Celebrating A Century: America's National Parks

When I crossed by the snow covered sign that read “Welcome to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness National Park” and looked at what surrounded me, I was beside myself. I didn’t know that trees could ever be so beautiful. The towering trees were the perfect shade of dark emerald green, and the way the snow piled on them looked like painting. I thought I was living a fairytale. It was the most beautiful sight I have ever laid eyes on.

The sun was glistening through the tall, swaying pines. To the right of the trail, a gentle river flowed softly down towards the mouth of the lake. Walking across the rickety wooden bridge, I inhaled a deep breath of refreshingly crisp mountain air. The sun beat down on me as I made my way across the bridge and back onto the well-used hiking trail. The ambient sounds of chirping birds, babbling water, and the croaks of several frogs filled my ears as I made my way around the bend. As I entered the mouth of the forest, I could see my father standing in the middle of the path, glancing upwards, taking in the beauty that had began to engulf us. “We better get going.” he said, looking back at me. “There’s still many miles to go.” I smiled and turned, taking in one last view of the beautiful creekside. Then, with determination, we set out to finish the challenging trek we had started.

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. There are mountains, hiking trails, beaches, and camp ground that make people love to visit the park. A lot of people travel to Maine just to visit the park. This is the center of most activities in Maine.

The first time I every experience the Wildcat Hills was during a difficult time in my life. My parents were going through a custody battle over my siblings and me. They were also both in the process of being remarried. So, when my step father brought us to the Wildcats to explore for the first time I realized how amazing our earth can be. Here in the county known for the Scotts Bluff National Monument, sits over 1,000 acres of land. It wasn’t just the sight at the top of the escarpment that took my breath away. It was the fact that whether you were at the bottom of the hills or the top, when the wind blew that’s all you can hear. It isn’t overwhelming, it is

After a long mountainous drive, I arrived at my destination to embrace one of nature’s wonders in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, Abram Falls Trail. Upon departing the car, a cool crisp breeze brushed my face and the aroma of bacon lingered in the early morning air from the neighboring campground. The narrow rocky footpath looked like a tedious adventure, however a gorgeous, vibrant array of red, purple, orange, and yellow wildflowers blossoming at the entrance made the trail alluring. Navigating the rocky, uneven terrain required sturdy footing, but the quiet stillness created a peaceful relaxing atmosphere. The lush pine-oak forest formed a green canopy of shelter above the trail, offering welcome cool shade, as vivid sunlight filtered through the foliage. A sweet honey fragrance permeated the air, as a stunning scene displayed a cluster of purple and pure white

I awoke on a cool summer morning, at first I wasn't completely there but then, a chill of excitement ran down my spine as I realized my family was going camping today. I ran down stairs past the mountains of camping supplies and clothes to talk to my parents in the kitchen. They said we were leaving soon and that I should start packing all of the supplies into our trusty old Ford Expedition. After about 20 minutes of packing our SUV to the brim with all of the things we would need to survive in the wilderness for a few days, we said goodbye to our three cats and headed for Steelville Missouri.

National parks are a government institution meant to preserve the natural wonders of America’s landscapes. Established as the first national park in the U.S. by Congress in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was intended as “a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” The Secretary of the Interior, along with other governmental departments like the War Department and the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture later worked to authorize additional national parks and monuments throughout much of the West. President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service in 1916, which was responsible for protecting and managing the national parks already created, as well as those yet to be established. Once

That morning was absolutely perfect as the daylight broke in.The easy, warm air was lightened by the glowing sun and breathless blue Florida sky. I could hear seagulls flying up above, and there was a breeze traveling through the canal. On the boat we kids sat up front by the bow, mostly because the adults don’t wish to be

It was day two on the Appalachian Trail. The rich robust smell of pine permeated the air. The Sparrows caroled, and the soothing warm glow of the sun, warmed my body as the elevation increased. I was completely engulfed in nature. As the trail progressed, a couple friends and I reached the first cairn. We were 500 feet from the summit of Mt. Avery. We soon took our last steps, lowered our bags, and shared smiles. Immediately we were taken hold of by the ear ringing silence. Not a gust of wind, nor a chirp from a bird, it was complete serenity. As we took in the view I realized something that changed me completely. I was

I first went to Garner State Park when I was thirteen years of age, I had never heard of that place before, but my neighbors from across the street had invited me for the weekend. Ever since I visited, it became one of my favorite places to attend to; I have yet to find someone who doesn’t find that park beautiful. I did a vast number of things which were all genuinely enjoyable; everything was done at the perfect time from the early morning till sunset.

After summer is fall and I got to say that it is so long and cold it’s more miserable than just sitting on the couch being bored. The water park is barren and silent, like a ghost town that has not had any visitors in quite some time. The whispers of the wind fly by and it is the only thing you can hear in the distance. The chilling wind snaps and cracks, ready to hit anybody that is

I had heard about Panther Creek Falls from my friends for weeks. Panther Creek Falls is a trail located in fannin county. My friends told me about all of the beautiful sights, the lively nature, the flowing water. I had wanted to venture out and take in everything it had to offer, and finally we planned out a hike. We were going to explore the entire trail and hopefully be able to swim at the swimming hole near at the end. The day finally came and I could not have been more excited about it. My friends and I hopped in my car and started our excursion.

American history had been born of discovery and industrialization, however early founders believed that certain spaces that garnered appreciation and interest were deemed worthy of government intervention and policy thus incorporating National Parks into American society. There were many people of utmost significance that contributed to the founding of national parks but the person with the most influence was John Muir. The work and ideas created by Muir and several other founders led to what we today consider to be the establishment of both recognized and sanctioned national parks. To completely understand how momentous the movement for the establishment of the National Parks was, one must recognize who participated in the achievement of these environments, how these parks are inaugurated, and the prominence they continue to hold today.

Yosemite National Park is truly one of America’s greatest gems. Its beauty and majesty have been formed over hundreds of millions of years through numerous geological events and processes. Yosemite has long been a popular topic for research for geologists, as the geological processes that formed it are of great interest.

National Park Week will be from April 16 until April 24. You will be able to get into every national park for free during this week. There are over 400 national parks in America. National parks offer something for everyone. You will be able to enjoy nature as well as look at iconic landscapes and diverse wildlife.