Save money by exploring America outdoors on a cheap national parks vacation with our eight budget-saving trip planning tips.
According to recent traveler surveys, almost three-quarters of family vacationers plan to visit a national park in the next year. During summer especially, the national parks are a hot trend for families seeking cost-effective vacations.
1. Free and Cheap Ways to Visit the National Parks
A cheap national park vacation allows you to save a few pennies if you plan it yourself. First, your family will enjoy the great outdoors for free so that you can trim your activities and attractions budget. Another penny-saving aspect of a national park vacation is the stunning beauty of these destinations. Nature’s beauty is so overwhelming you won’t need to buy souvenirs to make lifelong memories.
An annual park pass is the best bet for visiting several national parks. Currently, most of America’s national parks charge a vehicle entry fee of about $35.00 per non-commercial vehicle holding up to 15 passengers. It’s valid for one week and may be purchased online. You can save money by parking outside the park gates, perhaps at a nearby motel, and taking a free shuttle. Those who walk or bike into a national park must pay $20 per person if they are over age 15.
Additionally, each year, there are several fee-free park days to visit. In 2023, those dates are Jan. 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday), April 22 (Beginning of National Parks Week), August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act), Sept. 23 (National Public Lands Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day).
FTF staff interviewed some leading concessioners of the National Park Service, and we think you’ll find the following cost-saving tips very helpful.
2. Get to Know Your Region’s History and Ecology at Parks
Wherever you’re located, a state or national park is probably nearby. All parks offer an affordable and family-friendly travel option for last-minute travel. Looking for a day trip or a weekend trip with the family? State parks often have no entry fee for facilities ranging from swimming areas to fishing gear. National monuments (currently 129 protected monuments in the U.S.) do not charge an entry fee yet often provide rich educational displays.
According to one TripAdvisor survey, more travelers are looking to supplement their vacations with educational opportunities for the entire family. National parks offer complimentary guided tours that showcase the region’s unique history. Tours are led by trained National Park Service rangers and provide a great learning experience for all ages.
What better way for families to save on cash than to hike the trails of their favorite park? No cost recreation includes facilities to fish, bike ride, or share a picnic while watching the sunset. Visitors get a world of experiences by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites at such national parks as Mesa Verde, where the world’s largest archeological preserve in North America lies. Glacier Bay, a marine park in Alaska, has one of the nation’s largest biosphere reserves.
3. Book Shoulder Season Travel for a Cheap National Park Vacation
While traveling during off times may not sound that appealing, that’s when many national parks offer great deals on accommodations, tours, and services. Plan your national parks adventure at the beginning or toward the last few weeks of a season to save on your budget.
Families looking to see the beauty and grandeur of national parks without the crowds will see firsthand what the locals experience year-round. September brings the very best of fall foliage in Alaska. May and June usually have more temperate weather conditions, allowing for the best travel in warmer regions of the country.
The misty floodplains of Congaree National Park in South Carolina are a good example. Year-round, explore more than 25 miles of hiking trails, 2.4 miles of elevated boardwalk and miles of canoe and kayak waterways. Bring your own watercraft, rent one in nearby Columbia, SC or join a guided swamp tour with a naturalist from Palmetto Adventures. (Rental inner tubes are just $15 per day.) The park’s free ranger and volunteer guided programs occur year-round on Saturdays.
4. Cheap Vacation Means Looking for Alternate Lodging
The best part about visiting national parks is the variety of unique lodging options. Save your funds and experience the great outdoors by roughing it with the family. Afraid of not pitching a camping tent successfully and looking like a novice camper? Instead, rent one of the National Park Service’s cabins or an RV and park it at the campground.
Travelers skip the hotel and head right for the houseboat (many with their own waterslide) at Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Cherish a unique way to sleep on the crystal blue waters of Lake Powell, America’s top house boating destination. Lake Shasta in northern California is also popular for houseboating. Look for each marina’s great seasonal fuel offers to save on gas since prices are so high this summer. Specials are advertised periodically to boost visitor traffic.
Plan even farther ahead in the high season to ensure the best lodging is available. Crowds of families visit the national parks to hike and enjoy outdoor activities during their kids’ school holidays.
5. Go Green in the Parks to Conserve All Resources
Support the environment, go lean, and go green with a cheap national parks vacation plan. As you’ve been told countless times, ‘take only pictures and leave only footprints’ when you enter the Great Outdoors.
Several national parks concessions are incorporating green initiatives into their operations. For example, look for locally sourced and sustainable cuisine on the hotel’s fine-dining menus. Use the parks’ and hotels’ water bottle refilling stations. Recycle whatever you can. All these steps contribute to helping the environment and the local economies. Alaska’s Denali National Park Resorts, for example, is leading the way with its Articlean Ozone laundry system, award-winning recycling program, and the addition of hybrid buses to its tour fleet. With more travelers looking for eco-friendly destinations, national parks offer families the perfect green getaway.
