10 great places to spring out of a winter rut
— -- It's no joke: Now that spring has officially sprung, there's no better time to head outside for some natural activity. Keith Bellows, editor in chief of National Geographic Traveler and author of National Geographic's Guide to the National Parks, gives USA TODAY's Rebecca Heslin his foolproof destinations to enjoy the best of the new season.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Colorado
"Backed by the 13,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this vast ocean of dunes are a trekker's delight, especially in spring before sand temperatures skyrocket," Bellows says. The park is home to America's tallest dunes, some towering up to 750 feet into the sky. Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking through them, sliding down them and riding along them with the help of a "dunes wheelchair." nps.gov/grsa, 719-378-6399
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkTennessee and North Carolina
Bellows prefers visiting this southern spot in spring. "Now's the time to visit America's busiest park — before the summer hordes arrive and the fall leaf peepers crowd the roads," Bellows says. "For my money, the smells and scenics of spring display the park at its prime." As an added bonus, the park is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year so there's plenty to do. nps.gov/grsm, 865-436-1200
Glacier Bay National Park Alaska
As the name insinuates, glaciers are prevalent in the bay as ice from the surrounding mountains slides down to the water. But it's not always freezing here. "In May, the days are at their sunniest and you can cruise by no fewer than nine calving glaciers in the bay, home to humpback whales, moose, and black and brown bears," Bellows says. Access to the park is only available by boat or sea plane from Juneau. nps.gov/glba, 907-697-2230
Shenandoah National Park Virginia
"Spring arrives first in the park valleys and then moves upward — the result is an ever-expanding carpet of wildflowers," Bellows says. Take the 105-mile Skyline Drive to take in the scenery, or rent a canoe and raft through the mountains down the Shenandoah River. The park is 75 miles from Washington, D.C., so pack a one-two punch into your vacation and see the sights in one trip. nps.gov/shen, 540-999-3500
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