National Parks Traveler

What To Know About Visiting Great Smoky Mountains For Fall Colors

October is peak season for fall colors at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here's a list of pro tips to help plan your visit.

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By Compiled from NPS releases - September 29th, 2025

Returning To Paradise: Restoring The Meadows At Mount Rainier

Did you know it can take 60-80 years for a trampled meadow at Mount Rainier National Park to be restored? The time it takes depends upon whether National Park Service employees like the two Traveler contributing photographer Rebecca Latson met are giving Mother Nature a helping hand.

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By Rebecca Latson - September 28th, 2025

Lehman Caves At Great Basin National Park To Close October 20

Lehman Caves at Great Basin National Park in Nevada will close to the public on October 20, as park staff and contractors begin work on a six-month, $5.8 million project to replace the cave’s 48-year-old, failing electric lights. Project completion is planned for late spring 2026.

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By Composed from NPS releases - September 28th, 2025

Former Park Superintendents Want National Parks Closed If Government Shuts Down

More than three dozen former national park superintendents have urged Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to close the National Park System if the federal government shuts down on October 1.

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By NPT Staff - September 26th, 2025

Western Communities Commit To Protect Public Lands

Ahead of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, more than 60 communities across the West have passed resolutions, sent letters to their congressional delegations, or issued proclamations affirming their commitment to defending the United States’ natural spaces.

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By NPT Staff - September 26th, 2025

Op-Ed | Urban Gateways, Woven Into Daily Life

The Golden Gate Bridge never fails to take my breath away. It's both a symbol of home and a reminder of the gateways between national parks and local communities.

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By Christine Lehnertz - September 26th, 2025

National Park Service Plans To Open North Rim Of Grand Canyon Next Week

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, closed to the public since a raging wildfire swept across the rim following a lightning strike in early July, is scheduled to partially open to the public next week.

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By Compiled from NPS releases - September 25th, 2025

UPDATE | National Park Service, Federal Agencies Face Prospect Of Widespread Firings

A high-stakes poker game being played out in Washington, D.C., could not only shutter the National Park System on October 1, but also see most National Park Service employees fired.

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By Kurt Repanshek - September 25th, 2025

Legislation Introduced To Make Apostle Islands National Lakeshore A "National Park"

A rose by any other name is just as sweet, but nevertheless a congressman from Wisconsin wants to transform Apostle Islands National Lakeshore into Apostle Islands National Park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - September 25th, 2025

National Parks Where Fall Colors Are Plentiful, But The Crowds Are Smaller

Fall foliage is world-famous at places like Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah. But here's a look at some less crowded national parks to visit in fall.

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By Jan Childs - September 25th, 2025

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

National Parks Traveler

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

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