# Trekking the National Parks

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 6.9
- **BGG Rank**: #3348
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 30-60 min
- **Weight**: 1.63 / 5
- **Designers**: Charlie Bink
- **Artists**: Charlie Bink
- **Publishers**: Bink Ink LLC
- **Categories**: Educational, Environmental, Travel
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Multi-Use Cards, Open Drafting, Point to Point Movement, Set Collection

## Verdict
An amazing stroll through American parks, perfect for families and casual gamers.Very fluid card mechanicsCharming and relaxing themeQuick and easy to learnGreat for larger groupsMight be too simple for expertsCompetition can be intense for kidsRECOMMENDED

## Description
Ever thought about swapping city chaos for a trail in a National Park? In Trekking the National Parks, you aren't just a tourist, but an explorer in a frantic race to discover the natural wonders of the United States! Imagine facing a grizzly bear in Katmai or paddling through alligator-filled swamps in the Everglades. The goal is simple but the execution requires strategy: you need to traverse the map, visit the most iconic parks, and collect as many points as possible before your friends do.

The game uses a very clever card system. You receive 'trekking' cards that serve both to move across the map and to claim new parks. But watch out: just arriving isn't enough! If you are the first to step into a park, you snag a colored stone that provides valuable end-game bonuses. This creates a constant competitive tension, forcing you to decide whether to rush for that pioneer bonus or focus on completing card sets to score points more safely.

It's a fast-paced game, perfect for those seeking a light experience with layers of tactical decision-making. Since the cards have multiple uses, every turn is a management puzzle: 'Do I use this card to move further or save it to score later?'. Supporting up to six players, it's the perfect choice for gathering family or friends for a quick, thematic session. It's the perfect balance between an educational experience and a vibrant race for territory.

## FAQ
### What is the recommended age?
The game is very accessible, but we recommend age 8+ so kids can enjoy the card strategy.

### How long does a game take?
Usually between 30 to 60 minutes, making it perfect for quick sessions.

### Is it too complex for beginners?
Not at all! It's very intuitive but offers enough depth to keep it interesting.

### How many players can play?
2 to 6 players; it gets even more fun with 4 or more!

### Is there a lot of text?
No, the game is very visual and the text on the cards is minimal and easy to understand.