National Geographic Secrets of the National Parks, 2nd Edition - (Paperback)

About the Book

The best "National Geographic" picks in 32 amazing national parks including Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, the Everglades' Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail, and Yosemite's exquisite Snow Creek Trail. Informed by park rangers, superintendents, and frequent park visitors, it provides all the inspiration and information to plan a visit beyond the well-trodden, touristy spots.

Book Synopsis

Discover a side of America's national parks that you've never seen before with more than 500 tips and tricks for getting away from the crowds, exploring little-known hikes, and finding coveted secret spots--along with cool insider tips that will yield a one-of-a-kind vacation experience.

The iconic landmarks in America's national parks draw hundreds of millions of visitors every year, from Yosemite's famous Half Dome to Yellowstone's Old Faithful. But beyond these well-known wonders lies a world of hidden treasures--if you know where to look.

This exceptional guide reveals these lesser-known gems, along with insider knowledge about the parks' main attractions. With vital tips from rangers, experts, and travelers, readers can have Acadia's massively popular Sand Beach and Jordan pond to themselves, or be one of the 10 percent of Grand Canyon visitors who go beyond the rim.

Fully updated and redesigned to include the newest national parks and featuring expert advice from rangers, park managers, frequent visitors, and locals, this authoritative book will help you get out of the parking lot and off the beaten path to find interesting outlooks, challenging hikes, wildlife watching, and more.

With brand-new entries for Pinnacles National Park, Gateway Arch, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Denali National Park and Preserve, this book will be your go-to guide on road trips, camping getaways, and day hikes, allowing you to enjoy the rich opportunity in the country's vaunted national parks.

Review Quotes

"Get hints about the best places to see wildlife, the least crowded beaches, barely traveled trails. There is insider information for every park that will make a visit even more memorable." -The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, VA)

"Adding authoritative heft to the text are insights from park superintendents, rangers, interpreters, and guidebook authors." -National Parks Traveler

"With vivid color photographs and details...this book is a handy pre-trip planner for travelers." -Billings Gazette

"[This Guide] offers a plethora of tips for both the hard-core backcountry expert and the day-tripping family group - and everyone in between." -Deseret News

"The writers uncovered walks, trails, destinations, and vistas off the beaten paths whic, combined with maps and practical advice, make the book the perfect companion for any National Park adventure. -Family Focus Blog

"This guide goes beyond the tourist trails, with 350 tips from local experts, how to find the undiscovered scenic spot and the best places to see wildlife." -Cadiz Record (Kentucky)

"National Geographic Secrets of the National Parks: The Experts' Guide to the Best Experiences Beyond the Tourist Trail...travels 32 of the nation's parks from an insider's viewpoint." -NorwoodLibrary.org

"There is insider information for every park that will make a visit even more memorable."-Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star

About the Author

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC is one of the world's leading nonfiction publishers, proudly supporting the work of scientists, explorers, photographers, and authors, as well as publishing a diverse list of books that celebrate the world and all that is in it. National Geographic Books creates and distributes print and digital works that inspire, entertain, teach, and give readers access to a world of discovery and possibility on a wide range of nonfiction subjects from animals to travel, cartography to history, fun facts to moving stories. A portion of all National Geographic proceeds is used to fund exploration, conservation, and education through ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society.