Exploring Sound

The call of a coyote is a beautiful natural sound that carries across the landscape. NPS / Bryan Harry

In order to fully appreciate and understand the importance of soundscapes in parks as well as your everyday life, you must experience and explore sound for yourself. To enhance your soundscape experience, follow our suggested tips, including simple yet effective approaches you can take to make a difference in the park soundscape.

Visit our sound gallery to listen to some of the sounds you might experience in the national parks, from natural sounds—birds, mammals, geological, meteorological sounds—to cultural sounds—cannon fire, Native American music, sensation jazz, reveille—and human-caused sounds—boat, motorcycle, jet, snowmobile, car alarm. Watch National Park Service videos for inspiration and information about soundscape environments, and the research and field work being done to protect them.

NSNSD summarizes sound measurements taken in national parks in a Natural Resource Report report series.

If you are a teacher or park interpreter looking for fun and informative soundscape activities to share with students or park visitors, then visit our Education Resources page.

Soundscape Guidelines for Recreationists

The NPS Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division and the NPS Wilderness Stewardship Division collaborated with Leave No Trace (LNT) to develop guidelines for recreationists that help protect the soundscapes on lands managed by the National Park Service, but also can be applied to other protected areas. When preparing for a trip to a national park or other outdoor recreation area, it is important to consider these soundscape guidelines that complement the 7 LNT principles. Applying these guidelines before and during your recreation visit help protect the natural sounds and quiet environment as well as the wildlife and visitor experience.

To download a copy of the guidelines, please click on the link below or photo to left.
Soundscape Guidelines
Article: NPS and LNT Partnership - Soundscape Guidelines