Local Parks - Dan Human
Not every jaunt outside has to involve a coffee-fueled overnight drive six hours away to some grand national park, as sometimes your local parks can offer up just enough adventure. Whether maintained by town or county entities, these jewels that dot our country offer an opportunity for outdoor recreation just down the road or around the block. Sometimes these areas are undeveloped forests for harvesting timber, sometimes a glade with a rugged trail network and sometimes a wood chip filled nature trail in the middle of town.
The trouble with local public lands is that they are sometime such a well-kept secret that they are difficult to find. If you do find them, a current map may be pretty tough to get into your hands. Though you may be able to find these places by browsing through Instagram, a local outdoor club might be the best for finding these great places. I discovered a few new-to-me local getaways by attending meetings with our local trail club.
Most local parks post their specific ordinances by the entrance as to whether camping is allowed (though it usually isn't) and hours of operation. If you have questions, contacting the operating parks department directly would be your best option. As always, practice leave no trace and leave the area better than you found it.
Though Buffalo-Niagara has some fantastic outdoor opportunities, my favorite local park is Chestnut Ridge Park operated by Erie County. Miles of trails crisscross the 1,200 acre park with deep ravines and a rich forest. One of those trails leads to the Eternal Flame Falls, a waterfall with a natural gas seep behind it; the result of the flame behind the falls is breathtaking. Though I've hiked, snowshoed and cross-country skied every trail multiple times, I keep going back and discover some new hidden, forgotten feature.
National Parks - Todd Nystrom
Most people are familiar with the 59 major U.S. National Parks that are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. For most, visions of the vast and spectacular wildernesses of Yellowstone, Yosemite, or Glacier dance in one’s head. And, while these are possibly the first that come to mind, there are numerous other amazing places that fall under the auspices of the NPS. From National Monuments, to National Scenic Rivers, Lakeshores and Seashores, to National Monuments, Historical Parks, and Battlefields, and National Trails, like the Appalachian Trail, there is truly something for everyone. For a good explanation of the many different designations see this article: https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/designations.htm.
Whether you are looking for a history lesson, a stroll on the beach, or a remote wilderness adventure the activities and diversity available to visitors are limitless. Touring a historical site or national memorial could be a short visit, perhaps an hour or an afternoon, and probably requires little planning or physical activity; but take advantage of these places when you have the opportunity as learning about the people, places and events in our nation’s history is always a worthwhile endeavor.
On the other hand, if you are planning to visit one of the “Big 59” you will need to do a thorough job of planning. Reservations for in-park lodges and campgrounds or nearby hotels, B&Bs, or private campgrounds will likely need to be made well ahead of your visit as they fill up fast, especially during the prime summer months. If you have the flexibility to visit a park during the off season you may have an easier time finding a place to stay; however, be sure to check carefully as roads, facilities, and trails often close due to limited staffing, maintenance, or weather.
If you plan to do any backpacking you will want to carefully plan your routes and overnight stops and keep in mind that permits are usually required and campsites are often designated and require reservations which should be made long before you arrive. Some parks may have walk-in opportunities they hold or that free up when someone doesn’t show, but counting on that is likely to result in major disappointment, so do your homework!
Whether backpacking or just day hiking in the backcountry, make sure you are thoroughly prepared. Most of the remote areas of the national parks will have no cell phone service so you will need to be ready to survive on your own if something happens. Taking a wilderness first aid class is always a good idea, but especially so if you are going to venture deeper into the wilderness. Also, mountain locations are notorious for sudden weather changes and you should always have extra clothing layers and raingear so you are able to handle the most extreme conditions you might encounter. Bring plenty of food and water, and possibly a way to filter or purify it if you can. Carry a paper map and compass and know how to use them as electronic devices like phones and GPS units can fail. Some other things you probably want to consider are a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, some form of makeshift shelter, first aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, whistle, emergency fire starting materials, and last, but not least, your camera to capture all the amazing beauty you are going to see!
Why I will visit a State Park on Public Lands Day - Chris Giblin
State Parks provide a valuable opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and our Public Lands when time and money are limited. For some, going to a National Park takes months of planning and the right timing. I have a family and between coordinating vacation time with my wife and working around our daughter’s school schedule, it’s a minor miracle the trip happens at all.
However, we can quickly pack our car with a picnic lunch or even throw our camping gear in the back and within an hour or so find ourselves in the relaxing Piney Woods of East Texas and its magical State Parks. The smell of Pine, the dirt under the trail shoes, and the chilly lake water provide refreshment for our souls after a hard week of work and commute, releasing those toxins to be whisked away by the wind. A stop at the visitor center or taking a Ranger led hike informs us of what our eyes are seeing and what it took to make these places so special.
By taking an even longer drive I can be taken to an almost desert landscape on the Caprock Escarpment where wild Bison roam freely at Caprock Canyons State Park. Combined with hoodoos, canyons and glistening Red Rock, it’s like a combination of Yellowstone and Bryce Canyon all just a half day's drive from home.
