Mikaela Ruland

Mikaela is a sales and content specialist for National Park Trips Media. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her writing has appeared online for brands like Copper Mountain Ski Area and Keep Nature Wild and in print for the National Park Journals.

Mikaela’s passion is to inspire others to get out and experience life. She spends most of her free-time outside hiking, skiing, climbing, taking photos, camping, snowshoeing, doing yoga – you name it! When she’s not outside, you can find her exploring hipster coffee shops or on the hunt for Denver’s best mac n’ cheese. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @themillennialoutside.

Twin Tunnels on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina

Experience the best of the South from food and history to gorgeous wilderness including waterfalls and autumn colors.

2018 Photo Contest Winners Collage

Want to know how to get a winning shot? Read these behind-the-scenes stories on how our three first-place photographers captured award-winning photos.

Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee

Best Road Trips to Great Smoky

Experience the heart of American music, classic southern food, Civil War history and natural beauty on your way to the most visited national park in the country.

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday Deluxe Cabins

Make your basecamp at the closest campground to Dollywood near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

KOA Deluxe Cabins in Townsend, Tenn., the quiet side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Stay in one of the premier campgrounds on the quiet side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests.

KOA Deluxe Cabin in Cherokee

Set in the foothills of the Great Smokies, in the heart of Cherokee tribal country, the Cherokee KOA boasts 360-degree views of the mountains.

High Falls waterfall and Lover's Leap at Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain, Georgia, outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee

Wind your way on this hilly and curvy road trip from Atlanta's big city attractions to America's favorite national park.