I’m a former park ranger. I always saw visitors make these 5 mistakes at state and national parks.

I’ve always been fascinated by state and national parks. Growing up, I visited places like the Grand Canyon and spent a lot of time camping in small, local parks.

In 2017, I received my undergraduate degree in geology and began my career as an intern at a National Parks Service site. I also spent a season working at a state park in California.

However, I dreamed of being able to wear the coveted flat hat and get my foot in the door as a park ranger. Eventually, that dream became a reality when I became a park ranger at my first national park in 2021.

Since then, I’ve worked for many different state and national parks.

Here are five common mistakes I saw guests make while visiting the parks.

Assuming they’ll have cell service and access to WiFi

When I worked in the parks, visitors sometimes (incorrectly) assumed they’d have access to WiFi and cell service during their visit. However, this wasn’t usually the case.

That’s why I always recommend visitors write down important navigation information before their visit.

Not checking the park’s website and social media pages before visiting

When I worked for my last park, we had constant road closures due to downed trees, rockslides, and car accidents. Although updates regarding incidents like these were posted on the park’s website, I still found that many travelers didn’t look for this information.

Before entering a park, it’s important to call the visitor’s center or check the park’s social media pages and website for up-to-date information.

Straying from designated trails

While working at the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, we had several well-marked trails for hikers to enjoy and take in the beautiful scenery.

However, several areas of these trails were often closed to protect rare or sensitive plant species or to help mitigate land issues, including erosion.

Unfortunately, as a park ranger, I saw folks jumping off the designated path all too often. Many visitors don’t realize that trail markers are there for their safety, as well as for the safety of the park itself.

Forgetting that many national and state parks have wildlife to be aware of

Most national parks have wildlife that visitors should be aware of.

While working at a national park, though, I often saw people’s eyes grow large as soon as I mentioned that our park was saturated with black bears.

In general, it’s best to give wildlife plenty of space. I remind guests to make themselves look as tall as possible — and never run — if they come across a bear.

Failing to properly prepare for a hike

When working in the parks, I saw many guests who did not come prepared for a hike.

So, I always tried to educate visitors on what the National Park Service calls the 10 essentials. These include things like sunscreen, water, and snacks that visitors should always have with them on a hike.

Other essentials include a compass or navigation system, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, an emergency shelter, a fire starter, a knife, and extra clothes.

This story was originally published on February 2, 2024, and most recently updated on August 12, 2025.

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