Curious about potential new national parks? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re diving into emerging candidates that you won’t want to miss. Join us as we explore seven key locations where people are advocating for national park status!
Join us as we discuss:
- What has to happen for a new national park to be established
- Seven locations that may become national parks in the future
- What makes these locations so cool
- Things to do at each of these parks
- The fascinating history, nature, and archeology you can find in these parks
- The benefits of having a national park designation
We hope you enjoy learning about these potential national parks with us! If you need any help planning your next national park trip, snatch up one of our National Park trip itineraries!
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
#1 – Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine
Katahdin Woods and Waters is a newer national monument, which was designated in 2016. Mount Katahdin, the namesake for the park, is the highest mountain in Maine at 5,269 feet.
The Appalachian Trail, a 2,190-mile trail that spans the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine, ends in Katahdin. You don’t have to hike the whole trail to enjoy the park! There are plenty of short hiking trails and scenic driving loops to get great views. You might even spot a moose!
The Penobscot River is ideal for canoeing and fishing. On a clear night, Katahdin is far enough north to see the Northern Lights!
#2 – Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Georgia
We’re most excited to see what happens with this potential new national park. What blows us away is the rich history of the Native American tribes in Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.
Ocmulgee Mounds has artifacts that span 17,000 years of human history. This national historic park reminds us a lot of Mesa Verde National Park because it also protects human history. The big difference is that Ocmulgee Mounds has a span of artifacts and human history 28 times longer than Mesa Verde.
The Great Temple Mound is the main attraction in the park and is 56 feet above the floodplain, which is enormous! The Earth Lodge is another popular visitor spot in the park. Although there aren’t as many hiking trails in Ocmulgee as in other parks, bird watching is unparalleled here.
Ocmulgee Mounds is also known for its special events that celebrate the park’s history. Time your visit right to catch one of these events!
#3 – Tongass National Forest in Alaska
Tongass National Forest is 17 million acres, by far and away the largest National Forest in the country. If that isn’t enough to make this a potential new national park, the Mendenhall Glacier, located in the national forest, is one of the most visited glaciers in Alaska because of its accessibility from Juneau.
Tongass has ancient Sitka spruces and western red cedar trees, temperate rainforests, mountains, and fjords. Protecting Tongass would protect not only these natural resources but also the way of life of people in the area.
Much like Olympic National Park, Tongass is a park where the ocean meets ancient forests. Salmon and large mammals like bears thrive here. Kayaking, hiking, flightseeing, and scenic driving are the best ways to see Tongass National Forest.
#4 – Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho
Craters of the Moon would be Idaho’s first national park, which is hard to believe, given how beautiful the state is! Technically, Yellowstone falls partially in Idaho for one percent of the total park, but we don’t count it.
Craters of the Moon is one of the most alien landscapes in Idaho compared to the rivers and mountains you may know the state for.
Craters of the Moon is a landscape carved by a volcano. You can hike on cinder cones and lava tubes and imagine what it was like when lava spewed from the ancient volcano onto the land.
What blew us away most were the trees in Craters of the Moon. Despite the rough and dry landscape, there are forests with massive pines. Blooming flowers that can handle the heat and lack of water dot some lava fields.
Craters of the Moon has a seven-mile scenic driving loop, and hikes into caves and across the arid landscape are also available. Stargazing is ideal here. You can get more information about the park from the Robert Limbert Visitor Center!
The park will celebrate its 100th anniversary from May to September 2024. This would be the perfect year to designate Craters of the Moon National Monument as a national park!
#5 – Shawnee National Forest in Illinois
Shawnee National Forest was established in 1939 and covers 289,000 acres of Illinois.
Within the national forest, you’ll find the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, a rock formation that offers scenic views of the surrounding area and excellent rock climbing. The Illinois Ozarks are also within Shawnee National Forest.
The 160-mile River to River Trail spans the entire park from the Mississippi River to the Ohio River. Two scenic byways through the park are Shawnee Hill and Ohio River.
We are excited to go kayaking and see the sandstone cliffs when we visit Shawnee National Forest someday!
#6 – Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona
If you’re driving from Saguaro National Park to White Sands National Park, you’ve passed by Chiricahua National Monument. We’re not surprised that it’s the frontrunner to become the next national park. Like Craters of the Moon, Chiricahua was designated as a national monument in 1924.
Chiricahua National Monument has rock pinnacles like Bryce Canyon, making hiking super fun here! Unlike Bryce Canyon, the pinnacles here were formed by volcanic activity.
We were surprised to learn that black bears thrive in the 11,000-acre park and that the coatimundi, a small mammal that resembles a raccoon, also lives there. We’d love to see both animals when we go!
Popular things to do in Chiricahua National Monument are the Echo Canyon Trail, the Heart of Rocks Loop, and the Big Balanced Rock Trail. There’s also the Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive, which takes you to viewpoints and trailheads.
#7 – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in New Jersey
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was established in 1965 in the Appalachian Mountains. Like Katahdin, the Appalachian Trail runs through the park.
New River Gorge National Park is very similar to Delaware Water Gap for its views, cliffs, and scenic rivers. For that reason, this may be the weakest contender on the list for a future new national park. Delaware Water Gap’s proximity to major cities is a plus for getting more people outdoors!
This national monument protects a lot of human history, in addition to great waterways for kayaking and canoeing. The Delaware River is ideal for all kinds of recreation, including tubing!
Make sure you catch the full podcast episode to hear our two choices for the next national park! Don’t forget to complete your task for this week. Which of these locations would you vote for to be the next national park? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
- Mount Katahdin
- Appalachian Trail
- Penobscot River
- Ocmulgee Mounds Historic National Park
- Ocmulgee Outdoor Activities
- Ocmulgee Schedule of Events
- Tongass National Forest
- Mendenhall Glacier
- Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Robert Limbert Visitor Center
- Centennial Celebration for Craters of the Moon
- Shawnee National Forest
- Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
- Chiricahua National Monument
- Mammals in Chiricahua
- Hiking in Chiricahua
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
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Chiricahua seems like it would be the most interesting to explore but I’m all for another ‘eastern’ National Park, although I’m a little biased since I live in the east. The Delaware Water Gap is closest to me and truly is a great spot to visit all year round with some good hiking, amazing waterfalls, and just a relaxing place to be. My vote though would have to be for Katahdin as this park looks amazing and, imo, is well deserving of Natl. Park status. As you mentioned, Maine is just gorgeous and this would give me another great reason to head up and visit!
I think we definitely need another park in the east! That’s cool that you’ve been to the Delaware Water Gap…I would love to explore that area!