391 Great Reasons to Explore Our National Parks

With more than 84 million acres and over 17,000 miles of trails to explore, our national parks offer plenty of adventure for everyone. The system is comprised of 391 areas, which include:

• National parkways

• National monuments

• Wildlife refuges

• Battlefields and historical sites

• Lakeshores, seashores, and scenic rivers

• Recreation areas

• 14 national cemeteries

• And, last but not least, the White House

Fortunately, getting around and enjoying almost all of the parks has become easier in recent years. From user-friendly trails and boardwalks to improved picnic and campground facilities, there are now even more ways to appreciate our national treasures. An added bonus for those of us who may have difficulty walking is that you may be eligible for a lifetime “Access Pass” (formerly called the Golden Access Passport), which gives free admission to all federally operated parks and a 50% discount on fees for campsites, boat launching, and parking. To learn more about the Access Pass, visit www.nps.gov/pub_aff/access/access_pass.htm

There’s at least one national park in every state except Delaware. Like the most famous national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, most of the parks offer a variety of trails, including at least a few smooth, gentle trails to choose from.