Interestingly, the majority of people traveling to National Parks do so by personal vehicle. While increased interest in National Parks has led to more people exploring the outdoors, the beauty and safety of the parks are challenged by the added vehicles. Idling cars from traffic congestion decrease air quality<\/a> and causes needless carbon dioxide emissions. At Arches National Park in May 2015, state troopers were forced to intermittently close a section of roadway leading to the park\u2019s entrance when vehicle capacity was reached within the park and traffic began to back up on the highway. Parking is an additional problem. The Grand Canyon has over 6,000 vehicles competing for 2,400 spots daily during the high season. With parking so limited, illegal parking along the shoulder has led to resource damage.<\/p>\n To get a handle on how the National Parks is dealing with these issues, we spoke with Krista Sherwood, National Park\u2019s Transportation Planner. She is currently on a team that created a park planning guide for \u201cactive transportation and recreation efforts with National Parks.\u201d This guide, which was published in 2018, highlights people-powered parks initiatives and defines best practices for working with partners that offer alternatives to car usage, such as bike sharing programs. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to change the culture and mindset, both within the park services and externally, away from cars being the primary mode of transportation,” said Sherwood. “There are other multi-modal options that we need to be providing for.\u201d<\/p>\n Currently, the National Park Service often does a good job showing visitors how to travel within the parks without a car. What\u2019s missing is advice on getting to<\/em> the parks by alternative modes of transportation\u2014be it a $2.75 subway ride or a boat trip to a park accessible only by water. offMetro has created the first guide to National Park lands that you can reach without the use of a personal vehicle. This list of our favorite places you can get to without a car will inspire you to reconnect with the great outdoors and discover how feasible it is to travel from urban centers to some of our nation\u2019s most rugged and remote places\u2014no car required.<\/p>\n Take note that many of the National Park Service shuttles have limited seasonal schedules and the costs only cover transportation.<\/em><\/p>\n Maine<\/strong><\/p>\n Acadia National Park<\/a> is an outdoor enthusiast\u2019s paradise. Travelers flock here for its dramatic landscapes, diverse flora and fauna and miles of carriage roads that are catnip for hikers and bikers. Car-free proponents will appreciate the Island Explorer shuttles that whisk you to the parks remote nooks and crannies.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>From Boston\u2019s South Station take Concord Coach Lines<\/a> to Bangor. From Bangor, the Downeast Commuter Bus<\/a> will take you to Bar Harbor.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> $106 round trip includes bus & commuter shuttle.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Climbing, hiking, stargazing, swimming.<\/p>\n Tip: <\/em>The Downeast Trans doesn’t run daily so if your plans require it you can book the Bar Harbor Shuttle<\/a> to connect you from Bangor.<\/p>\n Maryland<\/strong><\/p>\n Assateague is famous for its wild horses, which freely roam the area’s beaches. Visitors can enjoy horseback rides, hunting trips, bike excursions and boat tours. Camping is permitted on the island’s impressive 37 miles of beach.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>Take the Greyhound from Baltimore to Ocean City. From Ocean City, rent bikes from Dandy Don<\/a> and bike the eight-mile trip to Assateague. Alternatively, take the Assateague Adventure.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/em>$44 round trip by bus, bike rentals vary.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Biking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing\/kayaking, fishing, swimming.<\/p>\n Explore both history and nature as they merge to create The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, most notable for its contiguous, car-free, 184-mile trail. Meander through the trail along the southern edge of Maryland to reach Cumberland Virginia or continue for another 150 miles along the The Great Allegheny Passage<\/a> all the way to Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>Starting in Washington D.C., you can hike & bike along the canal’s towpath (where mules used to walk, pulling the boats) all the way to Cumberland Maryland. Alternatively, take the Amtrak Capitol Train to the Cumberland or Harpers Ferry trailheads.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> Free (human-powered transportation), $56 round trip to Cumberland by train.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Hiking, biking, camping, history, horseback riding.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/em> The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park has a mobile app that uses geolocation to connect visitors with nearby points of interest.<\/p>\n Massachusetts<\/strong><\/p>\n Cape Cod National Seashore is known for its picturesque colonial homes and Old-World American charm. Take a long walk on the beach and admire the views, or participate in water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and fishing. There are bike trails accessible for beginner riders.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>From Boston, take the Plymouth and Brockton bus to Hyannis. Once in Hyannis, hop on the Cape Cod Transit bus or rent a bike from the Bike Zone.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/em>$51 round trip.<\/p>\n Adventure: <\/em>Biking, camping, fishing, swimming, boating Want to check out the bike trails before you go? NPS has both flyover videos<\/a> and virtual tours<\/a> online.<\/p>\n New York<\/strong><\/p>\n The only park on this list accessible by NYC Subway, the Gateway National Recreation Area’s outposts comprise 27,000 acres and can be found in four out of the five boroughs, including Fort Tilden<\/a> and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge<\/a> in Queens, Floyd Bennett Field<\/a> in Brooklyn and Staten Island’s Great Kills Park. Encompassing naval history, a wildlife refuge with over 300 bird species, and the only public campsites in NYC, this is one of the most unique urban parks in the country.