National Parks Traveler

With national park redesignation back in the news, this seems like a good time to remind Traveler readers just how nonsensical National Park System unit nomenclature has become. Why can’t Congress and the National Park Service put their heads together and come up with a designation system that actually makes sense?

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By Bob Janiskee - March 18th, 2009 3:17am

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Fall Proves Fatal to Climber in Joshua Tree National Park

A 67-year-old icon of the southern California climbing community has died in a fall at Joshua Tree National Park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 17th, 2009 11:34am

Panoramic Photography, Or "How Do I Get All of the Teton Range in the Picture?"

Few photographic presentations can capture the feel and magnitude of our scenic national parks like the panoramic print. When you walk past a wide photo, you can feel yourself getting drawn in. Here's how to make those photos happen.

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By brettgross - March 17th, 2009 3:57am

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Should Ocmulgee National Monument Be Transformed into a National Park By Stimulus Funds?

While no decisions have been announced by the Interior Department as to how stimulus funds can best be used in the National Park System, there are plenty of suggestions being offered. One is to turn Omculgee National Monument into a national park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 16th, 2009 10:19am

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The Only Planetarium in the National Park System

Some units of the National Park System offer premier sites for enjoying the night sky, due to their location far from cities and the accompanying light pollution. One park which doesn't have the advantage of dark skies has something else—the only planetarium in the National Park System.

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By Jim Burnett - March 16th, 2009 4:03am

Spring Blooms Not Too Far Away in Shenandoah, Blue Ridge Parkway, And Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Sunflowers, violets, trillium and other wildflowers are just around the proverbial corner in the Appalachian Mountains. You can spot these and dozens of others in Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, as well as along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 15th, 2009 12:48pm

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The 10 Best of Everything Families: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers

The problem with the "10 best" of anything books, articles or wish-lists is that you're bound to fail from the get-go. That's one reason why the Traveler has yet to release its Top 10 National Parks list. As soon as you begin listing the "ten best" of anything, you're trolling for a debate.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 15th, 2009 4:23am

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Cape Cod National Seashore To Sell ORV Permits Beginning April 10

If you like to leave the pavement for the sand dunes at Cape Cod National Seashore, mark April 10 on your calendar. That's when the seashore will begin selling this year's off-road-vehicle permits.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 14th, 2009 4:52am

Congressman Seeks Stimulus Funds For Restoration Work at Gateway National Recreation Area

A congressman from New Jersey hopes he can convince the National Park Service to spend some of its economic stimulus funds on historic restoration work at Fort Hancock in Gateway National Recreation Area.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 13th, 2009 12:04pm

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Campgrounds Opening This Weekend In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spring must be here. Or nearby. First the bears are coming out of hibernation in Yellowstone, and now Great Smoky Mountains National Park is opening many of its campgrounds.