It took a natural resource issue of epic proportions—the proposal to dam Yosemite National Park’s magnificent Hetch Hetchy Valley—to spark what would become a prolonged campaign to establish a central federal office to administer the national parks.

Anyone wondering how today's youth view the national parks would have gotten some insights if they visited Bryce Canyon National Park recently. They might have encountered three sisters from West Virginia who have amassed more than 600 Junior Ranger badges between them.

The 3-mile-long pedal from the entrance station at Devils Tower National Monument to the base of the rocky tooth is all uphill, a constant reminder that nothing worthwhile is ever easily attained.

Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Use these insider tips from Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to help make the trip memorable.