Exploring the National Parks

Wondering when to visit the Mighty 5 or which parks are best for kids? Trying to figure out if staying inside the park is really worth the price? This episode of Exploring the National Parks is packed with tips and personal stories to help you plan smarter for 2026! In this episode, we cover: When it's definitely worth camping inside the park versus staying in a gateway town How to outsmart (or at least survive) Recreation.gov reservations and what NOT to do What to expect in Glacier in June vs. July Our favorite hidden gems in Yellowstone and Grand Teton When to road trip the Mighty 5, how we travel with kids, and more! Your task for today: We want to know whether or not you think Exploring the National Parks should be a video podcast! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know your thoughts! Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/qa-recreation-gov-loophole-hidden-gems-alaska-parks-and-utahs-mighty-five/  Planning your own 2026 adventure? Dirt In My Shoes Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/  Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/ National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/  Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Sunshine, salty breezes, and three incredible Florida national parks in one unforgettable road trip: Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. Ready to chase wildlife, island-hop through the Keys, and discover Florida's wildest surprises in these national parks? Welcome to our 10-day Florida national parks road trip!  In this episode, we cover: A full 10-day road trip that visits Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks Wildlife-packed trails, guided boat tours, and quiet corners of the Everglades you might miss Snorkeling, lighthouses, and the island-party energy of Biscayne and Boca Chita Epic journeys through the Florida Keys on your way to Dry Tortugas The very best spots for manatees, alligators, dolphins, and key lime pie Your task for today: Tell us which park on this Florida road trip you are MOST excited to explore (Everglades, Biscayne, or Dry Tortugas) over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page! Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/10-day-florida-national-parks-road-trip/  Planning your own Florida adventure? Episode 6: Everglades Favorites: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-6-everglades-favorites/  Episode 7: Everglades Fun Facts: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-7-everglades-fun-facts/  Episode 8: Everglades Stories: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-8-everglades-stories/  Episode 9: Everglades Trip Planning: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-9-everglades-trip-planning/  Episode 58: Exploring Dry Tortugas: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-dry-tortugas/  Episode 59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-fun-facts-about-dry-tortugas-national-park/  Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/ National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/  Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Congaree National Park feels alive in every direction, thriving with creatures, towering trees, and raw, wild energy. Step inside this primordial world with us and experience the Southeast as it once was through five fun facts!  In this episode, we cover: Why Congaree National Park feels like stepping into a primordial world Record-breaking floods, champion trees, and the raw power of a living landscape A Revolutionary War swamp fox and a daring fight for freedom near the McCord Ferry The hidden history of maroon camps and survival in the Congaree wilderness Your task for today: Watch The Patriot and notice how the swampy, river-filled landscape mirrors the real environments around Congaree. Then start dreaming about your own visit to this wild place! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think. Planning your own Congaree adventure? Episode 130: Exploring Congaree National Park: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-congaree-national-park-best-tips-activities/  Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/ National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/  Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/ Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-fascinating-fun-facts-about-congaree-national-park/ 

Acadia National Park in July was a whirlwind of foggy mornings, lobster feasts, and sweaty summit hikes! From heated parking lot showdowns at Jordan Pond to the peaceful waves of Schoodic Point, this trip was full of surprises, laughs, and plenty of learning moments. In this episode, we cover: The absolute chaos of the Jordan Pond parking lot (and how to avoid it) Why fog and humidity made this one of our trickiest trips yet Where to find the best lobster rolls outside of Bar Harbor Mountain summits, hidden gems, and Acadia adventures beyond the crowds Your task for today: We hope we've convinced you that Acadia is still worth the trip, even with its challenges! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes  Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think. Have you ever witnessed a parking lot brawl or cried over the fog in a National Park? We'd love to hear your story! Planning your own Acadia adventure?Dirt In My Shoes Acadia Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/acadia-itinerary/  Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/ National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/  Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/ Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/acadia-trip-report/

The swamp lights up like a galaxy, and the forest hums with life you can hear before you see. Congaree surprised us in the best way, and we left with our socks knocked clean off! In this episode, we cover: Where Congaree National Park is, how close it is to Columbia and Charleston, and why it’s still one of the least visited parks When to go, including mosquitoes, water levels, and why late March worked so well for us The boardwalk loop trail from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, side trails, and what you’ll see along the way How to experience Cedar Creek by kayak or canoe and why we chose a guided tour Congaree’s synchronous fireflies, plus the lottery and timing compared to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Your task for today: Make sure to head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know if you’re more excited to see the spiders or the snakes. Bonus points if you have been to Congaree and have stories to share! Planning your own Congaree adventure? Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/ National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/  Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/ Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-congaree-national-park-best-tips-activities/