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.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials say the Greenbrier area will remain temporarily closed beyond the Greenbrier Ranger Station to all motorists and pedestrians through May 15.

Though the National Park System stretches from the ocean floor to the roof of Denali, the bulk of peer-reviewed research conducted in the parks is focused on just five parks, an analysis by North Carolina State researchers claims.

While watching fireflies blink off and on, sometimes all at the same time, is a growing tourism draw for places such as Congaree and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, researchers have some tips for doing so without jeopardizing the insects.