Grand Canyon National Park (Photo: Envato)
The United States boasts 63 national parks, each designated as protected areas by Congress and managed by the National Parks Service. In 2023, Great Smoky National Park topped the list as the most visited national park, attracting over 13 million visitors, followed by the Grand Canyon, which welcomed nearly 5 million.
National parks are a great way to experience nature—think majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, and expansive forests. National parks are vibrant centers of adventure and diverse activities. Whether it’s birdwatching, camping, hiking, rock climbing, or zip lining, there's something for everyone. The diverse ecosystems also provide a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. This combination of serene nature, educational opportunities, and adventure makes national parks an excellent choice for family vacations, catering to all ages and interests. Photographers, in particular, will find plenty of stunning scenes to capture.
The peak season for visiting these parks is during the summer months, which can bring heavy traffic and some crowded trails. However, planning a trip during the shoulder months of April and October can offer fewer crowds and more pleasant weather, depending on the park. It's important to note that winter, and even spring in some areas, can see some roads and attractions closed due to weather conditions, so checking in advance is essential. While the shoulder months are often ideal, many families opt for summer visits due to school vacations and available time off. It’s also worth noting that kosher food availability can be seasonal, so planning ahead is crucial.
Yellowstone National Park (Photo: Envato)
Finding Kosher Food at National Parks
Here’s a helpful guide for finding kosher food while visiting some of the most popular U.S. national parks:
- Preparation is Key: Before setting out, do thorough research. We’ve looked into several top national parks and provided insights to ease your planning.
- Pack Your Meals: Expect to bring your own food since dining out in kosher restaurants near national parks is generally not an option. Stock up on groceries before you arrive at the park. If staying in accommodations like an Airbnb, consider koshering the kitchen to prepare your meals.
- Local Resources: Check with the nearest Chabad house or local Jewish community about the availability of kosher meat and chicken. They can often provide valuable information and may even have food items available for purchase.
- Essential Foods to Bring: Prepare to pack portable, non-perishable foods such as tuna, peanut butter and jelly, and a variety of snacks like granola bars and dried fruits. Canned goods are also a practical option. Most of these items can be purchased at local supermarkets before you head to the park.
- Keep It Fresh: Invest in a good cooler to keep perishable items like dairy and meats fresh throughout your trip.
- Cooking on the Go: Bring a small portable stove, grill or electric burner to cook meals if facilities allow.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Photo: Envato)
Discovering Kosher Food Options at the Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in 2023
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina/Tennessee)
As the most visited national park in 2023, the Great Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking landscapes. For kosher options, the Chabad of Knoxville, about an hour's drive from the park, provides access to local supermarkets with kosher sections. Consider stopping in Knoxville to stock up on meat, chicken, cheese, and other kosher products.
2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Choose from several airports to access the Grand Canyon. The closest is Flagstaff, an hour and a half drive, where you can visit the Chabad of Flagstaff - Molly Banks Jewish Community Center for Shabbat meals and kosher groceries. The Kosher Canyon by the Chabad of Flagstaff offers five-star cuisine for your Grand Canyon adventure. Alternatively, flying into Las Vegas or Phoenix offers more kosher dining options and adds extra attractions to your itinerary. The scenic drive from Phoenix is particularly beautiful.
Zion National Park (Photo: Envato)
3. Zion National Park (Utah)
The nearest airport is in St. George, just an hour from Zion. The Chabad of Southern Utah in St. George offers Shabbat meals and has kosher products in local supermarkets. It's also a driving hub to other national attractions like Bryce Canyon (2 hour drive) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (3 hour drive).
4. Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming)
Fly into Jackson Hole Airport, stay in Jackson near the Chabad of Wyoming, an hour from Yellowstone. Local supermarkets offer kosher sections, and the Chabad provides Shabbat meals and takeout (order 48 hours in advance).
Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo: Envato)
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Just a short 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers majestic mountain views and abundant wildlife. Denver, the closest major city, provides a variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, making it easy to stock up before your adventure. Whether you’re coming for the hiking trails or simply to soak in the natural beauty, starting your trip in Denver lets you combine city comforts with outdoor exploration.
Yosemite National Park (Photo: Envato)
6. Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite sits between Mammoth and Fresno, offering options to fly into either airport. Be aware that the road from Mammoth can be closed during the winter months, sometimes only reopening in July. Depending on the time of year, you might want to contact Chabad in Fresno or Mammoth for kosher food options. The local supermarkets in Fresno provide kosher products, and Chabad there offers catering services. This flexibility ensures you have access to kosher food, regardless of which airport you choose or what time of year you visit.
Acadia National Park (Photo: Envato)
7. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Located in the town of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park offers stunning natural beauty. The closest airport is the Bar Harbor airport, right near the park. While there is no Chabad in Bar Harbor, local supermarkets do offer a selection of kosher products. Just minutes from the park, the Shore Path Cottage, a kosher bed and breakfast, is open from May through October. Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to make reservations well in advance.
Alternatively, you could fly into Bangor, about an hour’s drive from Acadia. Bangor features a Chabad center and several supermarkets with kosher food options. This city also offers additional sites and attractions that could enhance your vacation experience.
Grand Teton National Park (Photo: Envato)
8. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Just a 10-minute drive from the Chabad of Wyoming and about half an hour from Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is perfectly positioned for easy access and stunning natural beauty. Besides the gorgeous scenery, the park offers a host of activities for the adventure seeker. You can go hiking, white water rafting, or water-skiing.
Joshua Tree National Park (Photo: Envato)
9. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Joshua Tree is conveniently close to Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, making it easy to find kosher food during your visit. The Chabad of Palm Springs is about an hour away, and the Chabad of Rancho Mirage is just a 45-minute drive. Both locations offer catering services, though availability can vary, so it's best to check their websites before you go. Local supermarkets also carry kosher items. Besides the iconic desert scenery, the area around Joshua Tree is filled with fun activities and attractions, adding more to see and do on your trip.
10. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Olympic National Park is just a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle-Tacoma airport, making it a great addition to a trip to Seattle. While you're in the area, consider spending some extra time in Seattle itself. The city offers a wealth of attractions and activities, perfect for enriching your vacation experience. You'll find a variety of kosher dining options, catering services, and kosher shops in the area.
Olympic National Park (Photo: Envato)
Essential Tips for a Smooth National Park Adventure
- Check for Updates: Always visit the National Park Service website before your trip for the latest information on road closures, weather advisories, and other important updates that could affect your visit.
- Entrance Passes: Most parks require you to display an entrance pass on your vehicle. If you’re planning to visit multiple parks, consider purchasing an annual park pass to save money and time.
- Cell Reception: Be aware that many parks have limited or no cell phone reception. Check the park’s website beforehand to know what to expect and plan accordingly.
- Essential Supplies: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially if you’ll be outdoors during sunny hours. The sun can be more intense in open, natural settings.
- Accommodations: Most national parks offer campgrounds, and some also have lodges and cabins. These can fill up quickly and may be expensive, so book early if you prefer to stay inside the park.
- Advance Reservations: Due to the popularity and potential overcrowding of some parks, you may need to make advanced reservations. This could include timed entry reservations, vehicle permits for specific roads, or hiking permits for certain trails.