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We’ve been waiting in our homes and local dive bars for the temperatures to rise, both for our collective mental health and for the opening of our state and national parks to let us get back to the woodland adventures which keep us sane. According to celebrity groundhog Sand Mountain Sam, that time is coming sooner than expected, so let’s get our passes and take a look at some of the places opening up for the freshly thawed adventurer.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
With over 200,000 acres of forest in which black bear, deer, and many species of birds live, the expansive park in northern Virginia opens for full service on March 8th. Whether you are car camping or doing it the way nature intended in a tent, both Skyline Drive and the many trails are available to the public until winter of 2024. Only an hour and a half from Washington D.C., there is no reason not to make a stop if you’re near the nation’s capital.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Known as a “land of extremes”, these 265,800 acres in the Colorado mountain range contain several distinct biomes, from forest meadows to glacial lakes. Opening for the spring / summer season on May 24th, the park is attempting to use a timed entry system to keep the many visitors to this landmark from being crowded, giving all visitors the chance to enjoy it. With over 300 miles of hiking trails to walk (or ruck for training), a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is a must.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
While Crater Lake technically doesn’t close for seasons, the end of the winter cycle does come with access to parts of the park that aren’t available year-round. Home to the deepest lake in the United States and one of the most pristine in the world, Crater Lake was created almost 8,000 years ago when a peak in the Cascade Mountain Range detonated unexpectedly. Curiously, despite how long ago this event occurred, there were humans present to witness it. Perhaps that means it’s time for you to witness the park for yourself.
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