National Parks Traveler

It is Saturday noon and we are at the Rock Creek Station visitor center that is located beside the California-Oregon Trail in southern Nebraska. This is a Nebraska state park and we spent last night at the park campground. Rock Creek Station was a stop for the Pony Express as well as a rest stop for emigrants departing from Independence and St. Joseph on the Oregon and California trails.

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By David and Kay Scott - June 28th, 2010 2:10am

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Trails I've Hiked: Far Below And Long Ago—Basin Creek Trail to Caudill Cabin in Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Countless Blue Ridge Parkway motorists peek over Wildcat Rocks to see tiny Caudill Cabin 1,500 feet below in North Carolina’s Doughton Park. Take this hike to the cabin and explore a quintessential setting of Appalachian isolation.

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By Randy Johnson - June 28th, 2010 2:08am

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"Medano Fire" Nearing 5,500 Acres in Great Sand Dunes National Park

A fire sparked by lightning on June 6 in Great Sand Dunes National Park now covers nearly 5,500 acres. While 344 firefighters are battling the flames, park managers also are using the fire to achieve management goals.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 27th, 2010 5:01pm

Understanding Birds on Pacific Islands National Parks, The Video

For a quick primer on issues confronting birds on the national parks in the Pacific Ocean, take five-and-a-half minutes to watch this video.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 27th, 2010 2:59am

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National Park Roadtrip 2010: On the Oregon Trail

As our road warriors continue on their trek across the country, touching as many units of the National Park System as possible, they recently found themselves at the start of the Oregon National Historic Trail.

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By David and Kay Scott - June 27th, 2010 2:41am

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Surprising Coral Reef Found At Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument

A surprising discovery along the mangrove-rooted shores of Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument has raised questions about whether some coral reefs can tolerate higher water temperatures brought on by climate change.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 27th, 2010 2:21am

Dangerous Lionfish Invading Waters of Biscayne National Park

Non-native lionfish, a venomous fish that poses problems for marine life and humans, seem to be making inroads into the waters of Biscayne National Park, according to park officials.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 27th, 2010 2:13am

Helitak Program at Sequoia and Kings Canyon Marks 50 Years of Flying

The National Park Service employs men and women in some unusual and occasionally dramatic jobs, and one of those—a helitak crew—celebrated a milestone anniversary this month at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

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By Jim Burnett - June 27th, 2010 1:41am

Update: Backcountry Fire At Rocky Mountain National Park Now At 1500 Acres

Erratic winds have blown up the Cow Creek fire in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park to at least 800 acres, forcing the closure of a ranch road and leading fire bosses to keep firefighters off the front lines.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 26th, 2010 8:06am

Bird Artworks Going on Display at Gateway National Recreation Area

Sometimes, paintings can be more striking than photographs. And if you enjoy bird paintings and live in the greater New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, or are visiting there, there's an exhibit of artworks at Gateway National Recreation Area that you shouldn't miss.