Floods. Windstorms that down trees. Wildfires. Millions of feet. Hiking trails take a pounding from all these things. And while the paths are the responsibility of the National Park Service, the agency often lacks money and staff to tackle all but the most pressing needs. That’s where national park friends groups come into play with their financial resources and, at times, volunteers.

Fire conditions near Half Dome in Yosemite National Park have ebbed enough for the route to the summit of Half Dome to reopen to the public on Saturday, park officials say.

Though the towering peak of a dormant volcanic is the main attraction of Lassen Volcanic National Park, there are many other fascinating aspects to this park in northern California. Take Bumpass Hell, for instance.

The Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway will continue to be managed by Parkway Inn, Inc., under a 10-year contract awarded by the National Park Service.