The Blue Ridge Parkway's iconic Linn Cove Viaduct will have been wowing motorists for 25 years on September 11th, 2012. After decades of controversy over the long-waited, much delayed completion of the road on Grandfather Mountain, the Parkway was done. But the classic postcard views—and even TV commercials—were still in the future for the most spectacular section of “America’s Most Scenic Road.”

Hazardous materials, possibly mustard gas weapons left over from World War II as well as asbestos, have been found on Horn Island in Gulf Islands National Seashore, leading the National Park Service to close part of the island to the public for the immediate future.

With the Appalachian National Scenic Trail celebrating 75 years in 2012, it’s worth keeping in mind that England also has national trails, some of them well worth a long distance ramble for travelers to the UK.

If you’re in mood to travel, September and October are wonderful months to spend in the national parks. The crowds have departed, the animals are busy, and the fall color beckons. Now is the time park friends also host an array of workshops tailor-made for life-long learners.