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Complete National Parks, Monuments, and Largest State Parks Road Trip Loop from New Cumberland, WV

Viewed by 112 travelers

Day 1: Great Smoky Mountains NP

Gatlinburg, TN, USA on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Enjoy a Southern-style breakfast at the renowned Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, open from 7:00am.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Visit Clingmans Dome for sweeping mountain views and hike a short part of the Alum Cave Trail. Park open 24 hours, visitor centers generally 8am-5pm.
USD35, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Wild Plum Tea Room

Taste classic Southern dishes and homemade desserts in a charming setting.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Cades Cove Loop Drive

Drive the 11-mile scenic loop for wildlife viewing, historic buildings, and photo ops. Best late afternoon light.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Dine riverside with hand-cut steaks and local seasonal sides.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 2: Red River Gorge

Slade, KY, USA on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Miguel’s Pizza

Enjoy fresh, hearty breakfast pizza and breakfast options popular with hikers.
USD15, 45m

8:30am

Hiking Red River Gorge

Explore natural sandstone arches, cliffs, and lush forest trails such as the Natural Bridge Trail. Open daily, no entry fee.
USD0, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch Picnic at the Gorge

Pack or buy picnic supplies from local stores and enjoy lunch surrounded by stunning nature.
USD15, 1h

3:30pm

Drive to Mammoth Cave National Park

Arrive and check-in for the next day; Mammoth Cave is about 1.5 hours away.
USD0, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Green River Bar and Grill

Comfort food with river views in nearby Cave City.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave, KY, USA on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Blue Grass BBQ & Brewery

Breakfast with local flavor and good coffee to start your cave exploration day.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Mammoth Cave Guided Tour

Take the popular Historic Tour or Domes and Dripstones Tour. Reservations recommended; park open 8am-5pm.
USD25, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at the Mammoth Cave Hotel

Enjoy sandwiches and light fare at the hotel’s restaurant inside the park.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Hiking Surface Trails

Explore beautiful surface hiking trails like the Cedar Sink Trail or the Green River Bluffs Trail.
USD0, 3h

5:00pm

Return to hotel & rest

Relax after a full day of exploration.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Falls City Steakhouse

Classic steakhouse atmosphere with generous portions in nearby Cave City.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Brecksville, Ohio, USA on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yours Truly Restaurant

Enjoy homemade breakfast in a comfortable setting for an energetic start.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Travel north about 4.5 hours to Ohio’s only national park.
USD0, 4.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Blue Door Cafe and Bakery

Local favorite for fresh sandwiches and pastries.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Brandywine Falls Hike

Short 1.5-mile round trip hike to stunning Brandywine Falls waterfall, park open sunrise to sunset.
USD0, 1.5h

4:30pm

Bike the Towpath Trail

Rent a bike and explore the flat and scenic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, great for relaxed pedaling.
USD20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Saffron Patch

Savor Indian cuisine with vegetarian options in nearby Peninsula.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Indiana Dunes National Park

Porter, Indiana, USA on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Early Bird Restaurant

Hearty American breakfast with quick service to start your travel day.
USD15, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Indiana Dunes National Park

Travel 4 hours west to Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches and forest trails.
USD0, 4h

12:15pm

Lunch at Chesterton Brew Works

Enjoy casual pub fare with house brews near the park entrance.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Indiana Dunes Beaches and Trails

Relax on the beach or hike the West Beach trail for lake vistas and sand dunes.
USD0, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Theo & Stacy's Bistro

Seasonal American dishes and wines for a relaxed evening in Chesterton.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Voyageurs National Park

International Falls, Minnesota, USA on June 6, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at local café

Grab a quick and early breakfast to prepare for a long travel day.
USD15, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Voyageurs National Park

Long drive approximately 13 hours; consider scenic stops and breaks en route.
USD0, 13h

7:30pm

Dinner at Voyageur’s Lodge

Enjoy a hearty dinner and restful night near the park.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Itasca State Park

Park Rapids, Minnesota, USA on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at a local diner

Start with classic American diner breakfast before park exploration.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Visit Itasca State Park

Walk the Headwaters of the Mississippi River trail and visit Old Logging Camp, park open 8am-10pm.
USD0, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Deerwood Cafe

Casual meal with sandwiches and fresh local produce.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Afternoon Kayaking on lake Itasca

Rent kayaks and enjoy the pristine lakes within the park.
USD30, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rustic Charm Café

End your day with home-style food and friendly service.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 8: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Medora, North Dakota, USA on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Medora Musical Dinner Theater

Enjoy breakfast before the 4-hour drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Travel approximately 4 hours southwest to the park, famous for its badlands and wildlife.
USD0, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Wind Canyon Overlook

Rest and enjoy your picnic with breathtaking views of the badlands.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Scenic Loop Road

Drive the 36-mile loop for wildlife viewing (bison, prairie dogs) and photo stops, park open sunrise to sunset.
USD30, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Rough Rider

Eat hearty regional dishes in Medora town.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 9: Glacier National Park

West Glacier, Montana, USA on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at a local cafe

Grab a quick breakfast before the long drive to Glacier National Park.
USD15, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Glacier National Park

Long drive approx 7 hours; plan breaks for meals and photo stops.
USD0, 7h

2:30pm

Check in & light lunch/snack

Rest at visitor center or lodge and enjoy light snacks before park exploration.
USD15, 1h

4:00pm

Going-to-the-Sun Road Drive

Scenic 50-mile drive open seasonally, offering spectacular mountain and lake views. Confirm seasonal accessibility.
USD35, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Belton Chalet

Historic lodge dining with local specialties.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 10: Makoshika State Park

Glendive, Montana, USA on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Main Street Cafe

Start your day with a hearty diner breakfast in Glendive.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Makoshika State Park

Short 10-minute drive to Montana’s largest state park, famous for badlands geology and dinosaur fossils.
USD5, 10m

9:00am

Explore Makoshika State Park

Hike several trails including the Dinosaur Trail to see colorful badlands formations; park open dawn to dusk.
USD5, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant Downtown Glendive

Grab some local dishes in town before continuing route.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Drive toward Yellowstone area

Begin drive south towards Yellowstone National Park to finalize regional route.
USD0, 5h

7:30pm

Dinner near Yellowstone entrance

Dine at a lodge or restaurant close to Yellowstone National Park entrance.
USD40, 1.5h
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