makes an S-turn, creating natural pools surrounded by huge river boulders on both sides. How did it come to be? Well, loggers used to be able to get to their jobs by going down the Little River. One day, the logs got stuck in the river. Uh-oh, right?

So, what could the woodcutters do? One solution, dynamite. With their explosion, the smart loggers blew up the bend and made a new way to get to the river. This is how “The Sinks” got its name. Now, it has water that is very clear, natural pools, and a waterfall. This is a great place to get out of the car and stretch your legs.

Even though this is a popular place to swim on hot summer days, please be aware that many people have drowned and been seriously hurt in this exact spot. We don’t think this is a good place to swim. Instead, you should go to the Greenbrier section of the National Park, which is calm and has shallow water.

Lynn Camp Prong Photo Spot

This hike to the cascades and waterfalls on Lynn Camp Prong is a good one if you want a short andeasy hike to a beautiful place. It’s good for families, and on the way up to the parking area, you might even find places to cool off in the Middle Prong of the Little River. This is also a good place to see beautiful fall colors if you go around the middle of October.

As it flows down the mountain next to the Middle Prong Trail, Lynn Camp Prong rushes and tumbles over many cascades. The trail follows the path of an old logging railroad, so it is wide and mostly flat, making it easy to walk. Along the trail, wildflowers bloom from spring to summer.

Drive the Cades Cove Scenic Loop

The Cades Cove Loop goes around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 11 miles. It is a beautiful drive with mountain peaks and lush, rolling green grasslands in the background.

Between 1818 and 1821, Europeans moved into the Cades Cove area.Today, Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the most historic buildings of any place in the park. Plan to get out of your car and look at the restored buildings along the scenic loop road. There are three churches, log homes, cantilevered barns, and a working mill.

The Cades Cove Loop is a beautiful drive that takes about two to four hours, depending on how busy it is. Since it’s a one-lane road, be ready to stop often. The slow pace lets you enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery, wildflower meadows, and different kinds of wildlife.

There are many places to stop, park, and stretch your legs while taking in the scenery along the road that gently curves. Make it a point to stop at the Visitors Center when you’re halfway around the Loop. Pick up some small items to take home with you. The store has souvenirs, maps, and other items made in the area.

There are lots of places to take pictures, and luckily there are also bathrooms. The John P. Cable Grist Mill, which is powered by water and is close to the visitor center, is a must-see for anyone interested in history.

Food and Diner Locations Near the Middle Prong Trail

The Riverstone Restaurant

8503 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882-4310

Review

Two of us ate the trout that was grilled, and we both agree that it was AWESOME. The other two had different things. One of them had a baked potato, and the other had a BLT. They also liked what they ate. Also, someone got the peach cobbler and said it was “delicious.” I would only suggest that you don’t put so much salt in your gravy (luckily I asked for it on the side). The green beans tasted great. …. true southern style. I highly recommend stopping here to eat if you’re in Townsend, TN ….. Enjoy!

Black Bear Cafe

7621 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882-3907

About

Review

On our way from Knoxville to Gatlinburg during the week, we stopped here for lunch. Even though it was busy, we were able to get a seat in about ten minutes. Small town life is fun. Some of the people eating there seemed to be regulars.

The service was quick and friendly. We ordered one of the daily specials, which was a huge chicken and a fish sandwich. All of the food was tasty. We were too full to try the homemade pies and other desserts, which was a shame. It was fun, and I’m glad we stopped. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday and in the winter

Hillbilly’s Restaurant

3275 Wears Valley Rd, Wears Valley, TN 37862-8313

About

Our restaurant is laid back and casual with a friendly staff. We do our best to provide you with a good meal and a feeling of family. We serve breakfast all day, lunch from 11-2,and have a breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday. We have also added dinner for October weekends. Please come check us out and sign our truck.

Review

We’ve driven by this restaurant a few times when we’ve been in the area. We stopped there on this trip after going to Cades Cove. It was very tasty! Only half of our group ate breakfast, while the other half ate lunch. No one had anything bad to say, and everyone was full. We’ll be back for sure! Our waitress was more than friendly and warm. There pancakes are AMAZING!

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November 11, 2022 0 comments

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail Flowers. White with red, not sure what they are.

5 Top Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail Things to Do

by John - Laurel Rodgers November 11, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

Explore the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. It is a 0.5-mile loop trail near Gatlinburg, Tennessee and is located at the Sugarlands Valley Nature Visitors Center. The trail is generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 10 min to complete and is 100% accessible, the only such trail in the park.

Although the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is used frequently for jogging and walking, you can still find some peace and quiet during the slower times of the day. The route is lovely to explore at any time of the year and is open all year. Dogs must stay at home because this trail is off-limits to them.

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5 mi
Elevation gain: 19 ft
Route type: Loop

Wheelchair friendly, Kid friendly, Stroller friendly, Walking, Running, Forest, Paved, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Historic site, No dogs,

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Tennessee?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

Sugarlands Visitors Center and Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail Hiking

5 Top Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail Hiking Things to Do

check out our video

Description:

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park it is close to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There is a short, 0.7-mile circular hike called the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail Loop .

Don’t miss the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail if you’re looking for a relaxing and beautiful hike that is ideal for the whole family. This short, convenient half-mile hike offers interpretive exhibits, breathtaking natural features, and interesting historical relics and is conveniently situated just south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

The trail itself is much more interesting than the name suggests. The Sugarlands Valley used to be a group of private homes that were eventually given to a national park.

Along the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, you can also find interesting historical relics, which is another great reason to go there. On this trail, you can see what’s left of two homesteads. Two fireplaces and a stone wall are the only things that are still there. The trail also goes next to a creek that runs through the Sugarlands Valley.

There are places to sit along the creek and the trail. There are signs along the trail that explain a lot of the interesting natural and historical features. A black bear walked across the fresh concrete as the trail was being built, which is another interesting thing to see.

The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is made of concrete and is easy to get to, except for where it goes along the creek. One of the few trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that can be used by strollers and wheelchairs is the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. The half-mile loop trail is paved and well taken care of, so even small children can walk it without getting tired.

The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is also different because it has its own parking lot, which makes it easy to get to the trailhead. This is a great way for people who can’t hike the normal trails in the park to enjoy the outdoors.

The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, like most of the other trails in Smoky Mountains National Park, might give you a chance to see some wildlife. Even though the trail is close to the road and doesn’t look like much, you never know what you might see on it.

Bears can be dangerous and unpredictable, so keep an eye out for them as a safety measure. Keep in mind that hikers in the park are allowed to carry bear pepper spray only to protect themselves from being hurt by aggressive wildlife. It should never be used to scare animals away from people, backpacks, or other gear.

Hiking Tips For Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

Wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable.
Bring a lot of fresh water with you.
Wear clothes that are right for the weather.
Bring a snack.
Don’t go off the path.
Keep track of the time and daylight.
Do not get close to wildlife.
Don’t throw trash away; clean up after yourself.

Directions To the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

Drive south on US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) for 0.4 miles and the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail trailhead is on the left. The parking area maintains five designated handicap parking spots and seven general use parking spots. You can purchase a trail brochure at the trailhead for .50 cents. Just drop your coins into the receptacle and take a copy.

Review

A short, nice walk through the woods. It felt good to hear the river. We haven’t had much rain lately, so it’s pretty low. I liked reading about the area’s history on the informational signs and looking at the ruins of what used to be there. I took a lot of pictures. Not many leaves change color in this area.

Across the road from the Sugarlands Visitor Center is a flat, paved, and educational hike, the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. It goes through the forest and along the Little Pigeon River’s West Prong. There are a lot of spots for people with disabilities. This is a great walk for people of all ages and abilities.

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail Flowers. White with red, not sure what they are.

Nearby Trails to Hike

Baskin Creek Trail

Try this out-and-back trail that goes 10.1 miles near Hays, North Carolina. It takes an average of 4 hours and 33 minutes to finish what most people think of as a difficult route. This trail is great for hiking, and you probably won’t see many other people while you’re out there. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of year. This trail allows dogs, but they have to be on a leash.

Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 10.1 mi
Elevation gain: 1,591 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Hiking, Forest, River, Views, Waterfall, Wildflowers, Wildlife

Review:

The trail is great and very runnable, though it goes up slowly… I lost track of how many times we crossed water, but I’m guessing it was close to 20. The last mile up to the cabin was the steepest, and I lost the trail about a mile in, but it was easy to find again and get back on track. Beautiful scenery and great views of the water the whole way up. The trail was clear and well-kept on this day.

Elkmont Nature Trail

This loop trail is 0.8 miles long and is close to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Most people think of it as an easy route, and it takes an average of 19 minutes to finish. This trail is used by a lot of people to camp, hike, and run, but you can still get some alone time when it’s not busy. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of year. Dogs can’t go on this trail, so you’ll have to leave them at home.

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.8 mi
Elevation gain: 95 ft
Route type: Loop

Kid friendly, Camping, Hiking, Walking, Running, Wildflowers, No dogs

Review:

Nice trail with some cool little bridges. I found a lot of cool mushrooms with my son. In some places, it was pretty how the trees grew together on both sides. It had been raining, so it was easy to just walk to the side and avoid the mud.

Balsom Point Quiet Walkway Trailhead

Learn about this 0.2-mile trail that goes out and back near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Most people think of it as an easy route, and it takes an average of 7 minutes to finish. This trail is great for walking and fishing, and you probably won’t see many other people while you’re exploring. Dogs can’t go on this trail, so you’ll have to leave them at home.

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.2 mi
Elevation gain: 45 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Fishing, Walking, Forest, River, Rocky, No dogs

Review:

This trail is a lot harder than you might think. At the bottom, there is a steep drop that was a little bit slippery. I went straight down the hill, got pretty hurt, and ran into the person behind me. Also, there is no view at the end because a pile of logs left by the river blocks the view of the river.

Things to Do Near Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

Stop At the Sugarlands Valley Visitors Center

The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! The visitor center features knowledgeable rangers, maps, restrooms, animal exhibits, informative museum, and a free movie. Stop here to stretch your legs, get your bearings, and speak with experts about your itinerary.

The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. Be sure and take a walk around the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail while you are there.

At Sugarlands, visitors can view extensive natural history exhibits and a free 20-minute film about Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ranger-led programs are offered seasonally. The facility includes a Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop, as well as a Backcountry permit station.

Information desk staff can answer your questions about planning your day in the park. Nature trails nearby feature a historic cabin and waterfall. Public restrooms, telephones, and drink machines are available.

Visit Carlos Campbell Overlook

So there are many scenic overlooks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Carlos C. Campbell overlook is one such overlook that you can stop at to take in the beautiful mountain views of the Smoky Mountains! This is a must stop-by place and is near the Sugarlands Visitors Center and Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

The beauty of Tennessee is truly unparalleled here in the American South, and thankfully the state has developed and maintained a series of overlooks and vista points for the enjoyment of visitors. If you find yourself driving the historic Newfound Gap, then we’d highly recommend stopping along the way at the Carlos Campbell Overlook. You can find it in East Tennessee, and it offers views that you’ll never, ever forget.

Visit Courthouse Rock Trail

Everyone loves to find hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains, and one of the best kept secrets of the national park is Courthouse Rock Trail! The trail is near both the Sugarlands Visitors Center the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. From huge natural rock features to a beautiful waterfall, there are all kinds of things to see along this hike! Learn even more about Courthouse Rock Trail, a secret hike in the Smokies you don’t want to miss:

One of the first things you should know about this secret hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains is that it’s not on the official national park map. Don’t let that deter you from finding the trail and hiking it, though! Many hobbyist hikers enjoy exploring undesignated trails, and this is a great one to try!

Courthouse Rock Trail is considered difficult with its elevation gain and since the trail isn’t easily laid out. There are several areas along the trail where you will cross creeks on foot, and there are junctions in the trail where you must choose which way to go. Cairns, or rock formations people have set up, point hikers towards the correct direction of which way to head towards the features at the end of the trail.

In order to find the trailhead, you should use exact GPS coordinates. These coordinates will place you across the street from the trailhead where the parking area is. Most hikers use their GPS to ensure they are staying on the right path as they hike through the woods. Here is the GPS 35.65298482516813, -83.5210265460345

Food and Diner Locations Near Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

Land Shark Bar and Grill

515 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3201

Land Shark Bar and Grill is a Margaritaville State of Mind restaurant in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. We serve American favorites such as wings, burgers, and fresh seafood daily!

Review:

Absolutely the best service, menu and view that we’ve experienced on our current vacation! We’ve spent time all over the strip while vacationing with our adult children and grandchildren. To start, the host sets a great tone and everyone and everything followed suit!

This is the best restaurant we’ve spent time at this week. I have to compliment the staff and say that the server we had was attentive and polite… pretty hard to find here as we’ve learned this time, and it’s been very disappointing until now. Thank you for being so friendly and polite.

I also have to say they have an amazing beer selection as well as a great food menu. Highly recommend if you’re into great beer, service and food!

Best Italian on the Parkway

710 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3206

Review:

But the pizza we received was the best I have found between Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, or basically, anywhere in the county. A good New York style pizza with a good crust, plenty of cheese, toppings and sauce. We will definitely return to this place when in Gatlinburg.

The Park Grill

1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3108

Review:

We visited the Park Grill after a morning walk at the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail and it was FABULOUS. It was made even more so was our waitress Lisa. She was so ontop of service and such a kind soul. She is a main reason we came back a second time during our trip, she just made the first experience so enjoyable!

Before going we saw reviews saying the pricing was too high and not worth it, well if you’re smart you can get out at $70 or less like we did both times INCLUDING tip.

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November 11, 2022 0 comments

Hiking Travel Hawaii Boondocking

3 Great Reasons to Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail

by John - Laurel Rodgers November 4, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

Find out about the 3.6-mile Kuilau Ridge Trail near Kapa’a, Kauai, that goes out and back. Most people think it is a moderately hard route. It takes an average of 1 hour and 43 minutes to finish. This is a popular place to hike, ride horses, and mountain bike, so you’ll probably see other people while you’re out exploring. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of the year.

Want more ideas to round-out your hiking trips to the Hawaiian Islands?
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The whole family can spend a fun day together on the beautiful Kuilau Ridge Trail through the Hawaiian rainforest. This Kuilau Ridge Trail starts at the Keahua Arboretum parking lot on Kuamo’o Road, which is only 15 minutes by car from Wailua.

Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 3.6 mi
Elevation gain: 666 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Running, Forest, River, Views, Waterfall, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Muddy, Over grown

Find out about the 3.6-mile Kuilau Ridge Trail near Kapa'a, Kauai, that goes out and back. Most people think it is a moderately hard route. It takes an average of 1 hour and 43 minutes to finish. This is a popular place to hike, ride horses, and mountain bike, so you'll probably see other people while you're out exploring. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of the year.

Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail

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Description:

We decided at the last minute to look on Google Maps for a hike near Wailua that we could do before it got dark. Just past Opaeka’a Falls, the Kuilau Ridge Trail looked great. It’s only a 2-mile trail that goes out and back, and it’s easy for hikers of all skill levels.

I hiked all over Kauai for more than a month and wrote down everything I did. The Kuilau Ridge Trail is one of the 15 best hikes on Kauai, in my opinion.

It’s a nice hike that takes you close to the middle of Kauai and gives you great views of the central ridges of the lush rainforest on the island.

The hike is 3.6 miles round-trip, and if you have access to two cars, you can combine it with the Moalepe Trail to make one long one-way trip. But we’ll only talk about the Kuilau Ridge Trail here, since we only went to the small wooden bridge that marks the end of one trail and the beginning of the other.

The Kuilau Ridge Trail is one of the best easy hikes on the island. It is a great way to spend two hours. It’s short, but the views are great from the start because you’re already so high up from the drive. A small, muddy path winds around the ridge for two miles, going in and out of the woods.

On the Kuilau Ridge Trail, the trees and plants are from another planet. Huge ferns cover the ground level of the forest, and as you walk along the path, huge trees tower above you. It’s a classic hike in Hawaii that makes you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park.

The Kuilau Ridge Trail is rarely used weekdays, you can always see the “Sleeping Giant,” a rock formation. If you’re lucky, you can also see Mt. Waialeale, the rainiest place on earth, when the clouds part for a short time.

Waialeale is a shield volcano, and after Kawaikini, it is the second highest mountain on the island. The name comes from the Hawaiian language and means “water splashing” or “water running over.”

Most of the year, you can’t see the top of 1569-meter Waialeale because clouds cover it. It has steady, humid northeast winds that meet the steep northeast side of the mountain, which has an average slope of more than 110%. This makes upslope winds, and the rain that falls from the sky is called “upslope rain.” This is how the Wailua River was made, which also flows into Wailua Falls.

Because the weather is so consistent, it rains more than 300 days a year, with rain falling every day on a very small area. The northeast side of Waialeale is one of the rainiest places on earth because of this, and the volcano is full of mysterious waterfalls.

The Kuilau Ridge Trail goes through eucalyptus forests and other types of trees, such as guava, hala, and ohia lehua. After 1.75 miles, you come to a picnic area in a beautiful meadow with great views of the Sleeping Giant. The Kuilau Ridge Trail ends soon after that in front of a wooden bridge.

Here, you can still take the next Moalepe Trail (1.25 miles to the parking lot or 2.75 miles to Olohena Rd.) or walk back the way you came. On this trail, it can and will get wet.

Kuilau Ridge Trailhead

Hiking Tips For the Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail

Once you’re on the Kuilau Ridge Trail, you’ll see small paths going off to the side, but you should stay on the trail. If you brought a lunch, the one-mile mark is a great place to stop and eat it. The grassy area has a picnic table and a forest of ohia trees, which are native to O’ahu and often have bright red flowers on them.

When you’re done here, the Kuilau Ridge Trail goes to the east and starts to go down in a switchback. After a short climb, you’ll have a beautiful view of Nounou Mountain, also called “The Sleeping Giant.” Can you find his chin?

The Opaeka’a Stream is crossed by a wooden bridge a little further down the trail. A fork is coming up, and you need to go left into a group of ferns and eucalyptus trees. Your goal, a beautiful view of Kapehua’ala, the highest peak in the Makaleha Mountains, is just up ahead.

Directions To the Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trailhead

To get to the Kuilau Ridge Trail trailhead from Lihue, take Highway 56 and turn left right away onto Highway 580. Drive for 8 miles until you get to Keahua Forestry Arboretum. On the right side of the road, there are two places to park. Once you’ve parked, walk back down the road to the right, where the trail head is.

Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail Review

The whole Kuilau Ridge Trail had a mysterious, “rainforest” feeling to it. We talked a lot about how the plants and views were all different. Even though we couldn’t see the ocean, this trail had beautiful views the whole way. I would tell anyone of any age to go on this beautiful green hike.

We hiked the Kuilau Ridge Trail in a downpour, which was funny and kept things from getting boring. According to other reviews, the trail is wide and not too steep. We had to bushwhack through some bushes, which scratched our legs and made them look red. So you should wear long hiking pants if you have them! You have to walk through a dense forest to get to Kuilau Ridge.

From the ridge, you can look all around and see the beautiful mountains. The path is often muddy, so you should wear shoes that can handle that. There are some nice picnic benches near where you park at the trailhead and along the trail itself.

Kuilau Ridge Trail

Nearby Trails to Hike

Power Line Trail

Find this 10.1-mile trail that goes from one place to another near Kapaa, Kauai. Most people think of it as a moderately hard route, and it takes an average of 4 hours and 59 minutes to finish. This trail is a great place to walk, hike, and watch birds, and you probably won’t see many other people while you’re exploring.

The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of year. We allow dogs, but they have to be on a leash.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 10.1 mi
Elevation gain: 1,906 ft
Route type: Point to point

Dogs on leash, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Over grown

Review:

Muddy, slippery, and generally pretty bad footing, except for the climbs, which aren’t bad at all. I wouldn’t suggest this hike to someone who wants to have a good time. However, if you can find your way through the tall grass where the trail has disappeared, you can use this path to get to the top of the ridge.

So, if you need to get up there for work or whatever, this trail will get you there. I just went up and down from here, but I’m not sure if the views are worth the effort to get up there. At the trailhead, there is a sign that says, “This trail is not maintained.” That is not a joke. In many places, you have to squint to guess where the trail is.

Moalepe Trail

This 5.0-mile trail near Kapa’a, Kauai, goes out and back. Most people think of it as an easy route, and it takes an average of 2 hours and 11 minutes to finish. This is a popular place to hike, ride horses, and mountain bike, so you’ll probably run into other people while you’re out exploring. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of year. We allow dogs, but they have to be on a leash.

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.0 mi
Elevation gain: 711 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Running, Views

Review:

We were the first ones out this morning, so we encountered a lot of spider webs that were in our way. The track was easy to follow and gradually climbed uphill, and it contains a lot of wild flowers. Near the trail’s end, there are some really spectacular views and greenery.

Makaleha Trail

Find out about this 5.2-mile out-and-back Kauai route. It takes an average of 2 hours, 31 minutes to accomplish this trip, which is generally regarded as difficult. Since hiking is highly popular in this region, you can run into other hikers while doing your exploration. The route is lovely to explore at any time of the year.

Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 5.2 mi
Elevation gain: 984 ft
Route type: Out & back

Hiking, Forest, River, Views, Waterfall, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Bugs, Muddy, Over grown, Rocky, Scramble

Review:

Awesome adult jungle gym trail, slick and muddy, with a few brook crossings. Must be able to bend down, or lift knees high. There are numerous enjoyable obstacles, but they are not suggested for those who are not very flexible. A great track that is not too difficult to follow leads to a waterfall and its pool.

Things to Do When You Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail

Kauai’s Hindi Monastery

The front outdoor grounds of the monastery, up to the river lookout and archway, is open to freely visit from 9 to noon. All are welcome to meditate under the awesome banyan tree, explore the large information panels in the Banyan Mandapam which tell about our monastery and the Hindu religion, and browse through the many publications and Hindu religious supplies in our Mini-Mela visitor center. A self-guided tour is available for this area. Download the map or pick it up along with an accompanying booklet at the entrance which gives you a basic introduction to the monastery and its areas of service.

Rules of Conduct

Inside Kadavul Temple, guests should ideally sit cross-legged, but never with legs stretched out towards the Deity. No video or photography is allowed of the inside of the temple. If you are not sure how a temple functions or what “puja” is, learn more. You can also watch the first ten-ish minutes and last ten-ish minutes of this video to get a sense of puja.

Food and Diners Near the Kuilau Ridge Trailhead

Sleeping Giant Grill

440 Aleka Pl, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746-1420

Review:

OMG. Amazing!!! We were staying close by and ordered a salad from here for takeout for our first go…just craving something healthy. The ginger soy dressing is completely addicting! An absolute must try. Returned tonight for fish tacos, and these people know what they’re doing!!! No words to describe the deliciousness. Love that it’s BYOB and an actually affordable way to enjoy a night out.

Lava Beach Club

420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746-1449

Review:

Due to its proximity to our hotel, we had two dinners and two breakfasts here, and were happy with each meal. Breakfasts are very filling, and a good variety. Dinner variety is not as wide, but we enjoyed each dish we ordered. Nice to sit on the beach and dine. Music one night was pretty loud, but we weren’t close to the singers, so OK. Obviously we liked it to eat there four times.

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November 4, 2022 0 comments

Hiking Travel Hawaii Boondocking

The 4 Great Ualakaa Trail Hiking Options

by John - Laurel Rodgers November 3, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

The Ualakaa Trail is a 2.3-mile circular route found close to Honolulu, Hawaii. It typically takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to accomplish the Ualakaa Trail, which is thought of as being simple. Since running, hiking, and birdwatching are all fairly popular activities here, you can stumble across other individuals while exploring. The route is lovely to explore at any time of the year and is open all year. Dogs are permitted, but they must be leashed.

Want more ideas to round-out your hiking trips to the Hawaiian Islands?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

About the Ualakaa Trail

In Pu’u the Ualakaa Trail is a brief loop that runs through a dense forest canopy. A four-way intersection with the Makiki Valley, Moleka, and Maunalaha Trails is located at the trail’s uphill finish. At this intersection, there is a map of the system’s trails. A good family trail for all but the very young.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.3 mi
Elevation gain: 498 ft
Route type: Loop

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife

Description:

There are days when you can fill your pack with water, stretch out, and prepare your body and mind for the hard work of a long hike through the mountains. Sometimes you just want to go for a short walk in the woods. For the second group, the Ualaka Trail is an easy way to get to magical forest adventures and beautiful views.

The Ualakaa Trail should be pretty easy for most people, whether they take the out-and-back route or the main loop. It’s not too hot most of the time because there’s a lot of shade and you’re up a bit. Cook Pines are the big pine trees you see early on. They are named for Captain James Cook.

The White-Rumped Shama is a bird that birdwatchers should look for. It is black on top and light brown on the bottom, and it has a long black and white tail. The Shama sings many lovely songs and often sounds like other birds. The Shama is from Malaysia, but it has become common in new forests like this one.

After the first intersection, the path goes through a double row of tall Cook pines, which may have been planted to block the wind when they were young. The trees are in the shape of a column, and instead of true needles, they have leaves that look like scales and are about 1/4 inch long.

Pines are native to New Caledonia (also called the “Isle of Pines”), which is in the South Pacific between Fiji and Australia. They are named after Captain James Cook.

Hiking Tips For the Ualakaa Trail

In the style of a choose-your-own-adventure, the path forks many times. You can choose a path that crosses Round Top Drive, or you can go left and see the strange symmetry of Norfolk pines planted to stop erosion.

Route 1: When you get to the end of the Ualakaa Trail, it will connect to the Maunalaha Trail and the Makiki Valley Loop Trail or Makiki Valley Trail. You now have some choices, and at this intersection you can find a map of the trail system.

First, you can just turn around and go back the way you came. This way, the Ualakaa Trail isn’t a loop but rather an out-and-back. If you have young children, this might be the best choice.

Route 2: If you go left, you’ll be on the Maunalaha Trail, which will connect to the Kanealole Trail, it will take you in a clockwise loop until you reach the Makiki Valley Loop Trail or Makiki Valley Trail, and then bring you right back to where you started if you went left on the Maunalaha Trail.

You could also do this extra loop in the opposite direction by turning right at the intersection and going counterclockwise. This will make your hike much longer.

Route 3: The most common way to do the Ualakaa Trail loop is to turn right onto the Makiki Valley Loop Trail or Makiki Valley Trail and then turn right again on that trail, which is like making a U-turn but on a different trail.

As you walk, the Moleka Trail will split off and join the path you’re on. It will then meet Round Top Drive. When that happens, turn right and walk down the street (watch out for cars) for a short distance until you see a sign for the Ualaka’a Trail on your left.

Directions to Trailhead:

Proceed uphill on Round Top Drive. At a hairpin turn, look for Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Wayside on the left. Drive into the State Park looking for the Ualakaa trail trailhead sign at the end of the first curve of the road. Continue up the road to the parking area, then walk back down the road to the trailhead.

Review:

We wanted a shorter trail, so we just did the loop of the Ualakaa Trail, which was nice and shady. Some parts of the trail had loose soil and a lot of roots, so be careful where you step. There is a short detour in the middle of the loop that leads to a great view of Diamond Head.

Park your car at the very end of the road. This hike was great! Green and lush, with good shade. I took my dog, and he had a great time. I went on a Friday at 9 a.m. and only saw two people hiking alone the whole time. To finish, it took about an hour. We will do this one again for sure.

Ualakaa Trail

Nearby Trails to Hike

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Makki Valley Loop Trail

Find out about this 3.2-mile trail loop near Honolulu, Oahu and close to the Ualakaa trail. Most people think of it as a moderately difficult route, and it takes an average of 2 hours and 0 minutes to finish. This is a popular place to birdwatch, hike, and run, so you’ll probably run into other people while you’re exploring. The trail is beautiful and can be used at any time of year. We allow dogs, but they have to be on a leash.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.2 mi
Elevation gain: 1,036 ft
Route type: Loop

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife

Review: If you want to run the whole thing, it will be hard, but it’s good for you. Mostly up and down the whole way. Some parts are rough, and some parts are wet. It’s safe, but watch your ankles, lol. I want to find something easier that I can run all the way without stopping as much. I’m in pretty good shape, but not good enough to run the race we wanted to.

I liked how relaxing the sounds of the birds and water were. The views weren’t great, but the nature here on the main loop is very pretty.

Manoa Cliff Trail

This out-and-back trail is 4.0 miles long and is close to the Ualakaa trail in Honolulu, Oahu. Most people think of it as a moderately difficult route, and it takes an average of 2 hours and 31 minutes to finish. This is a very popular place to birdwatch, hike, and run, so you’ll probably run into other people as you explore. The trail is beautiful and can be used all year long. We allow dogs, but they must be on a leash.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.0 mi
Elevation gain: 1,309 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Scramble

Review: It was a great trail! A few muddy spots and a narrow path here and there, but otherwise very shaded and pretty, with a nice view of Honolulu and Diamondhead! But, if you want to make it a loop hike by walking the road from one trailhead to the other, you should know that the road is closed to both cars and people in the middle, so you have to do the whole out-and-back.

I hiked to the top of Tantalus as well. Amazing views of the ocean, bamboo forests, and valleys. It was a really nice hike, and there were so many different trails to take. To get to the trail head on Roundtop Drive, use Apple Maps. Google Maps takes you up Tantalus Drive, not to this trailhead.

Ualakaa Trail Nearby Things to Do

Hawaii Nature Center

Since its small beginnings in Makiki Valley in 1981, the Hawaii Nature Center has helped more than a million kids, teachers, families, and visitors. The organization continues to fulfill an important educational and conservation goal:

“To foster awareness, appreciation, and understanding of Hawaii’s environment and to encourage wise stewardship of the Hawaiian Islands by educating children in an interactive and immersive way.”

The result of the Nature Center’s programs in the field is a public that knows a lot about the environment and has a strong sense of place and an understanding of local natural and cultural history, environmental, and sustainability issues.

People of all ages take part in the Nature Center’s hands-on programs, seminars, hikes, and volunteer habitat restoration projects, which are all based on the curriculum. The programs teach people to appreciate, understand, and value stewardship for the rest of their lives and a great addition to the Ualakaa trail hike.

The Liljestrand House

Take a tour of the Liljestrand House at 3300 Tantalus Drive in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was designed by Vladimir Ossipoff for Betty and Howard Liljestrand, a doctor and nurse who bought the hillside site with a view of downtown Oahu in 1948. Wikipedia

The Liljestrand House is a great example of the work of architect Vladimir Ossipoff and of modern Hawaiian architecture from the middle of the 20th century. The Liljestrand Foundation’s goal is to keep the house in good shape and give that care a purpose by giving tours and using the house for charitable, cultural, and educational events.

Mr. Ossipoff’s designs are known for their seamless integration of building and site, elegant orchestration of circulation, smart management of views, and creative mix of modern and natural materials. This is another example of the pride in the history of Hawaii and a good place to stop after your Ualakaa trail hike.

Ualakaa Trail

Food and Diner Locations Near the Ualakaa Trail

Waioli Kitchen

2950 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96822-1778

Review:

I was looking for an acai bowl, and Waioli came up. I hadn’t heard of it before, but I was very interested, so I drove there. You’ll miss the driveway if you don’t know where you’re going. From the street, you can’t see this beautiful plantation house, but once you find it, you’re in for a treat!

I got the acai bowl, an almond croissant, and blueberry, lilikoi, and ginger scones to go. I also ordered a coffee press that makes enough coffee for two people. I hadn’t had real coffee since I got to the island, so this was a treat!

Sergs Mexican Kitchen

2740 E Manoa Rd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96822-1818

Our family ate lunch here because we wanted Mexican food, and everything was great. This Mexican food might be the best we’ve ever had. The al pastor flautas, enchiladas, salsas, and Agua Fresca come HIGHLY recommended. Also, the staff was very friendly!

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November 3, 2022 0 comments

Hiking Travel Hawaii Boondocking

The Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail: 3 Important Reasons To Visit

by John - Laurel Rodgers November 3, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail

Lush tropical forests and mountain ridges covered in green on top of green. Breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean along the Wiliwilinui hiking trail. A journey along the spine of the Koolau Mountain range on the eastern side of Oahu, you can encounter all of these things and so much more!

Want more ideas to round-out your hiking trips to the Hawaiian Islands?
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We have it all, everything you need to know about experiencing the Wiliwilinui hiking trail. From how to get there to precisely what to expect throughout this amazing journey, is provided here. If you’re seeking breathtaking vistas and a distinctive approach to experience Hawai’i’s ethereal beauty you will find it on the Wiliwilinui hiking trail.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.7 mi
Elevation gain: 1,617 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Hiking, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Bugs, Muddy

The Wiliwilinui hiking trail offers a variety of alternatives for hikers who want to go further, as well as neighboring Hawaiian restaurants where you may eat authentic cuisine while out for the day. This is the ideal location for a stunning climb after which you may spend the day with your family visiting other fantastic things to do in the neighborhood.

Description:

On Oahu, the Wiliwilinui hiking trail trek is a challenging excursion along the spine of the island. The Koolau Summit Trail is reached after the winding stairways and woodland pathways over the 7.6km out-and-back route, which includes an elevation gain of nearly 500 meters.

Our spirits were high, and each step was filled with anticipation despite the delayed start and the additional warm-up. We were astonished by how beautifully the trail was kept after arriving at the trailhead. Although the Wiliwilinui hiking trail trip began on a road rather than a trail, the dense tree canopy and the heavy layer of soft, pulpy dead leaves that covered the ground gave the large, open area a spooky feel.

Standing at the trail’s crest, I can see Waikiki, a metropolis of white structures that appears to be in another world from the ridges we are traversing. I turn around to look at the east coast’s turquoise water, and the expansive vistas give me the impression that I am in the very middle of this stunning island.

Almost every landing during this section of the climb up offered us a vista of the valleys. The Wiliwilinui hiking trail came to an end when you arrived at the relay station tower and continued on a short route up the ridge to a little clearing the size of a room with a lone bench.

Sitting on the bench at the summit of the Wiliwilinui hiking trail provides a view of Kailua and Lanikai, while turning around to face the opposite way reveals Waikiki, Koko Crater, and Diamond Head. Have a snack and take in the scenery. But be careful, it’s a little windy.

The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail hike is a stunning excursion that gives breathtaking views, an intimidating, remote atmosphere, and is one of Oahu’s least populated hikes. The peacefulness you will experience when you sit on a ridge and look out over everything that has been built below you is worth the ascent.

Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail

Hiking Tips For Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail

The Waialae Iki gated neighborhood contains the Wiliwilinui hiking trail. To get access to the path and receive directions, check in at the security guard station. If you’re traveling on a popular holiday or weekend, make sure to plan ahead because only a certain number of trail passes are provided each day.

Remember that the tropical environment in Hawaii can change suddenly, so it’s best to be ready and bring water, sunscreen, and an umbrella. There are several stairs as the Wiliwilinui hiking trail approaches the summit. If it has just rained, the terrain can be muddy, so make sure you are wearing sturdy hiking boots.

This fairly challenging 4.7-mile out-and-back trip climbs 1,617 feet in total elevation. You’ll stroll through a verdant forest on the route to the mountain’s summit, climbing along the spine to take in the expansive views of the entire island of Oahu.

In the final half mile of the Wiliwilinui hiking trail, where you’ll have to scramble up a set of steep stairs made only of heavy wood slabs and the slick clay that covers the mountainside, you’ll acquire the majority of the elevation gain. Given its steepness and the frequently muddy terrain, the Wiliwilinui hiking trail here is undoubtedly difficult, especially for first-time hikers, even if no technical abilities are required.

Similar to the Wiliwilinui hiking trail, many of Oahu’s most beautiful walks follow mountain ridgelines. However, these breathtaking vistas also come with risk because ridgelines are frequently quite constrained, with crumbling cliffs and treacherous ascents. This is no joke though; over a dozen hikers have perished while on hikes around Oahu in the previous ten years.

On the other hand, the Wiliwilinui hiking trail is a great place to start exploring ridgeline paths because it is well-maintained and quite wide, making it a safer approach to take in the breathtaking views. However, exercise caution since any hike, including the one up the Wiliwilinui hiking trail, carries certain risks, particularly when the going is slick and damp (which, on the eastern side of Oahu, is pretty much always). To avoid any rain showers, I’d advise monitoring the weather before your hike and making plans accordingly.

Directions to Wiliwilinui Hiking Trailhead:

To reach the Wiliwilinui hiking trail, you’ll need to pass by the security guard at the Waialae Iki 5 community. There’s only a handful of parking spots for hikers near the trailhead, so the guard passes out a certain number of laminated parking passes each day.

You will not be able to drive in the community if all of the parking permits are in use. You will either need to return at a later time or, as an option, park in the area outside of Waialae Iki 5 (be sure to look out for “No parking” signs!).

The Wiliwilinui hiking trail is at least 1.8 miles (roundtrip) away from the guard station, up a steep and winding hill, if you opt for the later option. Therefore, you might want to arrange your visit for when the trail is less busy, such as early on a weekday, if you want to be sure to score a parking pass.

To avoid getting too close to sunset, the guard will advise you to attempt to leave the Wiliwilinui hiking trail before it gets dark when you first arrive. For what it’s worth, I was quite concerned that I wouldn’t be able to obtain a permit because I really wanted to go on this trek. Nevertheless, on a stunningly beautiful Saturday afternoon, there appeared to be plenty of parking spaces available at the trailhead. Because of this, it’s possible that the Wiliwilinui hiking trail, despite its breathtaking beauty, is still mostly unknown.

If you’re fortunate enough to get a Wiliwilinui hiking trail pass, the permit will also include a map and detailed parking instructions. Basically, you’ll continue on Laukahi Street until it intersects with Okoa Street, then turn left onto Okoa and proceed up the street to one of the two little lots beside the trailhead. The Wiliwilinui hiking trail permit must be returned in a dropbox near the right side of the guard station after your hike.

Review of Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail

Approached the security gate around one and got a pass without any problem. Plenty of parking at the Wiliwilinui hiking trail parking lot. This was a pleasant walk for the first hour on a wide road that starts out paved then turns to dirt. It was dry today and the last few days so the trail wasn’t too muddy.

After some rain, spikes or poles would help you stay upright. The Wiliwilinui hiking trail can get MUDDY! The hike really begins about a hour into it when you approach the stairs. This is where the fun begins. The stairs to the top were in mostly effective condition. Ropes were placed at the steeper and slippery sections. The Wiliwilinui hiking trail gets a little narrow and drops off on both sides. Try Looking straight down and ahead. Just one step at a time if you don’t like heights. Clouds covered the view to the East but the viewpoint to Diamond Head was up close and crystal clear.

Amazing trek up the Wiliwilinui hiking trail with beautiful views waiting at the summit! This is only suited for intermediate to advanced hikers. There is a ton of mud and quick elevation gain. The stairs are helpful but after a rain they are mud soaked so it does require a lot of coordination and cardio capacity. Hiking boots were covered in mud. Many other hikers in sandals had to stop bccause they couldn’t make it up. Totally worth it as you’re surrounded by beautiful views.

Wiliwilinui Nearby Trails to Hike

check out our video

Makki Valley Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.5 mi
Elevation gain: 797 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Forest, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Scramble

Explore this 2.5-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Review: Easy trail for intermediate hikers. Muddy even though no rain for a few days, so be careful around tree roots and rocks, recommend hiking boots with good grip and mindful where you are stepping where it’s muddy and slippery.
I was with an experienced hiker who wore regular tennis shoes and he slipped a few times. Great signage, just keep following signs for Makiki Valley Trail if you want to stay on this specific out and back trail. Ends once you get to a road and you come back the same way.

You’ll get some cardio with incline, especially on the way back at the very end. Great hike for a novice who wants a “challenge” and an easy one for intermediates!

Kuliouou Ridge Trail

Try this 4.7-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 5 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.7 mi
Elevation gain: 1,650 ft
Route type: Out & back

Hiking, Dog friendly, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky

Review: First mile is full of switchbacks with a lot of the surrounding land being remediated. Once you get past that it opens up to some beautiful pine needle covered forest segments, then the ridge with amazing beautiful views as you ascend a somewhat grueling set of stairs to the top. Luckily it was a perfect day, but I can imagine how the upper segment might not be so fun if it rained. In good weather, no boots or climbing shoes needed. Poles would have been nice on the way down. For those big stairs.

Food and Diner Locations Near the Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail

Uncle Clays House of Pure Aloha

820 W. Hind Drive #116, Honolulu, HI 96821

Review: I can’t even remember how many years ago I first heard about this place, so since we were doing some errands in the area, I thought it was about time to give it a try on a nice sunny day!
It’s located around the middle of the Aina Haina Shopping Center, and there is ample parking!

Andys Sancwiches and Smoothies

2904 E Manoa Rd. Honolulu, HI 96822. Manoa

Review: I was in the area at the UPS store, when I realized that Andy’s was close by and closing soon! I walked over and had to have the avocado tuna sandwich that was featured in the Honolulu magazine back in 2014 (yeah, I saved that article…LOL!), but times have changed and it use to be only $4.75, but alas… inflation and a pandemic!

The Original Roys

1830 Ala Monana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Review: I don’t even know where to start! The staff was amazing! Swan was our waiter and the women there were so helpful and kind! The food … well the food was absolutely DELICIOUS this was our first time in Waikiki and stumbled upon this place!! We definitely will be returning when we come back! We asked what they recommended and nothing disappointed! From the strawberry soju to the calamari and chili oil sauce! Everything was full of flavor and great! Highly recommend and was reasonably priced!!

Ono Steaks and Shrimps Shack

41-037 Wailea St, Waimanalo, HI 96795

Review: We ordered the house beef noodle, pork intestine noodle and the egg/tomato noodle (for the kids). We were impressed that you could get extra noodles for free! I regret not asking if I could make my noodle less spicy, as it was SPICY. There was definitely peppercorns, and lots of chili oil! Despite it being very spicy, it tasted really good and the texture of the noodles was perfect, too.

Fatboys Hawaii Kai

7192 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825

Review: Such a small place with very friendly prices, we are from Miami and we have here one of the best tuna steak we ever had for $15 with rice, greens and 2 sauces. One of the sauces was also absolutely delicious. Highly recommend. We will be back before our departure for sure!

Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail

5 Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail Trip – Alternative Things to Do

Foster Botanical Garden

A garden in the middle of Honolulu’s bustling downtown? Yes! Visitors may escape the bustle of the city here at Foster Botanical Garden. Foster Garden, which is the oldest of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, features an amazing and variety of mature tropical plants.

Immerse yourself in the bright flowers and lush vegetation that are exclusive to Hawaii’s tropical islands. Foster Botanical Gardens is the ideal destination for the whole family because it is home to a huge variety of tropical birds.

Naturally, a garden wouldn’t be complete without an eye-catching collection of plants. A number of the trees in the Foster Botanical Gardens are protected under Hawaii’s Exceptional Tree Program, which also preserves and categorizes trees that meet additional requirements like age and rarity or that have historical or cultural importance. In the gardens, you’re guaranteed to observe some unusual plants and animals.

Tantalus Lookout – Puu Ualakaa State Park

You might be wondering why a mountain in Hawaii is named after a Greek demigod. The mountain’s original name was Puuhi, but Tantalus became its more popular name in the 19th century after an unsuccessful trekking expedition by Punahou School students.

Tantalus is famous for his inability to reach food and water as punishment in the underworld in Greek mythology. The name refers to the disappointment of early climbers who failed to reach the peak.

The breathtaking vista is among Tantalus Lookout’s outstanding features. You can see all the way from Diamond Head to Waikiki Beach on a clear day. The setting is ideal for watching the sun set. Even the brilliant city lights below may be seen if you arrive at night.

Nowadays, climbing Mt. Tantalus is much simpler than it was when Punahou students attempted to do it in the middle of the 19th century but were unsuccessful, naming the peak after a character from Greek mythology who had an impossible task.

Approximately 2.5 miles long and 600 feet high. The walk leads you through Oahu’s lush jungle and offers stunning vistas of Honolulu as you go. The hike can be made simpler and more enjoyable with the help of a tour guide.

Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple

Mu-Ryang-Sa is a sanctuary of calm and beauty that is unmatched by any other if you’re genuinely interested in learning about one of our many Hawaii cultures and you like Asian art and architecture. Visiting this tiny refuge will undoubtedly be a pleasure for your eyes and soul, assuming you don’t reside in Asia or have little exposure to Korean Buddhist culture.

Mu-Ryang-Sa, the name of the temple, translates to “Broken Ridge Temple.” On your journey up, you might have observed that the temple’s upper ridge is fractured. What would seem to be a problem with the temple is actually a narrative with an important Buddhist teaching.

Therefore, if you’re seeking unusual things to do in Honolulu, this might be a fun and memorable activity for your family’s Hawaii vacation.

The shattering of the ridge-pole of ignorance by wisdom, results in the demolition of illusion and the attainment of liberation, or nirvana. As with the enlightenment of the Buddha.

Hawaii Living Building Challenge

If a typical single-family home in an urban residential zone in Hawaii can legally achieve what was once the norm for all Hawaiians, the ability to live entirely off the land, with the responsibility to manage that land for eternal perpetuity, it will be a success. This, according to a case study conducted by the local Hawaii architecture firm Bowers & Kubota.

These straightforward, single-wall redwood cottages were constructed using materials that have shown to be durable and long-lasting over many years. A result of the Sequoia Tree, the oldest and largest species on earth, Redwood T&G has a DNA that can withstand Mother Nature’s harshest conditions.

Redwood is the perfect building material for Hawaii since it has survived the ice age and acquired inherent resistance to mold, mildew, UV exposure, fire, illness, and bug infestation in addition to creating an internal poison that repels termites.

Should we not be rejoicing in the fact that we can no longer harvest this great building material? Instead, we are hiring demolition specialists to squish it in a construction dumpster and transport it to the landfill. The materials used to build these simple single-wall tongue & groove redwood homes have proven their resilience and longevity over the many decades.

Honolulu Watershed Forest Preserve

One of the most well-known Hawaiian parks is the Honolulu Watershed Forest Preserve, which is situated just to the northeast of Honolulu, Hawaii. It is a region of highlands that is home to a rare natural forest covering around 600 square kilometers of land. Everyone visiting Honolulu should visit the park, especially those who enjoy various outdoor activities.

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November 3, 2022 0 comments

Hiking Travel California

5 Best Hiking Trail Bonita Falls Photos Hot Spots

by John - Laurel Rodgers October 31, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

Discover this 1.5-mile out-and-back hiking trail Bonita Falls photos near Lytle Creek, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 48 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Southern California National Forests Recreation Pass Details and Information Click Here

As of September 2016, forest visitors parked in standard amenity recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests must display a valid recreation pass. This includes sites on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests.

As listed in the “Recreation Enhancement Act,” standard amenity fee sites are those that provide designated developed parking, picnic tables, toilet facilities, security, interpretive signs and trash receptacles. Information on valid recreation passes, such as the Adventure Pass and America the Beautiful (a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands pass) can be found on the Passes and Permits page. Visitors do not have to display a valid recreation pass if they park outside these sites.

Click on the link below to open an interactive map showing all of the recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests. Once one the map, visitors can go the “site picker” to select which forest they plan to visit. Once open, consider closing the “site picker” to view the entire map.

Local Stores Selling Southern California National Forests Recreation Pass Details Click Here

An adventure pass is required to be displayed in vehicles when using the Forest for recreation purpose. Information about where to purchase day/multi-day/annual passes can be found here:

Remember to stop at the Ranger Station or AMPM for your daily parking pass – $5. America The Beautiful passes also qualify

Hiking Trail Bonita Falls Photos

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Bonita Falls?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

hiking trail bonita falls photos 2

Hiking Trail Bonita Falls Photos for Instagram

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.5 mi
Elevation gain: 334 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Hiking, Walking, Forest, River, Views, Waterfall, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Fee

Description:

We have visited a lot of waterfalls in Southern California, including this one, we do love the hiking trail Bonita Falls photos ops. However, I believe that Bonita Falls would rank among my favorites if I had to choose just one. By the standards of Southern California, this magnificent waterfall’s height of nearly 100 feet is impressive.

The majority of people have gone to Bonita Falls, but many are unaware that there are two hidden tiers for hiking trail Bonita Falls photos that, when taken together, measure a whopping 495 feet!

The second-largest waterfall in the San Bernardino National Forest area, Bonita is a stunning waterfall that can be found in South Fork Lytle Creek. It’s a short 1.4-mile roundtrip hike. The majority of the trail is made up of a dry riverbed that doesn’t offer much in the way of a good hiking trail Bonita Falls photos spot. Just stones surrounded by rocky ridges, with the exception of a picturesque stream near the end.

It is a wonderful illustration of the hidden treasures that are frequently overlooked in our region and makes for a wonderful introduction to hiking for those who have never done it before. Having such a close waterfall inspired me to introduce many of my friends to both the hiking trail Bonita Falls photos that are available and the great outdoors.

The only issue I have with this waterfall is that every time I return, I find more and more graffiti there. If you are one of those people reading this, I can’t imagine why someone would want to do this, please stop!

Family-friendly fun awaits you on this trail! The trail is rocky because you will be walking in a wash and is less well-defined than other trails in Southern California. Therefore, it may be easier to carry a toddler for the majority of the distance when they are just learning to walk.

After finding a suitable parking spot, go down the embankment. If the water level is higher than mid-calf, you will need to find a safe area to cross the stream because the powerful current can easily knock you over. Find a place to cross that is shallow. You will then continue for about 3/4 of a mile up the canyon.

There are few trees and a clearly marked trail leading to the falls on the left side of the canyon. Reaching the alcove that conceals the falls requires climbing steep, rocky stairs. Once there, evaluate the risk for yourself in order to reach the base of the falls.

A year with high water levels is the best time to visit the hiking trail Bonita Falls photos spots.(best time to go is in the Spring after the first several rainstorms).

Hiking Tips for Bonita Falls Trail

If you’re starting your hike from Bonita Campground, get to the other side of the canyon because there is a “path” there.

The only route to the falls is along a dry riverbed with a lot of pebbles and rocks, the hike lacks a properly manicured trail.

It’s difficult to imagine, but during the region’s rainiest seasons, roaring floods have been known to happen.

Stay as far to the left as you can as you enter the canyon, and keep an eye out for a dirt road that ascends into the tributary (a smaller canyon with a creek feeding into the main canyon).

The trail will continue into a beautiful tributary; but, if it abruptly terminates, you’ve taken the incorrect path and must continue walking into South Fork along the riverbank.

The environment abruptly transforms from stony and desolate as you enter the tributary to lush, verdant flora.

The trail is lined with lovely cottonwood and white alder trees, as well as the infamous poison oak with its three-pronged leaves.

You’ll hear the sound of rushing water gushing over the edge of a 100-foot cliff in a matter of minutes. You are about to encounter a monster of a falls.

Finally, the boulder-climbing was worthwhile. Spanish for “beautiful,” the massive Bonita Falls certainly lives up to its name.

Unlike any other waterfall I’ve ever seen, Bonita sparkles in the sunlight. You’ll never forget the scene. Try to arrive at the falls between noon and two in the afternoon when the sun directly shines on the cascade to witness this for yourself. Just be mindful of the sizable crowds that are usually present.

Even though the pool is only about 2 feet deep and not deep enough for swimming, it is still worthwhile to cool yourself in the water supplied by the cold springs on the Cucamonga Wilderness’ north slope, especially on those exceptionally hot days.

Directions to Trailhead:

Directions from San Bernardino, CA: Take the Sierra Avenue exit north off of Interstate 15. The Ranger Station is located 5 miles up Lytle Creek Road to the north. Keep going for half a mile after Station. Park on the road where the dry creek bed is visible at the South Fork.

Cross the creek bed and continue hiking for half a mile to reach the cliffs’ left-facing gap. To reach the falls, hike up the mountain on your left.

(If you park along the main road, go across running creek, along the main road. Hike up dry creek bed half a mile to the break in the cliffs to the left. Hike up the mountain to the left to reach the falls.)

Review

The trail begins next to a spring-fed brook with prepared swimming holes. The trail next follows a dried-up riverbed and next to a graffiti-covered mountain wall. Follow the trail and the sound of the creek for a little distance up to the falls, you eventually turn left at an opening. Swimming was crowded when I arrived, but I managed to find a private spring down at the start to unwind in.

Very hot for a short hike. Nice creek-side trail, other than that it was rather exposed and flat. Up until the mountain’s start, there was a slight inclination and plenty of shade. The falls themselves were stunning and still had plenty of water. Bring a change of clothes with you. The water was cooling, but, often very crowded, so try visiting during the week.

San Bernardino National Forest boondocking 2

5 Free San Bernardino National Forest Boondocking and Free Camping Locations

1. Clark’s Ranch Yellow Post Campsite

Address
Big Bear Lake, California
GPS: 34.183998, -116.977287
Elevation: 4994′

Management – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)

The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is small. You may stay 14 nights at this hiking trail Bonita Falls photos spot at Clark’s Ranch Yellow Post Campsite. This free campsite is a yellow post site in the San Bernardino National Forest.

There is only one campsite. It has a fire ring and nothing else. It offers an isolated scenic location ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. This site is within a short driving distance of the Santa Ana River and Deer Creek. Other than a ring for campfires, this site does NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds.

There is no water, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in – pack it out! Site is first-come, first-served.

2. Bear Creek Boondocking

7 Pines Road
Angelus Oaks, California
GPS: 34.164919, -117.014156
Elevation: 3514′

Management – Forest Service

Free Dispersed camping in the San Bernardino National Forest’s San Gorgonio Ranger District. No reservations. First come, first served.

3. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

1N12
Big Bear Lake, California
GPS: 34.128422, -117.005478
Elevation: 5890′

Management – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)

The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is small. You may stay 14 nights at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campsites and they all offer great hiking trail Bonita Falls photos.

Five free, remote camping sites in the San Bernardino National Forest locations for tent and car camping. There are some mature shade trees near the sites, but other than a metal fire ring for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds.

There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in -> pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served.

4. Santa Ana River Campsite

Angelus Oaks, California
GPS: 34.17422, -116.83913
Elevation: 6148′

Management – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)

People are friendly , there’s always someone around camping and many things to do! Sky is the limit on hiking trail Bonita Falls photos. beautiful sand and trees and plants. Great place to meditate.

5. East Jenks Lake RD E San Bernardino National Forest

Angelus Oaks, California
GPS: 34.165247, -116.849103
Elevation: 6775′

Management – national forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 500 yards? miles from a paved road. East Jenks Lake RD E San Bernardino National Forest is open when the snow melts . There are 16-29 campsites at this hiking trail Bonita Falls photos location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet.

You may stay 14 days at East Jenks Lake RD E San Bernardino National Forest.

hiking trail bonita falls photos 3

5 Big Bear Lake Boondocking Sites – Permit Information Click Here

1. San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 30

2N86
Santa Rosa, California
GPS: 34.23143, -116.978302
Elevation: 7454′
Management – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)

The road into this San Bernardino National Forest boondocking area is Dirt. You may stay 14 at San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 30. Awesome hiking trail Bonita Falls photos site at the end of a very rutted, not RV friendly road. Some auto, motorcycle, & foot traffic, most needing directions. My dogs ran off a good sized bear here a few years back. So, as always, be careful.

YP30 is located on 2N86 at N34° 13.950 W116° 58.805

Lots of shade. Lots of parking. Room for 6 tents. Down a spur road.

Not RV friendly.

2. San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 25

2N44Y
Santa Rosa, California
GPS: 34.224705, -116.941467
Elevation: 7362′

Management – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)
The road in is 4×4. You may stay 14 at San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 25. YP25 is located on 2N44Y at N34° 13.363 W116° 56.449.

Lots of shade all day long and a good hiking trail Bonita Falls photos spot. A small creek is flowing near camp. Room for 2 tents.

Currently there is not a table or fire ring. There is a hiking trail that cuts right through the campsite. Not recommended for RV’s by the USFS. The creek may attract a lot of bugs.

3. San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 26

2N52Y
Santa Rosa, California
GPS: 34.21896, -116.944191
Elevation: 7547′

Management – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)

The road in is 4×4. You may stay 14 at San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 26. YP26 is located on 2N52Y at N34° 13.027 W116° 56.694

Wide open area hiking trail Bonita Falls photos location. Down a spur road (less traffic). Can fit 4 tents and vehicles or an RV.

4. San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 29

2N11
Santa Rosa, California
GPS: 34.213753, -116.967445
Elevation: 7755′

Management – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)

The road in is Dirt. You may stay 14 at San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 29. YP29 is located on 2N11 at N34° 12.950 W116° 58.650

Some shade. Room for 3 vehicles. Down a spur road.

Not much flat space for tents. Not RV friendly.

5. San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 27

2N10D
Santa Rosa, California
GPS: 34.212288, -116.956741
Elevation: 7850′

Management Forest Service (USDA) (Official)

You may stay 14 at San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 27. Yellow Post 27

YP27 is located on 2N10D at N34° 12.896 W116° 57.359

Lots of shade. A small creek is flowing near camp. Down a spur road. Room for a couple of vehicles and tents. A perfect hiking trail Bonita Falls photos spot. Low profile cars will not make it all the way to camp. No RV’s

The road into this San Bernardino National Forest boondocking area is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is small. You may stay 14 nights at this hiking trail Bonita Falls photos spot at Clark’s Ranch Yellow Post Campsite. This free campsite is a yellow post site in the San Bernardino National Forest.

There is no water, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in – pack it out! Site is first-come, first-served.

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October 31, 2022 0 comments

Travel New York Boondocking North East U.S. Boondocking

4 Free Huggins Lake Camping NY Locations

by John - Laurel Rodgers October 28, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

Free Huggins Lake Camping NY locations are all located in the Sullivan Catskills, a storied holiday destination about 90 minutes from New York City. Visitors have flocked here to the Huggins Lake Catskills to stay, fish, and unwind since the 19th century. A half million people visited Bethel in 1969 to attend the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair.

Families, couples, and groups of friends of all ages visit to unwind, recharge, and escape at various spots in the Huggins Lake Catskills. Experience year-round outdoor adventure, gorgeous resorts, quaint inns, B&Bs, campgrounds, vacation rentals, as well as a vibrant arts scene and cutting-edge Catskill delicious cuisine.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Huggins Lake Camping NY?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

Food and Diner Locations Near Huggins Lake Camping NY

Tilly’s Diner 34 Raceway Road, Monticello, 12701 845-794-6540 facebook.com/tillysdiner [email protected] Tilly’s is a ’50s diner serving American cuisine; breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to check out the daily specials, homemade soups and desserts!

New Munson Diner 12 Lake Street, Liberty 12754 845-747-9912 Historic cozy diner built in the ’40s. Moved from Hell’s Kitchen in NYC to the Sullivan Catskills. Was used as settings for Seinfeld, Kojak, Law & Order, American Express commercials and more. Serving Breakfast (all day!), Lunch and dinner 7 days a week! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information @newmunsondiner.

Miss Monticello Diner 405 Broadway, Monticello 12701 845-791-8934 missmonticellodinerny.com [email protected] Your home away from home with delicious food served every day of the week. Owners Jimmy, Dimitra, and sons Steve and George invite you to enjoy fresh coffee, daily specials, and authentic Greek cuisine. This family-owned and operated business has been in the Sullivan Catskills for over 80 years!

Roscoe Diner 1908 Old Rt 17., Roscoe 12776 607-498-4405 theroscoediner.com [email protected] Traditional diner serving American and Greek cuisine. Located just off Exit 94 W on Route 17.

Quickway Diner 68 Rte. 17K (Exit 116), Bloomingburg 12721 845-733-1012 TeekAndVee.com [email protected] 24-hour diner restaurant serving the community for over 30 years. All our soups, gravies, desserts are made from scratch, home style cooking at low prices. Take it from Teek, take it from Vee, The Quickway Diner is the place to be! Easy on/off Route 17 at exit 116. Take out available.

Liberty Diner 30 Sullivan Ave., Liberty 12754 845-292-8973 libertydiner.biz [email protected] Cuisine: American, Italian, Vegetarian, Health Conscious, Special Dietary Needs All special orders available. Gluten free section in menu. Catering on and off premises. Full bakery. Full cakes for any occasion with 3 day’s notice. Meetings for breakfast or lunch and dinner welcome. Take out available.

25 Great Haitian Foods and Easy Haitian Recipes

4 Free Huggins Lake Camping NY Locations

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1. Dirt Road Camp in the Western Catskills

487 Dirt Road Delancey NY 13752
Andes, New York
GPS: 42.1279, -74.8049
Elevation: 1424′

Management – Privately Owned Campground (Official)

The road into this free Huggins Lake camping NY site is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. Dirt Road Camp in the Western Catskills is open TBD. There are 1-5 campsites at this free Huggins Lake camping NY location. You may stay 1 at Dirt Road Camp in the Western Catskills.

We own Dirt Road Camp and, since we’ve used this site over the years (thank you!), we are offering a single tent site for FREE to those who need a free Huggins Lake camping NY site for the night. Our new outhouse is located nearby and you’re in the woods, with our parking lot nearby. No RVs please.

Single night stay only at this free Huggins Lake camping NY site, and you must follow our guidelines and let us know if/when you will arrive. DirtRoadCamp.com Thanks for this service and thanks for respecting our land and campground (especially our paying guests)!

2. Mary Smith Hill

Mary Smith Hill Road, Andes, NY
Andes, New York
GPS: 42.04293, -74.809113
Elevation: 2167′

Management – State Forest (Official)

The road into this free Huggins Lake camping NY site is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. This free Huggins Lake camping NY site at Mary Smith Hill is open Seasonal use road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 nights; 2 weeks with free camping permit at Mary Smith Hill.

The free Huggins Lake camping NY site are justnorth of Lew Beach in Sullivan County, and in the Town of Andes, south of the Pepacton Reservoir, is a peak crossed by the Mary Smith Trail aka Finger Lakes Trail. It is also home to three of the “rare in the Catskills” Roadside Campsites. It is directly west of Middle Mountain and east of Holiday Brook.

There are three free Huggins Lake camping NY site lightly used campsites up here, along the road. They are mostly for tent use or maybe a camper on a pickup. They are nothing more then designated sites with a stone fire-ring.

3. Trout Pond Road

Russell Brook Rd
Roscoe, New York
GPS: 41.996567, -74.938488
Elevation: 1886′

Management – State Forest (Official)

The road into this free Huggins Lake camping NY site is Dirt and 3 miles from a paved road. Trout Pond Road is open Road is unplowed in winter. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 3 days; 2 weeks with camping permit at Trout Pond Road.

These wild forest lands, later added to the Delaware Wild Forest is home to Russell Brook Falls, Trout Pond, and Mud Pond.

The main access road to this free Huggins Lake camping NY site is Russell Brook Road, which is accessed from Morton Hill Road, which runs north-west from Rockland/Roscoe.

Along Russell Brook Road, there are 3 free Huggins Lake camping NY site designated campsites, with rock barriers that require vehicles to be parked a short distance from the fireplace. There are also outhouse near one of the campsites, which is designed to be accessible.

