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Essential Park Guide, Spring 2017: Go Search For A Colorful Spring In The Parks!

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Spring can be one of those iffy seasons in the National Park System. You might run into warm, sunny days with an easy breeze at your back. Or, you could find yourself being pelted by sleet, battered by a stiff wind, with grey clouds scooting by overhead.

One thing you can count on, though, are wildflowers; glorious wildflowers and trees in colorful bloom. Columbines and trilliums, Shooting stars, Indian paintbrush, redbuds and dozens upon dozens more. All these floral species work in concert to color these landscapes as they recover from the cold, bleak days of winter. In honor of this kaleidoscopic outburst, on page 3 we launch a story on the best places in the parks to find wildflowers. As well as touching on some reliable parks for wildflower spotting, we also highlight some useful Internet tools so you can find your favorite species, whether you’re in search of wildflowers or wildlife.

One prime destination for spring is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and beginning on page 8 of our digital guide we outline three great days in this iconic national park. Whether you head to Cades Cove, Cataloochee, or the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (which winds its way roughly 70 miles through the park) you won’t be disappointed with a springtime visit to the Smokies. While in Great Smoky, go out of your way to visit some of the majestic hemlock groves, now threatened by a tiny insect imported to the United States from Japan. With help from contributor Jane Schneider, we took the pulse of the battle against the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in eastern units of the National Park System, and have found some good news. Our stories open on page 15.

Also in our Essential Park Guide for spring you’ll be encouraged to visit a Canadian national park this year, as the country celebrates the 150th anniversary of independence from Great Britain. You’ll also find a special paddling section to the National Park System, as well as some good books.

While the weather might be contrary at times, get moving. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed by a spring visit to a national park. We'll be rolling out the stories on the Traveler in the weeks and months ahead, but you can dive into the digital version below, order a hard copy for $14.95, or download a digital copy for $2.50.

 
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Today, my two son's returned a bow and arrow to this Tribe.  It is with great pride to be able to return this horrible weapon. John Tyler Mitchell was the one fighying the incient Tribe.  They are now blessed and forgive the sin of a relative.


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The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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.

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

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.