by NationalGeographic (Author)
This comprehensive, idea-filled travel book highlights the ten best of everything, from broad to minute, in America's national parks, including the classic parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national battlefields, and national scenic trails. You'll discover the ten best hikes (with Angels Landing at Zion and Yellowstone's Lamar Valley being top contenders), the ten best waterfalls (including Lower Calf Creek Falls in Escalante National Monument - ideal for a cool dip in the desert heat), the ten best viewpoints, the ten best lodges, and the ten best wildlife-viewing spots. Here, too, you'll find the top ten ice-cream stands in or near national parks, the top ten star-gazing spots, and the top ten meals to cook over a campfire. And, of course,you'll find the top ten national parks (including Yosemite and Grand Canyon, of course, but have you heard of Alagnak Wild and Scenic River in Alaska?), as well as numerous top ten lists for individual parks. Visitor information makes sure you know how to find each recommended top ten, and how to make the best of your visit. Anecdotes from insiders including park rangers and volunteers, amusing sidebars, and reflections and tips from local experts make every page useful and entertaining. The final section contains a wide array of supplemental information on hotels, resorts, restaurants, etc., that every park-bound visitor should know about.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 480
Publisher: National Geographic Society
Published: 15 Apr 2011
ISBN 10: 1426207344
ISBN 13: 9781426207341
I was pretty inspired by the book -- it's obvious that it was put together by a group of people that have a real passion for the national parks system. -Albany Times Union
Fran P. Mainella was the first woman director of the United States National Park Service. Prior to this, she served as the director of Florida's State Parks, a role for which she was awarded the Pugsley Medal. She is now a visiting scholar at Clemson University, as well as the cochair of the organization's US Play Coalition.