These Are the Most Popular National Parks in the US

Happy Great American Outdoors Act anniversary! [Tripsavvy Travel Today]( On Our Radar [You Can Drive Bumper Cars at JFK Airport's TWA Hotel]( Need a fun way to spend a layover? [Europe's New Travel Authorization Program Has Been Delayed Once Again]( You've got until November 2023 before the 7 euro fee kicks in. [Global Entry Just Got Even Faster at These US Airports]( Say "hello" to a new paperless system. Destination of the Day Great Smoky Mountains National Park When it was first officially designated as a national park back in 1940, the [Great Smoky Mountains]( instantly became the premier outdoor playground in the eastern United States. Covering more than 522,000 acres of prime wilderness in North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is home to a stunning array of wildlife, hundreds of miles of trails, and some of the highest peaks on this side of the Mississippi. Its breathtaking beauty has also made the park incredibly popular, drawing more than 12 million visitors annually. But don't let those large visitation numbers deter you—there are still plenty of places to escape the crowds and find solitude inside the park. Whether you're looking to [take an amazing hike]( set up camp at a remote location, or just go on a beautiful drive, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has you covered. Vacation Like a Pro The busiest time in the park is between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. To avoid large crowds and potential traffic jams, plan your visit for other times of the year. The weather is generally mild, even during the winter, and the landscapes are majestic in all four seasons. [Kraig Becker]( Contributing Writer Your Packing List The most popular activity in the park is, without a doubt, hiking and backpacking. To that end, you'll need [proper hiking gear]( including [hiking boots]( a [first-aid kit]( and a backpack. Bring extra layers and [a rain jacket]( even if you're visiting during the warmer months. The weather can vary dramatically from one part of the park to another, and conditions can change rapidly. Having an extra layer or a water/windproof jacket won't just keep you comfortable; it could save your life. In addition to bringing a camera with a long lens, be sure to pack [a pair of binoculars](. Both will help you spot black bears, elk, deer, raccoons, and various other creatures that call the park home. Trending in Travel [What to Know Before Renting Your First RV]( [7 Postcard-Perfect Beaches in Tulum]( [These Are the Most Popular National Parks in the US]( Get Inspired The [Great Wall of China]( is certainly one of the greatest engineering feats of all time. Stretching 13,000 miles, it's the longest man-made object on earth and took a millenium to build. Most visitors go to the Great Wall as part of a half or full [day trip from Beijing](. Choose from more than 12 well-known sections, including the Mutianyu and Badaling sections, and prepare for the walk of a lifetime. Got Any Tips? Have a travel tip or feedback on how we can improve? Send us a note at feedback@tripsavvy.com and you may just see it in a future newsletter! [Tripsavvy]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Linkedin]( [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} | Was this email forwarded to you? [Subscribe here]( ©2022 — All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Service]( A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005