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Hit the Road: The Best National Parks To Visit During Your Cross-Country Move

A yellow Penske box truck drives on a road through the desert.

Moving across the country means a new beginning, but it could also be the perfect excuse for a road trip. When you’re behind the wheel, it’s easy to focus on the destination and miss the magic of winding scenic routes, sunrise coffee stops and unexpected roadside treasures right outside the window.

Whether moving coast-to-coast or just taking the scenic route, take advantage of free, unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals and consider making time for a few stops along the way. Here are some top national park picks that blend wildlife and adventure, and are easily accessible from major roads and highways.

12+ National Parks To Explore

1. Shenandoah (Virginia)

Shenandoah national park amid a blue cloudy sky
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: Conveniently located along I-81, great for Northeast-to-South routes
  • What You’ll See: Blue Ridge Mountain overlooks, cascading waterfalls and Skyline Drive
  • Pro Tip: It’s especially beautiful during the fall color season
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/shen

2. Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina)

Great Smoky Mountains at sunset
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: Accessible from I-40 and I-81, this park sits near many East Coast routes. Drive-through scenic views mean you can enjoy it even with a full truck
  • What You’ll See: Misty peaks, black bears, waterfalls and some of the most biodiverse forests in the U.S.
  • Why Stop: America’s most-visited national park offers year-round hiking, scenic drives like Cades Cove and charming nearby towns like Gatlinburg
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/grsm

3. Mammoth Cave (Kentucky)

Underground in the Mammoth Caves
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: Just off I-65 between Louisville and Nashville, it’s a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the Midwest or Southeast. Guided cave tours can fit into tight schedules
  • What You’ll See: The world’s longest known cave system — more than 400 miles explored so far
  • Why Stop: Take a guided cave tour, paddle the Green River or hike quiet forest trails. There’s something surreal about standing underground in a space millions of years old
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/maca

4. Everglades (Florida)

Everglades at sunrise
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: If your move takes you through South Florida, the park is within reach of Miami and Naples via U.S. 41 or the Florida Turnpike. Short trails and scenic drives are perfect for a midday reset
  • What You’ll See: Swamplands teeming with alligators, manatees and endangered panthers, plus miles of slow-moving rivers and sawgrass marshes
  • Why Stop: With boat tours, scenic biking and wildlife viewing at Shark Valley and Anhinga Trail, this is one of the most unique ecosystems in the country
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/ever

5. Badlands (South Dakota)

Badlands mountains amid a field of flowers.
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: Located just off I-90, it’s a dramatic, unexpected stop in the Great Plains
  • What You’ll See: Striped rock formations, prairie dogs, bison and jaw-dropping sunrises/sunsets
  • Pro Tip: The Badlands Loop Scenic Byway is truck-friendly and offers plenty of photo ops
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/badl

6. Rocky Mountain

Rocky mountains with a stream flowing in front.
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: Located near major interstates (I-70 and I-25), it’s a stunning high-altitude detour for those traveling across Colorado. Plenty of scenic pull-offs make it a quick but rewarding break from the drive
  • What You’ll See: Alpine tundra, elk herds, glacial lakes and sweeping views from Trail Ridge Road — the highest continuous paved road in the U.S.
  • Why Stop: With over 355 miles of hiking trails and elevations climbing past 12,000 feet, this park is perfect for nature lovers and road trippers alike
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/romo

7. White Sands (New Mexico)

White sand dunes and a blue sky.
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: Just off U.S. Route 70, it's an easy stop for people crossing southern states
  • What You’ll See: Miles of wave-like gypsum sand dunes. It looks like snow, but is actually warm desert
  • Pro Tip: You can rent or bring a sled to ride the dunes!
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/whsa

8. Arches (Utah)

Red rock sculptures at sunset.
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: Near Moab, and just off I-70, it’s a perfect detour if you’re heading through the Rockies toward the Southwest
  • What You’ll See: Over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, plus fins, towers and balanced rocks
  • Pro Tip: Visit early or late in the day as midday gets hot and crowded
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/arch

9. Zion (Utah)

Green valley surrounded by mountains.
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: Easily accessed from I-15, Zion is a popular stop for westbound travelers heading through southern Utah. Springdale has RV/truck parking and amenities nearby
  • What You’ll See: Dramatic sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons and emerald pools nestled in a desert oasis
  • Why Stop: Hike the Narrows or Angels Landing (if you're bold), or soak in the scenery along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It’s a Utah essential
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/zion

10. Grand Canyon (Arizona)

A view of the Grand Canyon from above.
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: A classic detour for anyone driving between California and Texas or Colorado
  • What You’ll See: One of the seven natural wonders of the world. Need we say more?
  • Pro Tip: The South Rim is open year-round and more accessible for larger vehicles
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/grca

11. Saguaro (Arizona)

White and green cactus plants in front of a purple sky at sunset.
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: With park areas east and west of Tucson, Saguaro is a quick and easy stop for movers traveling along I-10 through the Southwest
  • What You’ll See: Towering saguaro cacti (some over 40 feet tall), desert wildflowers and breathtaking sunsets over the Sonoran Desert
  • Why Stop: Split into east and west districts near Tucson, it’s easy to explore for a few hours or a full day. Visit in late spring to catch the cactus blooms
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/sagu

12. Redwoods (California)

Two large redwood trees and many smaller trees surround a hiking path.
  • Why It’s Great for Movers: If your move takes you up the West Coast, don’t skip the giants
  • What You’ll See: The tallest trees on Earth, plus lush fern canyons and coastal views
  • Pro Tip: Some scenic drives may not be ideal for larger trucks, so check ahead for clearance requirements
  • Learn More: https://www.nps.gov/redw


Bonus Tips for Movers-Turned-Road-Trippers

  • Park Smart: Many national parks offer large parking lots or RV/truck-accessible areas. Double-check park entrance info before visiting in a moving truck
  • Plan Ahead: Download maps and check for road closures or timed entry systems (especially in high-traffic parks like Rocky Mountain and Zion)
  • Pack Snacks and Reusables: Minimize food stops by prepping a cooler. Bonus points for eco-friendly choices like refillable water bottles
  • Snap a Pic: A selfie in front of a national park sign makes a great moving day memory

Remember that the drive is just part of the journey. Park the truck every now and then and enjoy the view from wherever you are.

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