Which National Park Should You Visit First? (6 Beginner-Friendly Picks)

Which National Park Should You Visit First? (6 Beginner-Friendly Picks)

From The Great Escape by Katie Staples

February 26, 2026 · 10 min · Season 1 · Episode 61

About this episode

This episode discusses six beginner-friendly national parks for first-time visitors.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to visit a national park… but which one should I choose?” — this episode is for you. 🎯 Grab your free National Park Starter Guide atgreatescapepodcast.com Today I’m breaking down six of the best national parks for first-time visitors — parks that are easier to navigate, don’t require extreme hiking experience, and still deliver that unforgettable “this is why people love national parks” feeling. We’re covering:• How to get there• The best time to visit• What it costs• Where to stay• How difficult the hikes really are• What first-timers should know The parks included:– Great Smoky Mountains– Grand Canyon– Rocky Mountain– Shenandoah– Olympic– Joshua Tree Whether you want iconic views, mountain lakes, desert magic, or something low-stress and family-friendly — this episode will help you pick the right park for you.

People in this episode

Host: Katie Staples

Topics covered

  • national parks
  • travel tips
  • beginner-friendly hikes
  • outdoor adventure
  • nature exploration

Keywords

  • national parks
  • beginner hikes
  • travel guide
  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Grand Canyon
  • Rocky Mountain
  • Shenandoah
  • Olympic
  • Joshua Tree

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Shenandoah, Olympic, Joshua Tree

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