4. Resorts World Catskills – Free Huggins Lake Camping NY Location

888 Resorts World Dr
Monticello, New York
GPS: 41.65864, -74.6464
Elevation: 1453′

Management – Casino (Unofficial)

The road into his free Huggins Lake camping NY site is Paved. You may stay a few hours at Resorts World Catskills. Casino, very quiet, 24/7 food, clean. Ask for overnight, chances are they will be happy to have you.

huggins lake (2)

Huggins Lake Area Hiking Trails

Located off of Holiday Brook – Berry Brook Road, It takes 2 miles to get to this lake from the parking lot This is a man-made lake, which is 17.8 acres snuggled into the beautiful Cataskills. The lake contains one campsite where an ancient cabin formerly stood, and it is surrounded by hills. An old-growth pine stand can be seen on the ridge that rises above the lake.

1. Huggins Lake Hiking Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.4 mi
Elevation gain: 912 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Paddle sports, Snowshoeing, Walking, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, Views, Wildlife

Description:

From the parking lot walk through the gate and passed the trail register. The Huggins Lake is impossible to miss as it travels along a wide woods road. The first 1.3 miles is all uphill and the elevation gain is 650 feet. While the grade is not steep, the walk will increase your heart rate.

The direction of the Huggins Lake switches from southeast to northeast and then back to southeast as it winds its way toward the pond. After the initial climb the trail begins the descent to the lake. At 1.7 miles the trail turns north and begins a steeper decent to the lake.

At just under 2 miles you will be on the shores of the lake. There is a man-made dam straight ahead that impounds the water and beavers sometime block the outflow to raise the water level. It is possible to bushwhack some around the shore but a complete loop is very difficult. After you explore the pond, head back the way you came.

Directions to Huggins Lake:

Exit State Route 17 at exit 96W and turn right on DeBruce Road. Pass under State Route 17 and turn right and the next intersection on Old Route 17. Exit State Route 17 at exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Turn right at the end of the road onto Old Route 17. Drive 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Road on the right.

Drive 4.3 miles to Campsite Road on the left and turn left. Drive to the bottom of the road and turn left at the T onto Craigie Claire Road. Drive to the steel bridge across the Beaverkill. Turn right over the bridge and turn right onto Beaverkill Valley Road which becomes Berry Brook Road. Drive 4.2 miles watching for the access road to the parking lot for Huggins Lake on the right.

Drive up the short but rough road to park in the lot.

Review:

The Huggins Lake is perfect if you’re searching for a quick hike that includes a swim in the summer. On the day that we arrived, we only encountered one other visitor. Excellent tree cover for shade. At the end of the route, there was a small grassy spot where we could relax while swimming in the pond.

Swimming was wonderful! Once we reached the pond, the one drawback was that the trail wasn’t particularly clearly defined. Just keep moving straight ahead through the long grasses until you reach the pond at the bottom of the hill.

2. Big Pond to Little Pond Loop

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 3.2 mi
Elevation gain: 902 ft
Route type: Point to point

Dogs on leash, Hiking, Walking, Running, Forest, Lake, Views, Wildlife

Description:

Walk across the road from Big Pond and find the red-blazed Touch-Me-Not Trail which is part of the Finger Lakes Trail System. The trail heads northwest through hardwood forest with a continuous climb for the first mile gaining 775 feet. Some parts are rather steep. The trail descends just slightly to a junction with the Campground Trail.

Turn right at the junction to stay on the Touch-Me-Not Trail. The trail starts to descend now so follow the red blazes to 1.6 miles to a junction with the yellow blazed Little Pond Trail. Turn left on the Little Pond Trail and start heading southwest and then south. This part of the trail is level and leads to a nice vista at 1.9 miles.

There is an old house foundation in this clearing and a small pond. Continue on the yellow trail as is descends and becomes rougher and more rutted. Just passed the clearing watch for the blazes as they turn left off a woods road and through a pine forest.

The trail begins to parallel a seasonal stream and at 2.5 miles there is a nice beaver meadow-beaver pond on the left side of the trail. Continue on the trail to 2.7 miles where the trail comes to a T and goes in both directions. Turn right and walk around Little Pond on a gravel path with several bridges.

Keep walking around the pond and across the bridge over the outlet stream. Watch for signs and blue blazes behind the bathrooms which mark the Campground Trail. This trail is steep in places with a few scrambles through the rocks. The trail continues for just less than a mile and at 4.1 miles reaches the top of Touch-Me-Not Mountain.

A short distance beyond the summit you will be at the junction with the red-blazed Touch-Me-Not Trail. Turn right and walk downhill for 1.1 miles to your car.

Directions to Trailhead:

From the east exit State Route 17 at Exit 96W and turn right on DeBruce Road. Drive to the T intersection and turn right on Old Rt 17 toward Roscoe. Drive 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Road on the right. Exit State Route 17 at Exit 96E and turn right on White Roe Lake Road.

Drive to the T intersection and turn right on Old Rt 17. Drive 1.2 miles to Beaverkill Road on the right. Turn right on Beaverkill Road and drive 10.8 miles to Barkaboom Road on the left. Turn left on Barkaboon Road and drive .8 miles to Big Pond.

There is room to park near the pond but there is also a parking area up and access road on the right just before the pond.

Review:

Unkempt trail with no view at all. Decent hike in terms of cardio, but you won’t find the sights that the other Touch-Me-Not trails do here.

Huggins Lake, Catskills

Huggins Lake Camping NY Fishing

Huggins Lake is the place to go if you want to capture big brook trout. The lake near Colchester town has an area of 18 acres and a maximum depth of 20 feet. Golden shiner, brown bullhead, and satinfin shiner are some of the additional fish that inhabit its waters. Huggins Lake forbids the use of live bait and ice fishing, so bring plastic lures instead.

Near By Big Pond Lake

Big Pond is one of the most well-liked ice fishing spots in Delaware County, and it is situated in the Delaware Wild Forest, a Catskill Forest Preserve, near the towns of Andes and Colchester. Big Pond is 51 acres in size. Yellow perch, pumpkinseed, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, golden shiner, and American eels abound in this 60-foot-deep body of water.

There are 250–1000 brown trout that reach lengths of 8–21 inches and 250 rainbow trout that reach lengths of 8–9 inches. Trout are also known to swim in profusion and grow to amazing sizes here. Travel through Barkaboom Road or Big Pond Road, to reach the pond.

huggins lake camping ny

Huggins Lake NY Things to Do

1. Hire A Fishing Guide

Don’t restrict your activities in Delaware County. Choose from any of the various fishing trips to better explore Delaware’s waters.

2. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

The 29,500 acres of recreational trails in Delaware Wild Forest, which is a section of the western Catskill Forest Preserve, includes 28 miles of authorized snowmobile routes. The most popular trails in the area are Huggins Lake Trail, Touch-Me-Not, Little Pond, and Mary Smith Hill. While there, spend the night boondocking in one of the Catskills’ expansive, starry skies at one of the forest’s rustic or lean-to campsites.

3. Ride the Wild Country

Numerous horse ranches in Delaware County cater to those who like to ride horses through serene, gorgeous environments. In order to keep you safe and entertained while traveling, instructors are available to give you lessons and lead you on your equestrian tours.

4. Make A Big Splash

There are several lakes, ponds, and streams, so you may have fun on the water even if you’re not fishing! Join your family in the water for a day of swimming, or travel through calm lakes and waterways in a motorboat, paddleboard, kayak, or canoe.

You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

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For More Photos Visit Our Instagram at World Recipes Daily – Our Big Escape

October 28, 2022 0 comments

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument - free boondocking

National Park Boondocking Travel Montana Boondocking

10 Great Montana National Parks Boondocking and Camping Spots

by John - Laurel Rodgers October 25, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

There are 10 Montana National Parks, the crown jewels being Glacier Montana National Park and part of Yellowstone National Park. There are also 6 other stops that are designated as Montana National parks by the National Parks Service. We have put together a convenient guide for you so you will not miss any of the stops on your trip through Montana.

As always, check with the National Park Service for any updated information.

You can see all 10 of the Montana National Parks with one perfectly planned road trip. Our goal here at OBE is to help you see all that the Montana National Parks offer cheaper by making use of Montana boondocking locations and budget camping options.

We to make the world a smaller place. From RV camping deals, if you don’t have one, to becoming an expert with credit card points and frequent flyer miles, to money-saving travel tips, we’ve got you covered.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Montana?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

A Bit About Montana Before We Start the Montana National Parks List

It should come as no surprise that Montana offers some of the best vistas in the country given its monikers as “The Last Best Place” and “Big Sky Country.” In Montana National Parks, which are made up of uninterrupted prairies, unending plains, strange geothermal features, distant glacial lakes, and astounding mountains, you can experience moments of complete seclusion despite the state’s population of just over a million people.

The must-see attractions are located in the big 2 Montana National Parks. Yellowstone National Park and Glacier are the most well-known national parks. Going to the Sun Road, magnificent walks like the Trail of the Cedars and Apikuni Falls, and a lot of stunningly blue glacier lakes and rivers are all worth checking out. Southwest Montana is where three of the five entrances to Yellowstone are. Mammoth Hot Springs and the abundantly wildlife-filled Lamar Valley are also located there.

However, don’t let those 2 Montana National Parks make you too starry-eyed. Other Montana National Parks and historic sites are as impressive and far less busy. At Grant-Kohrs Ranch, immerse yourself in the culture of the Wild Wild West, or visit the historically significant Big Hole National Battlefield to learn about the Nez Perce. In Montana National Parks, distinctive culture and breathtaking vistas welcome you around every corner. Let’s look at it!

Glacier Montana National Park Boondocking and Camping

Montana National Parks - Glacier natinoal Park (1) Montana National Parks – Glacier National Park (edited) Photo by Our Big Escape

Location:

64 Grinnell Drive Glacier Montana National Park Headquarters
West Glacier, MT 59936
406-888-7800

About the Park:

Glacier Montana National Park is a haven for visitors seeking secluded walks, enchanting alpine meadows, breathtaking waterfalls, and up-close views of glaciers. It displays the untamed beauty that is characteristic of Montana.

In northwest Montana, the National Park covers 1 million acres, with a tiny fraction extending into Alberta, Canada. The park contains more than 700 miles of trails, so grab your hiking boots and start exploring America’s Crown Jewel.

One of our favorite parks in the National Park system is Glacier Montana National Park in Montana. Driving the Going to the Sun Road, staying at a historic lodge, taking in incredible wildlife viewing, and climbing its renowned trails all have a certain allure.

We are thrilled to present to you today our Glacier Montana National Park travel guide. To help you get the most out of your visit to this incredible park, it is based on the countless journeys we have made there over the years.

Things To Do:

Hiking – With 734 miles to choose from, there is something for everyone. Use these resources to pick what hike is right for you.

Backcountry Camping – With its towering mountains, pristine alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, and over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a backpacking paradise.

Ranger-led Programs – Our scheduled activities include a variety of ranger-led programs, from easy walks and evening talks, to all-day hikes and boat tours.

Guided Tours – Rangers are not the only naturalists that lead groups in the park. Check out the tour options offered by park concessions.

Going-to-the-Sun Road – A quintessential part of any Glacier visit, Going-to-the-Sun Road connects the east and west sides through the middle of the park.

Camping – Enjoy the crackling of a campfire and sleep under the stars. With 13 campgrounds and 1,009 sites to choose from, options are plentiful.

Photography – Glacier is a photographer’s paradise. Here are a few tips from our park photographers if you are looking for some great places to shoot.

Biking – Learn the rules for biker access on Going-to-the-Sun Road and other opportunities available to cyclists.

Fishing – No license is needed to fish in the park, but you do need to know the many rules and limits, which vary with each body of water.

Boating – You will need to acquire a free permit and pass inspection before launching. Check the rules and regulations before you visit.

Private Stock Use – Learn the rules associated with stock use in Glacier, including which trails are not stock-friendly and where to find loading ramps.

Cross-country Skiing – There is fun to be had when the snow flies in winter. See trail recommendations and check conditions.

River Camping – Foot and stock are not the only ways to reach a campsite. Find out the required gear and your location options.

Top Tips:

Come for at least five days. A weekend getaway will not do. Many tourists return year after year because there is always something new to discover at the park because there is so much to see and do there.

To maximize your time, consider spending two nights at West Glacier and two nights in East Glacier during your trip. Both sides of the park provide a variety of lodging choices, including Glacier Park Lodge on the east side and West Glacier Village and Motel Lake McDonald on the west.

Travel to Canada and stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park if you’re feeling daring and have your passport on hand.

Bring your car. Despite the fact that shuttles travel all over the park, some of the better locations require a car. Many trailheads are in inaccessible areas that are not served by the shuttle service. Before embarking on your excursion, verify the shuttle timetable and routes if you do require a ride.

While you’re in town, stock up on supplies. Large supermarkets in Columbia Falls and Whitefish make stocking up for your trip a snap. As soon as you enter the park, your shopping options drastically decrease.

Sign up for activities. You can take advantage of a variety of fun activities to explore the park in a more structured manner. If you’re searching for a fun activity for the whole family, we suggest horseback riding or spending the day on the ropes course.

Of course, sitting by the river is the best way to enjoy the park. And Glacier Raft Company is the only company that truly knows Glacier’s waterways. The best option for a guided day on the Flathead River is Glacier Raft Co. because of its knowledgeable staff and more than 45 years of history.

Take to the trails. There are more than 700 miles of hiking paths in Glacier Montana National Park, stretching from the Two Medicine Valley to the St. Mary Valley. You’ve never walked a mountain trail before? No issue! One-mile educational nature strolls to strenuous 20-mile hikes are all available in Glacier Montana National Park.

When To Visit:

The best time to visit the park is in early spring from mid April through May and then in late fall in October. There are the only times to avoid some of the huge crowds that gather during the warmer months and unless you are a true winter lover the cold is to much for most people to enjoy.

Best Boondocking and Hiking Trails in Montana

The Free Boondocking Locations List

check out our video

1. Apgar Picnic Area Free Boondocking

West Glacier, Montana
GPS: 48.528923, -113.97951
Elevation: 3166′

Management – National Park Service (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. Apgar Picnic Area is open Winter. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 at Apgar Picnic Area. Winter only! This is the picnic area near the visitor center. In summer months, the campground is open instead. ($20/night)

2. Flathead National Forest-Ryan Road Free Boondocking

10 Hungry Horse Dr, Hungry Horse, MT 59919
West Glacier, Montana
GPS: 48.48742, -113.95865
Elevation: 3668′

Management – Forest Service (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Dirt and 1-2 miles from a paved road. Flathead National Forest-Ryan Road is open year round but seasonal rd. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 Days at Flathead National Forest-Ryan Road.

Dispersed Camping near West Glacier. Several Pulloff’s on Ryan Road in the Flathead National Forest. No amenities but really close to West Glacier, full access to Glacier National Park when they fill up.

3. Nyack Free Boondocking

West Glacier, Montana
GPS: 48.43748, -113.80418
Elevation: 3360′

Management – Forest Service (Unofficial)

The road into this free boondocking is Dirt and .5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. parking area next to the railroad. lots of trains go by. the river over the tracks is popular with fly fishermen. you can park and walk across the river for national forest camping.

4. McGinnis Creek Free Boondocking

Columbia Falls, Montana
GPS: 48.514339, -114.147621
Elevation: 3778′

Management – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Gravel and 1.5 miles from a paved road. McGinnis Creek campsite in Flathead National Forest. Beautiful overlook location that might be rougher for large rigs. It’s off forest service road 803. Know that there are other Forest Service roads in the area that may offer free camping, but we just fell in love with this one.

5. Glacier Rim Free Boondocking

Columbia Falls, Montana
GPS: 48.495144, -114.127676
Elevation: 3185′

Management – Forest Service

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 3 at Glacier Rim. This is a great little spot, right on the North Fork of the Flathead River. There is only one spot, on your left as you pull into the area. Not much to do here unless you enjoy fishing. There is a short trail system that you can hike.

AT&T Users: 3 bars

6. Blankenship Bridge – SW Free Boondocking

Columbia Falls, Montana
GPS: 48.464456, -114.071732
Elevation: 3104′

Management – Forest Service

The road into this free boondocking is Dirt and .2 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location.

Beautiful tent camping spot! Had several van camps right on the rock bar as well as several tent camps but plenty of room. Two pot-a-potty’s, no electric or water but plenty of water on the river. Campground was clean I didn’t see any trash.

Looks like there’s only one spot to the right when you reach the river, just drive down to the river and drive on the rock bar to get to the better campsites?

Yellowstone Montana National Park

Montana National Parks - Yellowstone Montana National Parks – Yellowstone National Park (edited) Photo by Our Big Escape

Location:

2 Officers Row Montana National Parks Headquarters
Montana National Parks, WY 82190
307-344-7381

About the Park:

Yellowstone Montana National Park was established as the country’s first national park over 150 years ago, and since then, about five million visitors per year have flocked there to see rare creatures, discover geothermal wonders, and take in the 360-degree vistas of stunning landscapes.

Yellowstone Montana National Park is a must-see while in Montana even though only 3% of its enormous 2.2 million acres are located there.

Without setting foot in Montana National Parks, a trip to Montana would be incomplete. In addition to the richness of animals, tourists may boast that they went to the first national park in the world, which was created in 1872.

Montana National Parks provide something for every member of the family with its more than 2.2 million acres of steamy ponds, geysers, roaring waterfalls, mud pots, hot springs, and mountain views. If you enjoy fishing, Yellowstone Montana National Park Lake might satisfy your family’s “fishing itch”.

When visiting Montana National Parks, binoculars are definitely a necessity because there is wildlife wherever you turn! Yellowstone Montana National Park is home to a variety of animals, including wolves, buffalo, elk, deer, muskrats, bears, and bear cubs.

Things To Do:

Ski & Snowshoe – Make tracks in a winter wonderland.

Ride a Snowmobile or Snowcoach – Take a guided tour of wintry Yellowstone Montana National Park.

Camp in the Backcountry in Winter – A winter trip into the backcountry is a time of solitude and unique beauty. However, frigid weather conditions pose serious dangers.

Explore in Summer – There are so many ways to explore Yellowstone Montana National Park. Here are some of the more popular ways you can experience the park and make your visitor memorable.

Explore Thermal Basins – Follow boardwalks and maintained trails to witness hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and geysers up close.

Hike a Trail – Lace up your boots, grab your bear spray, and explore nearly 1,000 miles of trails.

Watch Wildlife – Bring some binoculars or a spotting scope and enjoy animals from a safe distance.

Take Photographs – Best practices & tips for shooting in Yellowstone Montana National Park.

Bike in the Park – Enjoy the scenery on two wheels.

Ride a Horse – Bring your own stock or take a guided ride.

Top Tips:

Driving in Montana National Parks – In Montana National Parks, it is quite simple to drive everywhere, therefore there is no need to take a guided tour. This will provide you the freedom to set your own schedule, go wherever you want in your own time, and alter your plans as necessary.

Montana National Parks photography – A decent camera with a zoom lens is necessary if you plan to shoot pictures of the breathtaking scenery and wildlife while visiting Montana National Parks.

Wildlife at Montana National Parks – The magnificent wildlife that inhabits Montana National Parks, including bears, bison, elk, coyotes, and deer among many others, is one of the main draws to the park. Keep a safe distance away from the animals out of respect for them.

Old Faithful – Predicted eruption times are listed in the Visitor Center as well as on the NPS Twitter Feed. Arrive early (at least an hour before), bring refreshments, and prepare to wait; it will be worthwhile.

Eating at Montana National Parks – We went at one of the large supermarkets in Bozeman to load up on drinks and snacks for the car so we could eat on the go before heading to Montana National Parks.

What Clothes to Bring to Montana National Parks – When preparing for your vacation, keep in mind that the weather is constantly changing and you can see all four seasons in a single day. Wear layers that you can add to or take off so that you are prepared for all conditions because you will experience both extremes of warmth and cold.

Other Items to Bring to Explore Montana National Parks – Binoculars can be used in the car to assist you seeing wildlife in the distance.

When To Visit:

The Free Boondocking Locations List

1. National Forest Road 3243 Free Boondocking

Gardiner, Montana
GPS: 45.070611, -110.680043
Elevation: 7064′

Management – Forest Service

The road into this free boondocking is Dirt. There are primitive campsites off this road, basically just pulloffs all along the road. The GPS coordinate takes you past a few to the spot we stayed which had a great view and was near water.

I don’t know exactly how many spots there are, we passed at least 3 pull offs before getting to this one and a few more people went by and camped past us. It is a dirt road but easy for any car to go down.

2. Carbella Recreation Site Free Boondocking

Emigrant, Montana
GPS: 45.2135, -110.900095
Elevation: 4984′

Management – Bureau of Land Management (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Gravel and 300 yards miles from a paved road. Carbella Recreation Site is open All Year. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 14 days at Carbella Recreation Site. Carbella Recreation Site is a dispersed campground located on BLM land approximately 18 north of Gardiner, MT and the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

This site is located along the Yellowstone River and is a popular place for fishermen to enter the river with their boats. It is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 89. Turn west onto Tom Miner Creek Road and then turn immediately to the north a hundred feet or so from that intersection. Follow the gravel road to the line of trees along the Yellowstone River. Cost is free.

3. Emigrant Rest Area Free Boondocking

Pray, Montana
GPS: 45.295624, -110.834815
Elevation: 4931′

Management – Rest Area (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. Emigrant Rest Area is open All Year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. Emigrant Rest Area is a Montana Department of Transportation (DOT) facility located on the east side of U.S. Highway 89 between Emigrant, Montana and Gardiner, Montana on the way to/from Yellowstone National Park.

