National park histories are a fascinating aspect of the National Park System, one that might not be fully appreciated during a park vacation. At Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, a web-based program has been launched to explain both how the park came about and the impact the park has on its surrounding communities.

It's hard to beat autumn for prime hiking in parks from coast to coast. This season brings fine weather to most of the country and in many locations fall foliage is an added bonus. There are more hikes in national parks than we can take in a lifetime, so here are a few suggestions for some great ones all across the nation—including some alternatives to the most heavily-visited sites.

Shenandoah National Park will honor America’s Wilderness heritage during its 17th annual Wilderness Weekend this coming weekend. You can celebrate Wilderness by viewing Shenandoah’s Wilderness from Skyline Drive, hiking a Wilderness trail, joining a ranger program, learning how to use traditional tools for Wilderness trail maintenance, completing the Ranger Explorer Wilderness Activity Guide, watching a movie about Wilderness or exploring a visitor center exhibit.

Shenandoah National Park managers will temporarily close the area surrounding Corbin Cabin (see closure map, red rectangle) to all hiking and backcountry use during helicopter operations associated with the restoration of the historic cabin. Since the cabin is located in a remote area, a helicopter will be used to remove construction materials related to the project.