How to Maximize Your National Park Visit this Summer

You would be hard-pressed to explore every one of America's 59 national parks this summer.

However, new research from travel comparison tool Liligo.com reveals the fastest and cheapest routes to maximize your next national park trip.

Liligo has crunched the numbers to pinpoint four ambitious, but doable trips. The figures are based on travel from New York City to an airport that's accessible to the first park on each route, and they take into account a two-day visit at each park.

Alaska

A tour of Alaska's top national parks will take you approximately three weeks to complete. The fastest route will require 57 hours and 19 minutes, but that includes stops at a whopping eight different parks.

The itinerary includes Denali, Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias and Glacier Bay. 

Visitors won't have to worry about battling crowds at Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley or Lake Clark, as the three national parks were among the least visited last year.

Keep in mind this trip requires travelers to set aside a decent chunk of money as the cheapest route checks in at $1,693, according to Liligo.com.

California

The Golden State is home to a plethora of renowned national parks, including the third-most visited park during 2016: Yosemite. 

However, you only need a little over two weeks to experience nine of the state's premier parks, including Channel Islands, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Pinnacles, Lassen Volcanic and Redwood.

The fastest route will take roughly two days to complete at 46 hours and 22 minutes. Meanwhile, the cheapest route will cost just $535.

READ MORE: Death Valley National Park to Upgrade Guest Experience

East Coast

The East Coast's beaches may be swamped this summer, but the region's national parks are also worth a visit. 

Based on Liligo.com's research, travelers only need two weeks to experience every major park in this region. The fastest route between Acadia, Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree, Biscayne, Everglades and Dry Tortugas comes in just under 27 hours while the cheapest route is an affordable $406, based on Liligo.com's research.

The Great Smoky Mountains is certain to draw a crowd this summer. It was the most visited park last year with more than 11 million visitors passing through.

Pacific Northwest

 READ MORE: Amtrak Showcasing National Park Service Destinations this Summer 

Washington and Oregon are home to a handful of top-tier national parks, including Crater Lake, North Cascades, Mount Rainier and Olympic. 

Oregon's Crater Lake is undoubtedly worthy of your bucket list as it's home to numerous scenic trails. 

According to Liligo.com, travelers only need eight days to see all four national parks. The fastest route takes just under 27 hours, and the cheapest route will cost you $613.

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