6. Book Direct and Search for National Parks Deals
Hunt for package deals when planning your cheap national parks vacation. Today, nearly every website lists packages, often bundling a rental car and hotel with a national park pass. Take advantage of travel agent services offered by your credit card or loyalty program when using points since they often access deals that consumers cannot. Sign up to earn, accumulate these reward points, and win travel rewards.
Or book accommodations through hotel websites directly rather than through search engines. For example, you are guaranteed the best rate if going directly to Bestwestern.com rather than booking lodging through an online travel site.
7. Plan Ahead, Organize Your Time on a Cheap National Parks Vacation
Plan as much as possible to make the most of a park visit. Limited capacity hotels and campgrounds plus required parking or entry reservations make it imperative to book ahead. In summer, make those months ahead of the holiday weekends.
Keep in mind that Canada and the U.S. have different national holidays. Choose a state or national park across the border for certain weekends to reap unexpected savings.
Allow time to experience the best each region offers at any time of year. ARAMARK, Xanterra, Delaware North, and other park concessionaires offer unique packages geared around special events and festivals. Plan your trip around the region’s culture, whether the Indian Arts & Culture Festival at Mesa Verde National Park in Southwestern Colorado or the Apple Butter Festival at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
8. Ask Kids to Help Research Your Park Destination
And don’t forget to prepare the family for their foray into the Great Outdoors. Before your visit, research the flora and fauna you may encounter. Ask each family member to help you assemble a nature guide and collect souvenirs for a scrapbook. Download maps and hiking trail guides to your GPS or print them out and laminate them.
The parks have experienced cutbacks in government budgets to match your own. Therefore, the Visitor Centers may not be well as stocked with giveaway guides and other literature as expected.
However, on weekends especially, there will be worthwhile — and free — ranger-led tours and programs. And memories are made of those shared moments of discovery — genuinely priceless.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Affordable National Parks
While visiting the cheapest national parks, pay attention to the hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that can make your journey even more rewarding. Here are some valuable insights to enhance your national park experience:
1. Lesser-Known Trails and Scenic Spots:
Many national parks have well-known trails and viewpoints, but exploring less-visited areas can offer solitude and unique perspectives. Research lesser-known trails and scenic spots within the park for a quieter and more intimate experience.
2. Wildlife Watching Tips:
National parks are teeming with wildlife, from elusive creatures to majestic birds. To increase your chances of spotting animals, consider bringing binoculars, a wildlife guidebook, and learning about the park’s indigenous species.
3. Cultural and Historical Insights:
National parks often have rich cultural and historical significance. Visit museums, historic sites, and interpretive centers to understand better the park’s heritage and the people who once inhabited the land.
4. Evening Programs and Stargazing:
Many national parks offer evening programs, including campfire talks and stargazing events. These activities provide a unique opportunity to connect with park rangers and fellow visitors while learning about the night sky.
5. Unique Flora and Fauna:
Each national park boasts its unique flora and fauna. Explore the diversity of plant life, from colorful wildflowers to ancient trees, and learn about their ecological importance.
6. Water Activities and Waterfalls:
National parks often feature pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Consider renting kayaks or canoes for a serene paddle or embark on hikes that lead to breathtaking waterfall vistas.
7. Ranger-Led Programs:
Ranger-led programs are not limited to daytime activities. Some parks offer night hikes, wildlife tracking sessions, and photography workshops led by experienced rangers. These programs provide a deeper connection to the park’s natural wonders.
8. Leave No Trace Practices:
To preserve the beauty of national parks for future generations, familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles. Minimize your environmental impact by practicing responsible camping, disposing of waste properly, and respecting wildlife.
9. Off-Peak Hours Exploration:
While most visitors explore national parks during the day, consider venturing out during the early morning or late evening. The soft lighting and reduced crowds can create a magical atmosphere for photography and wildlife encounters.
10. Connect with Local Communities:
Surrounding communities often offer unique experiences, from local cuisine to cultural festivals. Explore nearby towns and interact with locals to gain insights into the history and traditions.
By delving into these lesser-explored aspects of national parks, you’ll enhance your trip. From hidden trails to cultural discoveries, a world of adventure awaits in America’s affordable national parks.
Conclusion
Plan your visit to the cheapest national parks with these budget-saving tips. Explore affordable ways to enjoy nature and create unforgettable memories with your family. Start your adventure today.
If these tips helped you learn more about the cheapest national parks to visit in the US, consider checking out these other articles below –
- Free National Park Family Programs
- Top 10 National Parks For Family Vacations
- Yosemite National Park For A Summer Vacation
- The Very Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.