There are some moments in nature that leave you breathless. Take an early morning walk in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. Follow the trails past calm wetlands. Listen to night noises begin to quiet. Look up over a misty field to see the golden sun rise above a stand of trees. Find your perfect nature moment. Photo by Kris Orr (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

The 101-foot tall Rainbow Falls is just one of the many natural wonders found at Devils Postpile National Monument in California. Nestled in pristine mountain scenery, the Devils Postpile formation is a rare geologic spectacle of hundreds of symmetrical basalt columns. Lucky glimpses of black bears and pine martens amaze hikers. Wildflower blooms bring vivid color to the landscape. Don’t you want to see it all now? Photo by Cat Connor (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Happy birthday to the Appalachian Trail! Completed on August 14, 1937, the A.T. is a 2,180-mile long footpath that traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine. Conceived in 1921 and built by private citizens over the next 15 years, the entire Appalachian Trail has been conquered by over 17,500 thru-hikers. Most challengers start off in Georgia in March and April and take 5-6 months to complete the journey. Along the way, hikers push their limits, make friends and enjoy spectacular scenery. It’s a great place to #FindYourWay. Photo from the AT in Shenandoah National Park by Kah-Wai Lin (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

One of the most strenuous trails in North Cascades National Park reaps stunning rewards for those willing and able to make the grueling trek. The historic lookout on the summit of Washington’s Sourdough Mountain can be approached via Diablo or Pierce Mountain sides. Both trails are steep, and both pass through forest and meadow communities before arriving at the rocky lookout site with views of lakes, peaks and glaciers in every direction. Pictured here is the view never the top of Sourdough Mountain with Diablo Lake visible down below. Photo by Chris Holm, National Park Service.

You never know what you’ll see at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Emerging from cover after a storm, Ron Hazeloop chased a rainbow to Spruce Lake and just happened to catch a large bull moose standing in the water. Snapping the photo, he called it “a magical moment.” Photo by Ron Hazeloop (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Gifford Pinchot is often called the “Father of American Forestry.” His life and legacy shaped American conservation and our public lands. Celebrate his birthday and check out his story https://on.doi.gov/Pinchot  Photo of Gifford Pinchot National Forest by Pat Di Geronimo (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Located within the Pacific Flyway, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge in California is an important resting and nesting place for migrating birds. With a fascinating history and an uncertain future, the refuge takes visitors 227 feet below sea level to witness a stunning desert landscape. It can get extremely hot in August, but well prepared adventurers can still find gulls and migrating shorebirds. Photo by Sarah Chah (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s protected bays, pristine beaches and natural beauty provide outstanding water recreation. Public docks are found on 12 of the islands in the Wisconsin national lakeshore, and visitors can explore this area of Lake Superior by boat, kayak or canoe. Use safe boating practices and you’ll enjoy fun times and stunning scenery. Photo by Jasmine Wilhelm (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Towering 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff in Nebraska has served as a landmark for peoples – from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails to modern travelers. Rich with geological and paleontological history as well as human history, there is much to discover while exploring the 3,000 acres of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Photo by Brian Poffenberger, National Park Service.

Towering 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff in Nebraska has served as a landmark for peoples – from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails to modern travelers. Rich with geological and paleontological history as well as human history, there is much to discover while exploring the 3,000 acres of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Photo by Brian Poffenberger, National Park Service.