Tag: Park

Travel Experts Are Raving About This Secret State Park

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September is here, so you know what that means now that Labor Day has swiftly passed us by.

It’s time to swap out your summery white attire for checkered flannels and comfy jeans to enjoy the cool breeze with a soulful PSL in hand.

This time of year, as some beaches become less desirable as temperatures begin to dwindle, more of us are inclined toward weekend getaways in rustic mountain towns and vibrant parks, many of which can be found in the South.

If you’ve been following us at Travel Off Path, you know how much we’re drawn to the South, whether it be paradise beaches, underrated metropolises or small town hideaways.

Though this time, we’re happy to share a highly underrated state park that travel experts at Southern Living are raving about as one of their next go-to destinations.

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in some of Appalachia’s most beautiful autumn scenery with far fewer crowds than the household names we’ve all grown to love, the Blackwater Falls State Park is just the place.

‘Take Me Home’ To West Virginia’s Majestic State Park

With the kids back in school, that’s not the only sigh of relief this fall. You can visit breathtaking destinations in a postcard setting.

Yosemite or Yellowstone likely come to mind first when it comes to a dreamy getaway surrounded by lush nature, but don’t skip the flip side of America that somehow largely remains under wraps.

Appalachia is quite a sprawl covering numerous states, but one that sticks out the most to avoid the hordes of selfie sticks ready to poke your eye out is West Virginia.

Despite John Denver’s best try, the “Mountain State” still remains a true hidden gem for most.

Despite holding an impressive 4.8 Google rating with over 6,000 reviews, you don’t have to worry about being another face in the crowd here.

Lines, if any, are reasonable, fellow hikers are respectable and won’t cramp the trails, and photo-ops won’t cause a ruckus.

Of course, with a name like Blackwater Falls, you can probably muster up an excellent guess for the top attractions.

Cue TLC because it’s time to go waterfall chasin’, but given its lesser-known status, you likely aren’t ‘used to’ these rivers and…well… there are no lakes, actually.

The Blackwater River fuels the park’s signature waterfall, the staggering Blackwater Falls, which stands approximately 60 feet high and features an easily accessible observation deck below to take in the awe-inspiring view. Additionally, the Elakala Falls series comprises a set of four alternative cascades along Shay Run.

One Of The Most Photographed Destinations In West Virginia

Whether it be calendars, billboards, or tourists snapping unforgettable pics, Blackwater Falls State Park is one of WV’s most photographed destinations…

…and it’s not solely for the cascading falls.

This park is also a leaf-peeper’s paradise — so much so that West Virginia’s tourism board just released its annual Fall Foliage Forecast so you can time your trip just right to witness the park in its autumn glory.

Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook are the best spots for sweeping views of kaleidoscopic canopies from elevated viewpoints.

There are over 20 miles of trails through the vibrant forestry for skills of all levels. And there are other fun activities, such as biking and fishing, too, as the river is stocked with numerous species of fish, including Catfish and, most famously, Rainbow Trout.

Plus, there are ample cabins to rent that include wifi. No need to wait to upload your epic photos!

Southern Living Hypes Up 2 Neighboring Towns

Southern Living’s editors claim to be chomping at the bit to find themselves in the midst of full autumnal bloom in this vast state park.

But there are also a couple of charming heartthrobs nearby that shouldn’t be skipped either. Those would be the towns of Thomas and Davis.

We reported on the latter recently as one of America’s most surprising destinations with new resorts.

Boasting the new Valley View Cabin Resort costing a whopping $20mil to complete, rave reviews have poured in.

Find yourself waking up to stunning scenery from your private cabanas (with jacuzzis!), smokeless fire pits, and expansive front porches with views stretching for miles on end.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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September 4, 2025
Midwest Magic: This Underrated National Park Has Postcard Waterfalls And A Fall Foliage Train Ride
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Those in the know claim ‘Midwest is best’, but is that only because it’s a catchy rhyme?

Between so many underrated cities often overlooked by the coastal allure of sun, sand, and ocean breeze, much of the Midwest goes by the wayside.

With the exception of Chicago, travelers are missing out on some of the best fall escapes smack dab in the middle of the U.S., where fall colors transform city skylines and park treetops for miles on end.

One such place is even overlooked in their own state, let alone the entire Midwest region.

