In the early years of the national parks, railroads were the easiest—and sometimes almost the only—way to reach many of the parks. Although most visitors now arrive by car, the train still offers a useful alternative for travel to some destinations. Here are our tips for riding the rails to parks in the eastern U.S.

Funding deficiencies are hamstringing the staff at Lassen Volcanic National Park by preventing them from adequately protecting the park's natural and cultural resources, according to the Center for State of the Parks.

Orange will be highly visible in Great Smoky Mountains National Park early next year, as road work ramps up around the park thanks to an infusion of funds via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as the Federal Lands Highway Program. While that work will produce some long-needed improvements, it also means getting around the park could be difficult at times.

The National Park Service employs men and women in some unusual and challenging positions, but one that's a good contender for the title of "most unique job in the system" is currently open at Denali National Park and Preserve.