April is a fantastic time to visit many national parks as spring is in full swing, wildflowers are blooming, and the weather is often mild before the summer heat sets in. Here are some of the best national parks to visit in April.
10 Best National Parks to Visit in April
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina)
- Why April? Spring wildflowers are in full bloom, and the weather is mild.
- Activities: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives.
- Weather: 40s-70s°F (varies with elevation).
2. Yosemite National Park (California)
- Why April? Waterfalls are at their peak from snowmelt, and crowds are smaller than in summer.
- Activities: Hiking, photography, and sightseeing (Glacier Point Road may still be closed).
- Weather: 30s-60s°F, some areas may still have snow.
3. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
- Why April? Wildflowers bloom along Skyline Drive, and the weather is perfect for hiking.
- Activities: Scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife watching.
- Weather: 40s-70s°F.
4. Arches National Park (Utah)
- Why April? The perfect balance of warm days and cool nights, before the summer heat.
- Activities: Hiking, photography, and stargazing.
- Weather: 40s-70s°F.
5. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
- Why April? Ideal weather for hiking, with fewer crowds than summer.
- Activities: Hiking, scenic views, and river rafting.
- Weather: 30s-70s°F (cooler on the North Rim, which may still be closed).
6. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)
- Why April? Comfortable temperatures before the sand gets too hot.
- Activities: Sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing.
- Weather: 30s-60s°F.
7. Everglades National Park (Florida)
- Why April? Dry season with fewer mosquitoes, and wildlife is still active.
- Activities: Airboat tours, birdwatching, and kayaking.
- Weather: 60s-80s°F.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
- Why April? Hoodoos may still have a dusting of snow, making for stunning scenery.
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and photography.
- Weather: 20s-50s°F, with possible snow.
9. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
- Why April? Wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are comfortable before the summer heat.
- Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.
- Weather: 50s-80s°F.
10. Big Bend National Park (Texas)
- Why April? Spring flowers are blooming, and the weather is perfect before it gets too hot.
- Activities: Hiking, river rafting, and scenic drives.
- Weather: 50s-80s°F.
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