<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/em> Gateway is accessible by numerous bike lanes<\/a> and the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus & subway service.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> $5.50 round trip on the MTA.<\/p>\n Adventure: <\/em>Camping, surfing, paddling, hiking, biking, birding.<\/p>\n This 31-mile long barrier island stretching along the southern coast of Long Island doesn’t allow motor vehicle access. From secret surf breaks to hiking among 300-year old American Holly trees at Sunken Forest<\/a> to paved paths for leisurely biking, it offers a truly car-free respite.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>From NYC, take the Long Island Railroad<\/a> to Bay Shore. Walk directly to the Fire Island Ferry that goes to Ocean Beach. Once you arrive on Fire Island you can walk or bike everywhere.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> $45 round trip.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Surfing, biking, hiking, paddling, camping There are no walk-up or strictly backcountry campground options at Fire Island so make sure to make a reservation<\/a> in advance.<\/p>\n Indiana<\/strong><\/p>\n Indiana Dunes’ spectacular sand dunes are its main attraction, best explored by foot through one of the lakeshore’s hiking trails<\/a>. Nature lovers will enjoy a great diversity of plant life, 15 miles of coastline and a freshwater lake for fishing, swimming, kayaking and sailing. It also offers skiing and snowshoeing trails and ice fishing in the wintertime. All of this is just a quick day trip from Chicago.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>From Chicago, take the South Shore line<\/a> to Dune Park. Once in the park, take the free Dune Buggy<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/em>$13 round trip.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Beach-going, boating, fishing, biking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (must rent from outside the park).<\/p>\n Ohio<\/strong><\/p>\n Cuyahoga Valley National Park hosts unique “questing” and EarthCaching programs for locations such as Brandywine Falls and Ice Box Cave that allow participants to uncover secrets of the park. Visitors have the unique opportunity to golf at one of four courses within the heart of the park. There’s a plethora of additional park activities at Cuyahoga, such as bird watching, horseback riding and kayaking.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>Take the 77F bus from downtown Cleveland to Brecksville. Once there, take a short taxi ride to the front of the park. Alternatively, take the Baron’s Bus to Akron and the CVSR train<\/a> to the center of the park.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> $36 round trip from Cleveland.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> EarthCaching (geocaching for natural wonders), camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, horseback riding.<\/p>\n Arkansas<\/strong><\/p>\n Hot Springs National Park offers visitors a dip in thermal pools, averaging 143 degrees Fahrenheit, that some believe hold curative powers. Spring water can be found at many drinking stations throughout the park. Those seeking a bit more of a challenge can explore the park’s 26 miles of trails and set up camp alongside the river at Gulpha Gorge campground.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>From Houston, take the Amtrak Texas Eagle route to Little Rock, then transfer to a Greyhound bus bound for Hot Springs.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> $280.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Hiking, climbing, camping, hot springs.<\/p>\n Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n Crisp blue waters and mangrove forests along the shoreline will transport you to another world. Dive in to explore the coral reefs up close and discover shipwrecks along the ocean floor by following the Maritime Heritage Trail. Biscayne National Park is mainly accessible by boat, including the two main campgrounds, which are free from September to May. Expect to see many colorful fish, dolphins, turtles and pelicans as you navigate this tropical paradise.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>Take the Metrorail orange line from Miami International to Dadeland South. From Dadeland South, take the 38 Max line to the Historic Homestead stop and walk (6 min) to 104 N. Krome Avenue to catch the Homestead National Parks Trolley to Biscayne.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> $4.50 round trip.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Diving, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, camping<\/p>\n 99% of Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of water, so it’s the perfect destination for those looking to snorkel, paddle and swim in its crystal clear waters and coral reefs. Seven small islands scattered throughout the park make up its 1% of landmass. It’s where you’ll find historic Fort Jefferson as well as one of the most beautiful camping sites in America.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>From Miami take a Greyhound or the local bus on the scenic 150 mile journey to Key West. From Key West there’s one official ferry<\/a> to the park. Alternatively you can Stand Up Paddleboard from NYC<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> $224 round trip.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Snorkeling, paddling, fishing, camping.<\/p>\n Across its 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park showcases a spectacular variety of wildlife in its natural habitat, from panthers to pythons. Florida’s famous alligators and crocodiles are found just off the path alongside native plants and jewel-green bayous. Visitors can explore the park via bus, bike, foot, or boat: much of the richness of the wetlands is only accessible by waterway.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>Take the Metrorail<\/a> orange line from Miami International to Dadeland South. From Dadeland South, take the 38 Max line to the Historic Homestead stop and walk (6 min) to 104 N. Krome Avenue to catch the Homestead National Parks Trolley<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/em> $5 round trip.