Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock and craggiest spires in North America. This western Colorado landmark was sculpted by the Gunnison River and the forces of weather over 2 million years. Photo of a snowy and fog-filled canyon by Judd Clark, National Park Service.

Congaree National Park in South Carolina protects a watery wonderland of old-growth forest, including some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. Travel by canoe or kayak through 15 miles of wilderness on the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail – be sure keep an eye out for fall colors and wildlife like river otter, birds and maybe even an alligator! Photo courtesy of James and Jenny Tarpley, the park’s 2014 artists in residence.

On a chilly morning, photographer Susan Taylor waited more than an hour to capture the perfect pastel sunrise at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. “It’s been my mission and passion to support and photograph America’s parks and public lands since I was young teen,” Susan said. The park honors President Theodore Roosevelt, who fell in love with the rugged landscape of grasslands, forests and rivers and started a cattle ranch at Elkhorn Ranch, which you can still visit today. Photo courtesy of Susan Taylor.