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A mosaic of geological and ecological features, Acadia National Park is composed of ocean, mountains, forests, streams, ponds, wetlands, meadows, and beaches. This paradise of natural wonders rests mainly on Mount Desert Island, but also extends to the Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and a dozen tiny islands. The park's dramatic geological extremes are the result of glacial activity and a melting process that shaped the area into islands, coves, and kettle ponds, forming a 10,000-year-old shoreline so "new" that finding sand is almost a rarity.

The plant and animal life in this 47,633-acre park is diverse and accessible. Anglers will find 28 species of fish lurking in the coves and streams, and bird watchers will be awed by more than 300 species of birds (including 23 species of warblers and that old icon–the bald eagle), which call this park home.

Acadia reflects all that is New England, with glimpses back to the days when wealthy New Englanders first began settling the region. There are winding carriage roads and quaint stone bridges ideal for hiking, biking, and breathing crisp Maine air. With vistas that leave even the most hardened park-goer speechless, the 27-mile Park Loop Road features Cadillac Mountain, the North Atlantic coast's highest promontory, and Thunder Hole, where views of waves smashing against the coast give visitors a powerful sense of how this wondrous park was shaped.

Park activities - The variety of geological features offers something for everyone. There are 115 miles of hiking trails looping through the park and 45 miles of carriage trails, which are perfect for walking, biking, or horseback riding. Fishing, boating, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching are also popular activities. One of the park's true gems is its educational ranger-led programs, which include boat cruises, mountain hikes, stargazing, bird and nature walks, short talks, and evening slide programs. See a map of Acadia National Park.

Source: http://encarta.msn.com/list_popularparks/15_popular_national_parks.html

Official Park Website: http://www.nps.gov/acad



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The Grand Canyon glass-platformed skywalk officially opened March 28, 2007. It is the first-ever cantilever shaped glass walkway to suspend more than 4,000 feet above the canyon’s floor and extend 70 feet from the canyon’s rim. Read more

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I had no idea how much the National Park Service (NPS) did. Sure, I knew the National Park Rangers are protecting our national treasures, but this video by NPS gave me a new appreciation for all the different roles they play.

There are over 360 National Parks and no matter where you are in the United States, you are within a day's drive of one, did you know that? My goal is to Read more

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Laura Bush was at the Zion National Park in Utah last week.  The first lady has a tradition of vacationing in one of the country's national parks each year with some of her childhood friends?  But this time, she had another reason.  She was there  to dedicate the Read more

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Did you really think there is an official list of Top 10 ? I did too. Until I started my research. There’s 10 Best National Parks for Families; Top Ten Winter National Parks; Top 10 Crowd-Free Parks, Top 10 National Forests for wildlife viewing…etc.

And if you think you can just be technical and go by visitor count, think again.

Considering the choices of national treasures to choose from, is the most visited, crowded, most commercialized really the #1 park to visit?

After researching epinions, Gorp, nps.gov, and other travel sites, here is my Top 10 list. Read more

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Reason #10. You have tried everything else to peel the kids (or the hubby?) away from the TV and Xbox. One thing I learn as a parent, when I yell, "Turn that TV off!" I need to provide an alternative. Kids can't substitute TV for vacuum. Gotta give them something to occupy their active minds like Surviving in the Wilderness.

Reason #9. You can't remember the last time you gazed at the stars. It's time to see the Big Dipper beyond the printed page.

Reason # 8. The only bird chirping you have ever woken up to is the cuckoo clock in the living room.

Reason # 7. Ten years from now, when your kids lament to their therapists that you were absent in their lives, you can show videos and pictures of your experience.

Reason # 6. Food tastes better outdoors. I'll tell you about the Baby Weber Grill at another time.

Reason # 5. Its affordable. You can buy very nice camping gear with the equivalent of a couple nights hotel stay. And you get to keep the gear. (Its like owning your own home instead of renting).

Reason # 4. Enjoy the inheritance that was saved for you. In 1916, your grandparents and mine made a commitment to preserve, protect and share the natural beauty of this land through the National Park Service. When was the last time your eyes feasted on the natural beauty of our [tag/]national parks[/tag]?

Reason # 3. Camping is so easy today. Down-filled sleeping bags, 10-minute-set-up tents, instant fire starters, and yes, that Baby Weber Grill. Today's camping equipment is easy enough for the beginner campers.

Reason # 2. There are many ways to camp, so you can choose what suits you best. There's rustic cabin camping, car camping, such as at the Adirondacks, RV camping and backpacking. Start with something you are comfortable with. Chances are, you'll explore other more adventurous camping with time.

Reason # 1. You have never gone camping before. Well, then you absolutely have to go camping this year. Do it before you are set in your ways. Do it before you take yourselves too seriously. Do it before the kids leave the nest. Do it before you can't do it. In other words, just do it.

Filed under Ghost Stories & Jokes, Camping Activities, Beginner Campers, Other Camping Gear, Safety Tips, Family Camping, National Parks, Campfire desserts, Build a Campfire, Sleeping Bags, Camp Kitchen, Find Campground, Camping Recipes, Camping Gear, Campfire Tips, State Parks, Family Campground, Camping Tents, Foil Wrap Cooking, Dutch Oven Cooking, Camping Tips & Ideas by Myrtha Chang.

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