Forget Cincinnati and even trendy Columbus, and venture into Cuyahoga Valley National Park for epic waterfalls and a scenic fall train ride through a rush of vibrant foliage.

50 Years Of Year-Round Astounding Nature, But Fall is Best!

Located between Cleveland and Akron lies Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the Midwest’s most serene destinations to immerse in fall splendor.

Celebrating 50 years since being designated as an official National Park, the National Park Service (NPS) has announced ‘50 new ways to experience‘ this magical hidden gem.

Fall is when the crowds pick up, however.

The NPS recommends visiting on weekdays as early as possible or squeezing in a trip later in the day to better your chances of finding a parking space.

October is definitely the best month to leaf-peep and snap incredible photos throughout the 33,000-acre park.

There are ample hiking trails to check out the lush, vibrant scenery. NPS recommends these 3 trails for the best photo-ops this fall:
- Brandywine Gorge Trail
- Oak Hill Trail
- Ledges Trail
Go Chasing Waterfalls! Cuyahoga Valley Boasts More Than Fall Colors

Majestic waterfalls often seem like a distant dream to reach, but that’s not the case at all.

Sure, you can jet off to natural wonders such as Iceland, or perhaps visit cheesy over-fluffed attractions like Niagara Falls, but there are actually many other places with similar scenery tucked away in our National Parks – Cuyahoga Valley being one of them.

There are at least 8 noteworthy waterfalls well worth a visit within the park grounds.

According to the Conservancy For Cuyahoga Valley National Park, these waterfalls are the 5 most visible for your next fall adventure:
1. Great Falls
2. Bridal Veil Falls
3. Alexander Falls
4. Deer Lick Cave Area
5. Mudcatcher Falls
That being said, Brandywine Falls usually tops the list for visitors.

This flowing waterfall cascading nearly 70 feet into a picturesque gorge offers views both high and low, receiving rave reviews from recent visitors like, “This is a great waterfall. The boardwalk and stairs seems to be quite well maintained. It’s plenty wide enough for people (and their pets) to walk in each direction. The falls themselves were very picturesque.”

Plus, this waterfall is equipped to stay as long as you like with picnic areas, water fountains (no, not the actual waterfall!), and spotlessly clean restrooms, according to parkgoers in multiple reviews.

Grab A Window Seat On The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Hiking through the vast forestry of Cuyahoga Valley is a great time, but why not level up on a scenic train ride guided by the pros?

Sit back and relax as you pass through gorgeous scenery along the rapid Cuyahoga River, with promising chances to spot wildlife such as eagles, deer, and a variety of birds.

Suitable for all ages, the 2-hour round-trip is perfect to keep the kiddos entertained while the grown-ups enjoy an adult beverage on-board.

For fall, you’ll want to book the National Park Scenic excursion priced between $18 – 39 depending on your class selection.

The train departs from Peninsula Depot in Peninsula, OH and tickets are available for purchase online with plenty of dates to choose from.

Given the journey is only 2 hours in total, many visitors splurge on Upper Dome seating, offering domed carts with panoramic views where there’s no such thing as a bad seat!

If you miss out on fall, keep an eye out for the train’s North Pole Adventure as well!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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September 17, 2024
This U.S. National Park Is The Most Popular During The Winter

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While some prefer to escape to the sunshine during winter, many are braving the colder temperatures and hitting the roads to explore America’s most beautiful national parks. RVshare, an RV rental site, conducted a travel trend report and found that 53% of respondents are looking to visit state and national parks this year, which is even higher than people looking to visit beaches and coastal areas (50%).

Although national parks may not come to mind for winter travel, there is one national park that is standing out for road trippers this winter. According to RVshare, this national park has been the most popular winter destination based on its booking data. With milder temperatures ranging between 37 and 67 Fahrenheit, there are plenty of activities to enjoy without the cold getting in your way.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

With more than 800,000 acres of vast landscape to explore, this national park sits at the U.S. and Mexican border and offers various terrain that shifts the more you explore. It was voted in the top 25 best of the world destinations by National Geographic this year, so this lesser-known national park will soon gain further momentum. It’s also home to one of the most scenic drives in Texas – El Camino Del Rio (The River Road).

