Blue Ridge Mountains

Smithsonian MagazineJul 10, 2025

Seven Mysteries You Can Explore in America's National Parks

From unexplained phenomena to baffling disappearances, follow the clues while discovering our country’s treasured protected areas

13 things in this story

Cliff PalaceSightMesa Verde National Park, United StatesLargest cliff dwelling complex
Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor CenterSightMount Rainier National Park, United StatesPopular southern side visitor center
Westside RoadTrailMount Rainier National Park, United StatesAbandoned highway project; leads to Marine Memorial
Marine MemorialSightMount Rainier National Park, United StatesOffers views of Tahoma Glacier
Mount BaldySightIndiana Dunes National Park, United StatesSand dune where boy fell
Long HouseSightMesa Verde National Park, United StatesOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Mesa Top LoopTrailMesa Verde National Park, United StatesOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Far View SitesSightMesa Verde National Park, United StatesOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Mesa Verde MuseumMuseumMesa Verde National Park, United StatesMuseum highlights park history
Long House LoopTrailMesa Verde National Park, United StatesWorthwhile excursion
Black Balsam RoadTrailBlue Ridge Parkway, United StatesTrailhead for bald peaks
Balcony HouseSightMesa Verde National Park, United States
Mug HouseSightMesa Verde National Park, United States