Cover Page

Contents

THE WISDOM OF THE Founding Fathers in initiating the movement that has led to the preservation of the most outstanding of the Nation's scenic and historic heritage for public use and enjoyment has been proved far beyond their greatest dreams. Yet their philosophy of national park preservation "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people" still guides the park management policies as millions upon millions each year seek to escape from the tensions of daily life.

Each year the number of visitors increases. In 1955 the total recorded in the 180 areas administered by the National Park Service was more than 50,000,000.

The National Park Service strives to provide—or to suggest—the type of enjoyment that will most benefit those who come to the parks. These are the activities most suited to the environment, to the spectacular, often awe-inspiring scenery, and to the stimulating places in which our history was made, through sacrifice and hardship, by those who made the United States great.

Many a visitor gains more than just the enjoyment of time spent in the parks, and the memory of that time. There is the possibility—the probability of acquiring a new hobby. Perhaps one acquires a new desire to hike, ride horseback, climb mountains, or ski. Some become newly interested in photography. Often the path leads into intellectual fields through awakened interest in the natural sciences, in history or archeology as depicted on the land and interpreted by naturalists and historians.

So far as its limited funds permit, the National Park Service helps the visitor find the form of enjoyment that will mean the most to him. Resort-type amusements, and the intrusion of spectator sports that draw large crowds of onlookers in contrast to the few actually engaged in the physical activity, are discouraged.

Immediately following are pictures depicting the many activities that may be enjoyed by those who seek to derive the most from a visit to a wilderness or historical park. If you just want to "sit," note the automobile campers and those attending the lectures by park naturalists; and there is always lazy—as well as strenuous—fishing. If physical activity is what you crave, the parks are the ideal place to get it, with mountains to climb up, canyons to climb down, glaciers to explore, and trails leading in all directions.

For those who want to get away from crowds, to whom solitude brings solace, the national parks and large wilderness national monuments have the answer. It is true that millions go each year to these areas—but they stay mostly in the developed areas and make quick motor trips. For those who want to enjoy nature in solitude, trails lead far into the wilderness where camp can be made and streams located that seldom are fished by others. Camping with one's own tent and equipment, whether in the regular campgrounds or off in the wilderness involves no charge. But even in a few wilderness areas there are established tent-camp accommodations that may be rented and where meals may be obtained, by those not wishing to carry their own equipment. There are also housekeeping cabins for rent in the major campgrounds.

Last Modified: Sat, Oct 5 2002 10:00:00 pm PDT
http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/story1/storyi.htm