Across the US, there are plenty of spectacular natural spaces. The publicly protected natural areas of the country are some of the most popular tourist destinations, outdoor exploration spots, and wildlife havens. From Yellowstone to Acadia to Joshua Tree, there is a national park that suits just about everyone. However, you might be surprised to learn that the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous US isn't actually a national park at all. It's a super popular hiking and vacation spot in the Northeast of the country, and spans an incredible six million acres. For context, that's larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks combined.
This is the Adirondack Park in Upstate New York. This expansive natural area is an outdo