So this Saturday I will return to Tyler State Park and appreciate what I have in my own backyard as I hike a loop trail, enjoy a nice lunch at the lake and sit quietly at my favorite spot as the birds call and the bullfrogs croak, knowing there are many others who find meaning in our Public Lands.
Not-So-Vast Public Lands: National Monuments - Nature Tech Family
When someone mentions National Parks or Public Lands, most of us envision vast expanses of wilderness, forests, ocean shoreline, and megafauna. Beside the actual 59 national parks owned by the National Park Service, there are 358 other units that hold a wide range of designations on the national level. One of our favorite, and often overlooked by many Americans, is the National Monument.
Calvin points to the Catlinite layer at Pipestone National Monument.
If you were to pull up a map of your state or region of the country, chances are high that you have at least one National Monument located close to you. Although considered a “quieter” designation, some national monuments hold some of the rarest and most spectacular geology, artifacts, and history that can be found in America. Some of these national monuments, such as Grand Staircase-Escalante or Bears Ears, have fallen under administrative scrutiny this year, so perhaps you have been hearing more about these special places to explore and adventure.
For our family, we find incredible value in these sites: from fossil discovery to petroglyphs, historical documents to wardrobes and weapons, we always learn so much from visiting these public lands. Here are a few of our recent favorites:
Dinosaur National Monument. There is no doubt that we are fossil and geology nuts as a family, so when we visited Dinosaur last summer we were in fossil heaven! Not only is there a bone quarry that has been preserved through building a museum around it, but you can TOUCH some of the bones! This was by far one of our favorite national monument stops as a family, ever. We spent only one day here, and only saw the Utah lands and museum. We plan to return soon to check out the Colorado side as well.
Scotts Bluff National Monument. We visited this historic site in the fall of 2016. At this point in Nebraska, four historic trails run together: Oregon Trail, California Trail, Pony Express Trail, and the Mormon Pioneer Trail. We were able to stand on the actual Oregon Trail, and the views from the top of the bluff were amazing. There are other landmarks in the area to explore as well, such as Chimney Rock, which allows for a whole weekend of adventure.
White Sands National Monument: One of the most unique (and hottest) monuments we have visited, this site is located in southwest New Mexico and attached to the White Sands Missile Range. This site is considered the world’s largest gypsum dunefield and can be both beautiful and foreboding. Be sure to keep a map and compass handy if you head into the field… you don’t want to end up on the missile base!
From our home in the Black Hills, we have five National Monuments within a half-day’s drive, including one (Jewel Cave) just minutes away from our house. In our opinion, any National Monument should be considered on par with National Parks and National Forests as “must-stop” locations along your travel route. And what better day to explore one than National Public Lands Day?
Why I hike the National and State Forests - Hibernia Overland
The morning was overcast and we were starting to believe we were going to miss the solar eclipse. However, at the very last moment the sun smuggled itself out of the sea of clouds just in time to see it covered by the moon. The sight took our breath away, as the daytime turned to night. The land fell quiet besides the nighttime chirps and tranquil sound of the spring near by. We put our Jeep to rest after a seven hour drive to our primitive campsite days before and we were enjoying the moment in quiet, with only our camp host and camp neighbors sharing the stillness with us. We couldn’t ask for a better moment and it was all thanks to the Forest Service and the glorious volunteers of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
I try not to be biased, but there is no denying I love the National and State Forests the most. As most will plan their trip around the National Parks we plan them around the National Forests. The State Forests have become our home, nestled in our backyard and only a few moments away. It is easy to pack our Jeep, find remote camp spots, and take our little coonhound with us to enjoy a weekend adventure. Beyond the beauty and the freedom they represent, these forest have hosted many of my “firsts”. Within the blanket of trees I had my first hike as an adult in Cherokee National Forest, my first date with Nick in Jennings State Forest, our first camping trip in Ocala National Forest, celebrated our first anniversary in Suwannee State Forest, and finally Flonne’s first overnight trip was in Chattahoochee National Forest. In other words, the forests are very special to me.
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The National and State Forests differ greatly from the Park Service while keeping some of the same responsibilities. Unlike the Park Service, USDA hosts the Forest Service and takes responsibility for some of the Scenic Trails, like the Florida Trail that I love so dearly, and opens the world of the forests up to the public. The Forest Service has the added job of balancing the thin line of conservation with helping the economy with natural resources. Sadly, this can sometimes cause some negative press, but I am always amazed by the kindness and knowledge of the people that preserve our forests as best they can.
Forest Services are not only are beacons of knowledge, but also heros. They are the second most important force when it comes to preventing forest fires by educating the public on fire safety. They are also the first line of defence when it comes it comes to combating forest fires. Back in the early part of summer of 2017 the West Mims fire did it’s best to burn Osceola National Forest and the Okefenokee Nature Preserve to the ground. However, the Forest Service was there to help put out the fire along with firefighters from all over the US and Canada. I couldn’t think of a better way to give back and support my favorite places of outdoor of adventures than by helping with trail cleanups for the Florida Trail they manage, and reminding people that only you can prevent forest fires.
Oceola National Forest Exploration
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