All Parks News

Independence Day is right around the corner and if you’re unsure of where to go, take a look at these national parks and gateway communities that embody patriotism and American pride. All of these places have activities that are sure to entertain the entire family this Fourth of July.1. Statue of Liberty National Monument and New York City, NY

Between the recently announced free weekends at national parks and discounts and freebies being offered by park partners, our national parks are shaping up to be an ideal summer vacation destination for budget-conscious travelers.In conjunction with the National Park Service’s Fee-Free Weekends, taking place on June 20 and 21, July 18 and 19, and August 15 and 16, 2009, companies in the parks that operating lodging, dining, shopping and recreation tours will also be offering discounts.Denali National Park and Preserve

With summer vacation on the horizon, 

        Saturday, June 13 marks the second annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day). There will be participation from several federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry with the intent of making this a day of healthy, outdoor activities for families across the nation. This day was created to reach out to those families who do not generally have the opportunity to visit public lands.

If you're looking to save a little money on your summer getaway, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has come up with a perfect plan for you.Entrance fees for the 147 national parks and monuments across the country, including popular favorites like Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Mount Rushmore, will be waived on the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16.

As springtime rolls in, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is encouraging Americans to visit their national parks and photograph their beauty with its fourth annual Canon Photography In The Parks Photo Contest. 

Once upon a time, pronghorn roamed the North American landscape with cheetahs and lions, just as the gazelles and zebras do today in Africa. While cheetahs and lions disappeared from the continent, pronghorn continue to thrive with few natural predators. Despite this creature’s evolutionary history and dramatic migration pattern, it oddly remains a relatively unfamiliar species to many of us in the United States.

There are thousands and thousands of trails in this country beckoning for you to explore them. From Washington to Florida you can find a trail that is perfectly suited for your skill level and level of conditioning, whether you’re a novice or an expert hiker.

This year, June 6 marks the 17th Annual National Trails Day ® and, if previous years are any indication, hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts will participate in thousands of events across the country.

America’s Best Idea—our national parks—gets even better this summer with three free weekends at more than 100 national parks!The 147 National Park Service sites across the country that charge fees for entry will waive these entrance fees during the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16, 2009.

Before hitting the trail, mix up a handful of our Northwest-inspired trail mix!Every great hike calls for great snacks to provide energy and sustenance. Here’s our twist on traditional trail mix, inspired by the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.Ingredients1 cup diced dried Washington State apples1 cup dried cherries1 1/2 cups unsalted sunflower seeds1 cup shelled roasted pistachios1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or carob)

Help support and protect our trails by being a responsible hiker!Below are some tips adapted from the Leave No Trace principles. This national program promotes and inspires responsible outdoor recreation and stewardship of America’s public lands.

Take a step in the right direction—learn about how you can help the American Hiking Society save the trails! American Hiking Society is the only national voice for hikers—dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently designated 22 trails in 13 states as newly recognized National Recreation Trails, adding more than 525 miles of trails to the National Trails System.