National Parks Traveler

Bear Encounters Prompt Trail Closure In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Rangers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park have closed Ramsey Prong Road and Ramsey Cascades Trail after responding to three bear‑related incidents in the area this week.

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By Compiled From NPS Releases - April 21st, 2026

Luminescence Dating Helps Determine The Age Of Hydrothermal Explosions In Yellowstone

Recent advances in luminescence dating are beginning to overcome some of the challenges associated with dating hydrothermal explosion deposits.

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By Yellowstone Volcano Observatory - April 20th, 2026

House To Vote On Legislation That Would Weaken Endangered Species Act

The House of Representatives plans to schedule a vote on Rep. Bruce Westerman’s, R-AR, ESA Amendments Act (H.R. 1897) this Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22nd.

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By NPT Staff - April 20th, 2026

Bullhead Trail In Great Smoky Mountains National Park Will Undergo Rehabilitation

Beginning May 4, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Bullhead Trail from Monday through Thursday each week, excluding federal holidays, through November 19.

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By Compiled From DOI Releases - April 20th, 2026

Groups Sue Administration Over Approval Of Ultra-Deepwater Oil Drilling Project In Gulf

Five Gulf and environmental groups have sued the Trump administration over its approval of BP’s new ultra-deepwater oil drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico.

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By NPT Staff - April 20th, 2026

UPDATE | Hiker Dies After Fall From Angels Landing Trail In Zion National Park

A visitor at Zion National Park in southern Utah died after falling from the popular Angels Landing Trail on April 17.

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By NPT Staff - April 21st, 2026

Annual Gray Wolf Counts Find Increased Numbers In Oregon and Washington

Two 2025 annual gray wolf reports have found increases in wolf populations in both Oregon and Washington.

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By NPT Staff - April 20th, 2026

A Day In The Park: Effigy Mounds National Monument

Some units of the National Park System protect landscapes and wildlife. Other units protect the creations, architectural wonders, and history of Native people who lived here long before the first white European ever traversed through what is now the United States. Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa is just such a park unit.

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By Rebecca Latson - April 20th, 2026

Congress Being Asked To Expand Program To Create Wildlife Crossings

Across the United States, there are many thousands of collisions between vehicles and wildlife each year, killing people and animals and causing millions of dollars of property damages.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 19th, 2026

The God Squad: Too Much Power?

The Endangered Species Committee, also known as the "God Squad," has the power to override the Endangered Species Act and condemn species to extinction. It is rarely convened, but recent developments show that may be changing.

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By Jennifer Roberts - April 19th, 2026

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

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