While fall is my favorite season for visiting national parks, it's too short. We're just entering the season and already season-closing releases are being issued by some of the parks.

Though Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are renowned for their hiking opportunities, they also offer expanses of water perfect for wetting a paddle, whether in a canoe or sea kayak. And fall can be a perfect time for paddling, as the temperatures are moderate, bugs are gone, and wildlife are highly visible.

Every unit of the National Park System, regardless of its size, needs friends - a group that will raise money for all the activities that can't be funded by the National Park Service.

One of the most picturesque campgrounds at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is going to close for the season next week so crews can get to work rebuilding the three-mile road that leads to the area.