April 19 – 27 marks the celebration of National Park Week where people are invited to visit, honor, and protect these magnificent places across the country. Our staff members have each selected their favorite protected area under the U.S. National Park System. What would be yours? Check out what we said below:
Big Bend National Park (Texas)
Carrie Clark, Executive Director
I took a motorcycle ride to and in Big Bend National Park during an amazing desert spring bloom. We hit snow on the way home in New Mexico; we “borrowed” some ocotillo (outside of the park!) from the roadside that didn’t fare well in NC. And, yes, we made the obligatory visit to the beer drinking goat in Terlingua.
Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts)
Dan Crawford, Director of Governmental Relations
Second only to the beaches of North Carolina, Cape Cod National Seashore is one of my favorite places to visit. I have been several times, and each time, our family has the opportunity to see and explore new places.
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Debra Rezeli, Director of Engagement
My husband and I visited Bryce Canyon 14 years ago on our 5th wedding anniversary. It was the the beginning of our great “desert adventure” which included Bryce, Zion, Arches, and paddling through the Canyonlands on the Green and Colorado rivers into Lake Powell. The landscape was like nothing I had ever seen in person. This photo captures the sheer joy of the experience.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
Robin Smith, Enforcement Program Director
My favorite has to be the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The plant diversity is amazing. Every year, the park serves as the host to the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, an annual four-day event full of wildflower, fauna, and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. It’s absolutely incredible. You can learn more about this event here.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan)
Katie Paulson, Online Engagement Coordinator
Visiting in the summer of 2013, my fiancé (Aaron) and I were able to spend a day at Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Between the multitude of waterfalls, hiking trails, and incredible views, we tell everyone that we meet to take the trek north and revel in this breathtaking part of our country!
