You'll no longer be charged to visit Shiloh National Military Park. You read that right. The park administration has decided to do away with entrance fees because of the multiple entry points in the park.

Yes, the weather is gorgeous, and the fall colors haven't yet peaked, but the folks at Shenandoah National Park are glancing at the calendar and will be closing some facilities in the not too distant future.

Earlier this year Ozark National Scenic National Riverways was named to American River's list of Most Endangered Rivers. In part two of her article Susan Flader, who long taught in the University of Missouri-Columbia History Department, looks at many of the problems the riverways faces.

Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are justly famous for their fall color—and a flood of mid-October visitors. Can you avoid the heavy traffic and still enjoy some autumn foliage by timing your visit a bit earlier? Here's a Traveler trip report.