The Montana DOT does allow overnight parking at this facility, which is open year round. It has approximately 7 spots for truck/trailer/RV parking. This rest area offers a telephone, picnic area, drinking water, pet area, garbage cans, and a geological marker.

Parking lot is level and is well lit. And the view here in Paradise Valley is amazing.

4. Sunny Brook Springs Free Boondocking

482 National Forest Development Road 132
Emigrant, Montana
GPS: 45.309673, -110.894197
Elevation: 5427′

This is a free boondocking campsite. Reservations are not accepted at this campsite. Stayed here for 5 nights. It only has 1 camp site with a table and fire ring. Relatively quiet area, you can get cell phone service by the Sunny Brook recreational sign, just walk up the hill and you’ll get full bars.

I would recommend this site. It’s only about 20 miles from Yellowstone! Lots of soft grass for a few tents, also lots of shade. Beware of ticks in the area.

5. Pine Creek – George Lake Trailhead Free Boondocking

Emigrant, Montana
GPS: 45.363, -110.734585
Elevation: 4862′

Management – Forest Service (Unofficial)

You may stay 14 days at Pine Creek free boondocking – George Lake Trailhead. This is a small turn around and parking area for the George Lake Trailhead next to the Pine Creek Campground. Pine Creek Campground is a pay campsite, but the trailhead area for George Lake is not.

Follow the signs for Pine Creek Campground on a paved road until you get to a dirt road that forks to the right. 50 yards up a steep dirt road is the parking area. I made it easily is my two wheel drive van. If you get to Pine Creek Campground, you went about 100 yards too far.

6. Big Beaver Campground Free Boondocking

Mc Leod, Montana
GPS: 45.474937, -110.202134
Elevation: 5495′

Management- Forest Service

Free boondocking in Gallatin National Forest. Stayed here in summer 2014. We had a nice beach spot on the Boulder River. This is a free campground right down from the pay one. On the road there are also designated dispersed spot.

The only issue was the megaphone the Christian camps near it used to get the kids excited. Small campsite right next to the main road. Also close to Bloder River and Falls. A lot of trees but pretty enough spot. Road noise and church camp close by. Could accommodate a 30′ rig but pushing it.

Turn to get out was a little tricky. Hiking and a couple ATV trails nearby. No Verizon cell service even boosted.

7. Initial Creek Free Boondocking

FS Road 2846
Nye, Montana
GPS: 45.404027, -109.953973
Elevation: 6220′

Management – Forest Service

Initial Creek free boondocking is open all year. The maximum RV length at Initial Creek is 20 feet. This free campground is located on the West Fork Stillwater Road and is near the West Fork Stillwater Trail (#90). The campground is maintained from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but is opened the rest of the year without services. There is a 10 day stay limit for all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds.

The Paid Campgrounds Locations List

1. Crazy Creek Campground

The price is $10/night
Beartooth Highway
Cody, Wyoming
GPS: 44.94234, -109.77412
Elevation: 6926′

The road in is Paved. Crazy Creek Campground is open mid May to early September. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 16 days at Crazy Creek Campground.

2. Chief Joseph

The price is $8/night

718 U.S. 212
Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana
GPS: 45.019527, -109.874688
Elevation: 8041′

The maximum RV length at Chief Joseph is 42 feet.

3. Colter Campground
($12 or less)

Beartooth Highway
Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana
GPS: 45.02814, -109.89441
Elevation: 8028′

Colter Campground is open July 15 to Sept 30. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 48 feet.

4. Soda Butte Campground
($12 or less)

Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana
GPS: 45.02419, -109.91201
Elevation: 7808′

Soda Butte Campground is open July 1 to Sept 7. There are 16-29 campsites at this location.

5. Eagle Creek Campground
($12 or less)

Gardiner, Montana
GPS: 45.042133, -110.68116
Elevation: 6038′

The road in is Gravel and 2 miles miles from a paved road. Eagle Creek Campground is open Year Round. The maximum RV length at Eagle Creek Campground is 48′. You may stay 16 at Eagle Creek Campground.

6. Aspen Campground

This is a PAY campground. ($12 or less)

Big Timber, Montana
GPS: 45.457089, -110.196716
Elevation: 5385′

Aspen Campground, Farthest South is open May 28 to Sept 3. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 32 feet. You may stay 16 days at Aspen Campground, Farthest South.

7. Paradise/Dan Bailey Fishing Access Campground

The price is $12/night

1759 East River Road
Livingston, Montana
GPS: 45.42043, -110.63668
Elevation: 4813′

Paradise/Dan Bailey Fishing Access is open all year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 7 days at Paradise/Dan Bailey Fishing Access.

8. Loch Leven Fishing Access Campground

The price is $7.00 with a valid Montana fishing license and $12 without

Livingston, Montana
GPS: 45.456705, -110.623377
Elevation: 4751′

The road in is Gravel and 2500 feet miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 7 nights at Loch Leven Fishing Access.

9. West Boulder Campground

The price is $5 memorial to labor day otherwise free

Mc Leod, Montana
GPS: 45.54823, -110.30685
Elevation: 5541′

The road in is Gravel. West Boulder Campground is open All year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 16 days at West Boulder Campground.

Big Hole National Battlefield

Montana National Park - Big Hole National Battlefield Montana National Parks – Big Hole National Battlefield (edited) Photo by J. Stephen Conn

Location:

16425 Hwy 43
West Wisdom, MT 59761
406-689-3155

About the Park:

About 80 miles from Butte, in southwest Montana, sits the Montana National Parks at Big Hole National Battlefield. Visitors can explore the visitor center and trek the battlefield trails at the site, which is accessible all year.

In 1877, five bands of Nez Perce escaped the government’s efforts to relocate them to a reserve. The Nez Perce War was a series of conflicts between US Army troops and the Nez Perce people.

On August 7, the Nez Perce established a camp in Big Hole Valley because they thought they were distant from the US troops. Unfortunately, on the morning of August 9, Army scouts discovered them, and soldiers attacked the Nez Perce.

The Montana National Parks at Nez Perce National Historical Park includes the Big Hole National Battlefield. A fantastic movie describing what happened to the Nez Perce is available at the visitor center. To the campground where troops awoke the dozing Nez Perce, there are hiking trails.

Things To Do:

Visitors Center – The Montana National Parks visitor center offers museum exhibits, a film, and a book sales area. The award winning film Weet’uciklitukt: There’s No Turning Back, Battle at Big Hole provides an introduction to the Nez Perce Flight of 1877 and the battle that took place at this site. The film is shown throughout the day and is close-captioned. Audio and braille guides are available upon request.

Observation Deck – The outside observation deck provides an opportunity to explore the battlefield year round. Viewing scopes allow close inspection of the tipis, the 1883 granite monument, and the howitzer cannon from afar.

Hiking Trails – Experience the sacred nature of this battleground by hiking a trail out to the camp where the Nez Perce lay sleeping when the battle began, over to the grove where the Nez Perce warriors held the soldiers and Bitterroot volunteers under siege, or up to the site where the Nez Perce warriors capture the army’s mountain howitzer cannon.

Top Tips:

Allow 1 day for your visit to the site.

When To Visit:

The best time to visit the park is in early spring from mid April through May and then in late fall in October. There are not large crowds and virtually anytime that it is warm enough for your tastes will be perfect.

The Free Boondocking Locations List

1. Forestry Cutoff Free Boondocking

Wisdom, Montana
GPS: 45.65718, -113.792638
Elevation: 6362′

Management – Forest Service

Nice BIG free boondocking open space off of 43 in Montana Take the 93 to 43 (Lost Trail Pass)and go about 10 minutes

2. Wisdom Veterans Memorial Park Free Boondocking

Wisdom, Montana
GPS: 45.618663, -113.45899
Elevation: 6047′

Management – Private

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. Wisdom Veterans Memorial Park is open Year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 15 day at Wisdom Veterans Memorial Park. Located on HWY 43 one half mile west of Wisdom. Well water, shelter, pit toilets. Access to Big Hole River and center of Big Hole Valley

3. Chief Joseph Pass Trailhead Free Boondocking

Gibbonsville, Idaho
GPS: 45.68589, -113.933374
Elevation: 7283′

Management – Forest Service (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Gravel and 1/4 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 at Chief Joseph Pass Trailhead. Parking lot for Trailhead. 7000′ elevation. Open to solar / satellite. Vault toilet. Any size rig. 45.685890, -113.933374

4. Lost Trail Pass Snowpark Free Boondocking

Sula, Montana
GPS: 45.694094, -113.947347
Elevation: 7034′

Management – Forest Service (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Gravel and 1/4 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 at Lost Trail Pass Snowpark. Open parking area just off hwy. at top of pass 7000′ elevation. 45.694094, -113.947347

5. NFS – Lost Trail Ski Area Free Boondocking

Sula, Montana
GPS: 45.693244, -113.951793
Elevation: 7051′

Management – Forest Service (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Gravel and 1/4 miles from a paved road. NFS – Lost Trail Ski Area is open summer. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 at NFS – Lost Trail Ski Area. Parking lot for ski area. Accessible for RV in summer. Up hill to right of rest area just off hwy. 93. Any size rig. No facilities.

The Paid Campgrounds Locations List

1. Tower Rock Campground BLM Campground

The price is $5.00

Carmen, Idaho
GPS: 45.312502, -113.906174
Elevation: 3760′

Management – Bureau of Land Management (Official)

The road in is Paved. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 at Tower Rock Campground BLM.BLM campground with 4 RV sites and 2 tent areas. $5.00 night 1/2 s/a pass. All nicely paved and just off Hwy. very easy access.

No elec./water or dump but nice vault toilet and water access for swim / boats. 15 min. north of Salmon. 45.312502, -113.906174

2. Morgan Bar Campground

The price is $5/night

Diamond Creek Road
Salmon, Idaho
GPS: 45.253549, -113.90716
Elevation: 3835′

Management – Bureau of Land Management

Morgan Bar is open May-Sep. This free campsite is located within the Bureau of Land Management Salmon District. Morgan Bar CG is great for RV’S of any size. There are only 8 sites and 7 of them are good for rv’s. The road in is maintained dirt and gravel. 3 of the sites are river front. There is a host on site. Vault toilet is clean, group day use covered area is nice. There is water available. No dump.

3. Twin Lakes Campground

The price is $7/night

Twin Lakes Road
Wisdom, Montana
GPS: 45.411146, -113.688708
Elevation: 7251′

Management – Forest Service

Twin Lakes Camp is open Jun-Sep. The maximum RV length at Twin Lakes Camp is 25 feet. Twin Lakes Cabin is located in a scenic evergreen forest in the Beaverhead Mountains of western Montana. It was built in the 1920s to provide housing for trail crews, smoke chasers, timber cruisers and grazing inspectors who worked in the area.

Guests have access to a number of recreational opportunities, including hiking and mountain biking in the summer and fall, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter.

4. Price Creek Campground

The price is $8

Polaris, Montana
GPS: 45.486517, -113.096984
Elevation: 7695′

Management – Forest Service

Excellent Forest Service campground. Huge trees, lots of space between sites. The roads and sites are all paved and are mostly pull throughs. Off of Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Montana National Parks – Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (edited) Photo by Jocelyn Catterson

Location:

Fort Smith, MT 59035
406-666-2412

About the Park:

The Montana National Parks at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area competes with the well-known Yellowstone Montana National Park and Glacier Montana National Parks but is mainly unknown.

The Recreation Area offers equally amazing scenery to explore, including deep gorges, high desert plains, and broad valleys, for anyone looking to discover a beautiful place that is off the beaten path.

The establishment of the Montana National Parks at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in 1966, when Bighorn Lake was formed as a result of the construction of the Yellowtail Dam, makes it one of Montana’s newest parks. The North District of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, which is on the side of Montana, and the South District, which is on the side of Wyoming, both offer plenty of opportunities to hike, kayak, canoe, and take in breathtaking scenery.

The Beaver Pond Nature Trail, Bighorn Head Gate, and Three Mile Access are three stunning walks that can be reached from the North District, one of the Recreation Area’s 120,000 acres of scenic routes. Choose the lovely Three Mile Access Trail, which follows the Bighorn River to a grove of cottonwood trees, if you only have time for one hike.

Things To Do:

Bicycling – Ride the South District park road where you can parallel the ancient Bad Pass Trail or in the North District pedal the Ok-A-Beh road for an intense workout!

Boating – Float the waters of Bighorn Lake beneath towering walls up to a thousand feet in height.

Camping – Bighorn Canyon offers five camping areas with over 100 spots. Best of all, the majority are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the west.

Fishing – The Bighorn River is a world class trout fishery, unrivaled even in Montana. Bighorn Lake allows anglers the opportunity to catch a diverse variety of fish, including large walleyes.

Hiking – Choose from over 27 miles of trails, ranging from short walks to dramatic overlooks or longer hikes that can take you to a historic ghost town.

Historic Ranches – The park has an amazing collection of ranches still kept in their original state. These tell the stories of open range, family and dude ranching.

Top Tips:

Allow 1 day for your visit to the site.

When To Visit:

The best time to visit this Montana National Park is in early spring from mid April through May and then in late fall in October. There are not large crowds and virtually anytime that it is warm enough for your tastes will be perfect.

The Free Boondocking Locations List

1. Deaver Reservoir Boondocking Locations

Deaver, Wyoming
GPS: 44.898686, -108.63353
Elevation: 4327′
Get Directions
Management – Bureau of Reclamation (Official)

You may stay 14 days at Deaver Reservoir into this free boondocking. Located off Wyoming State 114, 3 miles northwest of Deaver. Popular local warm and cold-water fishery includes trout, walleye, and catfish. Fishery open year-round with Wyoming State fishing license. Approximately 800 surface acres. Boating with motors less than 10 horsepower.

Available services include restroom, picnic tables, primitive boat ramp, primitive camping. No drinking water. Other activities include watchable wildlife and waterfowl hunting in season with Wyoming State license.

2. Lovell City Campground Boondocking Locations

40 Quebec Ave
Lovell, Wyoming
GPS: 44.842278, -108.383621
Elevation: 3822′

Management – City Park (Official)

Lovell City Campground is open year round. You may stay 3 days at Lovell City Campground into this free boondocking. East 2nd Street off 14A and 310. Has a creek. Local deputy lives across the street. Very quiet. Red Apple grocery store 5 blocks away. You can weigh your vehicle for $1 at the grain mill.

Liquor store behind Red Apple. On Main Street is a small cinema. UPS at Red Apple. Quaint mid-west town with friendly atmosphere! Great stop before going into Big Horn Canyon. Listed in Woodhauls.

3. Dayton Gulch Gravel Pit Dispersed Boondocking Locations

Forest Road 15
Dayton, Wyoming
GPS: 44.844038, -107.755242
Elevation: 8199′

Management – Forest Service

Free boondocking in the Bighorn National Forest’s Medicine Wheel Ranger District. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come, first served. This is a high elevation location. Didn’t camp at this site as shown on the map. Camped off of Forest Road 15.

There are many, many places to pull off and camp off the side of Forest Road 14 or Forest Road 15. Some of them are in relatively open meadows and can accommodate large rigs and low-clearance sedan

4. Boyd Ridge Dispersed Boondocking Locations

Forest Road 110
Lovell, Wyoming
GPS: 44.899013, -107.852332
Elevation: 9511′

Management – Forest Service

Free boondocking in the Bighorn National Forest’s Medicine Wheel Ranger District. No reservations. First come, first served. This is a high elevation location.

The Paid Campgrounds Locations List

1. Sage Creek Campground

The price is $5

Bridger, Montana
GPS: 45.214014, -108.555023
Elevation: 5528′

The road in is Gravel and 25+ miles from a paved road. Sage Creek Campground is open All Year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 10 days at Sage Creek Campground. Sage Creek Campground is the only campground in the Pryor Mountains.

It is located along the banks of Sage Creek. Big Ice Cave Picnic Ground, and the Bureau of Land Management Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range are also located in the Pryor Mountains. Numerous motorized trails are located in the Pryor Mountains.

There are 12 campsites. Maximum stay is 10 days.

2. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Barry’s Landing

The price is $10/night

Montana
GPS: 45.10272, -108.223643
Elevation: 3684′

The road in is Gravel and 100 ft. miles from a paved road. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Barry’s Landing is open All Year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 days at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Barry’s Landing.

Barry’s Landing Campground is located within the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Barry’s Landing offers handicapped accessible restrooms and 15 designated campsites, 5 are tent only sites. Fishing and swimming access are available. A boat launch is provided for boating.

There are also scenic trails for hiking. There is no drinking water or RV hookups. The campground limit to stay is 14 days.

3. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Horseshoe Bend Campground

The price is $10 dollars/night for an undeveloped site and $20 dollars/night for sites with utilities
Address
Lovell, Wyoming
GPS: 44.962932, -108.263102
Elevation: 3737′

The road in is Gravel and 1 mile miles from a paved road. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Horseshoe Bend Campground is open All Year (though utilities are turned off September through May). There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet.

You may stay 14 days at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Horseshoe Bend Campground. Uphill from the Horseshoe Bend Marina and picnic area north of Lovell, Wyoming are 48 campsites of the Horseshoe Bend Campground overlook the Bighorn Lake and the red sandstone cliffs of Sykes Mountain. The campground is located 14 miles north of Lovell via WY Highway 37.

Fort Union Trading Post Historic Site

Fort Union Trading Post Historic Site - Montana State Parks Montana National Parks – Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (edited) Photo by Jasperdo

Location:

15550 ND-1804
Williston, ND 58801, USA
701-572-9083

About the Park:
The Montana National Parks at Fort Union Trading Post NHS is situated close to the border between North Dakota and Montana. In 1828, the American Fur Company built Fort Union. In the middle of the 19th century, furs such as beaver and buffalo robes were in high demand. The fort was constructed in order to trade furs for goods including knives, firearms, blankets, wine, and more with the tribes of the Northern Plains.

Of all the fur trading hubs along the Upper Missouri River, Fort Union had the longest operational history. The huge fort that formerly stood here has been recreated for visitors to explore. The visitor center is housed in the Bourgeois House and features historical life-style displays.

There are hiking trails that lead around the Fort and great interpretive panels.

Things To Do:

Watch the Fort Union Trading Post Orientation Film – Learn how Fort Union Trading Post became an epicenter for trade between the Assiniboine and other Northern Plains Tribes and Euro-American fur traders.

Visit Fort Union’s Trade House – The Trade House was one of the most important buildings at Fort Union. It was in the Reception Room where Tribal leaders met with the American Fur Company Traders to discuss the terms of the trade and also where stories were told, and small feasts were held. Today it is open seasonally as a stage for third person living history interpretation.

Become a Jr. Ranger and Jr. Trader at Fort Union – Kids of all ages are invited to explore Fort Union Trading Post NHS through the Junior Ranger & Junior Trader programs! Pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet at the Bourgeois House Visitor Center. The program typically takes around 1 hour to complete.

Top Tips:

Allow 1 day for your visit to the site.

When To Visit:

The best time to visit this Montana National Parks is in early spring from mid April through May and then in late fall in October. There are not large crowds and virtually anytime that it is warm enough for your tastes will be perfect.

The Free Boondocking Locations List

1. Bruegger Centennial Park Boondocking Locations

218-410 3rd Ave E
Culbertson, Montana
GPS: 48.145817, -104.512734
Elevation: 1916′

This is a decent city park that allows free boond0cking just a few blocks off Highway 2 in eastern Montana. There is a ‘camping’ symbol sign on Hwy 2 as you go through Culbertson that will point you south to the park. It’s on 4th Ave E a few blocks south of Hwy 2 in Culbertson.

It is quiet (except for the massive wind that picked up through the night) with nice grass to sleep on. One small restroom, no showers.

2. Silver Wolf Casino Boondocking Locations

Wolf Point, Montana
GPS: 48.091579, -105.636452
Elevation: 1998′

Management – Casino

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Montana National Parks – Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site (edited) Photo by Ken Lund

Location:

266 Warren Lane
Deer Lodge MT 59722
Phone: 406-846-2070

About the Park:

About 45 miles west of Helena, in Western Montana, sits the Montana National Parks at Grant Kohrs Ranch NHS. Visitors can experience a working cattle ranch at the park, which is accessible from Spring through Fall.

The early livestock activities in this region of Montana were the centerpiece of this spectacular National Park site. The ranch, which is still in operation today, maintains the history of the cowboy and the function of cattlemen in America.

The historic ranch house with its original 18th-century furnishings is one of more than 80 houses and buildings in the area. The bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, horse barns, cow sheds, and outbuildings from the 1860s are additional structures.

In addition to horse-drawn carriage rides, chuckwagon discussions, blacksmithing demonstrations, and cowboy presentations, the main ranch home is open for tours. In addition, the park has seven miles of walking routes, including a nature trail.

Things To Do:

Explore Historic Buildings – Step back in time as you walk around some of the 88 historic structures at Grant-Kohrs Ranch.

Join a Guided Tour – Experience the Victorian elegance of the Ranch House or the wide-open spaces of the ranch through a guided tour.

Experience a Ranger Program – Chat with a park ranger to deepen your understanding of the Open Range Cattle Era and how it helped shape the nation.

Top Tips:

Allow 1 day for your visit to the site.

When To Visit:

The best time to visit this Montana National Parks at is in early spring from mid April through May and then in late fall in October. There are not large crowds and virtually anytime that it is warm enough for your tastes will be perfect.

