National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, Fourth Edition - Softcover

National Geographic Society

4.36

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9780792269724: National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, Fourth Edition

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0792269721 ISBN 13: 9780792269724

Publisher: National Geographic, 2003

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Straight forward and easy to use, here are firsthand, field-tested recommendations on what to see and how to organize and embark on a park trip. Acclaimed National Geographic writers introduce readers to all 55 U.S. national parks, conducting dozens of tours tailored to suit the needs of even the most ambitious sightseers. Widely recognized as the definitive guide to our nation's most cherished natural oases, this new edition of a long-standing bestseller provides in-depth insights and information, covering everything from major landmarks and wildlife to lesser-known attractions, accommodations, and suggested excursions.

Includes 450 full-color photographs and more than 75 up-to-date color maps; detailed descriptions of each national park; sight-by-sight author-guided tours full of specific, personal recommendations; Accessible Information and Activities pages; an essay by naturalist Paul Schullery; and excursions to hundreds of nearby sites, including national monuments, wildlife refuges, and forests.

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Review:

It's impressive how much National Geographic can squeeze into a small book. Each entry tells how big the park is, describes its flavor, indicates when it's best to go and how to get there, and includes an elegantly useful map. A detailed tour of the sights includes glorious pictures (450 total), highlighting the best of each park. But practicalities are not neglected: entries include headquarters' addresses and phones, entrance fees, facilities for the disabled, accommodations, pet regulations, and what there is to do. And so it goes for each of the 54 parks--it's a gem of a guide.

From Library Journal:

These National Geographic Society offerings promise to be popular items with anyone interested in going beyond just being a tourist and becoming an informed visitor to national parks and historic areas of the United States. They present a state-by-state listing of those sites deemed to be of historic importance in the development of the country, ranging from Revolutionary War battlefields in the Middle Atlantic states to remnants of the Gold Rush in the West. This is a significant series for teachers, parents, and anyone seeking to bring alive the story of our country for young people. Each site is identified by simple directions on how to reach it, whether or not submission fees are charged, and addresses and phone numbers. In addition, most sites list additional areas of scenic and/or historic value in the immediate vicinity. There are four volumes in the "Driving Guides to America" series; the one reviewed here lists tours of interest in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. Each tour is preceded by a detailed map, the best time of the year to visit, the number of days recommended for the trip, and important phone numbers to call for additional information. The following tour descriptions are richly illustrated and include sidebars that help visitors truly appreciate the area. The national parks of America receive a respectful treatment at the hands of the National Geographic Society. These revised editions present all 54 parks in detail and offer visitors a wealth of information: when the park was created, how big it is, how to get there, the best time to visit, and suggested itineraries. Along with the well-known parks, there are listings for some that are either new or seldom visited; this is the best information available on parks such as Dry Tortugas, Saguaro, American Samoa, Joshua Tree, and Kobuk Valley. Each of these books is enthusiastically recommended for all public libraries.?Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Cal.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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