Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Government Shutdown?

Unless Congress and the President agree on a budget in the next few days, a sizable chunk of the government - including the national parks - will close at midnight Friday.  If you've got a trip planned to a national park this month, don't panic!  As this blog seeks to reveal, there are plenty of worthy alternatives to consider.  Here's my quick list of state parks and national forests near some of the country's most popular national parks. 



* It is unclear whether access to national forests will be shut down; I assume access will not be denied, even if the ranger offices will be unstaffed. 


Yellowstone?  Try Custer and Gallatin National Forests
At this point on the Beartooth Highway, Wet Boots said, "The weather doesn't look too bad."  And No Bears replied, "Are you kidding?  It looks like we're heading into Mordor."
Custer and Gallatin National Forests cover the entire northern range of Yellowstone.  They are near the "big city" of Bozeman and several smaller towns, including my personal favorite, Red Lodge.  Within Custer NF is Granite Peak, Montana's highest point, and an incredible amount of hiking trails, complete with wildlife and hidden lakes. 


Can't See Glacier National Park?  Try Waterton

Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park is the second half of the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park.  You can stay at Prince of Wales Hotel, see the glacial lakes and peaks, and hike some of the best high alpine trails in North America.  You just need a passport.  

Can't See Everglades National Park?  Try ... More Everglades!

The everglades are much larger than what you find in the national park, as I just discussed.  Between state parks like Picayune Strand State Forest and wilderness management areas like the Everglades & Francis S. Taylor WMA, there are literally hundreds of miles of everglades to explore.

Can't See Shenandoah National Park?  Try George Washington National Forest
View on the Signal Knob trail (review coming soon).
The George Washington National Forest is less than 30 minutes from SNP and is several times larger.  Try the Strickler Knob trail for starters.

Can't See Canyonlands?  Try Goblin Valley State Park or Little Wild Horse Canyon

I have not been to either park, but they are on the top of my list for heading out to Utah.  You can also check out Dead Horse State Park, which is also in the Canyonlands vicinity.


There are many more options out there, but this should get you started.  Have a great trip!

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