From sand dune deserts, captivating mountains, deep canyons, and thermal hot springs; this varied terrain offers plenty of different hikes to suit all different levels and is a fantastic destination for kayakers, rafters, and mountain bikers. It sells visitors the idea of being truly off-the-grid since it’s one of the most remote national parks in the country, with only a few small towns nearby.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Stargazing

Big Bend National Park is home to the darkest skies in the state and even received a gold tier from the Dark Sky Association for its exceptional darkness – making this location ideal for stargazing. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the best spots for star gazing are at the West Contrabando Trailhead along the infamous River Road, as well as Big Hill and the Hoodoos.

Keep your eyes out for The Milky Way, which you’ll likely spot better when there’s a clear sky and no moon. It’s considered one of the most magical sights that you’ll see at the park.

Hiking

With over 150 miles of trails, you can take your pick between day hikes or overnight ones that range from casual strolls or tough elevations above 7,000 feet. Since the park is so diverse in its landscape, you’ll come across a variety of animals, plants, and different views.

It’s a choose-your-own-adventure with hikes in the desert, mountains, or along the river. One of the most famous hikes is the Santa Elena Canyon trail, which is a short 1.7-mile hike in and out and takes you through a spectacular canyon. All Trails lists Lost Mine Trail as the most popular, which has over 4 miles and offers stunning views as you climb the Chisos Mountains.

Biking

If two wheels are more your style, there are plenty of paved roads and backcountry dirt roads that suit all different levels. Biking offers breathtaking panoramic views and allows you to cover a lot of ground and experience more of the contrasting landscapes.

The Fresno-Sauceda Loop is famous for its singletrack for its creek crossings and decent rocky climbs and descents. This 57-mile epic loop is typically broken up over two days unless you’re quite ambitious. You’ll be taken on a journey through abandoned homesteads, old wagon roads, and Native American archaeological sites.

Rafting

Big Bend National Park is home to some of the most dramatic canyons, where the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic river span over 68 miles. You can enjoy the fast rapids and glassy waters by raft or kayak, but you’ll want to check the river levels ahead of time. Some of the canyons can be as deep as 1,500 feet, where sunlight is hard to come by during winter.

It’s a great opportunity to catch some of the local wildlife that is venturing to the river for hydration, and bird watchers will enjoy the sights of great blue herons and green fishers that are flying nearby. Since the river is so expansive, you’ll likely have the river to yourself for large stretches of time.

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February 4, 2023
This Theme Park Is Rated Best In The World According To Trip Advisor

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Siam Park, a popular waterpark in Spain, has been ranked as the best theme park in the world by Tripadvisor. The park has won a Traveler’s Choice Award designating it as not only the world’s best waterpark, but also the best amusement park overall. Siam Park has held the title of the world’s best waterpark for eight years in a row, but 2022 is the first time that the park has been designated as the best amusement park overall.

Tripadvisor gives its Traveler’s Choice Awards based on ratings given by visitors, making it clear that Siam Park is a popular choice for vacationers from all over the globe. The park was designed by Christoph Kiessling, who took inspiration from Thailand. When roaming the park, guests are met with Thai-style buildings, a floating market, Thai food, and streams teaming with tropical fish.

Siam Park is located in Tenerife, Spain, which is one of the warmest Canary islands in the winter, making it an ideal getaway any time of the year. And just in case guests show up on a day that happens to be on the cooler side, the park keeps its water heated to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius). Upon entry, guests are welcomed by the resident park sea lions. The park is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and the best time to show up is opening time before the crowds arrive. For travelers heading to the park for the first time, buying a ticket ahead of time is recommended and will save time when entering the park.

The park has many attractions that will suit everyone, from adrenaline junkies to families with small children. The Lost City is a section of the park designed for kids and even has a specific area for infants. Beach chairs are set along the edges of the Lost City for parents to keep an eye on their little ones while relaxing. Another area specifically for kids is Sawasdee, which includes four small-scale versions of the park’s more popular slides.

