Exploring the Parks

Restoring Americana on the Blue Ridge Parkway

An iconic early 20th-century mountain home along the Blue Ridge Parkway built by textile magnate Moses Cone and his wife, Bertha, is being restored to its elegant original appearance.

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By Kim O'Connell - June 6th, 2021 9:57am

A Little Mountain In A Big Park

The bus came to a stop on the gravel along the road. My son and I stood up, grabbed our packs from the overhead racks, and started down the aisle. The other passengers stared as we left the bus and slung our packs on our backs. They seemed surprised that anyone could get off the bus at a place like this.

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By Bob Pahre - June 4th, 2021 11:51am

Heading Off The Grid At Guadalupe Mountains National Park

While some national parks are so busy that they require reservations, others make it easy to get off the beaten path – like Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas.

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By Barbara 'Bo' Jensen - May 23rd, 2021 9:33am

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Bears Ears: Endangered Wilderness

What, more books on Bears Ears? Yes, and there cannot be too many books on this remarkable landscape at this moment when there is a chance that protection for this wonderful and sacred place will be restored. Trump took much of it away, now maybe Biden will bring it back.

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By John Miles - May 10th, 2021 2:00am

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Fort Laramie, An Overlooked Trove Of American History

When the U.S. Army in 1849 bought a fur trading post near the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte rivers on the windswept plains of the Wyoming Territory, it wasn't exactly a turnkey operation.

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By Kurt Repanshek - February 28th, 2023 10:56am

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Trails I've Hiked: Chimney Rock Canyon

Don't think that because historic Fruita seems to be mentioned in the same breadth with "Capitol Reef National Park" that this park isn't for hikers and backpackers. It is one of the more rugged and demanding parks in the system, one that tests not only how much water you can carry, but at times your route-finding skills.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 30th, 2021 1:45am

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A Touch Of Delight On The Oregon Trail

Of 19 national historic trails administered by the National Park Service in conjunction with several other federal agencies, four – California, Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express - follow the Platte River Valley across Nebraska. Both the California and the Oregon National Historic Trails pass through Ash Hollow, a favorite stop for many pioneers as noted in their journals.

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By NPT Staff - May 9th, 2021 8:32am

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Up Close And Personal With Tidepool Critters On The Olympic Coast

Beneath the waves that roll ashore on the Olympic Coast is a symphony of life. Clinging to the rocks and going largely unnoticed by many beach visitors, a cast of characters straight out of a Sci-Fi movie busily move about. It may seem like the most hostile of environments but, to countless animals and seaweeds, it’s heaven on Earth.

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By NPT Staff - May 2nd, 2021 10:39am

A Retreat At Catoctin

This lesser-known national park in Maryland contains significant natural beauty, with some presidential history for good measure.

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By Kim O'Connell - August 1st, 2024 1:24am

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Giant Sequoias Are Being Tested – Perhaps As Never Before

The giant sequoias, the world’s most massive trees, have been in California’s Sierra Nevada for 200 million years. Now this species that stood when dinosaurs walked the Earth faces new threats. Is its longevity at risk?

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 25th, 2021 11:13am

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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.