A black bear, possible aggravated by a barking dog that was off lease, inflicted injuries on a couple that was enjoying a picnic near the Folk Art Center along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Blue Ridge Parkway fans in Virginia can preorder a new specialty license plate to support enhancement projects and outreach and educational programs within the parkway.

Not all park forests are alike. Some forests thrive in moist, even waterlogged environments, while others flourish in much drier climates. Some forests remain green year-round while others burst with color in the fall. Some forests stand as stark testaments to the ravages of wildfires while other forests provide environments for trees to grow to mind-boggling heights and widths. All these forests and their trees flesh out the story of a national park visit and the Traveler’s contributing photographer Rebecca Latson provides example images, tips, and techniques to help you capture the forest story of your own park trip.