Jason Barnette, a writer and photographer with an insatiable love for the open road, embodies the true spirit of road-tripping. Spending nearly eight to nine months of the year exploring the United States, Barnette has cultivated a reputation as a road trip expert. His adventures have led him to incredible destinations and inspired others to explore the nation’s vast beauty at their own pace. One of his most remarkable contributions is creating a detailed map of all 429 National Park sites, freely accessible to anyone with a similar passion for exploration.

In 2022, Barnette set out to create a comprehensive map of all 429 National Park sites across the U.S. Initially, this tool was part of his ambitious plan to visit every state capital in the continental United States within eight months. While that specific road trip didn’t materialize, Barnette used the time to explore South Carolina’s hidden gems, refining his map to make it more user-friendly and current.

The map has become a valuable resource for travelers, allowing them to discover National Park sites. Although Barnette has only visited 46 of these parks since his first trip to Blue Ridge Parkway in 2011, he approaches his travels with a slow and intentional mindset, savoring every destination without the pressure of ticking off a checklist.

Barnette’s travel ethos is built on the principles of slow travel. For him, the joy of road-tripping lies in the journey itself. He adheres to a unique road trip rule: avoid interstate highways and travel no more than 100 miles daily. This approach allows him to uncover the charm of small towns, scenic byways, and lesser-known attractions that often go unnoticed.

Even with these principles, Barnette dreams big. One of his future aspirations is to navigate Alaska’s 3,500-mile Marine Highways, a challenging but rewarding endeavor that fits his philosophy of exploration.

Barnette’s history of road trips is as colorful as the destinations he visits. In 2017, he embarked on a three-month journey to follow the solar eclipse path from Charleston, South Carolina, to Paducah, Kentucky. Covering just 1,000 miles in three months, Barnette made the most of every moment.

In 2018, he spent 30 days driving the 441-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, and in 2021, he explored North Carolina from the mountains to the beaches over another month-long trip. These journeys exemplify his commitment to experiencing the heart and soul of every place he visits.

Though health challenges have kept him grounded for most of 2024, Barnette has ambitious plans for 2025. He intends to embark on a series of road trips across the eastern United States, visiting every Revolutionary War site. This extensive exploration will coincide with the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, beginning on April 19, 2025.

Barnette plans to craft detailed itineraries and guides to help others celebrate this historic milestone through travel. His journey will serve as both an exploration of history and a testament to the enduring allure of the open road.

Jason Barnette’s work as the creator of Road Trips & Coffee, a blog dedicated to road travel, reflects his passion for inspiring others to see America on four wheels. Whether it’s exploring the rugged mountains, sunlit beaches, bustling cities, or remote gas stations, Barnette’s stories and resources encourage readers to embrace the slower pace of road travel.

His map of National Park sites ensures that fellow travelers won’t miss a single destination, and his dedication to slow travel shows that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Jason Barnette’s adventures and philosophy inspire a generation of road-trippers to step away from the rush of modern travel and embrace the charm of slow, intentional exploration. With his detailed map of National Park sites and his plans to document historic Revolutionary War sites in 2025, Barnette continues to pave the way for meaningful, memorable journeys across the United States.

So, the next time you’re planning a road trip, take a page from Barnette’s book: slow down, savor the journey, and don’t forget to consult his National Park map — because the best adventures are the ones where you take your time to experience the world around you genuinely.

More Details: www.roadtripsandcoffee.com