govloop's national park pocket guide
DESCRIPTION
This year, the National Park Service is celebrating its centennial and we’ve compiled this state-by-state list of 50 of the 410 parks, sites and memorials under the National Park Service’s care.TRANSCRIPT
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National Park Pocket Guide: Parks to Visit
State-by-State
Over 300 million people visited National Parks in 2015. Were you one of them?
This year, the National Park Service (NPS)
is celebrating its centennial. For 100 years,
it has been one of the greatest assets to
preserve, protect, and celebrate the unique
beauty of each of the United States.
In honor of its 100th birthday, we’ve compiled
this state-by-state list of 50 of the 410 parks,
sites and memorials under the National Park
Service’s care.
We hope you enjoy this guide, but more
importantly we hope you get outside to
enjoy the parks this year!
Helping you celebrate the National Park
Service’s centennial,
Team GovLoop
1
2 AL Little River Canyon National Preserve4 AK Glacier Bay National Park6 AZ Grand Canyon National Park8 AR Hot Springs National Park10 CA Joshua Tree National Park12 CO Rocky Mountain National Park14 CT Weir Farm Historic Site16 DE First State National Historical Park18 DC National Mall & Memorial Parks20 FL Everglades National Park22 GA Cumberland Island National Seashore24 HI Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park26 ID Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve28 IL Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail30 IN Indiana Dunes National Park32 IA Herbert Hoover National Historic Site34 KS Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve36 KY Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace38 LA Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve40 ME Acadia National Park42 MA Cape Cod National Seashore44 MD Assateague Island National Seashore46 MI Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore48 MN Voyageurs National Park50 MS Gulf Islands National Seashore52 MO Ozark National Scenic Riverways54 MT Glacier National Park56 NE Scotts Bluff National Monument58 NV Great Basin National Park60 NH Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site62 NJ Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park64 NM Carlsbad Caverns National Park66 NY Niagra Falls National Heritage Area68 NC Great Smoky Mountains National Park70 ND Theodore Roosevelt National Park72 OH Hopewell Culture National Historical Park74 OK Santa Fe National Historic Trail76 OR Crater Lake National Park78 PA Gettysburg National Military Park80 RI Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor82 SC Congaree National Park84 SD Mount Rushmore National Memorial86 TN Cumberland Gap National Historical Park88 TX Guadalupe Mountains National Park90 UT Arches National Park92 VT Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park94 VA Colonial National Historical Park96 WA Mount Rainer National Park98 WV Harper's Ferry National Historical Park100 WI Apostle Islands National Lakeshore102 WY Grand Teton National Park
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The Little River Canyon National Preserve holds 14,000 acres
of beautiful and rugged mountain country. Named for one of
the longest rivers in America, which runs from atop Lookout
Mountain, the Canyon also contains forested uplands, water-
falls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders and sandstone
cliffs. The park offers settings for a variety of recreational ac-
tivities since its establishment in 1992.
PHOTO: DARREN DUKE CC BY-SA 2.0
Glacier Bay is a homeland, living laboratory, national park,
designated wilderness site, biosphere reserve and part of the
25-million acre world heritage site. The park’s glaciers are
constantly evolving and creating dangerous yet awe-inspir-
ing conditions for visitors. Most visitors arrive on cruise ships
and tour boats.
FUN FACT:Glacier Bay is larger than the state of Connecticut
5
The Grand Canyon is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the
15th oldest national park. It's huge: 277 miles long, up to 18
miles wide, is over a mile deep and attracts more than five mil-
lion visitors each year. The park is also a major point of interest
for geologists. Erosion caused by the Colorado River over mil-
lions of years has produced one of the most complete geologic
columns on the planet. So if you’re into rocks, put a visit to the
Grand Canyon on your bucket list ASAP.
7
9
Nicknamed “The American Spa,” Hot Springs National Park
was around for 40 years before Yellowstone landed the title as
the nation’s first national park in 1872. The park has 40 thermal
hot springs that people used for therapeutic baths for millen-
nia. If you’d rather be out exploring than relaxing, the park has
over 20 miles of trails and a campground.
FUN FACT:This is the smallest park, at less than 6 thousand acres.
10
CALIFORNIA
Joshua TreeNational Park
nps.gov/jotr
FUN FACT:
California has
the most national
parks of any
state.