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Paddling, fishing, hiking, camping, and slough slogging<\/a><\/p>\n Arizona<\/strong><\/p>\n Divided into North and South Rim, Grand Canyon has an extensive network of hiking trails suitable to all skill levels. Day, night, backcountry, guided, and winter hikes are available. The park can be toured by foot, bike or bus.<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/em> Starting in Phoenix, take the Groome Shuttle<\/a> to Flagstaff, where you’ll be able to take the connector straight to the Grand Canyon.<\/a><\/p>\n Cost: <\/em> $90 round trip Phoenix-Flagstaff, $64 Flagstaff-Grand Canyon<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Hiking, camping, bicycling, art exhibitions.<\/p>\n Alaska<\/strong><\/p>\n Denali contains only one road, traversed by buses, and is perhaps the wildest National Park there is. The only park with a sled dog team, Denali is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife photographers and provides a variety of challenging and rewarding mountain hikes. Most visitors come in the summer, but it is possible for experienced outdoor enthusiasts to visit in the winter to hike, snowshoe and camp in the deep snowpack.<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/em> From Anchorage, take Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star<\/a>, only available in the summer, to the Visitors Center in the park. Once there, you can find additional shuttle options including the Camper Shuttle<\/a> that transports you to trailheads and campgrounds.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/em> The train is $319 round trip to the park. The Camper Shuttle is an extra $43.50.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Wildlife watching, hiking, camping, flightseeing<\/a>, biking.<\/p>\n California<\/strong><\/p>\n Spiky twisted trees and piles of bizarrely sculpted rocks cover the inspiring desertscapes of Joshua Tree. Adventurers come to climb, hike and camp. Stay overnight for the renowned stargazing, as the dark skies and limited light pollution offer views of epic celestial landscapes.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/em>Start by heading from Los Angeles to Palm Springs via Amtrak’s rail and bus thruway combo<\/a>. From downtown Palm Springs, the local Morongo Basin Transit Authority Bus 12<\/a> will bring you straight to Joshua Tree.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/em>$44 round trip (Amtrak) and $15 round trip MBTA<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Climbing, bouldering, hiking, camping.<\/p>\n Many consider Yosemite to be the crown jewel of the National Parks system with its How to get there: <\/em>Hop on the Amtrak San Joaquin or Greyhound to get to Merced, California where you\u2019ll transfer to the YARTS<\/a> \u2013 Yosemite Area Regional Transit \u2013 which has numerous routes to different parts of the park, is bike friendly and fares often include free park entry.<\/p>\n Cost<\/em>: $77 round trip from San Francisco on Amtrak.<\/p>\n Adventure:<\/em> Rock climbing, hiking, backpacking.<\/p>\n Montana<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Guide-to-National-Parks-without-a-car-1024x769.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nNortheast<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Acadia](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/1578997097_dfb1fc910c_b-e1415038385293.jpg\")
Acadia National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Assateague-e1475670127862.jpg\")
Assateague National Seashore<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"chesapeake-and-ohio\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Chesapeake-and-Ohio-e1475783250201.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"cape-cod-activities-photo-ii\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Cape-Cod-Activities-Photo-II-e1475604104953.jpg\")
<\/a>Cape Cod National Seashore<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Trail-View-e1475606159112.jpg\")
Gateway National Recreation Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/by-yeahgravityisbad-e1475783328271.jpg\")
New York Fire Island National Seashore<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Midwest<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Indiana-Dunes-Winter-e1475671103520.jpg\")
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Cuyahoga-Valley-Scenic-by-Brian-Smith-e1475671272160.jpg\")
Cuyahoga Valley National Park<\/h3>\n
South<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"hot-springs-national-park\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/30584976226_bd165ea78f_k-1024x613.jpg\")
\nHot Springs National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"biscayne](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Biscayne-e1476118546509.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBiscayne National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Dry](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/22157612400_cf77273a75_k.jpg\")
\nDry Tortugas National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Everglades](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/9101392038_264815831e_k-e1476117516854.jpg\")
<\/strong>
\nEverglades National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\nWest<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Grand](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/14778750847_b6dc55e25f_k-e1475779915494.jpg\")
<\/div>\nGrand Canyon National Park <\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"denali\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Denali-e1475686447231.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDenali National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"joshua-tree\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Joshua-Tree--e1475686898131.jpg\")
\nJoshua Tree National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Yosemite-2-by-Sarah-Knapp-e1475606447403.jpg\")
Yosemite National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\ntowering granite, waterfalls and vast visas that inspired notables from John Muir to Ansel Adams. A paradise for everyone from big wall rock climbers to backpackers in search of remote trails, Yosemite is a must for any nature enthusiast.<\/p>\n![\"](\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Glacier-NP-MT-3-Josh-Laskin-e1475606337333.jpg\")
Glacier National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n