National Parks Traveler

Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area, on the Pennsylvania—New Jersey border west of New York City, is a popular location for "float trips" in the northeastern United States. On a nice autumn day, a couple I'll call Jack and Jill decided to take a canoe trip on the Delaware River. At the time, it seemed like a good idea.

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By Jim Burnett - December 19th, 2008 4:51am

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Take a Walk Through a 700-Year-Old House

One of the oldest national monuments in the country celebrates its anniversary today, and it's been around for over a century. The primary attraction in this park has been around a lot longer, and if you're up to a bit of a hike, you can take a walk through a house built 700 years ago.

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By Jim Burnett - December 19th, 2008 4:17am

More Fishers Soon To Be On the Loose in Olympic National Park

Earlier this year a fisher recovery program got under way in Olympic National Park with the release of 18 of the furry mammals that are kin to weasels. This weekend another 15 or so will be set free to set up home in the park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 19th, 2008 3:45am

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An Ancient Road System Still Puzzles Us at Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Scientists continue to puzzle over the extensive, carefully engineered road system that Ancestral Puebloans built ten centuries ago in the San Juan Basin of the Colorado Plateau. What functions did this prehistoric road system serve, and what accounts for its quirky design features?

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By Bob Janiskee - December 19th, 2008 3:00am

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Bush Administration Publishes Proposed Rule For Mountain Biking in National Parks

In what's being described as another example of the Bush administration whittling away the conservation ethic of the National Park Service, the Interior Department today published a proposed rule to "streamline" the regulatory landscape regarding mountain bikes in national parks.

Proposed Bike Rule.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 18th, 2008 5:03pm

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Gun Rules for The National Parks: Will They Really Make It Easier To Pack in the Parks?

The impending change of rules that would allow national park visitors to arm themselves stands a good chance of being placed in limbo, if not overturned, by legal challenges in the coming weeks and months. But if that doesn't happen, it'll be interesting to see how many gun owners actually follow the rules.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 18th, 2008 12:00pm

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This House Belonged to "The Most Powerful Family in America"

A former president, a cult and "the most powerful family in America" all had a role in the story of this park, which celebrates its 68th anniversary today. For a look at the lifestyle of the formerly rich and famous, you're welcome to drop by a take a look—during park hours.

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By Jim Burnett - December 18th, 2008 4:11am

When You Really Want A Park To Yourself, Consider Capitol Reef National Park

Think of Capitol Reef National Park and, if you're familiar with this isolated outpost in Utah's canyon country, you'll likely envision soaring reefs of rock. But few would even imagine battles between mountain lions and lynx.