11
Almost larger than the state of Rhode Island, Joshua Tree
National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the
country. The park includes parts of the Mojave and Colorado
Desserts. But its most recognizable attribute is its namesake –
the Joshua Tree. The trees are known for their bizarre and “Dr.
Seuss-like” shape, attracting visitors from all over the country
since its establishment in 1994.
PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL CC BY-SA 2.0
13
Rocky Mountain National Park covers over 400 square miles and
features 300 miles of hiking trails and summits over 12,000 feet.
For visitors without a fear of heights, the Trail Ridge Road is the
highest paved road in the U.S. and makes for a great drive. The
park also features a diverse terrain, from forests to lakes to a tun-
dra and, of course, the Rocky Mountains.
Weir National Historic Site is one of only two sites devoted to
the visual arts in the National Park Service. Since 1990, it has
hosted more than 150 artists-in-residence for month-long stays
while commemorating the American painter J. Alden Weir. While
technically a historic site, it also boasts beautiful hiking trails and
quintessential New England foliage and views.
15
17
A relatively young park, it was designated as First State Nation-
al Historical Park by Congress in 2013. Despite its young age,
the park celebrates its state’s deep historical relevance. There a
number of historic sites including the country’s oldest courthouse
and Dover Green – where the Declaration of Independence was
recited to citizens in 1776. For the non-history buffs, visitors can
also check out several hiking and riding trails.
19
The National Mall is the core of Washington, D.C. and dates
back to the early establishment of the City of Washington.
The Mall is a central point for several of D.C.’s most well known
monuments as well as Smithsonian museums. The Mall became
our nation’s premier site for public celebrations, civic gather-
ings, protests and rallies and is just as much a part of history as
the events taking place on its ground.
A short drive from Miami, the Everglades National Park spans acres
of tropical and subtropical habitat with one of the world’s most
distinct yet diverse parks. Vast cypress and mangrove swamp lands
and endangered animal species like wading birds and the American
crocodile give this park a mysterious and intriguing vibe.
21
GEORGIA
Cumberland Island National
Seashore
nps.gov/cuis
22
FUN FACT:
The Carnegie fam-
ily originally owned
most of the land on
the island and were the
first to invite the NPS
to assess the land
in 1954
With over 18 miles of undeveloped beaches, campgrounds, dunes
and marshes, Cumberland island is also home to a thriving com-
munity. The residents advocated for years for the unadulterated
landscape to be recognized by the Park Service. It was finally
recognized in 1972. The park is also marked by its diverse wildlife
which includes Loggerhead sea turtles, birds, horses, armadillos
and even wild hogs.
23
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii
and was established in 1916. It encompasses two active volcanoes:
Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa.
In March 2008, there was a small explosion, the first explosive event
since 1924. The volcanoes have a huge impact on Hawaii’s unique
ecosystems and are celebrated by the island’s culture.
25
27
Craters of the Moon is another unique and weirdly beautiful land-
scape recognized by NPS. Formed nearly 15,000 years ago as lava
erupted from the Great Rift, it created a surrealist landscape for vis-
itors to enjoy. Science suggests another lava event will occur in the
next few thousand years, but it the meantime, Craters of the Moon is
a great place to explore and let the imagination run wild.
This national historic trail spans 11 states and commemorates Lewis
and Clark’s exploration journey from the Midwestern plains to the
Pacific Ocean. It extends from Wood River, Illinois to the Columbia
River in Oregon, more than 3,700 total miles. Dedicated hikers can
walk the same path of the famous explorers, yet most of us would
only attempt a portion of the entire 3,700-mile-long trail.
29PHOTO: BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT CC BY 2.0
31
The Indiana Dunes provide a unique and entertaining backdrop
for visitors and campers. The park also has more than 1,135 native
plant species distributed over six plant communities, making it
seventh in plant diversity for all of the National Parks. This is an
amazing feat for just over 15,000 acres.
FUN FACT:The National Lakeshore has more native species of orchids than the
state of Hawaii.
This site was home to Herbert Hoover, mining engineer, humanitar-
ian, statesman, and 31st President of the United States, born in 1874
in a simple two-room cottage in West Branch, Iowa. Today, farms
and pastures cover the Iowa countryside but elements of the state's
old natural beauty fill out the landscape to provide visitors with an
accurate depiction of the President’s early life.