For the thrill-seekers, the Tower of Power is undoubtedly the most adrenaline-filled attraction in the park. The slide has a height of roughly 90 feet and features a near-vertical drop that propels guests to nearly 50 miles per hour. The end of the descent takes guests through the middle of an aquarium filled with sharks and stingrays. After surviving the shark encounter, guests can head to Singha, a 780-foot-long water rollercoaster that reaches speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

After chasing thrills on the park’s many slides, guests can wind down at the Mai Thai River, the park’s lazy river. There are two routes to take on the river, with the main one lasting about thirty minutes. If desired, a faster route that goes through a tunnel under the shark aquarium can be taken. Once the lazy river has washed away the last bits of adrenaline left from the slides, guests can head to the Wave Palace to enjoy the waves that can reach up to roughly 10 feet to get their hearts racing again.

There is a multitude of experiences to fill the day at Siam Park, and guests of all ages are welcome. Lockers are available for rent, with small lockers starting at 3 euros. Action cameras are allowed for guests who like to document their travels, but only if wearing a chest strap attachment. Flip-flops are not permitted on rides, but water shoes are acceptable and can be purchased in the Floating Market shops. For those who run cold despite the heated water and warm temperatures of Tenerife, wetsuits are available for purchase and rent for 25 Euros and 5 Euros, respectively.

With its stunning décor, thrilling rides, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Siam Park has continuously been rated as the world’s best waterpark. With the newest accolade of being named the world’s best amusement park overall, it will surely continue to grow in popularity.

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June 26, 2022
Top 6 Off The Beaten Path Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park was America’s first National Park and set the groundwork for the subsequent national parks to be named as such. This well-loved national treasure sees millions of visitors a year, meaning that many of the best-known spots tend to get crowded. This list looks at 6 slightly more off-the-beaten-path things to do in Yellowstone that may be a little less busy.

1. Check Out Fairy Falls Trail

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Yellowstone’s most well-known thermal features (after Old Faithful, that is), and Fairy Falls Trail is a fun, slightly lesser-known way to see it. Instead of traversing the boardwalks that weave around the colorful hot spring, you’ll head out on a 5.4-mile hike that takes you past a gorgeous viewpoint of the hot spring and ends at the titular Fairy Falls. Fairy Falls itself is a 200ft tall waterfall that cascades into The trail heads past several smaller hot springs as well, making it a great way to get to see some little-known thermal features in the park. The trail typically opens in late May, depending on wildlife activity in the area, and remains open until the end of the summer season.

2. Go Boating

If you’re looking for a unique way to see more of the park, consider exploring by water. Several locations in the park, including Lewis and Yellowstone Lake, welcome boaters and those looking to enjoy similar forms of recreation, including paddleboarding. The boating season typically opens around Memorial Day weekend and runs through the end of October. If you don’t have a boat of your own, rentals are also available from Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

3. Explore Norris Geyser Basin

Here’s another great option for those looking to see some of the stunning thermal features the park offers besides Old Faithful. Norris Geyser Basin is one of the six main geyser basins within the park and is home to several unique features that make it worth a visit. Steamboat Geyser, for example, is noted as one of the largest geysers in the world, erupting upwards of 300ft of water. Steamboat Geyser’s eruptions are far from as regular as Old Faithful’s, but the basin is home to several other beautiful springs that make it worth the visit even if you don’t get to see the geyser erupt.

4. Go On A Trail Ride

Here’s another way to see normal parts of the park in a more unique way. Horseback riding offers a fun, memorable, and one-of-a-kind way to explore the park. Several private groups are licensed to operate in Yellowstone, such as Adventures Outfitting, which offers trail rides in a couple of areas within the park. This is also a pretty family-friendly option. Several of the groups have options for a wide variety of age ranges, including children. Typically, no experience is necessary for trail rides as well.

5. Camp In The Backcountry

Here’s an option for the wilderness savvy readers – camping in the Yellowstone backcountry. This is truly off the beaten pathway to see more of America’s first national park. There are a wide variety of backcountry trips. Shorter trips, such as the hike out to Shoshone Geyser Basin (approximately 8 miles) can be done in a day. However, many choose to camp at one of the backcountry sites in the area to allow more time to explore. The park also has options for longer backpacking trips lasting several days. If you are wanting to camp in the backcountry, permits are required for any overnight stays. Additionally, make sure you’re fully informed and have plenty of applicable experience for your chosen adventure, as even popular spots in the park have spotty reception and are fairly remote should help be needed.

