You are here

Home » Reader Participation Day: Has The Reopening Of Parks Revived Your Fall Travel Plans?

Reader Participation Day: Has The Reopening Of Parks Revived Your Fall Travel Plans?

Share

Published Date

October 18, 2013

Fall color along the Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. NPS photo.

Among the many casualties of the recent government shutdown were cancelled plans for visits to National Park Service areas. October is a popular month for many travelers, since in many parts of the country this season can offer some of the most pleasant weather of the year. In some locations, fall color is another major incentive for a road trip.

Now that parks have reopened, do you have plans for a trip that you'd put on hold due to the shutdown? If so, what are your park destinations? Do you have any specific reasons for fall travel, such as autumn foliage, hiking, or camping?

Whatever your destination and plans ... safe travels!

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Rebecca Latson on October 18, 2013 - 8:57am.

Absolutely! I plan on returning to Acadia National Park next fall and do the things I was unable to do this time around: get sunrise, sunset, and star shots atop Cadillac Mountain, drive the Park Loop Road, stop off at Thunder Hole, visit Jordan Pond. Now that I know Southwest Airlines has a direct flight to Portland, Maine, that will make my travel plans much easier as well (i.e. no more delayed flights causing me to miss my connecting flight).


Submitted by [email protected] on October 18, 2013 - 10:07am.

I just realized that our government is funded until January 15. And that's when I start a long-awaited trip to San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico. I'm then moving on to the five park units in the Virgin Islands.

Do I need to be worried? I doubt if Congress will shut the government down again. But there might be some legislators out there who may think that "if at first you don't success, try, try again."

I'm writing to my legislators today.


Submitted by justinh on October 18, 2013 - 10:15am.

Paddling the backcountry of Everglades NP over Christmas/New Year's. Pretty glad the next showdown isn't until the 15th.

(That sounds like an awesome trip, Danny Bernstein.)


Submitted by Rick B. on October 18, 2013 - 11:08am.

In a backwards way from what you would expect, but I'm certain it is common to many thousands of people. Now that my wife is back to work from unexpected furlough we won't have to spend our vacation savings on rent and food, and may actually have that planned vacation in a few months.


Submitted by Megaera on October 18, 2013 - 8:09pm.

I just got back from a day trip up to Paradise on Mt. Rainier.

Bright sunshine, warm enough to be comfortable in shirtsleeves in the sun if not the shade -- and snow on the ground [g].

Just gorgeous. The foliage on the way up wasn't shabby, either.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.