Among the many stops that one can make while traveling Route 66, America’s beautiful National Parks are some of the best ones you can make! From famous outdoor parks to more urban based parks and everything in between, these are the parks you come across while traveling the “Mother Road” and why you need to visit them all.

A place of history, culture, and unique geological phenomenon. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for all these factors, as well as scenery that is unmatched in colorfulness. Miles of hiking trails, as well as drivable roads make this park perfect for exploring for anyone.

Currently considered America’s newest National Park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve located in West Virginia is ripe with beauty, history and recreation. Abandoned mill towns seemingly left standing still in time, hiking trails that trek the ancient New River and Allegheny Mountains; there’s plenty to do when exploring this 70,000-acre park and here are three activities that you must make sure are on your New River Gorge Itinerary.