Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia is primarily a trail park and contains within its boundaries at the present time some 150 miles of trails and footpaths, reaching every mountain summit and transversing every valley.

The system is so designed that the inclination of every type of walker is met. Broad lowland paths offer delightfully easy walks; winding trails of easy grade to the mountain summits are provided for those who like a moderately strenuous climb; and rough mountainside trails give opportunity for hardy exercise to those who enjoy real hiking.

It is only by means of these trails and paths that the park can be seen and appreciated, and the system is so laid out that there is no danger of becoming lost.

Glacier National Park, Montana

The park is a paradise for hikers and mountain climbers. There are numerous places of interest near all hotels and chalets which can be visited by easy walks. Trips can be made to occupy one or more days, stops being planned at various hostelries or camping sites en route.

Shelter is not available in some of the most beautiful sections of the park. To those who are sufficiently sturdy to pack blankets, cooking utensils, and provisions, and are sufficiently versed in woodcraft to take care of themselves overnight, Glacier National Park presents wonderful opportunities. Provisions can be purchased at Glacier Park Station, Belton, and at any hotel or chalet in the park. For fire prevention, it is unlawful to build campfircs (or fires of any kind) except at designated places. The location of these sites can be ascertained from park rangers. Unless one is an experienced mountaineer and thoroughly familiar with the park, it is unwise to go far from the regular trails alone. He should not scorn the services of a guide on such trips. Above all, he should not attempt to hike across country from one trail to another. The many sheer cliffs make this extremely dangerous.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Two good trails descend into the canyon from the South Rim, the Bright Angel, which starts near Kolbs' Studio west of the Bright Angel Lodge, and the Kaibab, which starts near Yaki Point, 3£ miles east of Grand Canyon Village.

While these trails are for both hikers and mule parties, it is an unfortunate mistake for persons not in the soundest physical condition and accustomed to unusual exertion at high altitudes to attempt the trips on foot. Both trails are more than 7 miles in length from the South Rim to the Colorado River, and a climb of approximately 4,600 feet must be made on the return, usually in the heat of the afternoon, resulting in rapid fatigue. During the summer especially, hikers, overconfident of their endurance, find the trip up too arduous and frequently have to be assisted by guides and mules sent down for them from the rim by the park operator. Hikers should make inquiry at the park office before attempting the canyon trips on foot and in any event should supply themselves with food and water.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

An unbroken wilderness a few years ago, the Grand Teton National Park is now penetrated by some of the finest trails in the national-park system. These trails, suitable alike for travel afoot or on saddle horses, are 3 to 4 feet wide, free of boulders, and of grade so moderate they may be followed by old or young with full safety and a minimum of physical exertion. While the trails are traversable during the greater part of the summer, some of them may be blocked by snow early in the season. Visitors expecting to climb the high trails should inquire at park headquarters or the office at the museum at Jenny Lake for information regarding the condition of the high trails.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

There are 109 miles of interesting trails within the boundaries of this park.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Visitors who view the Mesa Verde from the automobile roads gain but an inkling of the weird beauty and surprises that this area holds for the more adventurous. Horseback and hiking trips along the rim rocks and into the canyons lead to spectacular ruins not seen from any of the roads. Each turn of the trail reveals entrancing vistas of rugged canyons, sheer cliffs, great caves, hidden ruins, distant mountains, tree-covered mesas, and open glades.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The most spectacular scenery and fascinating natural features are reached by trails of varying lengths leading from roads and developed areas. Inexperienced hikers may take many interesting trips on well-maintained trails with complete safety.

Park rangers will gladly furnish information and help plan trips to suit the individual's time and ability.

Wonderland Trail, a 95.2-mile circuit of the peak, affords great pleasure to those who wish to enter remote areas. Overnight shelters are provided along the trail.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

This park has many special trips for hikers or horseback travelers. Those who use the trails are advised to secure the services of licensed guides for all except the shortest trips. Many special trips on these trails have been outlined and are described in the government literature about the park.

Sequoia National Park, California

One of the most pleasing features of Giant Forest is the number of forest trails leading from it that afford interesting half-day or all-day excursions. Perhaps nowhere else is it possible to hike so easily for hours through such forests of sequoia, pine, and fir. Many of the trails are oiled to eliminate dust. The trail system is well signed, and the map in the pamphlets is used by many as a guide.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

An extensive system of trails is available for the saddle-horse lover desiring to visit the more remote and wilder sections of the park. Away from the beaten paths the watcher on the trail is amply rewarded in the study of wild animals in their native retreats during summer months. It is here that nature, except for trails, remains undisturbed, where scenic beauty is vividly impressed, where spots that appeal to you may be studied to your heart's content, uninterrupted by any schedule of transportation.

Yosemite National Park, California

With nearly 700 miles of well-defined trails radiating from Yosemite Valley to all sections of the park, and with, for the most part, camps, lodges, or hotels situated within an easy day's walking distance from each other, conditions in Yosemite are particularly adapted to hiking trips. The hiker may go "light," depending upon the hotels and lodges for accommodations, or he may pack his entire outfit either on his back or upon a pack animal and thereby be entirely independent. During July and August, ranger naturalists conduct regular 7-day hikes through the High Sierra, stopping each night at one of the High

Sierra Camps Above-Mentioned

There is no charge for this guide service, but hikers desiring to go with these guides should register at the museum in advance.

Zion And Bryce Canyon National Parks, Utah

Approximately 26 miles of trails lead to the more important sections of the park, which are not reached by roads. These trails are well maintained and can be used at all seasons of the year, with the exception of those to the rims of the canyon, which are closed by snow during the winter months.