Waterlemon Cay seen from the Murphy Great House on the Johnny Horn Trail, Virgin Islands National Park
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9 Best Scenic Views in Virgin Islands National Park

Although best known for its stunning beaches and world-class snorkeling, Virgin Islands National Park has no lack of beautiful landscapes and scenic views either. When visiting this gorgeous national park on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands—one of the greatest tropical destinations in the United States—I recommend that you do not skip the many…

Wahclella Falls and hiker in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, USA
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Best Waterfall Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Oregon is known far and wide for its lush forests filled with moss-covered rocks and trees, many volcanoes and hundreds of photogenic waterfalls. Especially the Columbia River Gorge, which forms much of the border between Oregon and Washington State, is famous for being a waterfall hotspot.

Visitor on tropical Honeymoon Beach in Virgin Islands National Park
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Top 10 Beaches in Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is quite different from most other U.S. national parks. For one, it’s the only American national park in the Caribbean! Thanks to its tropical location, the park is blessed with lush forests, turquoise water, colorful coral reefs, world-class snorkeling, abundant sunshine, and truly stunning shorelines. Along with its wonderful hiking trails…

Summit of Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park
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Day-Use Ticket System at Shenandoah’s Old Rag Becomes Permanent

This news story about the permanent day-use ticket system at Old Rag Mountain is based on a January 18, 2024, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. “Following a two-year pilot program, Shenandoah National Park will implement a permanent ticketing system to access Old Rag Mountain from March through November,”…

Sourdough Ridge Trail with Mount Rainier views at sunset, Mount Rainier National Park
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Mount Rainier National Park Implements Summer Timed Entry Reservation System

This news story about the new timed entry reservations in Mount Rainier National Park is based on a January 17, 2024, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. Following the example of many other busy national parks across the country, such as Arches, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Acadia, Mount Rainier…

Mahogany Hammock boardwalk, Everglades National Park, Florida
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13 Best National Parks to Visit in February

Well within the heart of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, February is typically a pretty quiet month in America’s national parks. In fact, only January tends to be even less crowded, with December a close third. Many parks are covered by a thick layer of snow in February, while others are chilly, if not downright…

Couple holding hands while enjoying spectacular views in Grand Canyon National Park
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20 Best Views in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon will leave an everlasting impression on anyone who lays eyes on it. Simply gazing into this vast Colorado River-carved chasm is an experience you’ll never forget. Truly one of the best national park experiences you can imagine. The best area to enjoy spectacular…

Vehicles stuck at Badwater in Death Valley National Park - Image credit: NPS / S. Solomon
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Three Vehicles Got Stuck While Illegally Off-Roading in Death Valley National Park

This news story about illegal off-roading in Death Valley National Park is based on a December 30, 2023, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. Three vehicles illegally drove off road and got stuck in Death Valley National Park recently. The vehicles needed to be towed and the drivers were…

Yosemite National Park, California - Image credit NPS Don Wood
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Entry Reservations Will Be Required to Visit Yosemite National Park in Summer 2024

This news story about vehicle entry reservations for Yosemite in summer 2024 is based on a December 13, 2023, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. Like several other popular U.S. national parks, such as Arches, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain, Yosemite National Park is also implementing an entry reservation system…

Lost Horse Mine, Joshua Tree National Park
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Top 10 Best Scenic Views in Joshua Tree National Park

Preserving a portion of two distinct desert ecosystems—the Mojave and Colorado deserts—Joshua Tree National Park is dotted with striking geological formations, iconic vegetation, historic sites, and scenic views. There’s plenty to see and do in this popular park, from hiking and rock climbing to camping and stargazing. Among the top attractions in Joshua Tree National…

Angels Landing, Zion National Park hikes
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These Are the Angels Landing Permit Seasonal Lottery Dates for 2024

This news story about the lottery dates for Angels Landing permits in 2024 is based on a December 11, 2023, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. Zion National Park has announced its seasonal lottery dates to get an Angels Landing permit for 2024. This is a reminder that everyone…

A view from the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin - Image credit: NPS

3 National Scenic Trails Become National Park Service Units, Bringing Total to 428

This news story about the designation of three national scenic trails as parks managed by the National Park Service is based on a December 7, 2023, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. In a statement, the National Park Service announced the designation of three national scenic trails as the…

Yosemite Horsetail Falls Special Event Closure Map
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Entrance Reservations Required in Yosemite National Park on February Weekends 2024

This news story about February entrance reservations in Yosemite National Park is based on an announcement on the park’s website. You can see the announcement here. One of the most popular annual events in the National Park System, the orange sunset glow of Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall attracts massive crowds to the park each February. This…

Cliff Palace cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
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6 Must-See Cliff Dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park are among the most numerous and best-preserved of their kind in North America. They are one of the cultural jewels in the crown of the National Park System. Countless cliff dwellings dot the landscape of Mesa Verde—more than 600 of them—along with…