The Free Boondocking Locations List

1. Racetrack NF Campground & Picnic Area Free Boondocking

Deer Lodge, Montana
GPS: 46.280684, -112.939235
Elevation: 5410′

Management – Forest Service (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Gravel and 12 miles from a paved road. Racetrack NF Campground & Picnic Area is open Open May 15 through September 15, weather permitting.. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 16 days at Racetrack NF Campground & Picnic Area.

The campground is located along Racetrack Creek and is pack it in, pack it out. Some sites are open and others are shaded by mature, tall Douglas Fir trees. NF website states 22ft RV length, but larger rigs can fit into many, not all, sites. Bear country, bear boxes on site. Local ATV usage.

2. RV Parking by Old Prison Free Boondocking

Deer Lodge, Montana
GPS: 46.390821, -112.736314
Elevation: 4528′

Management – Unknown

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. The maximum RV length at Rv Parking by Old Prison is unlimited. We stayed in the rv parking lot behind Old Montana Prison. This is a dirt lot with some grassy patches. There are no signs that say you cant park here and no one to ask. We stayed 2 nights in our 37 ft trailer and no one said anything.

3. Gravel lot behind Exxon Town Pump Free Boondocking

6940 MT-1, Anaconda, MT 59711
Anaconda, Montana
GPS: 46.12742, -112.92265
Elevation: 5190′

Management – Gas Station (Unofficial)

The Paid Campgrounds Locations List

1. Washoe Park

The price is $10

Anaconda, Montana
GPS: 46.134848, -112.959849
Elevation: 5302′

The road in is Gravel and 100 yards miles from a paved road. Washoe Park is open April 15 to November 1, though water is only on from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay Unlimited at Washoe Park.

Washoe Park is a city/county park in historic Anaconda, Montana, which is managed by Deer Lodge, County. There are approximately 10 parking spots in the city park for RVs. Cost is $10/night.
The park features a swimming pool, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, trash cans, and much more.

Ice Age Floods National Geological Trail

Ice Age Trail - Montana State Parks Montana National Parks – Ice Age Floods National Geological Trail (edited) Photo by Bureau of Land Management

Location:

1008 Crest Drive
Coulee Dam , WA 99116
509 237-9722

About the Park:

At the end of the last Ice Age, 18,000 to 15,000 years ago, an ice dam in northern Idaho created Glacial Lake Missoula that stretched 3,000 square miles into Montana. The dam burst and released flood waters across Washington, down the Columbia River, back flooding into Oregon, before reaching the ocean. This happened perhaps 100 times and changed the lives and landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail is a collection of Montana National Parks and facilities as well as those in other states operated and owned by a variety of partners. Hours of operation and season will vary from site to site. Please check each respective site for more details and information.

Things To Do:

Idaho
Museum of North Idaho

Montana
Montana Natural History Center

Oregon
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
Museum of Natural History, University of Oregon
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Beacon Rock Beacon Rock near the Columbia Gorge in Washington

Washington
Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
Fort Spokane Visitor Center
Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center
Hanford Reach Interpretive Center and Museum
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Top Tips:

It is hard to give top tips to these Montana National Parks sites since it is so large but try to see as much of the route as possible as your travel time allows.

When To Visit:

The best time to visit the park is pretty much any time the weather allows since they are all indoor facilities.

Boondocking and Campground Locations:

Area to Large to Cover

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

Montana National Parks – Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (edited) Photo by Bureau of Land Management

Location:

601 Riverfront Drive
Omaha, NE 6810
402 661-1804

About the Park:

The Lewis and Clark Expedition played a significant role in the development of Montana. A fantastic way to explore the state as Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark did more than 200 years ago is to follow the path and visit its sights.

Retrace Lewis and Clark’s steps and travel parallel to the Missouri and Yellowstone Montana National Park rivers during a five-day circle across the state’s northeastern badlands and open plains. This off-the-beaten-path trek crosses the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and travels through former dinosaur habitat.

Things To Do:

Hike – Lewis and Clark National Historical Park offers 14.5 miles of trails that follow similar routes to those taken by the Corps of Discovery.

Paddle – Launch your non-motorized boat at Netul Landing.

View Wildlife – With a variety of trails, there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

Go Fish – Check out fishing regulations and locations here.

Fort Programs – Experience Fort Clatsop come alive during summer and winter ranger programs. Rangers in costume lead demonstrations and tell stories.

Ranger Guided Canoe & Kayak Tours – Kayak & canoe tours are free with park admission. The park will provide water craft, paddles, and life jackets. Reserve ahead of time.

Become a Jr. Ranger – Complete a series of activities during your park visit, share your answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge!

Top Tips:

It is hard to give top tips to this site since it is so large but try to see as much of the route as possible as your travel time allows.

When To Visit:

The best time to visit these Montana National Parks is in early spring from mid April through May and then in late fall in October. There are not large crowds and virtually anytime that it is warm enough for your tastes will be perfect.

Boondocking and Campground Locations:

Area to Large to Cover

Nez Pierce National Historic Site

Nez Pierce National Historic SiteMontana State Park Montana National Parks – Nez Pierce James McKenzie (edited) Photo by Bureau of Land Management

Location:

83365 Joseph Hwy
Joseph, OR 97846
208-843-7001

About the Park:

For the purpose of narrating the history of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) people, the Nez Perce National Historical Park was created in 1965. This park, which is spread over four states and retraces the path of the 1877 fight, has something to offer everyone.

This Montana National Park is surrounded by Nez Perce history and culture. Learn how the Nimiipu adapted and are still claiming the land now. The visitor center for the Nez Perce National Historical Park is in Spalding.

Things To Do:

Visit the Nez Perce NHP Visitor Center – Plan your trip to the park’s main visitor center, headquarters, and several other historic sites in Spalding, Idaho.

Visit Big Hole National Battlefield – Plan your trip to the battlefield and visitor center that commemorate the Nez Perce Flight of 1877’s August 9th and 10th battle.

Visit the Bear Paw Battlefield – Plan your trip to the site of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877’s final battle. Located near Chinook, MT.

Visit Buffalo Eddy – Plan your visit to a site that contains hundreds of ancient, unique petroglyphs. Located near Asotin, WA.

Visit Canoe Camp – Plan your trip to the site where Nez Perce helped Lewis & Clark carve canoes that took them to the Pacific Ocean. Located near Orofino, ID.

Visit the Heart of the Monster – Plan your visit to the site where Coyote created the Nez Perce people. Located near present-day Kamiah, ID.

Visit the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite – Plan your visit to the site where Tıwi·teqıs’s remains are buried. Located near Joseph, OR.

Visit Weippe Prairie – Plan your visit to the site where the Nez Perce met Lewis and Clark in 1805. Located near Weippe, ID.

Visit White Bird Battlefield – Plan your trip to the site of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877’s first battle. Located near Whitebird, ID.

Top Tips:

Nez Perce National Historical Park is big – – thirty-eight sites in four states that encompasses 11,000 years of history. If you only have a few hours or a few days, you can learn about a people and places who have called this home since the beginning of time.

Visit the park Welcome and visitor center at the Spalding site. See the park film, “Of One Heart”, tour the exhibit, and see the historical area.

Take the Idaho loop via Hwy 12 and 95. There are many sites to visit. Some are pullouts with signs, others are places to visit and walk like the Whitebird battlefield, the Heart of the Monster, and Canoe Camp. From Lewiston, the Wallowa Valley is just a few hours a way. On the way is an overlook at Joseph Canyon, close to the traditional birth site of Chief Joseph. Near the town of Joseph is the cemetery where Chief Joseph’s father is buried.

Drive east over Highway 12 to Montana and follow the route of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail and the battlefields of the 1877 conflict. There is a visitor center at Big Hole with a film and walking trails.

When To Visit:

The Free Boondocking Locations List

1. East Havre Pulloff Free Boondocking

U.S. Highway 2 East of Havre
Havre, Montana
GPS: 48.564815, -109.548001
Elevation: 2466′

Management – Rest Area (Unofficial)

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. East Havre Pulloff is open Year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 1 at East Havre Pulloff. This is a small 1.5 acre tract owned by the State of Montana.

Is it a small paved pullout along U.S. Highway 2. There are no services or amenities on site, but RVers and campers use it to spend the night quite frequently. The area has trees and it is free.

;

2. Town Pump Free Boondocking

Chinook, Montana
GPS: 48.594182, -109.232624
Elevation: 2411′

Management – Gas Station (Official)

The local gas station offers free boondocking and is situated on a very large lot right on U.S. Highway 2 and it often hosts semi trucks and trailers at night who are looking for a place to rest on an otherwise desolate Montana highway. I asked if it was OK if a RV or camper could also spend the night and was told “of course.”

In October when ranches are shipping cattle the lot can be quite busy though with cattle trailers, which can smell, so beware.

3. Harlem City Park Free Boondocking

10 1st Ave. SW Harlem, MT
Harlem, Montana
GPS: 48.532026, -108.786758
Elevation: 2365′

Management – City Park (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. Harlem City Park is open All Year. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 1 to 2 nights (more if you ask city hall for permission) at Harlem City Park. Harlem City Park is a nice little park in downtown Harlem, Montana near the community’s outdoor swimming pool and city hall.

Overnight curbside parking is allowed. There is a picnic shelter with picnic tables, trash cans, playground, and swimming pool. There are also restrooms available inside city hall and the swimming pool building (and showers there too), but those are only open during normal business hours.

The Free Campgrounds Locations List

1. Zurich Park

The price is $10

Blaine County Clerk & Recorder (420 Ohio St Chinook, MT 59523)
Zurich, Montana
GPS: 48.599283, -109.01956
Elevation: 2408′
Zurich Park is a hidden gem few outside of Blaine County, Montana know about. it is located approximately 1.5 miles north of U.S. Highway 2 between Chinook and Havre, Montana…north of the small unincorporated town of Zurich, Montana on Park Road. There are approximately 6 to 10 camping spots, which have electrical power available.

Potable water and vaulted restrooms are also available onsite, along with one of the few places along the U.S. Highway 2 corridor with shade trees. There is also a nice playground, picnic area, fire pits, ballpark, and a Community Hall that can also be rented out for special events.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Montana National Parks – Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (edited) Photo by Michael B. Location:

I-90 Frontage Rd
Crow Agency, MT 59022
406-638-2621

About the Park:

At this Montana National Park at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, we honor all who participated in the 1876 battle at which Lakota and Cheyenne warriors defeated the 7th U.S. Cavalry in one of the most famous and decisive encounters in American history.

This hallowed ground holds a unique place in the national consciousness as the high-water mark in the 400-year struggle of American Indians against the encroachment of European Americans. Yet the battlefield’s cultural legacy far transcends its military significance.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument preserves and interprets a near-pristine field of engagement that includes critical combat sites, archaeological artifacts and numerous monuments commemorating the combatants.

Completed in 2013, the congressionally authorized Indian Memorial honors the many American Indian perspectives and interpretations of the battle and its outcomes, their heroic sacrifice and their struggle to preserve and defend their homeland and traditional way of life.

Things To Do:

— View the 25 -minute orientation video.
— Explore the museum exhibits.
— Walk up to “Custer’s Last Stand”.
— Visit the Indian Memorial.
— Walk the Deep Ravine trail, 1/4 mile self-guided walking tour.
— Walk through the National Cemetery.
— Drive the 4.5 mile tour road to the Reno-Benteen Battlefield, the second stage of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
— Do an audio tour by purchasing a CD or drive out on your own, self guided tour.

Top Tips:

Visit the “Peace Through Unity” memorial commemorates Native Americans who battled at Little Bighorn.

The Bighorn River cuts through the area, providing opportunities for outdoors adventure.

Traditional Crow singing and dancing, an Indian rodeo, horse racing and a parade are among the highlights. Visitors interested in learning more about the Crows can visit Chief Plenty Coups State Park, which has exhibits on tribal artifacts and history.

When To Visit:

The Free Boondocking Locations List

1. White Arm Park – Lodge Grass Free Boondocking

Lodge Grass, Montana
GPS: 45.3118, -107.363244
Elevation: 3369′

Management – City Park (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. White Arm Park – Lodge Grass is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. White Arm Park is a city park in Lodge Grass, Montana off of exit 530 on I-90. It has a playground, restrooms, and a water hydrant. There is room for one (maybe two) RVs on the east side of Main Street along the west side of White Arm Park.

2. Charging Horse Casino Free Boondocking

Lame Deer, Montana
GPS: 45.62505, -106.659706
Elevation: 3366′

Management – Casino

3. Town Pump – Hardin Free Boondocking

1010 N Crawford
Hardin, Montana
GPS: 45.738845, -107.613342
Elevation: 2904′

Management – Truck Stop (Official)

The road into this free boondocking is Paved. Town Pump – Hardin is open All Year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 1 night at Town Pump – Hardin.

The Town Pump is another truck stop in Hardin, Montana located south of I-90 at exit 495. Smaller than the Flying J truck stop and with fewer amenities, the benefits of this truck stop over the Flying J are:

The Paid Campgrounds Locations List

1. Two Leggins Fishing Access

Hwy 313
Hardin, Montana
GPS: 45.644947, -107.659694
Elevation: 2940′

The road in is Gravel and 100 yards miles from a paved road. Two Leggins Fishing Access is open All Year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 2 nights at Two Leggins Fishing Access.

2. Bighorn Fishing Access

The price is $7 with a fishing license and $12 without a fishing license

Saint Xavier, Montana
GPS: 45.414725, -107.789778
Elevation: 3074′

The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. Bighorn Fishing Access is open All Year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 7 days at Bighorn Fishing Access.

3. Afterbay Campground

The price is $10/night

Fort Smith, Montana
GPS: 45.315452, -107.941495
Elevation: 3202′

The road in is Paved. Afterbay Campground is open All Year. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 days at Afterbay Campground.

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October 25, 2022 0 comments

National Park Boondocking

10 Great East Coast National Parks Everyone Must Visit

by John - Laurel Rodgers October 24, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

Every year millions of people visit Americas East Coast National Parks, millions of Americans jet off to faraway lands to take in the fantastic sights that this planet has to offer. Everyone has to choose which is right for you and for us the U.S. is the place to be.

You know that sometimes you don’t have to go much farther than your backyard to see some genuinely wondrous things?

Our Ten East Coast National Parks Guide

Check Out Our East Coast National Parks
A lot of great ideas are in these individual National Park posts!

Download the official National Park Service app before you visit to get all of their finest insider advice. America’s national parks are filled with beauty, wonder, and history that so many people want to experience again and time again. These East Coast National Parks will allow you to disconnect from the outside world and take in as much natural beauty as you can.

The East Coast National Parks of the United States are not as widely recognized as those on the West Coast. California, Colorado, and Utah are the most publicized states in the west. These western states are home to some of the most beautiful vistas in the entire U.S. including the most well-known Grand Canyon and giant Sequoias and Coastal Redwoods.

However, it’s important to remember the East Coast National Parks. The eastern side of the US is home to some great parks. Nothing compares to spending time in a national park, especially one on the East Coast where there are so many different types of parks.

If you’re just itching to explore all that the East Coast National Parks has to offer, read on to find out what surprising biodiversity is viewable.

All of the most memorable East Coast National Parks are featured and below. These parks are a mixture of monuments and national memorials as well as other NPS-managed locations. A few state parks that you absolutely must see are also included!

The East Coast is diverse and picturesque, with many national parks to choose from, including the most visited national park in the nation and one made up of seven islands. If you’re seeking for caverns or natural springs, the East Coast provides them.

What Makes the East Coast More Desirable

Even after accounting for the cost of gas, many of you who reside in the eastern US may find that traveling by car is a far more affordable option!

The cost of flying is high. It can easily and quickly add $3,000 to the cost of your vacation if you have to cross the country. My family and I just traveled to the West to see Crater Lake and the Redwoods, and the airline cost was over $3,200!

The stark differences between the two half of the nation are another factor. The Atlantic beaches are a distinct species from the stony cliffs of the Pacific, while the East Coast is covered in dense hardwood forests.

What You Will Find On the East Cast

The US’s two coastlines have some noticeable differences from one another. Some are very clear, while others might not be. Here are a few examples of how the East and West differ from one another.

The Weather

Seasons exist in the East Coast National Parks, just like they do practically everywhere else. Snowfall can be expected north of Washington, DC, from around December through April. The summers will be hot and muggy along the whole coast. In June, July, and August, the east experiences severe humidity while the west has dry air.

The Foliage

The vegetation will also change. Hardwoods like Cherry, Oak, and Maple predominate in the East Coast. The area is also covered in conifers like Hemlock, White Pine, and others. Old-growth forests are quite rare in the East, nevertheless.

The stunning fall colors that emerge when the hardwoods begin to shift are a wonderful advantage of having so many of them. Fall is one of the busiest seasons for parks like Shenandoah and Acadia, which are renowned for their stunning foliage.

Less Competition With Other Visitors

The majority of the most popular national parks, excluding The Great Smoky Mountains and Acadia, are located in the west. Depending on where you choose to travel, you’ll (roughly) encounter less people in the East Coast National Parks.

Even though the bulk of national parks in the United States are in the west, the eastern national parks offer a wide range of landscapes, including complex cave systems, coral reefs, marshy marshes, and beautiful mountain summits.

Most people tend to picture the magnificent west coast national parks like Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone when they think of the US national parks. There is much wild beauty and terrain to be discovered in the east coast national parks, despite the fact that no one would contest the magnificence of those areas.

Therefore, while having fewer national parks than other regions of the country, the east coast is nonetheless very diversified geographically. The east also includes a lot of national monuments, national seashores, national historic sites, and more, while having less national parks.

The East Coast National Parks are listed in full below. If you wish to take a road trip to the national parks along the east coast, we’ve also provided a brief overview of the parks and suggested itineraries.

National Park Pass

If you plan to visit more than one national park in a year, you might want to think about purchasing the national park pass. For a one-time annual cost, you can enter more than 2000 federal land parks with the national park pass.

If you are already aware of the parks you intend to visit, you can research their admission prices and perform the necessary calculations to determine whether you will save money. Check each park separately because some charge per person while others charge per vehicle.

There are discounts for the disabled, active military, and senior citizens.

East Coast National Parks (19)

10 Great East Coast National Parks Everyone Must Visit

check out our video

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

East Coast National Parks - Smoky Mountains East Coast National Parks – Smoky Mountains (Edited) by Mark Collins

Location:

Tennessee, North Carolina

About the Park:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans the Tennessee-North Carolina border, is brimming with charming Southern charm, beautiful scenery, and roving wildlife. The popular East Coast National Parks consistently holds the honor of being the most popular national park.

More than 11 million people visit each year due to its accessibility and proximity to much of the Southeastern United States, whereas the Grand Canyon, the second-most visited national park, has just recently attracted about 6 million tourists annually.

Things To Do:

The Sugarlands Visitor Center has more information about the park. When visiting the park, you should do this right away! You can also view a little movie to familiarize yourself with the area before going on your own adventure there.

Go on a hike to the summit of Clingmans Dome! Although paved, this walk is comparatively hilly. It is Tennessee’s highest peak in its entirety. If the day is exceptionally clear, you can sometimes see farther than 100 miles from the tower at the summit.

If you want to avoid the crowds, take a walk near Fontana Lake, which is the park’s ideal quiet location. It is close to the park’s southernmost region.

Take a picture at Newfound Gap Overlook, one of the park’s most picturesque locations. You may photograph the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s genuine splendor from here.

Visit the Mingus Mill, which was built in the 1880s. This location has a long history and is still in use today.

Top Tips:

There aren’t many dining alternatives inside the Park; instead, you can get a variety of food and snack options at Cades Cove Campground Store, Elkmont Campground Concession, and Smokemont Riding Stables, as well as some groceries and camping supplies outside the Park.

The only hotel option inside the Park is Le Conte Lodge, but there are plenty of options outside the Park.

The Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of on-site camping options, including horse camps for people who own horses, front country campsites in developed campgrounds, group campgrounds for eight or more people, and backcountry campsites for backpackers.

Throughout the Park, there are numerous spots with restrooms.

When To Visit:

There is truly no poor time to visit this East Coast National Parks, even while fall is their busiest season (October typically has the greatest average annual traffic owing to the stunning fall foliage). The busiest months are June through October, while January and February are the least active.

The region often has moderate winters, so even planning a vacation for November or December would be a terrific time to see the attractions and even locate cheaper lodging. Winterfest, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, and other events are among the many winter attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the neighboring areas.

Just bear in mind that from November to March like many of the East Coast National Parks, some trails and roads may be blocked, so make sure to conduct your homework beforehand on the national park’s official website.

Where To Stay:

Lodging is a critical, but often overlooked element of vacation planning — especially in the Smoky Mountains. Where you spend the night can have a huge impact on which areas you explore and whether you’re relaxed and well-rested enough to actually enjoy your adventures in this East Coast National Parks.

The 3 best spots are Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge in Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina. All 3 give you access to the park entrance gates and have lodging of all types and to fit all budgets.

Campground Locations:

The park offers several different types of campsites:

Back country – for backpackers. Requires hiking several miles to a site located in the park’s backcountry.

Front country – camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table.

Group Campgrounds – large campsites suitable for groups of eight people or more. Located in front country campgrounds.

Horse Camps – small campgrounds, accessible by vehicle, that offer hitch racks for horses and primitive camping facilities.

