Cory Wharton-Malcolm: “Being out in nature is great for my mental health. The trees, wildlife, and natural scenery recharge me. Yosemite has so much to see: Half Dome, El Capitan, giant sequoia trees, stunning waterfalls. Go to reconnect with yourself and nature. Explore the trails, try climbing, and hike. Watch out for bears and other wildlife, and don’t forget sunscreen!”

Sherica Holmon: “Yellowstone is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature. It offers a mix of peaceful and powerful energy, from serene rivers, wildlife, and open skies to the power of geysers and waterfalls. The park is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, with lots of hiking and running trails to explore. One of my favorites is the trail up to Upper Falls. It’s steep, but the view is worth it. Remember to pick trails within your fitness level so you can really enjoy it.”

Emily Fayette: “What I love about Great Smoky Mountains National Park is that it’s an accessible destination with lots to do. There are tons of running trails, including the Oconaluftee River Trail, where I once saw 50 elk. Incredible! I recommend taking all the time you can. Live in the moment and soak in the nature vibes. Get moving early to see the epic sunrise over the mountains.”

Cory Wharton-Malcolm: “I went here to record a Time to Run episode. It was freezing cold but beautiful. I saw lots of wildlife, including many large deer, and got caught in a hailstorm with hailstones the size of small rocks. The rock formations across the park are very special. What makes it an ideal spot for fitness enthusiasts? The variety of trails. Make sure to start slow, warm up, consider the altitude, and watch your footing as the terrain changes. And don’t miss Angels Landing.”

Scott Carvin: “What I love about this park is that there are so many different levels of adventure, making it perfect for the whole family. Think of it as a ‘pick your own adventure’ type of park. You can hike, rock climb, go for drives, and stargaze. In fact, you can find some of the best rock climbing in the world here. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and enjoy.”

Cory Wharton-Malcolm: “This park is all about the incredible views. Be sure to catch the sunrise or sunset at the South Rim—it doesn’t feel real. It’s a great place to disconnect from the rest of the world. One thing to keep in mind is the high altitude, which makes it harder to breathe and work out. Make sure to slow down while your body adjusts. The elevation also makes it great training for when you return to sea level.”

Sam Sanchez: “Many don’t know that the Everglades is actually one of the world’s largest subtropical wildernesses. I grew up in Miami and remember going on school trips here. An airboat tour is a must-do experience. For a run, I recommend the Shark Valley trail, which is a 15-mile loop. Make sure to wear mosquito repellent, bring plenty of water, and wear sunscreen and a hat—it can get very hot, especially in summer. Bring a camera and keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles.”

Emily Fayette: “Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with one million acres of glacier-carved valleys and hundreds of trails to hike. Visiting a park like this gives me an opportunity to endlessly explore and clear my mind in the middle of the mountains. The views and the wildlife are breathtaking. I saw a black bear with two cubs, mountain goats, a deer, and a badger. One thing you can’t miss here? The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an epic drive. The views are incredible!”

Sam Sanchez: “Standing next to the park’s giant sequoia trees reminds me how powerful nature can be. It encourages me to stand tall in confidence. Make sure to see the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on earth. I visited the park with my grandmother, and she was in awe. Make sure to go for a run here to enjoy the sounds of nature and beauty around you.”

Scott Carvin: “I went here on a road trip with my best friend. Big Bend is out of this world: a vast park that has so much to offer. You can hike, run, stargaze, and go for epic scenic drives. The hikes can be pretty tough, so come prepared with shoes that have good traction. They say nature is healing, and that’s definitely true for Big Bend. It’s a beautiful place.”