6. Check Out Mystic Falls Trail

Here’s an option for those looking for a pretty and beginner-friendly hike in Yellowstone. Mystic Falls Trail is 2.4-miles, though some opt to continue past the falls. Thi will add an additional 1.5 miles on to reach an overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin. This trail isn’t nearly as popular as spots like the Old Faithful area. However, can still get a fair amount of foot traffic during the afternoon. Those looking for a little more quietness may want to consider heading out early.

Read More:

Travel Insurance that Covers Covid-19

5 Unique Ways To Experience U.S. National Parks

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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June 4, 2022
New Mega Mall And Theme Park ‘Malltertainment’ To Open In Cancun
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A new mega theme park is set to open near the popular tourist hotspot of Cancun – in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

The news comes at a time when Cancun is already welcoming huge numbers of tourists by the day – with hotels in the most popular vacation spot for American tourists almost fully booked for the summer months ahead.

And, the announcement that there will soon be a new mega theme park opening in the state of Quintana Roo is sure to attract even more tourists to Mexico – with the country expected to welcome as many as 40 million international visitors this year.

Just a week ago we reported that Marriott is also set to open a new all-inclusive resort in the city of Cancun – which will include its very-own water park, as well as more than 1,000 hotel rooms.

What We Know So Far About The New Mega Theme Park

What we do know so far is that the new mega theme park will go by the name of Malltertainment – with the complex set to become a great spot for family and friends to enjoy time together, and boast a variety of entertainment options to choose from.

Here are some of the features that visitors to the new mega theme park – Malltertainment – can expect to find:
- an amusement park
- an ice rink
- a go-kart track – which in fact is set to be the biggest in the world
- a 7,500-seater auditorium
- a hot air balloon attraction
There are also plans for the theme park to feature an area of 80,000 square meters of water – which visitors will be able to enjoy – however, at this present time it has not been confirmed whether this will be an actual water park or another water-based attraction.

As well as the above mentioned features, visitors to Malltertainment will also be able to choose from a number of restaurants options on site, as well as shops and other amenities which are sure to meet the needs of all of those who enter its doors.

Who Is Behind The ‘Malltertainment’ Theme Park Project?

Palace Resorts is the company group behind the Malltertainment project, with their new theme park complex set to open right next to one of their biggest – and one of Cancun’s most-popular all-inclusive hotel resorts – the Moon Palace Cancun.

The company behind the construction of the Malltertainment theme park is Gicsa – a Mexico-based real estate development company.

And, if the news that visitors to the Moon Palace Cancun will soon be able to enjoy a day-trip to the new nearby theme park complex, Malltertainment, wasn’t enough – there is still a huge amount of entertainment that the Moon Palace Cancun, itself, offers visitors.

That is because the all-inclusive hotel resort offers thousands of rooms, several swimming pools, as many as 16 on-site restaurants to choose from – as well as a luxury spa, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, a selection of bars and clubs to party the night away in, a children’s playroom, and much much more.

It is also the perfect choice for golf-lovers – with the Moon Palace Cancun not only being a stone’s-throw away from the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, but the resort itself also offering visitors the chance to learn golfing tips and techniques at its very-own Moon Palace Golf Academy.

So, the news that there is soon to be a new mega theme park opening in the area is no doubt going to attract even more visitors – with millions of tourists already having enjoyed all that is on offer in this hugely popular part of the city of Cancun.

Palace Resorts currently own eight hotel resorts – which are all situated along the beautifully-stunning coastline of the Caribbean sea.

Here is a list of the other hotel resorts owned by the Palace Resorts group:
- Beach Palace Cancun
- Sun Palace Cancun
- Cozumel Palace
- Playacar Palace
- Moon Palace Jamaica
- Moon Palace The Grand Cancun
- Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
- Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
Where Will ‘Malltertainment’ Be Located?

Malltertainment is set to be located right next to the Moon Palace Hotel – which is situated in the Mexican city of Cancun – along the Riviera Maya.

How Big Is ‘Malltertainment’ Expected To Be?

The new theme park complex – Malltertainment – is set to cover an area of 250,000 square meters – which is around 2,690977 square feet.

How Much Is The Project Expected To Cost?

The new mega theme park project – Malltertainment – is set to have an investment of in excess of 100 million pesos, which is more than 5 million US Dollars.

