Exploring National Parks with Travelodge: A Guide to Seasonal Activities and Special Offers
Travelodge, with its numerous locations near national parks, has been a popular choice for park enthusiasts. It also promotes the conservation of these natural treasures, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Before you embark on your journey to any of these parks, it’s recommended to visit the National Park Service website for updates on closures and other vital information.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, lush forests, and gushing mountain streams. The park becomes even more enchanting during the fall when the leaves change color. The timing of this spectacle varies each year, depending on factors like elevation and temperature. A drive along Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway offers visitors a chance to witness the vibrant hues of various tree species in the park.
For a different perspective, consider a guided horseback ride through some of the park’s 550 miles of horse-friendly trails. These rides are available from mid-March to late November. More information about horse riding can be found on the park’s NPS site.
The park’s diverse elevation and geographical position make it accessible even in winter. With proper gear and preparation, visitors can explore snow-covered peaks, or stick to the lower elevation trails which often remain snow-free. Always check the NPS site for any road or trail closures, regardless of the season.
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is another must-visit. Known for its unique rock formations called hoodoos, the park boasts the largest concentration of these structures on Earth. As the weather cools down in autumn and transitions into winter, the park’s red rocks, pink cliffs, and evergreens get a dusting of snow, offering a different yet equally mesmerizing view.
During the winter season, the park offers a variety of activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. It’s advisable to check the weather conditions beforehand and pack suitable clothing and equipment, including boot traction devices. The park also organizes annual winter events, like the Christmas Bird Count held every December. This event, one of the oldest citizen science surveys globally, invites bird lovers and casual observers to collect bird data within a 15-mile radius, aiding researchers. Participants can join teams at the visitor center and choose from various routes, ranging from challenging hikes to leisurely drives. More information about the Christmas Bird Count can be found on the park’s website.
For those interested in astronomy, the park’s clear, cool night skies offer fantastic stargazing opportunities. During a full moon, the park organizes special nighttime hikes. These hikes, subject to weather conditions, last between 60 to 120 minutes and cover a distance of 1-2 miles through the park’s hoodoos under the moonlight. Reservations are required for these hikes, and more information can be found on the park’s website.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, located in DC and Maryland, offers a plethora of activities for visitors during the fall and winter seasons. The park boasts a 184.5-mile towpath along the Potomac River, perfect for admiring the autumn leaves. Visitors can explore this path on foot or, with some planning, enjoy a ride on the Charles F. Mercer, a replica of an 1870s pack boat. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Great Falls Visitor Center. Once on board, visitors can learn about the history of the canal and its constructors, including Charles Fenton Mercer, who initiated the canal’s construction in 1823.
Winter adventurers can enjoy a range of activities at the C&O Canal, including sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. However, visitors must adhere to the park’s rules and regulations to ensure they avoid restricted areas and practice responsible visitation. For those preferring indoor activities, the park offers interactive exhibits and historic buildings. The Cumberland Visitor Center, located in the Western Maryland Railway station, features an extensive exhibit area with interactive displays about the canal’s history and a life-size section of a canal boat.
Whether you choose to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, or Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park, both NPCA and Travelodge encourage responsible park visitation. Travelodge, in collaboration with the National Parks Conservation Association, is committed to promoting the preservation of our national parks. With its proximity to these parks, Travelodge provides a convenient basecamp for adventurers. From February 21, 2023, to June 22, 2024, NPCA members can avail up to 20% off their stay at any Travelodge, with 5% of the proceeds being donated to NPCA.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, lush forests, and gushing mountain streams. The park becomes even more enchanting during the fall when the leaves change color. The timing of this spectacle varies each year, depending on factors like elevation and temperature. A drive along Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway offers visitors a chance to witness the vibrant hues of various tree species in the park.
For a different perspective, consider a guided horseback ride through some of the park’s 550 miles of horse-friendly trails. These rides are available from mid-March to late November. More information about horse riding can be found on the park’s NPS site.
The park’s diverse elevation and geographical position make it accessible even in winter. With proper gear and preparation, visitors can explore snow-covered peaks, or stick to the lower elevation trails which often remain snow-free. Always check the NPS site for any road or trail closures, regardless of the season.
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is another must-visit. Known for its unique rock formations called hoodoos, the park boasts the largest concentration of these structures on Earth. As the weather cools down in autumn and transitions into winter, the park’s red rocks, pink cliffs, and evergreens get a dusting of snow, offering a different yet equally mesmerizing view.
During the winter season, the park offers a variety of activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. It’s advisable to check the weather conditions beforehand and pack suitable clothing and equipment, including boot traction devices. The park also organizes annual winter events, like the Christmas Bird Count held every December. This event, one of the oldest citizen science surveys globally, invites bird lovers and casual observers to collect bird data within a 15-mile radius, aiding researchers. Participants can join teams at the visitor center and choose from various routes, ranging from challenging hikes to leisurely drives. More information about the Christmas Bird Count can be found on the park’s website.
For those interested in astronomy, the park’s clear, cool night skies offer fantastic stargazing opportunities. During a full moon, the park organizes special nighttime hikes. These hikes, subject to weather conditions, last between 60 to 120 minutes and cover a distance of 1-2 miles through the park’s hoodoos under the moonlight. Reservations are required for these hikes, and more information can be found on the park’s website.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, located in DC and Maryland, offers a plethora of activities for visitors during the fall and winter seasons. The park boasts a 184.5-mile towpath along the Potomac River, perfect for admiring the autumn leaves. Visitors can explore this path on foot or, with some planning, enjoy a ride on the Charles F. Mercer, a replica of an 1870s pack boat. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Great Falls Visitor Center. Once on board, visitors can learn about the history of the canal and its constructors, including Charles Fenton Mercer, who initiated the canal’s construction in 1823.
Winter adventurers can enjoy a range of activities at the C&O Canal, including sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. However, visitors must adhere to the park’s rules and regulations to ensure they avoid restricted areas and practice responsible visitation. For those preferring indoor activities, the park offers interactive exhibits and historic buildings. The Cumberland Visitor Center, located in the Western Maryland Railway station, features an extensive exhibit area with interactive displays about the canal’s history and a life-size section of a canal boat.
Whether you choose to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, or Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park, both NPCA and Travelodge encourage responsible park visitation. Travelodge, in collaboration with the National Parks Conservation Association, is committed to promoting the preservation of our national parks. With its proximity to these parks, Travelodge provides a convenient basecamp for adventurers. From February 21, 2023, to June 22, 2024, NPCA members can avail up to 20% off their stay at any Travelodge, with 5% of the proceeds being donated to NPCA.
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