33PHOTO: DOUG KERR CC BY-SA 2.0
35
Tallgrass prairies once covered over 170 million acres of land in
North America but has significantly reduced due to development
and cultivation. The Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve was estab-
lished to protect and maintain this unique landscape. Limestone
formations in the preserve make the land difficult for agricultural
purposes. It's also home to wild bison that can often be found
blocking local traffic on the preserves' many dirt roads.
FUN FACT:In order to prevent
the prairie from turning into brush and allow indig-
enous grass to grow, Native Americans would regularly
set fires to combat the brush. The Nature Conservancy has continued the prac-tice with “patch- burning.”
This national historical park in Central Kentucky honors the hum-
ble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. His early
life on Kentucky's frontier shaped his character and prepared him
to lead the nation through the Civil War. The park is the country's
first memorial to Lincoln, which also includes hiking trails and
picnic areas for visitors.
37
39
Named after the French-American pirate who influenced the
original culture of the area, this park is part of the Mississippi Del-
ta region. The park consists of six sites including a visitor center
in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The Barataria Preserve
inside the park has trails and canoe routes that slink through
swamps, marshes and wetland forests.
PHOTO: BEN CC BY-SA 2.0
A favorite of outdoorsy folk all over the world, Acadia National
Park is celebrated for its raw and rugged coastline. Located close
to the small seaside town of Bar Harbor makes it a desirable va-
cation location for families and serious campers alike. Its Cadillac
Mountain is the highest peak on the East Coast.
41
MASSACHUSETTSnps.gov/caco
Cape Cod National Seashore
42
FUN FACT:
With a total of
14, there are more
lighthouses on
Cape Cod than any
other county in
America.
Henry David Thoreau profoundly put Cape Cod in perspective
with the quote, “A man may stand there and put all America be-
hind him.” The sandy beaches, marshes and uplands are home for
a diverse array of species while attracting visitors with historical
lighthouses, walking and biking trails.
43
Assateague Island is most renowned for its surprising inhab-
itants – wild horses. Campers and surfers can often see the
horses galloping down the beach or swimming in the Atlantic
Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay. With 37 miles of coastline, salt
marshes and inland forests, visitors can explore the island by
land or water.
45
47
Unlike any other place on Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks offers
the opportunity to explore miles of pristine beaches, hike over
100 miles of trails, and experience the serenity of the northern
hardwood forest. The national lakeshore gets its name from
the 15 miles of colorful sandstone cliffs that have been naturally
sculpted into unusually beautiful formations.
Named for the French-Canadian fur-traders that first settled the
area, Voyageurs National Park is adored by water-lovers across
the county. The Kabetomgama Peninsula makes up most of the
park’s land area and is only accessible by boat. On a cloudless
night, visitors can see the greens, yellows, and reds of the Aurora
Borealis flare overhead.
49PHOTO: JCK_PHOTOS CC BY-NC 2.0
Walt Whitman once said, "To me the sea is a continual miracle;
The fishes that swim, the rocks, the motion of the waves, the
ships with men in them. What stranger miracles are there?" The
Gulf Islands National Seashore is perfect display of all that Whit-
man mentions - from the surf, to the marshes, to the beaches.
Visitors can camp, hike nature trails and explore historic sites and
forts from the Spanish War era.
51
53
Dubbed one of the “best float streams” by NPS, the Ozark Na-
tional Scenic Riverways is a popular destination for visitors with
canoeing, kayaking and tubing in mind. The Riverways is the first
national park area to protect a river system. The Current and
Jacks Forks Rivers make up most of the area, but visitors can also
explore freshwater springs, caves and hiking trails.
55
Described as the “crown of the continent” by the National Park
Service, Glacier National Park does not disappoint. Backpackers
from all over the country flock to this park for its 700 miles of
hiking trails and stunning (and photogenic) alpine lakes. You can
explore historic chalets and lodges while trekking across the for-
ests, meadows, mountains and lakes of Glacier Park.
Scotts Bluff has served as a landmark for peoples from Native
Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon
Trails to modern travelers. Scotts Bluff Monument towers 800 feet
above the North Platte River and can be climbed by visitors. It’s rich
with geological, paleontological and human history. There is also
much to discover while exploring its surrounding 3,000 acres.
