Overeat on Thanksgiving? You’re not alone. It looks like this bear clearly enjoyed its meal and is ready for a nap. This photo was taken near Wonder Lake in Alaska’s Denali National Park by visitor Georgia Riddick and donated to the park.
Happy Thanksgiving! On this day of gratitude, we’re so thankful for America’s special places, like Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. From one coast to another, our nation is full of incredible parks and public lands to explore with family and friends. Sunrise photo courtesy of Douglas Croft.
Partly within the Los Angeles city limits, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California is home to a small population of mountain lions. National Park Service researchers have monitored more than 50 mountain lions in the park since 2002. Roaming freely, these big cats face unique challenges living so closely to urban areas. Photo by National Park Service.
You don’t have to travel far and wide to experience the beauty of the world – sometimes it can be found not far from home. Located only 60 miles away from the hustle and bustle of New York City is the endless coastline of #FireIsland National Seashore. Containing New York state’s only wilderness area, Fire Island has much to offer including an 150+ year old lighthouse, a shipwreck from 1922 and almost 20,000 protected acres of marine and terrestrial habitat. Photo courtesy of Ian Barin.
Running 184 miles from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers as much adventure as you can handle. Hiking and biking on the towpath is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. With so much history and nature to experience, you should #OptOutside this week to enjoy the fall colors. Photo by Kathi Isserman (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).
Photographer Michael Sprill wanted to capture the Milky Way over the amazing landscape of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. He used a long exposure to capture the night sky and a flashlight to shine on Silex Spring, spotlighting the geothermal pool. He was very excited about the results, “The steam coming off the water really makes the photo look magical!” Photo by Michael Sprill (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).
On this day in 1919, Zion became a national park. It encompasses some of the most scenic canyon country in the United States, featuring high plateaus, a maze of sandstone canyons and waterfalls with colorful hanging gardens. Check out 8 interesting facts about Utah’s first national park: http://on.doi.gov/1X0Ju2P
Photos from top to bottom:
The Watchman and Virgin River by Kim Hang Dessoliers (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).
The Narrows by Kevin Roland (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).
Fall in Zion by Jay Wanta (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).
Zion Canyon by Tom Morris (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).
Nestled near the foot of Mount Adams in Washington’s Cascades Range, Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic gem. Conboy Lake’s lush seasonal marshes and vibrant forests beckon to both visitors and wildlife. Located within an easy drive of Portland, Oregon, the refuge is a great escape for those seeking diverse scenery, idyllic recreational opportunities and a link to the history of the Northwest. Photo by Henry Kammetler (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).
City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho is internationally renowned for its rock climbing. If you’re just getting started, try the Climbing Experience Program, which offers equipment and instruction for beginners. If you’d rather stick to trails, there’s plenty more activities like hiking, birding and horseback riding. Photo by National Park Service.
A vital wetland in the Mississippi River watershed, Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas is a haven for a terrific variety of native wildlife and migratory birds. Its fertile forests and some three hundred lakes are interlaced with streams, swamps and bayous. The refuge also shows off some pretty fall colors. Photo by Rita Szabo (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).
Sig Nordal 