Campground facilities and the procedures for obtaining a site in each type are different. Click on this link above for additional information about facilities, reservations, and operating seasons.

2. Acadia National Park

East Coast National Parks - Acadia National Park East Coast National Parks – Acadia National Park (Edited) by Domenico Convertini

Location:

Maine

About the Park:

Those of you traveling to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, or any other Mount Desert Island municipality are welcome to the northernmost East Coast National Parks! You will undoubtedly fall in love with the island’s breathtaking scenery, whether you are a frequent visitor or a first-timer exploring the region’s granite-topped mountains and rocky shoreline.

Visitors have been drawn to Mount Desert Island by its distinctive and breathtaking terrain for hundreds of years. Here, along Maine’s east coast, is the only place where the convergence of the ocean, shoreline, forest, and mountains may be felt, seen, heard, and experienced more fully.

Visitors have often found that it is the ideal setting for discovery, adventure, and rejuvenation at any time of year. The stunning Maine coast serves as a dramatic backdrop to the wide variety of activities that are offered on Mount Desert Island which makes this one of the most beautiful East Coast National Parks.

Things To Do

Take a 2.5-hour narrated bus tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park! If you want to avoid crowds and learn more about the neighborhood, this inexpensive trip with pickup is ideal. includes stops at Sieur de Monts Spring, Thunder Hole, and Cadillac Mountain. To find out more, click here.

View the landscape from Cadillac Mountain. You can drive or hike the Cadillac Summit Loop Trail to get to the tallest mountain in the national park. To escape the throngs that arrive later in the day, try to arrive early in the morning.

Drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road, which takes you past all the park’s well-known locations like Otter Cliff and Sand Beach.

Take a picture at Jordan Pond, one of the park’s most serene and beautiful locations. Both the Jordan Pond Shore Trail and the Jordan Pond Nature Trail are excellent treks that can be used to get there.

View the lighthouse at Bass Harbor Head! This is one of the most historic lighthouses you can find in this region, and it’s a lovely place to watch the sunrise. The lighthouse here was built in the 1800s.

Top Tips:

Outside of approved campgrounds, no camping, campfires, or overnight parking is allowed; to enter park campgrounds, you must make an online reservation and buy firewood there.

If you intend to visit the Park between November and April, be aware that several areas are closed during the winter or have reduced hours.

Dogs are welcome anywhere in Acadia, but they must be restrained at all times by a leash no more than six feet long, and some locations are off limits to them.

Wild animals in the park should not be fed, approached, or provoked, especially snowy owls, turtles and loons that are breeding, and young seals on beaches.

Before traveling, obtain all required permissions and passes online.

The only restaurant is the Jordan Pond House Restaurant; however, there are six picnic areas and is permitted site-wide, excluding campgrounds (unless you have a permit).

Restrooms are in the centers, beaches, picnic areas, stores, and restaurants.

When To Visit:

Acadia National Park is best visited in September through early October, this is of course the coldest of the East Coast National Parks, when the summer tourists have dispersed but the temperatures are still above freezing. Pack your waterproof gear because visiting in March, April, and May can be rainy (fog and rain are frequent).

Even if the weather is pleasant in July and August, it is by far the busiest time of year to visit the park. Winter months don’t see many tourists to the park, but for the adventurous traveler willing to withstand the bitter cold, it’s the ideal time to go.

Where To Stay:

The best area to stay in area is in Bar Harbor but you have to book as far in advance as possible. There are also great places to stay off the island that are much cheaper. The problem is that the traffic is really bad getting back on and off the island.

Campground Locations:

Camping is a great way to experience Acadia National Park. Acadia offers two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, one campground on the Schoodic Peninsula, and five lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut.

All campsite reservations must be made in advance on the park’s campground pages or at Recreation.gov. There are no same day reservations and no campsites are available for request upon arrival.

3. Shenandoah National Park

East Coast National Parks - Shenandoah National Park East Coast National Parks – Shenandoah National Park (Edited) Andrew Parlette

Location:

Virginia

About the Park:

There are over 500 miles of trails in this East Coast National Parks location, including the entirely level and user-friendly Limberlost Trail, to be found in Shenandoah National Park.

I suggest Stony Man for first-time guests. It’s a quick (1.6 miles roundtrip), amiably simple hike that provides one of the park’s best views. This trek is a fantastic way to get started hiking in SNP. You can see my whole list of the top hikes in Shenandoah National Park if you like it.

There are wonderful waterfall walks, but keep in mind that you must climb back up after going down. I’ve seen a lot of folks do one of these hikes after being deceived by how simple the first section of the route is—all it’s downhill.

Do I require hiking boots? – If this is your first time hiking and you just take on the easier, more traveled paths, then the answer is no. Tennis shoes that are good and robust will work just fine. But avoid wearing anything other than athletic shoes, including ballerina flats, flip-flops, high heels, Sperrys, and slippers.

I have seen all of those (yes, even high heels), as well as the person wearing those shoes while hiking, who had a look of excruciating discomfort on their face.

Things To Do:

Take the park’s audio self-guided tour! If you only have a day or two to spend in Shenandoah National Park, this is one of the finest ways to learn about it. It is a three-hour drive that is wonderfully gorgeous.

Dark Hollow Falls hike! You won’t want to skip it because it’s a quick, somewhat easy climb that is actually one of the most well-liked in the entire national park. When you witness the waterfall in person, it will leave you speechless.

Visit the visitor center at Shenandoah National Park! There are several to pick from, and they are all excellent locations to visit in order to learn more about the park.

Dine al fresco at one of the many overlooks. There are many places along the scenic route where you can stop and enjoy the vista. These locations are ideal for setting up a picnic blanket and munching while admiring the scenery.

Spend the night at one of the campgrounds in the park. There are a handful to pick from, but by doing this, you’ll arrive at the trails first thing in the morning! Also beautiful is the sunrise over the mountains.

Top Tips:

Choose from 5 campgrounds with a variety of amenities to stay at; reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, which is strongly advised.

Three on-site hotel options are available, and reservations should be made as far in advance as feasible. These options are dispersed across the Park.

A pit latrine and spring water are close, and there are six lockable, basic cabins spread over the area that are furnished with mattresses, blankets, and cooking utensils.

You can buy food at 10 spots throughout the Park, or you can bring your own and choose to picnic at one of the seven approved sites.

Restrooms, tourist centers, lodges, waysides, and some paths can be found in the majority of picnic spots.

When To Visit:

The prettiest months to visit Shenandoah National Park are from September through November and from March through May. The Autumn here at this East Coast National Parks area brings warm hues to the park, giving Shenandoah’s expansive views an autumnal twist.

As the park’s several hiking routes are covered in wildflowers in the spring, the scenery is a kaleidoscope of hues. Both of these times, as well as the entire summer, are crowded, and the chilly winter weather discourages all but the most ardent hikers from leaving Skyline Drive..

Where To Stay:

Shenandoah National Park’s rough-hewn beauty is reflected and refined in its in-park hotel options, just 75 miles west of Washington, D.C. outside the town of Luray.

Campground Locations:

Mathews Arm Campground

Mathews Arm Campground (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, in the northern section of the Park. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and picnic table. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away.

Big Meadows Campground

Big Meadows Campground (mile 51.2) is centrally-located in Shenandoah National Park, providing easy access to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows, Dark Hollow Falls, and Byrd Visitor Center. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table.

Lewis Mountain Campground

Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy while still staying within a close distance to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows (7 miles away).

Loft Mountain Campground

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park, with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby.

Dundo Group Campground

Dundo Group Campground (mile 83.7) is a small, beautiful campground located in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park that offers group campsites, only. The Appalachian Trail passes through the campground. All sites include fire rings and picnic tables.

4. Everglades National Park

East Coast National Parks - Everglades National Park East Coast National Parks – Everglades National Park (Edited) by Domenico Convertini

Location:

Florida

About the Park:

After Yellowstone and Death Valley, Everglades National Park is the third-largest park in the lower 48 states and the largest of the East Coast National Parks. Manatees, American crocodiles, a large variety of birds, and even panthers reside in the park. This delicate habitat is an International Biosphere Reserve as well as a World Heritage Site.

The Everglades, a general term for a variety of ecosystems, formerly covered more than 200 miles, running from the Kissimmee River in Orlando south past Lake Okeechobee to the southernmost point of the state and the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, just 20% of that is preserved by the national park, and its very borders are surrounded by cities, suburbs, and agricultural land.

The only truly wild areas at this East Coast National Parks area are the protected Glades. The area is home to crocodiles and alligators, the Florida panther, manatees, as well as a large array of invasive species of all kinds.

This fragile, ever-changing Unesco World Heritage site is threatened by true inundation due to rising sea levels as well as by red tide and blue-green algae blooms, which have been disastrous in recent years and may be brought on by agricultural runoff.

The Glades are a premier dark-sky area, a haven for raptors and migratory birds, and a place to completely lose yourself and forget the contemporary world even exists.

Things To Do

The best method to tour the park is in an airboat. One of the most popular trips you can schedule to view the park is this one, which lasts around an hour. If you choose a half-day package, it also includes gator feed and a BBQ lunch.

Have fun searching for birds! The park is home to hundreds of different bird species, including pelicans and other kinds you might not see elsewhere.

The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a short, accessible hike that is just under half a mile long. You can get a close-up view of a gumbo limbo tree on this route, which is unquestionably one of the simpler ones to explore in the park.

Learn more at the Shark Valley Visitor Center and think about taking the approximately two-hour-long Shark Valley Tram. You won’t want to miss the stop at a picturesque viewpoint that is often reached through a rather long trek because it is included in this ride.

Top Tips:

All canals, ponds, freshwater lakes, defined channels, and boat basins located inside the Park are off-limits to swimming and snorkeling.

A small selection of snacks and drinks are offered by Everglades National Park and are available at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, the Royal Palm Visitor Center, and the Flamingo Marina at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

Restrooms are available at the visitor centers, West Lake Park, and campgrounds.

When To Visit:

If you’re thinking about traveling to Florida as one of your East Coast National Parks then a Everglades boat excursion is a must but you are unsure about the ideal time to go, you’re in luck. We can help you with one simple answer.

Any time of year, South Florida is booming, and the ecosystem is remarkable wherever you go—especially if you’re on a boat tour of the Everglades National Park. But there are a few distinctions between the months.

The ideal time of year to visit the Everglades is discussed here, along with some planning advice.

The Everglades is on of 3 Florida area East Coast National Parks. From early December to late April and early May, the Everglades National Park environment and airboat trips do undergo a winter dry season.

Due to the large number of visitors who travel to South Florida to escape the chilly, biting temperatures up north, this is undoubtedly the busiest time of year for all of these East Coast National Parks.

This one of the bst times to visit the Everglades for Miami airboat excursions. When Florida is cooler in the year, the animals in the Everglades respond differently. While they are frequently seen, they generally move more slowly in the winter. Alligators actually go through a biological delay.

Where To Stay:

Everglades is a unique natural treasure located in South Florida. The incredibly vast tropical wetland is home to birds, lizards and alligators. But where to stay near Everglades National Park for the best experience?

Lodging in Everglades City gives you the best access to Everglades National Park. Other options for where to stay when visiting Everglades National Park are Naples, Marco Island, Miami and the Upper Keys.

Campground Locations:

Flamingo Campground

The Flamingo campground is one of two drive-in campgrounds accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park. It offers solar-heated showers, two dump stations, picnic tables, grills, and an amphitheater for seasonal Ranger programs.

Flamingo has several hiking trails and canoe trails, and opportunities for saltwater fishing are plentiful.

Lone Pine Campground

Long Pine Key campground is open seasonally November-May. It is one of two front country camping options run by the “Flamingo Adventures” concession. Reservations are available for RV’s and tents along with first come first serve sites. If sites are booked, more camping may be available further down the Main Park Road in Flamingo.

Wilderness Camping

There are a number of ground sites, beach sites, and elevated camping platforms (“chickees”) available in various locations in the park. Most wilderness camping sites are accessible by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, though a few may be reached by hikers.

5. Dry Tortugas National Park

East Coast National Parks - Dry Tortugas National Park East Coast National Parks – Dry Tortugas National Park (Edited) By Thomas

Location:

Gulf of Mexico Off Florida Coast

About the Park:

Are you thinking of visiting Key West or one of the Florida East Coast National Parks? Dry Tortugas, one of the least visited U.S. National Parks, should unquestionably be on your agenda.

Over 100 square miles of little islands, coral reefs, and aquatic life make up the Dry Tortugas, which are 70 miles from Key West. Get all the information you need for a day trip or overnight camping trip to Dry Tortugas National Park before you leave!

A day trip from Key West to the Dry Tortugas has a lot of activities, such as relaxing white sand beaches, incredible snorkeling, and historical exploration that includes legends of pirates and a fort from the 19th century. Traveling to the Dry Tortugas is comparable to vacationing on a secluded Caribbean island. There is also the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys!

True adventurers can even stay at Dry Tortugas for the night to have the island’s beaches and nighttime stars all to themselves. Once the day trippers have returned to Key West they still have 2 other East Coast National Parks to choose from.

Things To Do

Make plans for a catamaran tour from Key West! The ten-hour tour includes breakfast, lunch, the service tax for the National Area, and even snorkeling equipment so you can enjoy snorkeling while you’re there. It’s an excellent way to explore the park.

Visit Fort Jefferson, which is the main draw in Dry Tortugas National Park. It is a magnificent structure on an island that has played many different roles over the years. To learn more history, consider signing up for a ranger-led tour.

Swim or snorkel to enjoy the ocean! Snorkeling is done by the majority of participants, but if that’s not your thing, don’t worry. There are many beaches around where you may just dive into the water and swim.

Top Tips:

Fish, cultural items, and coral reefs are all protected. Although you shouldn’t worry about the aquatic life attacking you, running into them might be very dangerous for you both.

Swim at your own risk; there is no lifeguard on duty; keep company and watch out for strong currents that may come suddenly.

Campsites are first-come, first-served and only available for large parties, so make sure to pack everything you’ll need.

On the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park, there are no eateries, stores, or other sources of food, water, or fuel.

Restrooms are available throughout the Park and are also on the ferry.

When To Visit:

The Dry Tortugas National Park is a stunning location with a wide range of outdoor pursuits to keep you occupied.

The best months to visit Dry Tortugas are April and June or any of the Florida East Coast National Parks. The consistent nice weather and average temperatures of 80°F (27°C) are to blame for this. In the fall, there are fewer travelers and housing costs might drop by up to 45%.

At this time of year, outdoor activities like kayaking are at their prime.

Visit in July for milder temperatures and days that reach 89 degrees.

The Dry Tortugas and many of the Caribbean have similar weather patterns. A subtropical climate characterizes the region, with hot, muggy summers and infrequent thunderstorms.

Where To Stay:

The East Coast National Parks location at Dry Tortugas does not offer lodging. Before or after taking a boat or seaplane to or from the park, the majority of visitors stay in Key West. Key West, near the end of US-1, the Overseas Highway, has a variety of accommodations.

Campground Locations:

Camping at Garden Key offers incredible opportunities for stargazing, snorkeling, sunsets, and more. But you must be prepared to pitch a tent in this remote location. For additional information regarding camping in Dry Tortugas National Park and to aid in your planning.

6. Biscayne National Park

East Coast National Parks - Biscayne National Park East Coast National Parks – Biscayne National Park (Edited) By NPCA Photos

Location:

Atlantic Ocean Off Florida Coast

About the Park:

There are no entrance fees or passes necessary to enter the East Coast National Parks location at Biscayne Bay, which is situated halfway between Miami and the Florida Keys. It is also open every day of the year, 24 hours a day.

The islands, reefs, and other natural features of the park, however, can only be reached by boat. There are also guided tours.

The Biscayne National Park is a truly amazing location. It’s not simply one of Florida’s more distinctive locales; it’s also one of our most distinctive national parks.

Since Biscayne is 95% underwater, you might want to go below the surface to get the whole experience. Take a boat into the Bay for a fantastic journey, even if you want to stay dry.

Homestead, Florida’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center can be found at 9700 SW 328th Street, also known as Sir Lancelot Jones Way. Spend some time exploring the park’s on-site museum, which features documentaries, a virtual tour of the park’s four ecosystems, and an exhibition of local artists’ works that were inspired by the park.

Children can get their hands dirty at the touch table or start earning a junior ranger badge.

Things To Do

Follow the Convoy Point Jetty Trail while hiking! Just under a mile long, this track can be completed in under 30 minutes. It’s wonderful for hikers of all ages and levels of experience because it’s also pretty simple.

To see the ocean floor, snorkel. Snorkeling is possible in a few different locations throughout the park, and it provides some of the best and most unusual vistas available.

Paddle a kayak! Jones Lagoon, a historically significant location within the park, is the greatest place to go kayaking. The majority of individuals claim that it can be extremely insect-filled, so carry bug spray.
Visit Boca Chita Key, one of the park’s most well-liked locations. To reach there, you must take a boat. One of the more unusual lighthouses in the United States is a magnificent lighthouse, so keep an eye out for it.

Top Tips:

Restrooms are available in the campgrounds and visitor centers.

To get beyond the visitor center area requires a boat. There are no bridges or ferries to the islands or campgrounds and only one mile of road in the entire Park.

There are no dining options on Biscayne National Park; pack and enjoy a picnic.

When To Visit:

Thanks to Florida’s year-round sunshine and aversion to winter, there’s no bad time to visit.

The greatest time to visit the East Coast National Parks including Biscayne National Park depends on your plans, though. For instance, if you want to snorkel or dive, the water is warmest in the summer and you probably won’t even need a wetsuit.

If you’re more interested in camping at Biscayne National Park, it would be ideal to go when the weather is cooler because Florida summers are notoriously hot and uncomfortable.

Where To Stay:

For overnight visitors to this watery park, there are no facilities provided besides campsites. Most non-campers stop through for the afternoon on their way to the Keys and spend the night in Homestead, a nearby city with a large number of chain hotels and other reasonably priced accommodations.
Campground Locations:

In this East Coast National Parks location, there are two campgrounds. Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key are both islands where both are situated. These islands can only be reached by boat. There are no services on the islands.

The most visited island in the park is Boca Chita Key. There are lovely views of the water, a grassy camping area, picnic tables, and barbecues. There are restrooms, but no sinks, showers, or running water. At low tide, the harbor entrance is about four feet wide.

The biggest island in the park is Elliott Key. There are basins and cold water showers in the restrooms, as well as picnic tables and grills. Drinking water is accessible, however in case the system fails, bring water with you. At low tide, Elliott Key Harbor is about 2 12 feet deep. In the marina, there are 33 boat slips.

7. Mammoth Cave National Park

East Coast National Parks - Mammoth Cave National Park East Coast National Parks – Mammoth Cave National Park (Edited) By Sharon Mollerus

Location:

Kentucky

About the Park:

This East Coast National Parks site is the longest known cave system in the world an can be found at Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave is one of the oldest tourist destinations in North America and contains approximately 400 miles of excavated tunnels. There is a lot we don’t know about the Kentucky monster despite The Cave’s size and beauty.

The main draw of Mammoth Cave National Park is Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. The park was created in 1941, and in 1981 it was designated a World Heritage Site. Despite the fact that these incidents occurred in the 20th century, people have been using the cave for a very long time.

The cave may have been found by Native Americans as long as 4,000 years ago, according to renowned anthropologists.

In addition to the cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park also protects a portion of the Green River valley and the stunning rolling hills of south central Kentucky. Therefore, while the major draw of Mammoth Cave is what lies below the surface, there are miles of excellent trails nearby that are just waiting to be discovered.

Things To Do:

Visit East Coast National Parks caves and have a tour. You should be aware that if you want to ensure a spot on a tour, you must make reservations. Be prepared because it is typical for the caverns to get cold.

Visit a campground and spend the night there. There are other options, including Mammoth Cave Campground and Maple Springs Group Campground.

Take to the water in a kayak or canoe that you rented! If you want to keep moving throughout the day, this is a fantastic thing to do.

See the East Coast National Parks churches that are still standing in the park. There are three to discover that are accessible to everyone and were operated by residents of the park prior to its designation as a national park.

The Cedar Sink Trail is a mile-long circle that you can hike on. It’s a hike around a sinkhole that’s quite interesting.

Top Tips:

Green River Grill and Spelunkers Café & Ice Cream Parlor are the two eateries inside the park.

There are additional dining alternatives close to the visitor center area.

If you visit the East Coast National Parks caves in the summer, bring warmer clothing because the average year-round temperature is 54 degrees.

There are more than 70 rooms available at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave in the Park, or you can book a campsite at one of the three constructed campgrounds or a number of wilderness campsites.
Purchase your camping spot and tickets for the cave tour in advance.

When To Visit:

Mammoth Cave is an excellent location to explore at any time of year because it maintains an annual average temperature of 54°F (12°C). Regarding cave temperature, there is no ideal time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park. The best time to visit Mammoth Cave depends on your personal preferences because each season in the park has its own allure.

The winter months see far fewer tourists to Mammoth Cave National Park than the other times of the year. This is a significant perk if you wish to visit Mammoth Cave. When visiting Mammoth Cave in the winter, you can be more impromptu and anticipate discovering interesting tours available even if you book later.

Winter is the greatest time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park if you want to avoid crowds. Wintertime temperatures, on the other hand, can make walking the routes less appealing.

