See. firefly displays Witness thousands of fireflies light up the forests in early summer. Newfound Gap Visit this popular spot for Appalachian Trail access and scenic views. Foothills Parkway West↗ Drive this scenic road to spot wildlife and enjoy mountain vistas. Appalachian Trail Hike through a high-elevation spruce-fir forest.
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Stay. Elkmont Campground↗ Experience big campground energy at the largest and busiest campground in the Smokies.
National Geographic
It’s 11 p.m. at Voyageurs National Park, and the wildlife night shift has been running at full capacity for hours, heralded by a lone, haunting wolf howl, the quintessential call of the north.
Outside
Early summer brings one of nature’s most impressive displays as thousands of fireflies light up forests across national parks. Here’s where you can still catch the show.
Condé Nast Traveler
From historic lodges to sprawling ranch resorts, these stunning spots are worth planning your next trip around.
Outside
Looking to avoid the crowds at Zion or the Smokies? Our national parks columnist shares the intel on overlooked parks that rival the most popular spots.
Outside
Even as a seasoned camper, I learned the hard way that a map does not tell the whole story. These simple steps will help you find a private camping spot and avoid the crowds on your next national park trip.
Outside
National Park Service rangers are seeking tips after dozens of protected black vultures were illegally killed and dumped in the Smokies.
Atlas Obscura
The first time it happened, my father had been dead for one week. My mother and I were in the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, in April, trying to do something with ourselves. We were walking an overlook with long views across the ridgelines when something appeared in the air in front of us. Not in a photograph. Not on a screen. In the air. A shaft of colored light — blues and greens — moving as w…
Outside
I’ve spent my career writing about under-appreciated gems and getting away from the crowds. But there’s something to be said for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a bunch of strangers and staring at something gorgeous—especially in the times we’re living in right now.
Condé Nast Traveler
Summer may be high season, but these parks are at their best in the colder months.
Condé Nast Traveler
“America the Beautiful,” indeed.
Condé Nast Traveler
The beloved beach enclave stands in for a nebulous Northeast location.
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