Wondering when to visit the Mighty 5 or which parks are best for kids? Trying to figure out if staying inside the park is really worth the price? This episode of Exploring the National Parks is packed with tips and personal stories to help you plan smarter for 2026!

In this episode, we cover:

Your task for today: We want to know whether or not you think Exploring the National Parks should be a video podcast! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know your thoughts!

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/qa-recreation-gov-loophole-hidden-gems-alaska-parks-and-utahs-mighty-five/ 

Planning your own 2026 adventure?

Sunshine, salty breezes, and three incredible Florida national parks in one unforgettable road trip: Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. Ready to chase wildlife, island-hop through the Keys, and discover Florida's wildest surprises in these national parks?

Welcome to our 10-day Florida national parks road trip! 

In this episode, we cover:

Your task for today: Tell us which park on this Florida road trip you are MOST excited to explore (Everglades, Biscayne, or Dry Tortugas) over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page!

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/10-day-florida-national-parks-road-trip/ 

Planning your own Florida adventure?

Congaree National Park feels alive in every direction, thriving with creatures, towering trees, and raw, wild energy. Step inside this primordial world with us and experience the Southeast as it once was through five fun facts! 

In this episode, we cover:

Your task for today: Watch The Patriot and notice how the swampy, river-filled landscape mirrors the real environments around Congaree. Then start dreaming about your own visit to this wild place! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think.

Planning your own Congaree adventure?

Episode 130: Exploring Congaree National Park: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-congaree-national-park-best-tips-activities/ 

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Acadia National Park in July was a whirlwind of foggy mornings, lobster feasts, and sweaty summit hikes! From heated parking lot showdowns at Jordan Pond to the peaceful waves of Schoodic Point, this trip was full of surprises, laughs, and plenty of learning moments.

In this episode, we cover:

Your task for today: We hope we've convinced you that Acadia is still worth the trip, even with its challenges! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes  Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think. Have you ever witnessed a parking lot brawl or cried over the fog in a National Park? We'd love to hear your story!

Planning your own Acadia adventure?

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/acadia-trip-report/

The swamp lights up like a galaxy, and the forest hums with life you can hear before you see. Congaree surprised us in the best way, and we left with our socks knocked clean off!

In this episode, we cover:

Your task for today: Make sure to head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know if you’re more excited to see the spiders or the snakes. Bonus points if you have been to Congaree and have stories to share!

Planning your own Congaree adventure?

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Ghostly holiday parties, dancing desert lights, and a low‑tide cave with a mind of its own. Ready to let curiosity win for one spooky night?

In this episode, we cover:

Your task for today: We hope we've convinced you that there's a lot more to our national parks than meets the eye! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages and let us know what you think. What's your favorite spooky story from a national park?

Planning your own spooky adventures?

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/haunted-national-parks-vol-3/

Yosemite National Park never fails to surprise! This summer, we came for waterfalls and ended up with falling trees, surprise bear encounters, and a lot of laughs along the way. From Yosemite Valley to the High Sierra, every turn revealed the beauty of Yosemite and the persistence of life thriving in every corner of the park.

In this episode, we cover:

The highs and lows of our 2025 trip to Yosemite National Park!

Timing your visit and the best time to explore Yosemite

Iconic sights like Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan

Six lessons we learned from unexpected events, including weather and wildlife encounters

Your task for today: Head over to the @DirtinMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages and share your Yosemite plans for 2026! Are you chasing waterfalls, hiking near Half Dome, or exploring the High Sierra? Tell us your dream spots and what you’re most excited to see.

Planning your own Yosemite adventure?

Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/

National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 

Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yosemite-trip-report/

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re back in the deep, dark underworld of Mammoth Cave, but this time, we’re getting a little nerdy with our five favorite fun facts! 

We're diving into the many layers of this incredible park to discuss some of its most fascinating secrets, from its geological origins to its rich human history. Join us as we get super excited about science, chat a little bit about Lord of the Rings, and share five mind-blowing things you never knew about this amazing national park.

Join us as we discuss...

We hope we've convinced you that Mammoth Cave is much more than a bunch of empty tunnels. Make sure to put it on your National Park bucket list! 

Your task for today: Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages, and let us know what you think! What are you most excited about when it comes to this park? We'd love to hear from you!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

Getting ready for a trip to Mammoth Cave, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're taking you on a trip report of our summer research journey to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks!

Join us as we share our honest and hilarious lessons learned, from the shockingly subpar lodging to some serious, heart-stopping experiences with rivers, falling trees, and even a rogue bear. Get ready for a dose of reality and a whole lot of fun as we help you navigate Sequoia Kings!

Join us as we discuss...

If you’re planning your first or your next trip to Sequoia Kings, we hope these lessons will help you have a smooth and unforgettable trip! 

If you have any of your own stories to share about Sequoia Kings, be sure to head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram pages and let us know!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

Getting ready for a trip to Sequoia Kings, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re going on a journey deep underground to Mammoth Cave National Park! 

Get ready to explore the world's longest cave system, but be prepared to adjust your expectations as we explain why this cave is more about its sheer size and history than dazzling rock formations. We’re sharing our favorite tours, including one that might feel a little too familiar to Lord of the Rings fans, as well as our hilarious mishaps while navigating tight spots and low ceilings.

Join us as we discuss...

Whether you're a seasoned caving pro or just curious about what lies beneath the surface, we hope these tips will have you ready to explore this spectacular underground world. Just be sure to check how tall you are before you go! 

Today’s task: Would you prefer to take a tour to learn about the human history of Mammoth Cave, or are you more interested in learning about the domes and dripstones? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

Getting ready for a trip to Mammoth Cave, or another national park? Check out our free resources, including more podcast episodes, a master reservation list, a national park checklist, and a trip packing list to keep your trip planning stress-free!