Page 20 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Holiday 2021

EXPLORE | DESTINATIONS HOLIDAY EDITION 2021
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Some of Our Favorite National Parks to Visit in the Winter
Simon Dannhauser | Shutterstock
When we think of grand winter escapes, many of us have thoughts of sailing the Caribbean or relaxing at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. But we sometimes overlook the beauty winter brings to places within our backyard. Some of America’s national parks are perfect for winter getaways.
Here are some of our favorite parks to visit during the winter season.
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, FLORIDA
Travel to a place where water covers nearly every inch. The Everglades National Park, the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the nation, is a diverse and intricately linked series of habitats sheltering a variety of plants and animals, including 39 species listed as threatened or endangered, or are candidates for listing. The most popular time to visit the Everglades is during the dry season, from December to April, as many tourists escape from winter’s wrath to the warm, pleasant weather of Florida.
Favorite Trails:
• Anhinga Trail – Starting 4 miles inside the park at the Royal
Palm Nature Center, the Anhinga Trail follows an elevated boardwalk. During the winter, alligators, snowy egrets, anhingas, and garfish can be seen.
• Shark Valley – With several short self-guiding trails, it’s easy to explore the area. Bobcat Boardwalk passes through a bayhead tree island, while Otter Cave Hammock Trail leads through limestone formations and a tropical hammock. Self-guiding bicycle trails and bicycle rentals are available.
Margaret Wiktor | Shutterstock
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO
Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to get lost – really lost, as far away from the mainstream as your heart desires. It’s one of the highest-elevation parks in the United States with peaks reaching over 14,000 feet. The winter months bring a special kind of serenity, as pristine snow blankets the hiking trails, rests haphazardly on tree branches and crowns graceful peaks. Click into
a pair of cross-country skis and explore this winter wonderland. Stand motionless and be silent – the sounds of chattering birds and small animals rustling through
the snowdrifts will echo across the dramatic landscape. Don a pair of snowshoes and make the first and only tracks of the day as you journey across starkly beautiful alpine tundra.
Favorite Attractions:
• Stanley Hotel Tours – If you’re a movie buff, you’ll enjoy
the Stanley Hotel Tours that takes place at the historic Stanley Hotel, which is said to be the inspiration of author Stephen King’s “The Shining” novel.
• Bear Lake Road – Immerse yourself in alpine splendor by embarking on a scenic drive. Bear Lake Road runs from Upper Beaver Meadows to Bear Lake, the site of several hiking trails that entice cross-country skiers during winter.
The winter months bring a special kind of serenity, as pristine snow blankets the hiking trails, rests haphazardly on tree branches and crowns graceful peaks.