Bison in backcountry along NPS 6 in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
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11 Essential Things to Do in Wind Cave National Park

Established in 1903 by the conservationist President Theodore Roosevelt, Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in America. It is also the very first national park in the world that was created to protect a subterranean landscape. With more than 150 miles, and counting, of explored passageways, Wind Cave is one…

View Mill Mountain Overlook, Roanoke Mountain
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Driving Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall – 2024 Guide

The Blue Ridge Parkway is all about enjoying some of America’s greatest mountain scenery, doing some hiking and visiting historic sites. I recommend driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in fall. The landscapes are beautifully bright, the waterfalls even more scenic and the crisp mountain mornings invigorating.

Hiker at Dark Hollow Falls in fall in Shenandoah National Park
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5 Short and Scenic Fall Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

Article Topics: Easy Fall Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Short Trails in Shenandoah National Park Fall is the peak season in Shenandoah National Park and it’s not difficult to see why. Come October, the park’s dense forests transform into a veritable autumn wonderland, boasting all hues of red, yellow and orange. You can explore and…

Kings Creek Falls hiker, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
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10 Wonderful Waterfall Hikes in the National Parks

In the heat of summer, waterfall hikes are among the most enjoyable and popular activities in the national parks, especially if the waterfall also happens to have a swimming hole. In spring and fall, too, waterfall hikes in national parks are among the most popular things to do across the National Park System. Below, you’ll…

Wildflowers in Elk Meadows in Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
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12 Best Places for Epic Views of Mount Hood (In and Around Mt. Hood National Forest)

One of the most famous natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon. A dormant stratovolcano rising up to 11,239 feet above sea level, this majestic mountain is visible from viewpoints, trails, parks and roads all throughout the region. A popular year-round destination, Mount Hood is home to no…

Mountain goat on the Going-to-the-Sun Road near Logan Pass in Glacier National Park
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Where to See Mountain Goats in Glacier National Park

Article Topics: Best Places to See Mountain Goats in Glacier National Park, Glacier Mountain Goats, Where Are the Mountain Goats in Glacier Often considered the official mascot of Glacier National Park, mountain goats are some of the most popular sights in this spectacular Montana national park. Also known as Rocky Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus), these…

Hiker on the McNeil Point Trail in Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
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7 Epic Day Hikes in Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

One of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations near Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest is only about an hour’s drive east from Oregon’s largest city. If you don’t have time to visit one of the national parks in the Pacific Northwest, all of which are at least three hours from Portland, you could just head…

Myrtle Falls, Mount Rainier National Park Skyline Trail Loop, Washington
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Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park

The most glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States, Mount Rainier is the source of five major river systems. Its over two dozen glaciers feed numerous streams, creeks and rivers, many of which run down the mountain in cascades and waterfalls. Mount Rainier National Park is well-known for its spectacular alpine scenery, wildflower-covered meadows, old-growth…

Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
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10 Idyllic Swimming Spots in National Parks

America’s national parks are home to numerous scenic swimming spots, whether it’s a lakeshore, ocean beach, riverbank or even hot spring. Few things are more refreshing than jumping into a lake or swimming hole in summer, especially if it’s surrounded by idyllic national park scenery. Spending some time on a  national park beach and cooling…

Redwood National and State Parks seen from space - Credit NASA

16 Stunning Images of National Parks Seen From Space

Many people visit America’s national parks to enjoy spectacular landscapes, scenic views and unique sights. And while there are numerous amazing overlooks in the national parks, nothing beats the view from space. Seeing the national parks from space in real life is a privilege reserved only for astronauts. However, thanks to some NASA astronauts, we…

Grizzly bear at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
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Where to See Bears in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of only a few national parks in the contiguous United States that are home to two species of bears: black bears (Ursus americanus) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis). Although both species are present all throughout the park, some areas are superior to others when it comes to seeing bears…

Volcano House hotel in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Big Island of Hawaii
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A Guide to Accommodation in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Many people visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes on a day trip, but I’d strongly recommend spending a couple of nights in the area. Below, you’ll find the best accommodation options in and around Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Encompassing much of the southern half of the Big Island, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one of two national parks…

Man watches a moose in Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park
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Where to See Moose in Grand Teton National Park

Home to a place that’s literally called Moose, Grand Teton is one of the best national parks to see these large ungulates in the wild. And this post will tell you exactly where to see moose within Grand Teton National Park. Numerous beautiful lakes, small and large, dot the Grand Teton landscape, while streams and…