57
59
Nestled between the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Mountains,
the Great Basin National Park is home to some of the oldest trees
in America, ringing in at 5,000 years old. The park houses the
Great Basin Observatory. Great Basin offers some of the darkest
skies in the country, which provide some of the most astounding
views for seasoned and novice astronomers alike.
FUN FACT:Park visitors can
explore the Lehman
Caves, which were
recognized as a na-tional monument themselves in 1922
61
The second of only two Artist sites recognized by the Nation-
al Park Service, Saint-Gaudens includes the home, studio and
gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, an American sculptor. Site
visitors can view his work on the site grounds or enjoy artist’s
talks and sculpture classes after a hike on the nature trails.
PHOTO: PUTNEYPICS CC BY-NC 2.0
63
The Great Falls of the Passaic River is not only the focal point of
this National Historical Park, but it’s also the center of Paterson,
New Jersey. The town was originally established around the 77
foot high waterfall which powered mills that would help drive in-
dustry forward for the East Coast. Today, the Great Falls Historical
Park still offers breathtaking views of the active waterfall, while
educating visitors about Paterson’s industrial roots.
PHOTO: ADAM MOSS CC BY-SA 2.0
Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established to preserve
Carlsbad Cavern and other caves contained within a fossil reef.
The more than 100 limestone caves which are notable world-wide
because of their size and and beauty of the speleothems (deco-
rative rock formations) within. If you stay late enough, you may
witness the evening flight of Mexican free-tailed bat, too!
65PHOTO: GREG HEARTSFIELD CC BY 2.0
NEW YORKnps.gov/nifa
Niagra Falls National
Heritage Area
66
FUN FACT:
An average
85,000 cubic feet
of water flow through
the falls each second
during the peak
season in
summer.
This National Heritage Area in upstate New York contains Niagara
Falls and the Youngstown and Lewistown communities and aims
to preserve the Native American influence on the area. Niagara
Falls is as iconic as it is awe-inspiring. The falls powers a number
of hydroelectric facilities below. Visitors have flocked to Niagara
Falls for over 200 years but was only designated as a National
Heritage Area in 2008.
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69
With its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient
mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appala-
chian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.
It encompasses over 800 square miles, making it one of the largest
protected areas in the eastern U.S. There are over 850 miles of
hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail.
FUN FACT:More than 9.4 million people visited
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2013,
over twice the visitors of the next most visited park, the Grand Canyon.
Theodore Roosevelt first visited this park long before he be-
came president, but the wildlife and land there would have a
profound impact on him and the conversation policies he put
in place for this country. In addition to world-class hiking and
camping, the wildlife at this park is particularly active and di-
verse, but mostly known for its population of bison, mountain
lion, elk and feral horses.
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73
Earthen mounds and embankments form the huge geometric en-
closures that grace the landscape of the Ohio River Valley. Native
Americans built these monumental structures as burial mounds
almost 2,000 years ago. The park celebrates the natural beauty
of the land while paying respect to Hopewellian people and the
feasts, funerals and festivals that were hosted here.
The Santa Fe National Historic Trail commemorates the origi-
nal route that was used by explorers and traders for much of
the 1800s. The trail begins in Missouri and ends in New Mexico.
Visitors are encourage to recreate the original route or make their
own by following the “Tell-Tale” signs on the route. Be sure to
stop by Autograph Rock to see if you can make out the names of
those who passed by during the trail’s heyday.
75
77
Crater Lake is the fifth oldest national park in the United States.
The park encompasses the caldera of Crater Lake, a remnant of a
destroyed volcano, Mount Mazama, and the surrounding hills and
forests. The lake is the deepest lake in the U.S, at 1,943 feet deep.
The park has another unusual feature: The Pumice Desert, where
a very thick layer of pumice and ash has given it a distinct void
and desert-like appearance.
Gettysburg National Military Park is the site of the American Civil
War Battle of Gettysburg, the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and the
commemoration of the great battle of Civil War veterans. The park
offers a unique historical view of one of the most crucial battles of
the Civil War. Extensive restoration efforts are taking place and the
park now has more woodland than it did in 1863.
