National Park Adventures

Have you ever dreamt of exploring the enchanting trails of Acadia National Park? What if you could virtually traverse its majestic terrain, get introduced to hidden gems and learn about its rich history, all while sitting comfortably in your living room? Join me, Ashley, as I guide you through the breathtaking beauty of Acadia National Park, established in 1919 as the 14th National Park in the USA. Nestled among private lands on Mount Desert Island, this park offers a unique layout and unparalleled natural splendor. From introductions to the visitor center, entrances, and information centers, to an adventurous boat ride to the Schoodic Peninsula and the Isle au Haut, I share insider tips on when to visit and how to plan your trip to this remarkable treasure of nature.

But our journey doesn’t end there! Now that you're familiar with the park's layout and history, let's stroll along the iconic trails and dive into outdoor activities that make Acadia a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you prefer a peaceful walk around Jordan Pond or a challenging hike on Champlain Mountain Northridge Trail, I have you covered. Not a fan of hiking? No worries! I'll take you on a virtual bike ride through Schoodic Loop and Park Loop Road, and even introduce the car-free 45 miles of carriage roads. And for those who love water sports, get ready to canoe and kayak through Acadia's serene waters. This comprehensive guide is sure to equip you with everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit to Acadia National Park. So, are you ready to embark on this virtual adventure?

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Buckle up as I transport you to the captivating landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park in California! This episode promises to guide you through the mesmerizing terrain of this National Park, brimming with rich history, diverse trails, and bustling activities. Let's discover the tales of the park's first inhabitants, cattlemen, miners, and homesteaders, and honor the legacy of Minerva Hoyet, a staunch environmentalist who contributed immensely to the preservation of this desert landscape. Along the way, we'll explore the wonderous attractions of Covington Flats, Eureka Peak Overlook, and the Cholla Cactus Garden, among others.

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to conquer the trails of Joshua Tree! From the scenic vistas of Hike View Nature Trail to the intriguing formations of Skull Rock on Discovery Trail, from the challenging climb of Ryan Mountain to the elusive fan palms of Lost Palms Oasis Trail - I cover it all. I also shed light on cycling and rock climbing opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. So, whether you're planning your next big adventure or simply seeking a virtual escapade, this episode is your ticket to the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. Join us on this vivid journey and let's create unforgettable memories together!

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

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Do you love to explore the mountains and forest landscape? Do you love historic sites and scenic drives? Then this national park is for you! You won’t want to miss this episode of National Park Adventures!

Join Ashley on her adventures through Grand Teton National Park! She will give a background of the park’s history, an overview of the park, what her and her fiancé did on their trip, and tips/tricks to the park. 

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to learn all about Grand Teton National Park!

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures) 

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures)

Have a long weekend and want to visit a National Park? Here are 5 easy access National Parks for your next weekend getaway. You won’t want to miss this episode of National Park Adventures!

Join Ashley and discover the perfect national park for your next weekend getaway! 

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to learn all about America’s National Parks!

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures) 

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures)

Have a long weekend and want to visit a National Park? Here are 5 easy access National Parks for your next weekend getaway. You won’t want to miss this episode of National Park Adventures!

Join Ashley and discover the perfect national park for your next weekend getaway! 

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to learn all about Rocky Mountain National Park!

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures) 

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures)

Do you love to explore the mountains and forest landscape? Then this national park is for you! You won’t want to miss this episode of National Park Adventures!

Join Ashley on her adventures through Rocky Mountain National Park! She will give a background of the park’s history, an overview of the park, what her and her fiancé did on their trip, and tips/tricks to the park. 

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to learn all about Rocky Mountain National Park!

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures) 

Resources:

More info on Long’s Peak Hike: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/longs_peak_faq.htm 

Rocky Mountain NPS Website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm 

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

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Do you want to explore the world’s longest known cave? Do you love exploring the outdoors by hiking, canoeing or horseback? You won’t want to miss this episode of National Park Adventures!

Join Ashley on her adventures through Mammoth Cave National Park! She will give a background of the park’s history, an overview of the park, what her and her fiancé did on their trip, and tips/tricks to the park. 

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to learn all about Mammoth Cave National Park!

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures) and Twitter (@npadventures)

Resources:

Canoe & Kayak Rentals

·        Caveland Kayak & Canoe LLC - https://www.cavelandkayak.com/#KayakCanoeRentals

·        Green River Canoeing - https://greenrivercanoing.com/

·        Mammoth Cave Canoe & Kayak - https://adventuresofmammothcave.com/

Horseback Riding: Double J Riding Stables - https://www.doublejstables.com/

Cave Tours - https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm

Lodging

·        The Lodge at Mammoth Cave - https://mammothcavelodge.com/

·        Grand Victorian Inn - https://www.grandvictorianinnky.com/

·        Hickory Cabins - https://thehickorycabins.com/

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

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Did you know that there is a plant on Haleakala that grows nowhere else in the world? Do you love sunrises or sunsets? You won’t want to miss this episode of National Park Adventures!

