1. Yellowstone is a huge national park that extends through much of Idado, Wyoming, and Montana. It is full of lakes, canyons, rivers, and mountains. Highlights include Old Faithful Geyser and Yellowstone Lake. www.nps.gov/yell
2. Great Smoky Mountain National Park is in North Carolina and Tennessee. Highlights include Clingman’s Dome (seen in photo), Cades Cove, and Gatlinburg. www.nps.gov/grsm
3. Dinosaur National Monument is in Utah and Colorado. Highlights include dinosaur fossil beds and petroglyphs. www.nps.gov/dino
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virgina is a nature lovers paradise renowned for its backcountry and wilderness camping, as well as outstanding fly fishing. There are five major campgrounds and three lodges. Highlights: hiking (roughly 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail are part of Shenandoah) and voted best dog-friendly park in America. Bandit gave it a four paws review! www.nps.gov/shen
5. Acadia National Park, Maine. Highlights include: Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain. www.nps.gov/acad