Here's What You Should Know When Visiting National Parks During Off-Season
It's definitely all about the layers.
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Here’s a secret — National Parks are even more beautiful during the off-season. Sure, you're probably missing the fall foliage, but having one of these sprawling landscapes all to yourself? It's pretty great. Plus, you might even see more cool animals from your favorite National Parks along the way, since there's less foot traffic. No matter how short or far a hike or backpacking trip you have planned, you need to always be prepared for the elements — especially off-peak.
While “always be prepared” is the tagline of the great American Boy Scouts, it’s a sentiment that should be shared by every National Park visitor. There’s no such thing as too many layers, or too many Band Aids packed. Being over prepared is much more favorable than arriving at the park and realizing you're not going to be warm enough. Here’s what you should know when visiting National Parks during off-season!
If you’re car camping, don't leave your engine on for heat.
There’s some safety tips that can’t be ignored when car camping, especially in the colder months. Ford Explorer Brand Manager Lee Newcombe says, “Cars can get just as cold as tents at night, so pack lots of insulated blankets. Don’t leave your engine running all night to heat the interior. Crack open your sunroof (if you have one) or a window just slightly for ventilation and to prevent moisture from collecting. If you’re worried about bugs, you can always buy some mesh to line the opening. Lastly, carry a headlamp — it’s good to have to light up the inside of your vehicle and can also help light the way in case you have to go in the middle of the night.”
Beautiful, sunny days don't mean it's warm.
Even when it looks sunny and beautiful outside, it doesn’t mean that it’s warm. When you’re in the sun, it’s warm and you might feel hot, but don’t be fooled. Dress in layers, because as soon as the sun isn’t shining on you, it quickly gets cold. Especially in the fall, you’ll find yourself being able to see your breath from the temperature but also getting sunburn from the same exact hike. No matter the temperature, you should always apply sunscreen to start your day.
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Layers, layers, layers!
This is probably the most important item on the list whether you’re camping or hiking for the day. Dan Yates, Founder of Pitchup.com, a site to find and book locations for camping and RVs, says, “Don’t scrimp on socks, a high-quality torch, plenty of layers or an insulated sleeping bag. Sleep with your clothes for the next day inside the bag with you so they’ll be warm when you’re putting them on.”
Do your research online before visiting.
Especially during a pandemic, it’s vital to do your research before visiting to see if there are alternate operating hours, weather advisories, or anything else to be aware of. Services such as Hipcamp can help you find unique experiences to stay at National Parks from Yellowstone to Acadia. Hipcamp recently created an interactive stargazing map that shows light pollution to find camps that are under the darkest, starriest skies. Putting in time and research before your adventure only leads to elevating the experience even more.
Gear up for seasonal terrain.
If you visited a park in the warmer months, you shouldn’t expect your visit to be exactly the same. Off-season terrains change from leaves and snow covering the ground, and there are easy ways to prepare for it. Getting hiking traction grips for your shoes is a game changer. They attach onto your existing shoes, and help give you that extra push that you’ll be thankful for a few miles into your hike. Walking sticks are beneficial for someone of any age.
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If traveling solo, always share your plans or location with someone.
As National Parks may be less crowded off-season, it’s more important than ever to always tell someone where you’re going. Give a friend or loved one (hi mom and dad) a heads up that you’re heading out for a hike and don’t solely depend on Apple’s Find My Friends as many National Parks don’t have good cellular service. You can never be too careful, and it gives all parties a piece of mind.
Remember, it gets dark earlier!
The last thing you’d want to do is get caught in the dark. Do not forget that in the colder months, it gets dark earlier. Plan your hikes accordingly, because nothing good comes from not being able to see where you’re going in a new place. Even hiking during the daytime, you should always carry a flashlight or headlamp as a precaution. Headlamps don’t have to be unfashionable — Third Eye Headlamps work with artists to create custom headpieces.
No matter where you’re headed this season, you’ll be prepared. It’s a great big world out there, and hiking or camping isn’t as simple as our social media feeds make it out to be. It’s important to always stay safe and be smart. With the colors of changing leaves and the smell of a campfire on a cold night, there’s joys of seeing these parks during off-season that you simply won’t get to see in the hot Summer months.
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