Post by Rockindad on Dec 20, 2021 20:24:44 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of our National Parks and have visited many. My favorite vacations are road trips centered around visiting 2-4 parks and doing some other stuff along the way. While I prefer to get away from the crowds and do some more extended hiking, the nice thing about the parks is that they have something for every level of physical ability or adventurism. Just about all of them offer great views from overlooks that you can drive up to and pretty easy walks on fairly level ground, some even have boardwalks. Off the top of my head, some that have the must see factor (for me anyway) that fit your criteria:
-Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP, California. The shear size of these trees is hard to comprehend unless standing among them. Redwood NP is also wonderful and the trees are taller but have smaller diameters. Both parks offer many easy "hiking" paths that are more like leisurely walks with big payoffs.
-We just visited Acadia NP in Maine this past summer and there was a lot to see from relatively flat land. There are also surrounding towns that the wife could visit while you explore if you do not mind splitting up. I had the best pie I've ever had in my life there and also some of the best ice cream, a definite plus. There are also various tours that will take you on the water- whales, dolphins, etc.
-It's been some time but I remember Arches NP in Utah having a lot of easy walking paths with great views.
-Mammoth Cave NP in Kentucky has some great cave tours that are no more than a leisurely stroll that will let you see parts of the largest cave system in the world.
I could go on and on But don't want to take over your thread. Check out www.nps.gov/index.htm for more ideas. There are also a lot of historical sites which are almost always easily accessible.
Despite the political cesspool D.C. is also a great place to visit. The various Smithsonian museums, monuments...........The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was very powerful.
Philadelphia: very walkable, great food, lots of historical sites................
Rockindad BTW you peaked my interest when you mentioned PIE!!!!!! I don't have birthday cake I always request pie. Maybe I should have said retiring tell me the best places around the country for pie.