On the centennial of the National Park Service, this richly illustrated book offers invaluable advice on exploring America’s national park system. The book delves into issues affecting an array of parks: the iconic western national parks like Yellowstone; the urban parks such as Golden Gate National Recreation Area; historic sites including the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Gettysburg National Military Park; and cultural areas like Mesa Verde National Park that are among America’s over 400 national parks. Twenty-three essays from contributing authors with deep personal and professional connections to the national parks serve as expert guides to places in the park system where: much of the nation’s biological and cultural diversity is represented; ideas such as freedom, civil rights, and conservation were conceived; vast wilderness offers solitude and reflection; storied landscapes preserve a sense of place; the balance between recreation and preservation is tested; research and learning engage the next generation; the dynamics of nature are being shaped by a changing climate; and innovations in technology, sustainability, and stewardship provide a sense of purpose and hope.

Walks of a Lifetime in America’s National Parks: Extraordinary Hikes in Exceptional Places Walk the national parks and find out for yourself why they’re “America’s best idea” and why walking is the richest way to experience and appreciate these iconic places. There can be no better guides than Bob and Martha Manning, longtime Hiking Ambassadors for the American Hiking Society and life-long stalwarts of the National Park System. In this book, the Mannings introduce and describe all the national parks and offer first-hand descriptions of the very best trails that lead walkers to quintessential scenic vistas, celebrated rivers and lakes, majestic waterfalls, outstanding wildlife viewing areas, significant historic and prehistoric sites, and much more. These walks range from short nature trails to half and full-day hikes to backpacking trips. The book is richly illustrated with hundreds of color photographs, and concludes with a wealth of practical advice on how to best visit and hike the national parks.

There are twenty-four World Heritage Sites scattered across the United States.These U.S. World Heritage Sites are the most important natural and cultural areas around the world; these are the places that the United Nations, and the 167 countries it represents, have recognized as the most important contributions to the world’s heritage. World Heritage Sites are premier visitor destinations, yet most people are not familiar with the World Heritage Site designation and many of the places included on the World Heritage List. A Guide to America's World Heritage Sites: The Heritage of Humanity describes these twenty-four sites, including why they are so important, the visitor attractions they feature, and logistical advice on how to visit them.

This fully updated second edition presents a conceptual framework of outdoor recreation management in the form of a series of management matrices. It then illustrates this framework through new and updated case studies in the US national parks, and concludes with the principles of outdoor recreation management. Managing Outdoor Recreation, 2nd Edition is an essential resource for undergraduate and graduate students of parks, outdoor recreation and related subjects, as well as a helpful tool for practitioners.