The national Parks provide thousands of trails perfect for logging steps while lifting your soul. (Think mind-blowing views, whether the sheer face of Yosemite’s El Cap, or the rippled expanse of the Grand Canyon.) but hiking isn’t the only dish the parks serve up: You can also paddle, swim, rock climb and bicycle—among other activities (like skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in the winter). and while you’re at it, you’ll work every muscle in your body, no matter what your fitness level might be.
Here are four parks—and four surprising ways to explore them.
Climb to new Heights in Grand Teton national Park
You may have heard about this more moderately-sized park for its lake-lined trails and jagged Teton range views—or for its on-the-way proximity to Yellowstone—but with 153 set climbing routes, Grand Teton national Park is a perfect place to find a rock face to scale. most visitors wish to climb the Grand itself, and local outfitters offer multi-day trips to summit and repel from the iconic granite peak.
There are easier pitches for beginners, too, and some groups like Exum mountain Guides offer family days, in spots where all ages and levels can learn to climb.
Paddle Around in Yosemite national Park
BYO canoe or kayak, or rent a raft in Curry village Camiseta Aston Villa FC (usually through summer, depending on water levels) and float along Yosemite’s Merced River. While the river has long been a paddling favorite outside the park, the sections that flow through the valley and the park’s backcountry have been off limits to any form of boating until 2015. now you can Camiseta Copa Mundial de Fútbol see one of the country’s most iconic and scenic national parks from a whole new vantage point.
Go for a Swim in Shenandoah national Park
Mid-Atlantic summers can get pretty steamy, and this park, located about an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. has some of the best natural swimming holes in the country. check out overall Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Serbia Run—the park’s tallest waterfall (at 93 feet)—and step your way two miles downstream (along the Overall/Beecher Ridge Trail) to three swimming holes, one of which can get to be about seven feet deep. There’s even a slick rock wall that serves as an Earth-made waterslide.
Ride a Bike in Acadia national Park
This gem of a park in Maine features 51 miles of winding carriage roads—which are just as romantic as they sound. built from crushed stone and woven throughout the park’s mountains and valleys, the roads are car-free, and open only to other cyclists, pedestrians, and horseback riders. enjoy views of ponds, pine forests, and charming stone bridges along the way. BYOB or pick up a rental at one of several bike shops just outside the park in Bar Harbor.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Lara Rosenbaum
Lara Rosenbaum is a writer, certified fitness trainer, and dog lover with a serious passion for the outdoors. formerly Fitbit’s fitness editor, Lara has held editorial positions at several magazines, including Women’s Health, where she was the founding fitness editor. Lara is also a former elite athlete, and has traveled the world as a member of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team.