79
81
The Blackstone not only provided the backdrop for a critical time
in American industry, it also provided the power. The river’s wa-
ters powered the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the first
cotton-spinning mill in 1793. Visitors today can take tours or hike
along the river itself.
FUN FACT:The Black-stone River Valley Heritage Corridor spans 24 towns over 400,000 acres
Congaree features camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and bird
watching. It preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland
hardwood forest left in the United States. The park is home to
some of the tallest trees in the U.S. and is an attraction for avid bird
watchers as it is also a “Globally Important Bird Area.”
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85
Mount Rushmore National Memorial never ceases to marvel its
visitors with the majestic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America
today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face-to-face with the rich
heritage we all share. Ranger walks are also offered to the site’s
two million annual visitors.
87
The Cumberland Gap has had steady traffic flow through it for
years. One of the only natural breaks in the Appalachian Moun-
tains, Native Americans and settlers traveled through quite often
to get to the fertile and hunting-friendly land in Kentucky. Today’s
visitors can hike and enjoy the majestic mountain views or take in
the subterranean sites and explore the Gap Cave.
This wilderness area preserves the largest exposed fossil reef on
Earth with remnants from an underwater world that existed a whop-
ping 260 million years ago. The park is known for its extensive hiking
and backpacking opportunities in one of the nation's most pristine
wilderness areas. You can view the deciduous trees and other vege-
tation that stand in vibrant contrast with the surrounding desert.
89
One of the most visually stunning parks, Arches boasts over
2,000 stone arches, formations and balanced rocks. While rock
climbing is now banned at the park due to its fragile nature, there
are plenty of trails, ancient cave drawings and wildlife to observe
and appreciate.
91
93
This park is named after the men who originally owned the forest
and farm property in Woodstock, Vermont. For those looking for
a wintry adventure, the hilly park features expansive cross-coun-
try ski and natural snowshoe trails in its landscape.
PHOTO: HARVEY BARRISON CC BY-SA 2.0
FUN FACT:Visitors can hike up to Mount Tom’s South Peak to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Woodstock.
Colonial National Historical Park is home to two of the most histori-
cally significant sites in English North America. Historic Jamestowne,
the first permanent English settlement in North America in 1607 and
Yorktown Battlefield, the final major battle of the American Revolu-
tionary War in 1781. The park includes the Colonial Parkway, a scenic
23-mile parkway, a local favorite for bike-riders.
95PHOTO: BRIAN HOLLAND CC BY 2.0
Mount Rainier ascends 14,410 feet above sea level, is an active volca-
no and the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S., spawning six
major rivers. Also a precarious challenge for even the most skilled
climbers, the mountain face has claimed several lives over the years
due to storms, avalanches and harsh conditions. If you prefer to walk
and not climb, the park is also home to wildflower meadows.
97
99
Thomas Jefferson once described Harper’s Ferry as " one of the
most stupendous scenes in Nature." The Shenandoah and Po-
tomac Rivers meet at the Railroad Bridge at the site and is an
attractive spot for local hikers, kayakers and whitewater rafters.
FUN FACT: George Wash-ington established an armory and arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1794
101
The 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland are home to a variety of
cultural and natural resources. There are abundant hiking trails and
Lake Superior alone provides plenty opportunities for water-enthu-
siast visitors to get their feet wet. The lighthouses dotted along the
lakeshore also add character to the site.
Even though Yellowstone National Park is only ten miles away,
Grand Teton easily stands on its own. The park includes the
major peaks of the Teton Range, the Snake River, and Jackson
Hole valley. Over 1,000 different species of plants and animals
call the majestic park home. The park also provides almost
every outdoor activity available.
103
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https://blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/learning/history-of-the-valley/
http://blog.kinlingrover.com/native-cape-codder-or-washashore/
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/harpers-ferry.html
https://www.nps.gov/
http://www.ohranger.com/
https://www.wikipedia.org/
Resources
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Spanning more than 3,500 square miles, the Yellowstone Na-
tional Park has land in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. As the
country’s first National Park, Yellowstone is recognized and
celebrated for its sheer size, diverse wildlife and is home to the
world’s largest concentration of geysers.
Yellowstone National Park
nps.gov/yell
FUN FACT:
Ulysses S. Grant
signed Yellow-
stone into law as
the first national
park in 1872