Over the past two years, people have been frequenting the Great Outdoors more than ever – and that interest doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. So, what better time than the New Year to start planning your next adventure to some of the country’s most iconic National Parks?
Whether you want to hike, picnic, gaze at wildlife or simply drive, there’s a National Park for you. Here are 8 of our favorite National Parks that are worth a visit in 2022.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine has a lot to offer, but Acadia National Park is certainly the biggest tourist attraction for the lobster state. Visit Cadillac Mountain, the park’s tallest peak and the first place in the country to see sunlight in the morning, or hop over to check out the views at Jordan Pond, Somes Sound, and Frenchman Bay.
Another perk? Acadia is in close proximity to some of New England’s most charming small towns, so you’re a short drive away from a delicious lobster roll and cobblestone stroll.
Whether you’re walking around town, taking a casual hike on one of Acadia’s 125 miles of trails, or visiting one of the park’s underrated beaches, a 12 or 16 oz Artisan Tumbler is a great companion!
Hot Springs National Park, Arizona
Long considered our oldest national park, Arizona’s Hot Springs is an absolute experience. While the healing waters of the eponymous hot springs are far too hot to actually sit in, there are many places nearby on Bathhouse Row where you can find a similar experience or take a historical tour.
The park offers many common thrills such as hiking trails, scenic drives, biking, and fishing and is also the first national park to have its own brewery, which yes, makes beer using thermal hot springs water.
There’s nothing quite like a cold drink on a day of visiting the Hot Springs. Bring along your Recess 16oz Pint Glass to get the most from your experience!
Denali National Park, Alaska
Alaska is surely a bucket-list state to many, but a stop at Denali National Park is also a must.
his park is the seat of Mount McKinley and is home to some of nature’s most beautiful wildlife such as moose and caribou. Spend your day on the ground hiking, visiting snow dogs, or doing an ATV tour. Or, if you’re feeling up for it, head into the skies with one of Denali’s iconic "flightseeing" tours.
Whether you’ve been cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or bundled up from a chilly hike, warm yourself up at the end of the day with a Hot Toddy or other beverage in our Summit Mug, which comes in 12 oz or 16 oz and will keep your drink hot for up to 8 hours.
Olympic National Park, Washington
The biodiversity of Olympic National Park is its true call to fame. You won’t want to miss the vibrant greens of the only temperate rainforest in the contiguous United States - the Hoh Rainforest. It’s also home to the 2.6-mile-long Blue Glacier.
Other activities include tide-pooling at Kalaloch’s Beach or otter-watching at Lake Crescent. Of course, Hurricane Ridge is home to some great skiing in the winter months as well.
Tackle some of the country’s best hiking trails with a water bottle as cool as you - the Iconic 20 oz water bottle. It’s designed to keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours and has an adjustable silicone strap for easy carrying.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia
Moving up from its title as a national river, the New River Gorge in West Virginia is America’s newest national park as of 2020! Located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the New River Gorge is home to a winding whitewater river that takes you through its luscious green gorge.
The park is also home to the third-highest bridge in the US, which overlooks parts of the 53 miles of river.
If you’re not feeling up for an adventurous day of white-water rafting, you can hop on a tube and embark on a relaxing and scenic river float instead! Bring along the Recess Series Slim Can Cooler to keep your favorite seltzers and other refreshments nice and cold.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
When in Colorado, a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park should certainly be on your to-do list. It’s the nation’s fourth most-visited national park and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re trailblazing on one of the 359 hiking trails, cruising on “Highway to the Sky” - the country’s highest continuous paved road, or setting up for an overnight camp, there is no shortage of things to do here.
While you’re visiting, plan to stop by one of the 150 lakes in the park (including the beautiful Sprague Lake) for a picnic, and bring along our Recess Can Cooler to keep your sodas, seltzers, and other cans nice and cold!
Arches National Park, Utah
It’s hard to put into words what the landscape at Arches National Park looks like, but its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches certainly feel out of this world.
The massive, red-hued Delicate Arch is by far the most iconic but Fiery Furnace, Balanced Rock, Landscape Rock, The Windows, and Turret Arch are all worth a visit as well. Be sure to attempt The Devil's Garden Trail, the park’s longest and most difficult (but also one of the most fun).
Nothing tops the stunning burnt orange and fiery red landscape that Arches National Park has to offer, so why not bring a water bottle that matches. Our Classic 25 oz water bottles come in an array of colors, including Citrus, Gold, Orange, and Matte Red.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Another gem on the east coast is Virginia's Shenandoah National Park, home to Skyline Drive, a 105-mile stretch of winding roads over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ride will provide you with countless views and a few scenic stops above the cloud lines.
Plus, the park offers an abundance of hikes to crisp waterfalls and even more gorgeous views. Appalachian Trail fans will also find some routes to try out as well.
You’ll fall in love with the iconic blue hue of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is why our Navy Blue 25 oz Iconic Water Bottle makes for a perfect memory of your day on the trails or the river!
Ready to get started planning your next National Park adventure? You’re in luck! On five days in 2022, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to anyone wishing to visit. Check out the dates below and mark your calendar, so you can get in for free.
January 17: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 16: First day of National Park Week
August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 24: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Happy New Year and happy hiking!
