fastflyer

I have been to 33 of our National Parks

Yosemite might be the most beautiful spot on Earth. I know of no place more stunning. The crowds can be a distraction, but if you can get there in the right weather and at the right moment, it befits the word awesome.

I also love Yellowstone. It is the quintessentially American National Park.

FlitBen

Yes, Yosemite is very nice even as a day trip.

okbuddyboi

My vote goes to Yosemite. Beautiful landscapes and was very peaceful. Was also nice to visit the place where my wallpaper for the past several years was shot at (Mac user here)

Eireann

I've been to nearly all of them, and my favorite is Yellowstone. I think it has the most unique landscapes and a great array of wildlife. It's also large enough that you can spread out and get away from others.

Yosemite is my #2 pick, for the view from Tunnel View alone. Absolutely stunning.

CDTraveler

What many don't realize is that there is more than one kind of National Park. That link brings up the camp-in-the-wild sort of parks, but there are also National Historical Parks, National Historic Trails, National Seashore parks, historic National Monuments, National Battlefield Parks, and several more categories - https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm has them listed by state or territory.

I've spent multiple weeks in both Yosemite and Yellowstone, and love them both. But visiting Gettysburg and studying what happened there in July 1863 can take your breath away. Hiking/backpacking on some of the historic trails gives you a hint of what this land was like 100, 200, maybe even 1,000 years ago. Everyone with an interest in social justice should visit some of the historical sites illuminating the treatment of Native Americans.

And while Valley Forge and Independence Hall may be cliches, there's a lot to learn from both of them.

Section 107

Great points.

and pretty good cheese-steaks within walking distance....