National, state, and local parks abound in the United States. A study done in 2000 by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) concluded that one in five people will visit a park for outdoor adventure. Parks have a lot to offer — from overnight stays to hiking, biking, and even riding trails. They give individuals and families a chance to reconnect with each other and nature, with access to outdoor activities that are sometimes just a few yards away.

Many parks offer educational programs and ranger-led tours. Some of the programs may have a fee, while many of the tours and fire-ring sessions, where rangers gather visitors around a campfire and tell stories or give information about the park and its inhabitants, are free. Joining a tour or program allows visitors to learn more about the park and have a chance to meet other vacationers as well.

The National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) comprises over 400 natural, cultural, and recreational areas set aside for people to enjoy. The NPS is operated by the Department of Interior and was created by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Formation of the park service actually came after establishment of the first national park; Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant.

National parks not only allow visitors to witness some of the country's natural wonders, they also protect watersheds and vital elements in bio-diversity. Designation as a national park means that no mining or hunting can take place, and timber cannot be removed. The area is protected as a resource, which also makes it a popular destination spot. There are areas protected within the NPS that are not duplicated anywhere else.

Park areas may get overcrowded, especially during July and August. When crowds aren't handled well, parks end up with traffic jams, noise pollution, and poor air quality. Yosemite National Park, which hosts over 3 million visitors a year, became the first park system to actively pursue a reduction in personal cars. In 2005, the park began operating eighteen 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses, encouraging visitors to use the free bus system instead of their own vehicles. As a result, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute reported a 60 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide, a 90 percent reduction in particulate matter, a 70 percent reduction in noise — and an estimated 12,500 gallons of gas saved.

Yosemite isn't alone. Many other parks are taking the initiative to ameliorate damages to the environment brought on by their popularity. Years ago, it was thought that increased numbers of visitors meant more exposure, awareness, and enjoyment. This philosophy is being reconsidered as managers try to handle increased visitor numbers with decreased funding.

If you decide to visit a national park, consider going when it's not peak season, or even avoiding peak weekend traffic. There are also a number of beautiful and solitary parks whose only fault is that they are relatively unknown. In any case, you can purchase a national park pass to cover the entrance fee to all national parks; additional fees for camping, parking, or tours are not included. Check out www.nps.gov for more information.

State Parks

State parks are run by various departments within each state. They offer a variety of camping, hiking, and water activities. Often, you can purchase a state pass that allows access to all the parks within a certain state without paying an entrance fee.

State parks provide an intriguing alternative to other traditional vacation spots like amusement parks. Not only are nature parks less expensive than amusement parks, they offer the opportunity to see a little of your own — or someone else's — backyard. Many state parks offer guided tours and even overnight outings. If you'd like to try a new activity but are wary of doing it alone, you may find that joining a tour is the best approach. Experts will be on hand and you will share the company of like-minded folks. Funds generated from these outings usually go back to the park to help with maintenance and maybe even the building of new facilities.

Many state parks have online reservations available that allow visitors to pick their site and pay online. Schedule and program information are usually available online, so visitors can plan their stay to take advantage of all the park has to offer. To find parks in your state or a state you plan to visit, go to the state's Web site and run a search.

The CCC Impact

The next time you visit a state or national park, take an extra look at the trails and structures. Chances are they were made by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). The CCC was started by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 as a means to address unemployment problems resulting from the Great Depression. Young men were paid $1 a day to build shelters and steps and clear trails. They lived in camps and after a long day working would kick back and unwind around a campfire.

By 1935, there were more than 2,650 CCC camps all over the country with over half a million workers. The CCC was not permanent and was disbanded in 1942. In the nine years of activity, workers built 97,000 miles of roads and erected 3,470 fire towers. To fight erosion and save soil, workers planted more than 2 million trees. They fought fires and floods and even saved stranded sheep during a Utah blizzard in 1936 and 1937. When the effects of the Depression started to wane and young men enlisted to fight in World War II, the CCC came to an end. But many of the structures still stand and their legacy continues today.