The American picnic is experiencing a resurgence, with travelers flocking to national parks and bringing with them hyper-local provisions. This National Picnic Month, the food is as deliberate as the destination, with smoked provisions from local markets, foraged ingredients from the parks themselves, and regional staples that can only be truly appreciated in their place of origin.

National Parks Worth Visiting

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, Congaree National Park in South Carolina, Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota are among the lesser-known national parks that are gaining popularity. These parks offer a more peaceful and rewarding experience than their more famous counterparts.

The outdoor recreation economy has seen significant growth, with the sector contributing $697 billion to the US economy in 2024. AllTrails, a popular trail mapping application, reported a 75% increase in time spent outdoors by its members in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Hyper-Local Provisions

The provisions being packed for these picnics are no longer an afterthought. Travelers are choosing destinations based on the availability of regional markets and local producers. Smoked pimento cheese from Columbia’s Saturday market, walleye caught and smoked by local Minnesota smokehouses, and stone fruit from Northern California farmstands are just a few examples of the hyper-local provisions being enjoyed in these national parks.

The term ‘charcuterie’ has grown 161% on restaurant menus over the past four years, indicating a shift towards more considered and locally sourced food options. As outdoor recreation continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that regional markets and local producers will become increasingly important in the planning process for travelers.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.