I went to the Great Smoky Mountains for the first time. 8 surprises made my trip harder — and better — than I expected.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of During her first trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Insider's reporter was surprised by historic settlements and an epic tram ride.
During her first trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Business Insider's reporter was surprised by historic settlements and an epic tram ride.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I've traveled solo to every major US national park. These 7 are my favorite hidden gems.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Emily, wearing sunglasses, a green tank top, black leggings, and a flannel around her waist, stands in front of New River Gorge Bridge.
In my opinion, New River Gorge is one of the best lesser-known US national parks.

Emily Hart

For 6 years, I worked as a ranger in state and national parks. I always saw visitors making the same 5 mistakes.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Danielle, in a park ranger uniform, standing at a sign that reads
As a former park ranger, I know there are lots of mistakes visitors should avoid making at state and national parks.

Danielle Jackson

I've been to all 63 major US national parks. These 9 feel like stepping onto another planet.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Emily sits on a mountain, overlooking layered desert hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Visiting Death Valley National Park feels like stepping onto another planet.

Emily Hart

I explored an abandoned resort town in the Great Smoky Mountains, where the wealthy vacationed 100 years ago

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A woodsy scene with cabins peering behind trees
Business Insider's reporter explored a 1900s resort town full of historic cabins that were abandoned by the end of the century. After restoration by the National Parks Service, 16 cabins are now open to the public.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I've been to all 63 major US national parks. There are 6 I always tell people to visit in the spring.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Purple wildflowers with mountains in the background in Death Valley National Park.
In my opinion, Death Valley is one of the best US national parks to visit in the spring.

EmilyNorton/Getty Images

I saw 11 national parks in one 30-day trip. Using a few smart strategies and helpful apps, it only cost me $1,500.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Woman in backpack walking through Canyonlands national park
I took a 30-day vacation to America's national parks and spent only $ 1,500. A few key strategies and tips helped me do it, but there's one thing I'd do differently

Emily Pennington

I visited 3 national parks in one long weekend with my best friend. I don't regret it, but I'd never do it again.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer and her friend standing in front of mountains at Sequoia National Park.
captiontk sequoia

Alexis Telyczka

7 of the most beautiful US national parks, according to someone who's been to all of them

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Emily walks along a trail on a sunny day in Grand Canyon National Park.
In my opinion, the Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful US national parks.

Emily Hart

I've lived near Glacier National Park for 35 years. Here are 4 things visitors need to know before visiting in the winter.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Snow-covered mountains surround a lake with snowy shores.
Glacier National Park is beautiful in the offseason.

Amy Grisak

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