Happy National Park Week 2016! There is no better place to enjoy the great outdoors this spring than at one of our nation’s numerous national parks. With so many located just outside some of America’s greatest cities, you’re likely only a short drive away from chirping birds, frolicking elk (at least in Colorado), and swaying wildflowers. In honor of National Park Week (April 16-24, 2016), we’re highlighting seven of the nation’s top cities near national parks that offer attention-grabbing scenic views for nearby apartment residents and visitors alike.
1. Jackson, Wyoming
North of Jackson sits Grand Teton National Park, a premier destination for backcountry camping and fishing. Jackson residents can visit the Tetons, Snow King Resort, and National Elk Refuge whenever they like. When they feel like trading their hiking boots in for heels, they can head to Jackson’s blooming shopping and restaurant district too. In addition to the sprawling outdoors and a popular shopping and restaurant district, Jackson is also home to many well-ranked schools and colleges.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
“Glitter Gulch,” aka Las Vegas, is near the Grand Canyon (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World) and only a short drive from Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon in Utah. In Nevada, residents can choose from Great Basin National Park, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and a host of other parks for breathtaking views, hiking, mountain climbing, and other outdoor activities.
3. Denver, Colorado
Near Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver sports some of the most breathtaking mountain views (“purple mountain majesty” views, in fact) and is within an hour’s drive of hundreds of hiking trails (some featuring Lord of the Rings type waterfalls), white-water rafting areas, and prime rock climbing spots.
4. Washington, D.C.
Did you know? The National Mall isn’t really a mall at all. In fact, this gorgeous two-mile stretch of Cherry Blossom trees, grass, and walking paths is a national park. D.C. apartment residents only have to take a short walk or metro ride to this historic site to enjoy a run or a relaxing picnic near our nation’s greatest monuments and museums.
5. Bar Harbor, Maine
About four minutes from Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers an authentic New England experience and friendly community atmosphere. Cruise ships and lobster boats grace this beautiful harbor. When visiting, you can easily pack a thermos full of clam chowder and head over to Acadia National Park where you can plan on spotting moose, bear, whales, and seabirds against a backdrop of glacier-scoured granite peaks and rocky beaches.
6. Red Lodge, Montana
A gateway city to Yellowstone National Park, Red Lodge offers its residents skiing, mountain biking, and backpacking almost year-round. Plus, every April, Red Lodge hosts a well-known triathlon called Peaks to Prairie. Apartment residents in Red Lodge are never far from adventure (even if they are far from the laundry room).
7. Knoxville, Tennessee
Just 40 miles southeast of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, apartment dwellers in Knoxville are a short distance from the city’s renowned mountain views. They’re also very close to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic drive that’s sure to make you slow down and stay awhile.
Love the outdoors? Want to live in an apartment where you can step out and breathe the fresh air of outdoor adventure at any time? ApartmentSearch.com can help you find the apartment that is perfect for you and your outdoor lifestyle. Plus, when you mention that ApartmentSearch.com sent you, you could earn up to $200 in rewards. With that kind of reward, imagine how much trail mix you could buy for your next hike in one of our nation’s glorious national parks!
