Latest News

The latest news from around the National Park System.

Storm Damage Leads To Closure Of Generals Highway In Sequoia National Park

Rock slides and flooding forced closure of the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park on Saturday, and with the worst of a winter storm yet to come there was no estimate of when the popular road would reopen.

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By NPT Staff - January 7th, 2017 7:37pm

Mandatory Evacuation Notice Issued For Non-Essential Personnel In Yosemite Valley

Non-essential personnel in the Yosemite Valley of Yosemite National Park were ordered to leave the valley by 4 p.m. Saturday ahead of a potent winter storm that was predicted to push the Merced River high above flood stage.

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By NPT Staff - January 7th, 2017 8:47pm

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Avalanche Claims Life Of Backcountry Skier At Glacier National Park

A 36-year-old Montana man caught in an avalanche in Glacier National Park in Montana died from his injuries before he could reach a hospital, park officials said Friday.

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By NPT Staff - January 6th, 2017 10:38am

UPDATED: Major Storm Bearing Down On Yosemite National Park Could Flood Valley Floor

A major storm taking aim at Yosemite National Park is forecast to dump enough rain and snow to raise the Merced River through the park's iconic valley nearly 6 feet above flood stage by Sunday afternoon. Park officials announced that all roads leading into the Yosemite Valley would close at 5 p.m. Friday and remain closed through Sunday at least.

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By Kurt Repanshek - January 6th, 2017 2:33pm

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Winter Storm Making Travel In Some Eastern Parks Dicey

Travel in Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, and Shenandoah national parks, and no doubt some others, was dicey Friday morning due to a winter storm that was coating roads with ice and snow.

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By NPT Staff - January 6th, 2017 10:42am

There's A New Trail Map For Cumberland Island National Seashore

Thanks to the hard work of the Georgia Conservancy, there's a new trail map to Cumberland Island National Seashore, complete with trail descriptions.

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By NPT Staff - January 6th, 2017 2:00am

Kahuku Unit Offers An Escape From Crowds At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

With visitation surging at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park for the winter and holidays, park officials recommend venturing to the lesser-known Kahuku Unit on weekends, with numerous guided hikes planned through March as enticement.

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By NPT Staff - January 6th, 2017 2:00am

Glacial Change In Alaska National Parks Tracked In Interactive Story Map

The retreat of glaciers in Alaska, like Kennicott, can be explored in a story map produced by the National Park Service. The site features maps, measurements, and videos that show how glaciers across the state have changed since the middle of the 20th century.

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By NPT Staff - January 6th, 2017 2:00am

Watch Geologic Machinations In Motion At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

A cascade of molten lava plummeting into the Pacific Ocean is visible from a new viewing area at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, though to reach the viewpoint you'll need to commit to a more than 8-mile hike.

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By NPT Staff - January 5th, 2017 3:00am

Little-Known Wilderness And Natural Area In Alabama Is Full Of Surprises

Just 15 minutes from Mobile, Alabama, the Greater Mobile-Tensaw River Area features biodiversity so rich that it has been called “America’s Amazon,” and a recent report aims to shine a light on this natural and cultural landmark in hopes of protecting it and its surrounding areas from development.

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By NPT Staff - January 5th, 2017 2:30am

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Florida Panthers Dying At Record Pace, Vehicle Collisions Most Responsible

Highly endangered Florida panthers died at a record pace in 2016, with most of the deaths attributed to vehicle collisions in just two counties, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

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By NPT Staff - January 5th, 2017 2:30am

Heavy Precipitation Could Bring Flooding To Yosemite National Park, Lead To Park Closure

Heavy rainfall and snow in the forecast for Yosemite National Park could lead to substantial flooding of the valley floor in the coming days, leading park officials Wednesday to prepare for the possibility of closing the park.

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By NPT Staff - January 4th, 2017 7:47pm

Steam Festival Chugs On At Golden Spike National Historic Site

At Golden Spike National Historic Site in northwestern Utah, the last few days of each year are time for the annual Steam Fest. It's a time when one of the site's two replica steam locomotives are fired up to thrill visitors who are tough enough to brave the cold.

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By Lee Dalton - January 4th, 2017 3:00am

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Good Books For Visiting...Shenandoah National Park

There's nothing like a good book or two to help you prepare for a national park visit, whether you're looking for some historical background, a trail or two to hike, or interested in the natural resources. With that in mind, here are a few titles you might consider in preparation of a visit to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

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By Kurt Repanshek - January 4th, 2017 3:00am

Artists Drive At Death Valley National Park To Be Closed Through Mid-March

Artists Drive, one of Death Valley National Park’s top attractions, will be closed through mid-March for repair work.

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By NPT Staff - January 4th, 2017 2:30am

Op-Ed | The Qualities Needed In The Next National Park Service Director

Jonathan Jarvis, the 18th director of the National Park Service, retired today. Who will be his successor? Harry Butowsky, a retired National Park Service historian, outlines some qualities needed in the agency's 19th director.

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By NPT Staff - January 3rd, 2017 8:39am

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Chunk Of Land Falls Into Ocean, Nearly Kills 5 At Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

A large section of newly created land in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park collapsed into the ocean on New Year’s Eve, launching showers of volcanic rock into the air and creating a flurry of large waves that eroded away a portion of the older sea cliff and viewing area, leading to “a really close brush with death” for five visitors.

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By NPT Staff - January 3rd, 2017 8:40am

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Lots To Do At Saguaro National Park This Month

From moonlight hikes and botany strolls, there's lots to do at Saguaro National Park in Arizona this month.

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By NPT Staff - January 3rd, 2017 8:40am

Winter Brings New Views To The Blue Ridge Parkway

Fall’s glorious colors are gone, and so are the tailgating cars that they lure to the Blue Ridge Parkway. And that’s just one reason to visit this meandering ribbon of pavement during the winter months.

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By Kurt Repanshek - January 2nd, 2017 2:30am

Multi-hour Delays Coming To Roads Along Lake Crescent In Olympic National Park

An effort to improve 16 miles of roads that hug picturesque Lake Crescent means visitors to Olympic National Park in Washington will want to plan ahead for the next three years to avoid multi-hour closures.

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By NPT Staff - January 2nd, 2017 2:30am

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The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

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