‘Malltertainment’ Joins The List Of Other Theme Parks In The Riviera Maya

Malltertainment is not the first theme park to be built in the area of the Riviera Maya, with the Caribbean coastline – which runs along Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula – already offering a variety of theme park-based attractions to visitors.

When Is Malltertainment Expected To Open?

Although an opening date is yet to be announced for the Palace Group’s new mega theme park – Malltertainment – visitors should certainly not expect it to arrive anytime this year (2022).

However, once completed – and fully open for visitors – the brand new attraction is expected to open up as many as 5000 job opportunities – which is sure to be great news for the local economy.

Read more:

Mexico Expecting 40 Million Visitors This Year – How It Will Impact Your Trip

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Marriott To Open New All-Inclusive Resort With Water Park In Cancun

This Is How Long You’re Now Expected To Wait In Line At Cancun Airport

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May 30, 2022
Top 7 Things To Do In Big Bend National Park

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Located in Texas, Big Bend National Park is home to some stunningly gorgeous scenery and a whole host of reasons to consider visiting. This article looks at some of those reasons by highlighting seven great things to do in the park.

Note: If you’re visiting today, April 16, entry into Big Bend is FREE!

1. Go Stargazing

Big Bend National Park is an absolutely wonderful place to check out the night sky. The park actually has the least amount of light pollution of any national park located in the lower 48 United States and has been awarded International Dark Sky Park Status. For those looking to get some amazing views of the stars above, you can opt to check out a ranger-led program or bring your own binoculars to create your own experience.

2. Go On A Rafting Trip

The Rio Grande River cuts through Big Bend National Park, offering some amazing opportunities for adventures on the water. For those looking to embark on their first rafting trip, there are several groups in the area that offer guided tours such as Big Bend River Tours. Those with a bit of experience under their belt who are planning to bring or rent their own equipment will also have several routes to choose from, ranging from day trips to overnight trips. Backcountry permits are required for the majority of rafting trips on the Rio Grande.

3. View Wildlife

Another reason to consider visiting this national park is the countless opportunities you’ll have for seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is home to a huge variety of animals. Some of the larger creatures you may end up spotting include deer, javelinas, and black bears. Smaller animals include, but are far from limited to, lizards, snakes, and rabbits. Dawn and dusk are typically the best time to view many of the animals. If you’re wanting to learn more about them, you may also want to consider stopping by a ranger-led program, as topics frequently center on various species of wildlife.

4. Relax In A Hot Spring

Big Bend National Park is also home to hot springs. This is a great option for those looking for a relaxing early morning soak, or those planning to visit during the cooler months. Head over to the Hot Springs Historic District to both enjoy some warm waters and learn more about the history of the spring. The pool that now makes up the spring is actually the ruins of a bathhouse that once stood there. Continuously fed by geothermally heated water, the bathhouse itself may be long gone but the spring remains. Water temperatures in the spring can vary but typically hover around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, you may want to use caution and limit your soak to a reasonable amount of time, especially if going with children or visiting in the summer.

5. Head Out On A Hike

This park offers countless amazing opportunities to go hiking for all skills levels. For those looking for an easy hike, the Window is without a doubt one of the most memorable. The Window itself is a cliff edge framed magnificently by surrounding rock formations. To get there, you’ll wind around 2 miles through the canyon leading up to it. Thanks to its location in the Chisos mountains as opposed to the hotter desert lowlands, this is also a well-loved trail in the summer months. Those looking for some more challenging routes won’t be disappointed either. Marufo Vegas trail, for example, is a 12-mile excursion that may be tiring, but also offers views of stunning scenery.

6. Go On A Scenic Drive

Summer temperatures in Big Bend National Park can soar upwards of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which may be too hot for anything more than a short hike for many visitors. Luckily, if you’re planning to visit in the summer, you can still experience some of the gorgeous scenery without braving the high temperatures by checking out one of the park’s scenic drives. One popular route is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which showcases the breathtaking rock formations that make up Big Bend National Park and is especially stunning at sunset or sundown.

7. Go Camping

Finally, with so much to do in this national park, it would be impossible to fit everything into one day. For this reason, many visitors opt to spend a few days to a week exploring the area. While there is one lodge within the park boundaries and several more in the surrounding towns, camping can be a great way to experience even more of the park. Big Bend is home to several campgrounds, ranging from developed sites offering various amenities to primitive campsites.

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April 17, 2022