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National Geographic Secrets Of The National Parks Book

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Have you heard about National Parks Week, which is tied in with Earth Day and happening April 20-28?  I found out about it from the National Geographic Society.  You see, they have just published SECRETS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS: The Experts’ Guide to the Best Experiences Beyond the Tourist Trail (National Geographic, Trade Paperback, April 2, 2013).  It is available in bookstores and on amazon.com. I have included my amazon affiliate link below for your convenience.


Well, that is my kind of book, being the “tree hugger” that I am.  I just love the outdoors and I cherish my memories of visiting National Parks with my mom or dad when I was little.  After receiving a copy to review, I can’t wait to use it to plan some National Park expeditions with my husband and kids now that they have reached the right age to be able to remember the trips!

SECRETS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS Book:

From National Geographic "Secrets of the National Parks" Book / Family Focus Blog
Mount Rainier landscape alight with wildflowers- National Geographic “Secrets of the National Parks” Book

Anyway, I am excited that they are sponsoring a giveaway to one of my lucky readers for SECRETS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS! First, let me tell you a bit more about it!  National Geographic tasked ten well-known nature writers with exploring 32 of the most-visited Parks, including Tennessee’s own Great Smoky Mountains National Park!  What a “task”, huh? The idea was to find the lesser-known gems that these natural monuments hold. The writers uncovered walks, trails, destinations and vistas off the beaten paths which, combined with maps and practical advice, make the book the perfect companion for any National Park adventure.

In case you want to see more about it, you can watch the trailer here.

Robert Earle Howells Shares His Thoughts On This US National Parks Book

I had the opportunity to ask  one of the book contributors, Robert Earle Howells, a former editor-at-large for National Geographic, a few questions.

What do you think readers will enjoy most about this book?

“A sense of discovery. The national parks are full of treasures and full of secrets. We hope that readers will not regard this as an armchair-travel book, though the photos are beautiful. (Hey, it’s National Geographic, after all!) We chose “secrets” that are not difficult to get to, places that don’t require tremendous physical effort, but still deliver the essence of each park. Readers who use the book during a park visit will see places that they almost certainly would have otherwise overlooked. That’s exciting. That delivers a sense of discovery. And we also hope that readers will proceed to make some discoveries of their own. We couldn’t possibly reveal them all in a single book!”

What do you think people gain from visiting National Parks?

“This may sound corny, but my answer is memories. Images and experiences from the parks, which represent America’s most iconic landscapes, tend to linger in our mind’s eye. I know my happiest early memories are of visiting parks on camping trips with my family. Seeing bears and geysers in Yellowstone, that impossible blue of Crater Lake, those awesome granite cathedrals in Yosemite . . . memories like that helped me set a course for my life. They fired a love for the outdoors that has never diminished. The parks are made to order for family visits, for creating closeness, a shared sense of adventure, and for memories that will be discussed and recalled for many years.”

Order This NATIONAL PARKS Book:

National Geographic "Secrets of the National Parks" Book

It is certainly the best national parks book I have come across. It is just loaded with helpful information for planning a meaningful visit or enjoying vicariously! Available at your local book store or through my affiliate Amazon link above.

I did receive a copy of the book in the hopes that I would share my honest opinions. I did not receive monetary compensation and the opinions expressed are my own.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. Lisa Williams says

    I have been to Yellowstone, The Great Smoky Mountains, parts of Glacier and parts of Death Valley. I love going to the Smoky Mountains, but would drop everything to go back to Yellowstone!

  11. Nancy says

    One of my goals is to hit all the National Parks and I am well on my way. Hard to pick a favorite as they all have something different and wonderful to offer.

  14. deana c says

    I have been to Rocky Mountain national Park which I would love to visit the most. So beautiful!

  16. Lynda Thomas says

    I’ve been to Yellowstone as a child and I can’t wait until my kids are big enough to take them!

  18. Carmen Q. says

    I’ve only ever been to the Everglades a very long time ago when I was a kid, but I’d love to visit Yellowstone or Yosemite out west

  21. Georgia Beckman says

    I visited the Great Smoky Mountains as a child but would like to go back with my husband. Absolutely gorgeous. Would also love to see the Grand Canyon.

  23. JenniferB says

    I live a few minutes from Great Smoky Mountains but I have been to Yellowstone several times- love it and want to go back again

  24. Stephanie Thompson (Free) says

    I haven’t been to a National Park but I’ve herd there are some very beautiful ones. I would love to go and also find ones to camp in and spend a few days.