Join Ashley on her adventures through Haleakala National Park! She will give a background of the park’s history, an overview of the park, what her and her fiancé did on their trip, and tips/tricks to the park. 

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to learn all about Haleakala National Park!

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures) and Twitter (@npadventures)

Resources:

Tour Companies

·        Haleakala Ecotours - https://haleakalaecotours.com/ 

·        Valley Isle Excursions - https://www.tourmaui.com/tours/haleakala-sunrise-tour/ 

·        Skyline Eco-Adventures - https://www.skylinehawaii.com/#tours 

·        Polynesian Adventure Tours - https://www.polyad.com/tour-destination/maui/ 

Restaurants

·        Kula Lodge - https://kulalodge.com/restaurant/

·        Kula Bistro - https://kulabistro.com/ 

·        Kula Sandalwoods - https://kulasandalwoods.com/ 

Planning Assistance

·        National Park Site - https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm 

·        The Adventure Handbook To Haleakala National Park by Aaron Rodriguez (new book, just came out in January 2023); only $12 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Handbook-Haleakala-National-Park/dp/B0BT6Y6MWT/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1W7UU8TUOMA8S&keywords=haleakala+national+park+book&qid=1680118563&sprefix=haleakala+national+park+book%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-6 

Haleakala National Park Map by National Geographic - $15 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Haleakala-National-Geographic-Trails-Illustrated/dp/1566954045/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1W7UU8TUOMA8S&keywords=haleakala+national+park+book&qid=1680118686&sprefix=haleakala+national+park+book%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFESTVEWUcxR0RHOTQmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAyMzYwMjMzQjhPQzZGTUExR0M4JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxMjQwMTIxRlZVSFU0WllFUERZJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== 

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

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Did you know that all but one bathhouse on Bathhouse Row closed during the 1960s? Did you know that Hot Springs could have been the first national park? You won’t want to miss this episode of National Park Adventures!

Join Ashley on her adventures through Hot Springs National Park! She will give a background of the park’s history, an overview of the park, what her and her fiancé did on their trip, and tips/tricks to the park. 

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to learn all about Hot Springs National Park!

If you enjoyed the show, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures) and Twitter (@npadventures)

Resources:

Soak in Springs

·        Quapaw Bathhouse - https://www.quapawbaths.com/services 

·        Buckstaff Bathhouse - http://www.buckstaffbaths.com/ 

Tours/Things to Do

·        Hot Springs Haunted Tours - https://www.hotspringshauntedtours.com/

·        Hot Springs Trolley - https://www.hotspringstrolley.com/

Restaurants

·        Superior Bathhouse - https://www.superiorbathhouse.com/ 

·        The Pancake Shop - http://www.pancakeshop.com/ 

·        The Ohio Club - https://www.theohioclub.com/ 

·        Grateful Head Pizza Oven and Beer Garden - http://gratefulheadpizza.com/ 

Places to Stay

·        Hale Bathhouse Hotel - https://www.hotelhale.com/

·        Arlington Resort & Spa - http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/ 

·        The Waters Hotel - https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hottsup-the-waters-hot-springs/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-UP-HOTTSUP&y_source=1_MTc1ODU4OTYtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D 

Planning

·        Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks ($22 on Amazon) - https://a.co/d/f69x85q 

·        Hot Springs National Park Website - https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm 

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures)

Join Ashley on her adventures through Glacier National Park! She will give a background of the park’s history, an overview of the park, what her and her fiancé did on their trip, and tips/tricks to the park. 

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to learn all about Glacier National Park!

Resources:

• Kayak Rental & Bear Spray: Glacier Outfitters (https://www.goglacieroutfitters.com/bear-spray-rental-glacier-national-park/)
• Boat Tour Company: Glacier Park Boat Company (https://www.glacierparkboats.com/)
• Entrance Park Pass: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/fees.htm
• Great Books for Planning Your Trip: 
  • Top Trails: Glacier National Park by Jean Arthur - $19 on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0899977340/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  • Moon Glacier National Park: Hiking, Camping, Lakes & Peaks (Travel Guide) by Becky Lomax - $16 on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Glacier-National-Park-Camping/dp/1640494375/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=glacier+national+park&qid=1679066238&sprefix=glacier+nation%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-5)

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider rating the show and/or leaving a review, it truly means the world to me!

Follow National Park Adventures on Instagram (@_nationalparkadventures)