Where To Stay:

Park City is the smallest of the three cities, but it’s also the city nearest the entrance of Mammoth Cave. So of the three neighboring cities Park City provides Mammoth Cave lodging closest to the cave.

Campground Locations:

For tourists looking for a genuine national park experience among the East Coast National Parks with quick access to facilities, cave tours, and other park activities, the Mammoth Cave Campground is ideal.

With 111 campsites, including a combination of tent-only sites, group sites, tent or RV sites, and accessible sites, this established campground is situated less than a quarter mile from the visitor center. In order to make your stay a memorable journey, the rangers on duty in the campground kiosk are delighted to provide information.

8. Congaree National Park

East Coast National Parks - Congaree National Park East Coast National Parks – Congaree National Park (Edited) By Blake Lewis

Location:

South Carolina

About the Park:
Congaree is a fantastic East Coast National Parks destination. Congaree National Park, which is in Columbia, South Carolina, offers visitors a chance to take in the wonder and beauty of nature in an environment that is relatively unspoiled.

Large tracts of natural floodplain forest, free of roads or railroads, may be found in the park where visitors can go on solitary walks and spot wildlife. Hiking this East Coast National Parks routes give access for hikers of all experience levels and time limitations, as well as spectacular and educational views of this little-known gem on the banks of the Congaree River.

This makes going to Congaree National Park a special and enjoyable experience.

Things To Do:

Take part in one of the breathtaking treks that the park is famous for, including as the Boardwalk Loop Trail, the easy-to-complete Bluff Trail, or the long-but-worth-it River Trail (a must-do).

Own a boat? Take a trip along the Congaree River. Keep in mind that you must bring your own, and don’t forget to pack all the necessary supplies in case something goes wrong while you’re traveling. For added security, you can arrange a ranger-led canoe tour!

Sleep at a campground for the night. This is the ideal approach to take in the local natural beauty in peace and quiet.

In May and June, keep an eye out for the fireflies. One of the most perfect things you could ever see at the park is this.

Top Tips:

All year long, Saturdays are designated for ranger and volunteer-led programs.

This East Coast National Parks location doesn’t offer any food services. In Gadsden, which is about 10 minutes away from the Park, there are few eating options. There are many different types of eateries in Columbia.
On the boardwalk, there are bathrooms available in a number of spots.

Congaree National Park permits fishing with a current South Carolina fishing license.

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies before setting off on a voyage on the water, including a personal flotation device, a whistle, weather-appropriate clothing, water, a map, a compass, food, sunscreen, and bug repellent.

When To Visit:

Congaree National Park experiences hot, humid summers, brief, chilly winters, and damp, partly cloudy weather all year long. The average annual temperature ranges between 35°F and 91°F, with lows of 22°F and highs of 98°F being rare.

Congaree National Park is one of the East Coast National Parks that is most enjoyable to visit in the months of March through June and August through October. A scorching temperature and nearly no precipitation are present during this time. In Congaree National Park, the highest average temperature is 91°F in July and the lowest is 53°F in January.

The table below allows you to quickly view the monthly temperatures, average precipitation, and average weather at Congaree National Park. Data from the previous 30 years are used to calculate the average monthly climate.

Where To Stay:

Congaree National Park, which is close to Columbia, might make for the ideal weekend getaway. Despite the park’s size, which is 26,000 acres (10,500 ha), you don’t have to rough it to connect with nature here. There are numerous hotels and B&Bs nearby with comfortable beds if you prefer them over a cabin or tent.

Campground Locations:

The East Coast National Parks at Congaree has two designated camp grounds:

Longleaf Campground

Located adjacent to the park entrance road, this campground has 10 individual and 4 group camping sites. Individual sites can have a maximum of 8 individuals and 3 tents. Group sites must have a minimum of 9 individuals and no more than 24, with a maximum of 10 tents per site.

Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Two vault toilets are located at the front of the campground. This campground does not have running water. Water is available 24 hours a day at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, at water fountains and a spigot convenient for filling large containers.

Bluff Campground

This campground is located on the Bluff Trail approximately one mile from the Longleaf Campground. There is no vehicle access to this campground; all visitors who wish to use this site must carry their equipment to the site. This campground has 6 individual campsites that have hold a maximum of 8 individuals and 3 tents.

Camping in the backcountry in any East Coast National Parks location is a great way to experience the wilderness. The park’s backcountry can be reached either by foot or by canoe or kayak. But before you head out on your backcountry wilderness adventure, here are a few things that you should know before beginning:

9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

East Coast National Parks - Cuyahoga Valley National Park East Coast National Parks – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Edited) By Yi-Liang (Lucas) Liu

Location:

Ohio

About the Park:

The fact that the East Coast National Parks at Cuyahoga Valley is located 30 minutes south of Cleveland’s downtown does not make it any less urban than other national parks. Ohio residents live close to and occasionally inside the 50 square mile national park.

It serves as their backyard, a driving shortcut from east to west, and a route for morning runs or dog walks. Visits to the CVNP are hence delightfully easy.

In this valley East Coast National Parks site, there are no entrance gates, lengthy queues, or permit requirements. Numerous entry roads that span park boundaries provide for easy arrival and departure of visitors. The park is open all day, every day, including on holidays, and admission is free.

Only Brandywine Falls, Kendall Lake, Octagon, and Virginia Kendall Ledges are permanently closed every day from dusk till morning.

Things To Do:

Take a hike on the Erie Towpath Trail, if only in part. It’s 87 miles long, so hiking the whole thing would take forever! The best way to appreciate the park’s genuine splendor, though, is to venture outside and just walk or hike a portion of it.

Take a stroll to Brandywine Falls, one of the park’s top attractions. There is a beautiful viewing platform where you can see the waterfall, which is around 65 feet tall.

Visit the Canal Exploration Center right away! The ideal place to stop and learn more about the Ohio and Erie Canal is at this location.

Watch the scenery unfold from Tinker’s Creek Overlook. Compared to other places in the park, this view is fairly approachable and magnificent.

Utilize the scenic railroad in the Cuyahoga Valley! When it comes to taking this train, there are a few entertaining possibilities. Choose to take it back and forth, or if you want to spend more time outside, think about obtaining a one-way ticket and hiking back instead!

Top Tips:

You can purchase food and beverages at the Trail Mix stores located within the park or at one of the numerous dining establishments in and around the park, or you can have a picnic in one of the many designated locations, some of which have grills.

Fishing in the park requires a current Ohio fishing license, while there are some restrictions and different costs may apply. A license is not necessary for children under the age of 16.

There are various places to stay in and around the park, including Stanford House and The Inn at Brandywine Falls, even though camping of any type is not permitted there.

When To Visit:

The months of August through October are the ideal time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the fall.

These are the months when temperatures do not frequently go below freezing like they do in the early spring and winter. Due to the state’s abundance of lakes and rivers, summers in Ohio can often be exceedingly hot and muggy.

The average daytime temperature for these two sets of months on either side of the busiest summer season ranges from 60°F to 70°F, or 15.6°C to 21.1°C. Even though it will get colder at night, it is unusual for temperatures to go below freezing during these months.

Where To Stay:

There are many places to stay at this East Coast National Parks in and around the park. Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls offer lodging inside the park.

There are major hotel chains and campgrounds in the cities and communities surrounding the park.

Campground Locations:

Cuyahoga Valley has limited parking spaces designated for oversize vehicles. However, RVs can be parked in the RV and Trailer Parking area across from Boston Mill Visitor Center, or in larger parking spaces when there is capacity.

Lots with designated spots include:

Rockside Station
Station Road Bridge
Boston Mill Visitor Center, oversized vehicle parking across the street from the main lot
Wetmore Trailhead
Everett Covered Bridge (very limited, for horse trailer use)
Other areas in the park that have the capacity to park oversized vehicle are:

Canal Exploration Center
Lock 29 Overflow Lot
Ledges
Kendall Lake
Pine Hollow
Oak Hill

10. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

East Coast National Parks - New River Gorge National Park East Coast National Parks – New River Gorge National Park (Edited) By Mobilus In Mobili

Location:

West Virginia

About the Park:

The 1,000-foot-deep New River Gorge serves as both the beginning and the end of the trip in the most recent East Coast National Parks. Class IV+ whitewater rafting, some of the best rock climbing on the Eastern Seaboard, purpose-built single track, and more than 100 miles of hiking trails can all be found in the 73,000-acre length of mountainous canyon in West Virginia.

The New River Gorge does not contain any campgrounds, which is unfortunate. The East Coast National Parks itself does not contain any cabins or lodges. The gorge contains some rustic campsites, some of which are reached by gravel roads, but they are first come, first served, lack water, and have connections.

The majority of wilderness camping is situated along rivers and is only reachable by boat. The good news is that there are numerous cabins and campers located on private property close outside the park.

Things To Do

Visit one of the four visitor centers to learn more about the park. This is the ideal location to speak with rangers and learn about the most recent park events.

Join a tour group for some white water rafting! In example, this choice has outstanding reviews and is reasonably priced. You can choose to leave in the morning or the afternoon for the approximately six-hour journey!

Long Point Trail hike. The New River Gorge Bridge, one of the park’s attractions, can be seen from this route in particular with some of the greatest views in the entire area! Three miles of moderate hiking on this trail can be completed in as little as two hours.

Walk the Bridge! Although it is tough for the weak of heart, the views are breathtaking. You wear a harness while you cross the bridge, so don’t be concerned.

The Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail should be walked. Don’t worry; this is a simple, 0.6-mile walk that is suitable for hikers of all abilities.

Top Tips:

There are no accommodations in this East Coast National Parks location, although there are accommodations in the nearby towns. Only basic camping, with scant bathroom facilities and no access to water or connections, is permitted.

The New River contains strong currents, stony banks and shoals, and abrupt dropoffs, thus swimming is not advised.

Water is accessible at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, and surrounding towns provide stores and dining options.

There are eateries and supermarkets in the nearby communities of Beckley, Fayetteville, Sandstone, Glen Jean, Oak Hill, Mount Hope, Beaver, Hinton, and more.

When To Visit:

Despite being open all year round, this East Coast National Parks is busiest in the summer when visitors come to raft and kayak the river’s world-class rapids.

We went to the park in the middle of October, which we thought was perfect. The crowds were smaller than they would have been throughout the summer due to the mild weather. A fantastic time to view the colors of the trees changing is in the fall. The best time to see fall colors is typically mid- to late-October.

Spring is when visitors start to grow because whitewater rafting is one of the park’s most well-liked activities. Typically, trips begin in early April.

Where To Stay:

The nearest lodging option to the New River Gorge Bridge is in Fayetteville. Another place to stay when visiting New River Gorge National Park for easier access to the park is Beckley.

The distance in a car from Fayetteville to the New River Gorge Bridge is only 2 miles (3.2 km). No other lodging choice gives you as good of access to the bridge as those close to New River Gorge National Park.

Campground Locations:

The only camping options available at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are in the form of basic sites. Along the river are places to camp. These remote camping places have few restrooms, no hookups, and no running water.

In addition to one at Gauley River National Recreation Area, the park has other rustic camping spots. All are situated on well-maintained dirt roads, but they are frequently some distance from telephones, markets, and service stations.

Except for War Ridge, all of the camping at this East Coast National Parks locations offer simple access to the river for boating and fishing. The New River contains strong currents, stony banks and shoals, and abrupt drop offs, thus swimming is not advised. Wear a life jacket at all times and respect the New River!

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October 24, 2022 0 comments

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2 Best Acadia National Park Entrance Choices and 5 Visitor Centers

by John - Laurel Rodgers October 23, 2022

written by John - Laurel Rodgers

We offer your complete Acadia National Park entrance information including gates, amenities and hours of operations in this guide. There is also general information about fees and other information about getting around inside the park.

Acadia National Park is located on the rock-bound Maine island of Mount Desert. Soaring granite cliffs that border sand and cobblestone beaches can be found here. Mountains with deep lakes in their valleys that have been created by glaciers rise up from the ocean. Meadowlands, marshes, and substantial evergreen woods can also be found here. The ocean is perceptible everywhere, whether by sight, sound, or scent.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Acadia National Park?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

The Eastern Seaboard’s most breathtaking scenery and a wide range of wildlife can be found in Acadia National Park, which is open all year. The park’s 47,000 acres span the Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and a large portion of Mount Desert Island, which is off the coast of Maine.

Whether you choose to visit Acadia National Park for fall foliage, winter skiing, spring fishing, or summer walking, it is the perfect outdoor playground. The Hulls Cove Visitor Center or the administration building is where many tourists begin their exploration of the park.

Consider using an alternative entry during the busier summer months, such as the Welcome Center at Rockefeller Hall on the Schoodic Peninsula. Continue reading to find out more about the sole national park in Maine.

There are four Acadia National Park entrances to the popular Park Loop Road section of Acadia on Mount Desert Island however the 2 we cover, Hulls Cove and Sieur de Monts are preferred.

Hulls Cove Entrance, located on Route 3
Cadillac Mountain Entrance, located on the outskirts of Bar Harbor on Route 233
Sieur de Monts Entrance, located on Route 3 south of Bar Harbor
Stanley Brook Entrance, also located on Route 3 in the town of Seal Harbor.

Don’t forget to make your reservation for Cadillac Mountain.

There is a park shuttle that runs during peak season. The shuttle includes stops in Bar Harbor, Hulls Cove Visitor Center, and various places in the park. If you are struggling to find a parking space, or you are traveling without a car, you can get around by shuttle. Click here to learn more.

As you plan your trip and just before your visit, check road and trail conditions on the National Park Service website.

Acadia National Park Passes and Entrance Fees

All Acadia National Park visitors are required to have and display an Acadia National Park entrance pass. For more information about all entrance Acadia National Park Entrance Fee information and where to buy your Acadia National Park entrance pass, visit our Fees & Passes information below.

Acadia National Park Entrance Fee:

Current Acadia National Park entrance and visitors fees:

Acadia National Park Entrance Fee – Private Vehicle – $30.00

Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Valid for 7 days. If a vehicle pass is purchased, no other pass is necessary.

Acadia National Park Entrance Fee – Motorcycle – $25.00

Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Valid for 7 days.

Acadia National Park Entrance Fee – Per Person – $15.00

Admits one individual with no car (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Valid for 7 days.

Acadia National Park Visitors Entrance (19)

Acadia National Park Entrance Choices and Visitor Centers

check out our video

1. Hulls Cove Visitor Center

Acadia National Park Hours

Hulls Cove Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your Acadia National Park visit. Here you can find Acadia National Park passes and park rangers to answer your questions. Large, self-service maps and digital information screens help you plan your visit. You can also purchase items from the Acadia National Park Store.

Since its construction in the 1960s, visitors have taken their first ‘hike’ in Acadia up the center’s 52 steps. Follow the signs for accessible access. The visitor center operates seasonally. The actual address for Google Maps is 25 Visitor Center Road, Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Directions

From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take I-395 to U.S. Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.

Amenities

Automated Entrance, Benches/Seating, Bicycle – Rack, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Elevator

Acadia National Park passes For Sale, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Information, Information – Maps Available, Information – Ranger/Staff Member Present

Parking – Auto, Parking – Bus/RV,
Public Transit, Restroom, Restroom – Accessible,
Ticket Sales, Wheelchair Accessible

Hull Cove Center – Acadia National Park Hours

Sunday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Monday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

2. Sieur de Monts Nature Center

Sieur de Monts Nature Center has visitor services, hiking information, and interactive exhibits. It acts as a trailhead for many hiking trails starting in the Sieur de Monts area. Park rangers are present during the spring, summer, and fall months.

Sieur de Monts Nature Center is one of the park visitor centers and offers various exhibits on the “science behind the scenery” of Acadia.

Sieur de Monts, often referred to as the “Heart of Acadia.” Includes Sieur de Monts Spring and spring house, Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Abbe Museum(closed), the tarn, Great Meadow Wetland, and access to multiple historic memorial paths. It is the first major stopping point along the Park Loop Road.

At Sieur de Monts you can learn the natural and cultural history of Acadia through interpretive signs and hike trails of various lengths and difficulty and enjoy birdwatching. In the summer months you can speak with park staff at the Nature Center.

Sieur de Monts Nature Center – Acadia National Park Hours

Sunday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Monday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

3. Islesford Historical Museum

The Islesford Historical Museum is expected to reopen in 2021 showcasing both the upgrades and a community-curated exhibit helping to tell the stories of the Cranberry Isles.

Explore the Cranberry Isles and the lives of their hardy inhabitants in the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. On permanent exhibit in every corner of the museum are objects—many of them everyday tools of their time—that tell stories of island life: sextant and octants, harpoon gun and ship clocks, store ledgers and weights. In addition to the museum and interpretive exhibits, facilities include restrooms, drinking fountains, and a small bookstore.

Islesford Historical Museum – Acadia National Park Hours

Sunday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Monday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Friday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM

4. Rockefeller Welcome Center

Rockefeller Welcome Center is located on Schoodic Peninsula off the one-way loop road. Exhibits about the old Navy base and park information can be found here.

The Rockefeller Welcome Center is located on Big Moose Island, an island attached to the Schoodic Peninsula by a causeway. I did not stop by during my visit to the peninsula, so all I can report is that you can get park information here, and there are some exhibits about the former Navy Base to occupied the area. Hours are as follows:

Rockefeller Welcome Center – Acadia National Park Hours

Sunday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Monday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

5. Schoodic Woods Campground Ranger Station

Information, Camping, Island Explorer buses, and Acadia National Park passes.

Schoodic Woods Campground is located 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula. It is the only campground on the mainland section of the park.

Season Dates: May 25 through October 9, 2022 (subject to change)

Reservations are available 2 months in advance below and at recreation.gov

Camping – Acadia National Park Entrance Fee (Paid at time of reservation, not at the campground):

Hike-in tent sites (primitive): $22

Drive up tent/small RV (20 amp): $30

RV with electric only sites (20/30/50 amp): $36

RV with electric and water (20/30/50 amp): $40

Group tent sites: $60

Discounts are available for Senior and Access pass holders.

Schoodic Woods Campground Ranger Station – Acadia National Park Hours

Sunday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Monday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM

Above Information From United Park Service

About Your Visit

The biggest draw to Acadia is the Atlantic Ocean and it is easily accessible from any of the Acadia National Park entrances. The majority of activities—though not all—involve figuring out how to interact with it, whether that’s trekking along the coast, scaling the numerous pink granite cliffs, or sailing or kayaking to its offshore islands.

Experience it up close at locations like Thunder Hole, which bursts with surging waves, or Sand Beach, which may appear unimaginative to you but is a tribute to how uncommon sand beaches are here. Hike to the summit of one of its numerous barren peaks for expansive views. You can feel the force that shaped this place and the lives of the people who lived there no matter how you enter the park.

Despite being one of the ten most visited national parks, Acadia is also one of the smallest and busiest. The Cadillac Summit Road and its Acadia National Park entrance will now only be open to vehicles with reservations during the day, including at sunrise, when tens of thousands of people converge atop the East Coast’s highest point (1,529 feet) to see the sun break over Frenchman Bay.

For a portion of the year, Cadillac is also the first location to witness the dawn in the United States. The two-mile section of Ocean Drive that is home to the Jordan Pond House restaurant, where customers clamor for an airy popover with strawberry jam and a view of the Bubbles mountain peaks, is expected to see similar traffic management strategies in the future.

Moving Around the Park

Acadia National Park Entrance Fee

Your lifeline will be The Island Explorer. Once you pass the Acadia National Park entrance this will be the easiest way to skip the tiresome search for parking at well-known locations including Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond House, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole is to use this free shuttle bus. Mid-June to mid-October, Island Explorer runs continuously throughout the day and into the evening. Click here to learn more.

Ten routes connect Acadia National Park entrances to the MDI and Schoodic sections of Acadia with campers, motels, and village centers. I use it to trek alone along one of my favorite trails—the open, granite spines of the Champlain and Gorham Mountains (park at the Tarn on Route 3, ascend via Beachcroft Path, and follow the Champlain South Ridge and Gorham Mountain Trails to Monument Cove on Park Loop Road.

Leave No Trace

Acadia National Park entrances

As you clamber up a granite outcropping toward the mountain summit, a panorama—ocean, lakes, and forest—is only now coming into view as you have just emerged from the trees. In you elation, you want to take a stone and place it on the closest cairn as if to declare, “I was here!” Don’t do that, please.

The Bates cairn, named for Waldron Bates, who, like George Dorr, specialized in path construction on MDI in the early 20th century, is a distinctive stone trail marking in Acadia National Park. Four rocks make up a Bates cairn: two massive base stones spaced about a foot apart; a flat boulder on top of that; and a fourth rock pointing in the direction of the trail.

Original cairns that are more than 100 years old can be found in the park. In addition to messing with that history, excessive cairn-building also contributes to soil erosion, makes it difficult for hikers to follow a track, and diminishes the beauty of nature. Friends of Acadia has a team of volunteer ridge runners whose goal it is to dismantle illegal cairns and inform hikers to leave no trace because it is such an annoyance.

Instead of creating your own memorial, resist the desire and instead, take a selfie. Leaving no trace is the only way we can keep the raw beauty of the park for the next generation. This is the credo of OBE on every trip we take no matter what Continent, Country, City, Park or location we visit. Enjoy your trip to the park.

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October 23, 2022 0 comments

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