National parks have long been known as “America’s best idea.”
While some observers question the origin of the phrase—whether it was the 1972 Pulitzer-winner Wallace Stegner or Edwardian-era diplomat Viscount James Bryce—few take issue with the underlying sentiment. In fact, many question why we aren’t expanding our best idea, with organizations like The Sierra Club and Earth Island Institute calling for the establishment of more national parklands quickly.
Experts suggest that if Congress were to heed this call, we could address issues such as overcrowding that plagues our most iconic national parks and the biodiversity loss threatening various habitats. A recent study published in Nature suggests that by protecting the world’s remaining wilderness areas, we could potentially halve the risk of extinction for land animals.
Amidst ongoing cravings for wide-open spaces, the establishment of a new national park is especially appealing. This would mark the 64th designation since the inception of national parks 150 years ago with Yellowstone. While no one can predict which wilderness area Congress will designate next, here are several worthy contenders that hold promise.
Tongass National Forest, Alaska
Overcrowding and biodiversity loss are not the only issues that might be mitigated by expanding parklands. Considering potential carbon sequestration benefits, many studies indicate that new national parks within forested regions could play a significant role in offsetting climate change. One of the prime candidates is the planet’s largest intact temperate rainforest, which is also the country’s largest national forest.
At approximately 26,000 square miles, if the Tongass National Forest were a European nation, it would rank between Lithuania and Ireland in size. If this vast region of old-growth forests, mountainous archipelagos, and Misty Fjords were designated a national park, it would bolster the Biden administration’s current initiatives to reduce local logging and strengthen protections for Alaska Native heritage. The name “Tongass” actually refers to a local Tlingit group whose heritage is woven into the community, from esteemed storytellers to the next generation of canoe artisans. Visitors should consider hopping into a canoe or kayak, where the waterways boast encounters with whales, bears, and icebergs.
Klamath-Siskiyou Forests ecoregion, Oregon and California
Environmental activists and regional tribes have long pursued environmental stewardship initiatives in these ancient forested regions. One prominent proposal involves creating an Ancient Forest National Park that would span 230 miles from the Rogue River in Oregon to the Eel River in California, encompassing some of the world’s most biologically rich temperate coniferous forests. This proposed park would protect the legendary biodiversity found in the Klamath-Siskiyou Forests ecoregion, which is home to cougars, bears, and a unique weasel species. The waterways here are equally remarkable, featuring more federally-recognized Wild and Scenic Rivers than any other area in the continental US.
The opportunities for boating, rafting, hiking, and mountain biking in this region are exceptional. While advocates push for national park status, the area has already garnered recognition on the World Wildlife Fund’s Global 200 list for its outstanding and representative biodiversity habitats.
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Nestled in Arizona, the Chiricahua National Monument derives its name from the ancient Opata word for “wild turkey.” It remains a habitat for the Gould’s Turkey, a subspecies that has successfully rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. This includes a local hunting ban and the isolation of the bird’s mountain habitats within the desert’s “sky islands.”
While the diverse wildlife—comprising javelina and coatimundi—is notable, the remarkable geologic formations steal the show. These towering rhyolite pillars, born of volcanic activity and sculpted by time, line the park’s 17 miles of hiking trails. The landscape is considered sacred, motivating congressional proposals to ensure the protection of traditional cultural and religious sites in consultation with local Indian Tribes. Recently, a senate bill to designate this land as a national park passed unanimously, creating hope for further protections.
Northwoods, Michigan and Wisconsin
The proposed North Woods National Park by the Sierra Club could result in the Midwest’s largest national park, composed of extensive, carbon-dense expanses like the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, along with glacial lakes and wild rivers. Encompassing about three million acres, visitors may encounter at-risk species such as harbor wolves, lynx, and osprey, as well as fellow outdoor enthusiasts engaged in paddling, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and winter activities like cross-country skiing. Additionally, there’s a dedicated Snowmobiling Hall of Fame and Museum in nearby St. Germain, highlighting the area’s love for snowmobiling.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine
Maine boasts at least a couple of candidates for new national parks, with Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument highlighted by the chair of the senate subcommittee on National Parks, Maine’s Angus King, as a prime contender. The state’s tallest mountain, the nearly mile-high Mount Katahdin, forms a stunning backdrop for these 87,000 wooded acres interspersed with flowing rivers and streams amidst the forested landscape.
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound, while exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails offer exhilarating adventures. Visitors can also indulge in homemade blueberry and whoopie pies at the Katahdin General Store or enjoy a leisurely drive along the 17-mile scenic loop, where opportunities for wildlife encounters, including moose and black bears, await.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey/Pennsylvania
The Delaware Water Gap, despite its name, spans both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is set to become the first national park shared by the two states. Encompassing around 67,000 acres, the existing National Recreation Area includes 150 miles of trails in the picturesque Pocono Mountains, a 40-mile stretch of the Delaware River, and a series of stunning waterfalls, including Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls.
Advocates for national park status emphasize the importance of preserving the area’s natural beauty, viewing it also as a social justice issue to ensure access for millions living within reach of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York City.
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho
While the American West is celebrated for its multitude of national parks, one state that lacks representation is Idaho. Although Yellowstone National Park extends into Idaho, many argue the state deserves its own national park, with Craters of the Moon frequently mentioned as a key contender. An expanded park could encompass surrounding sagebrush steppe, home to the at-risk sage grouse and rich carbon-storing soils.
At the center, the moon-like landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity offer breathtaking views, particularly from the Inferno Cone, which showcases scenes of the Great Rift, Snake River Plain, Pioneer Mountains, and, if fortunate, views of the Tetons. The post-sunset stargazing opportunities from the Lava Flow Campground are especially magnificent.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia
Georgia, lacking its own national park, awaits the results of a special resource study concerning the Ocmulgee River Corridor between Macon and Hawkinsville. This prospective park is a long-sought goal for conservationists and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose ancestors were displaced from these lands. The region boasts rich Indigenous history, showcased at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park—the site of the largest archeological dig in the US. Worthy of exploration, ensure to observe The Great Temple Mound Complex, showcasing the remnants of the Mississippians from the 10th century.
This proposed national park would unite the archeological area and riverside corridors, forming a significant mega-park stretching nearly 60 miles through an environmentally and culturally rich landscape of around 70,000 acres—conveniently located near downtown Macon, which offers numerous excellent dining options, notably Fish n’ Pig and the Bear’s Den.
Big Bend, Florida
While the US already features a Big Bend National Park in Texas, advocates for a Floridian counterpart along the panhandle argue for the protection of the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the lower 48 states. A proposed 1.9 million-acre Florida Big Bend National Park would encompass forests, wetlands, rivers, springs, estuaries, and a significant portion of seagrass, critical for various ecosystems.
This area is home to manatees, leopard frogs, grey wolves, and a multitude of bird species that can be experienced through boating, biking, or hiking. The 83,000-acre St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, designated for avian habitats almost a century ago, provides sanctuary to numerous species, including bald eagles, osprey, and large populations of seabirds alongside other wildlife. If butterflies pique your interest, October promises an enchanting display of monarchs and other species.
