State & National Parks, Rivers, Wildlife Refuges, 'right to roam' areas worldwide. Places you enjoy!

I love that photo of the night sky posted above. It rivals when we camped in a high valley in the Tetons beside a small river. I think it was the Buffalo River, but I don't remember for sure. The valley was fairly narrow at about 9000 feet and the mountains went up another thousand or more on both sides giving a view of a slice of the sky bisected by the galaxy, with so many starts they were individually indistinguishable. One of the coolest things I ever saw, up there with liquid rocks running out of the ground on Kilauea volcano.

I think the coolest ever might have been the blue air over Blackcomb Mountain in Canada. Apparently if it isn't masked and turned gray by the effluents of civilization oxygen and oxygen compounds refract light in the blue range of the spectrum. In any case the mist and thin clouds, were blue. Even the air seemed to sparkle with blue. The shadows on the other side of the mountain were blue. I could hardly believe I got to see it and stood there looking at it for a long time before pointing my skis downhill. I had read about that phenomenon in the Smoky Mountains but that it disappeared soon after WW2, when the recreational V8 engines came roaring through.  

Sorry no photos, I have some, but they predate the digital era, and they have faded.

Mark, your post reminded me of the many 'dark sky' designated parks.
Another important aspect to the need to protect our wild areas.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DarkSky_International&wprov=rarw1

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark-sky_preserve

A dark-sky preserve (DSP) is an area, usually surrounding a park or observatory, that restricts or reduces light pollution or maintains and protects naturally dark night skies. Different terms have been used to describe these areas as national organizations and governments have worked independently to create programs. DarkSky International (DarkSky) uses "International Dark Sky Reserve" (IDSR) and "International Dark Sky Park" (IDSP) among others when certifying Dark Sky Places.[2]

Our local Park is designated a dark sky park as of 2019.
https://darksky.org/places/buffalo-national-river-dark-sky-park/

Buffalo River's Natural Night Skies: A Window On The Universe
You may have recently noticed some changes to our restroom and facility lighting at Buffalo National River. In 2019 the park gained status as an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). To obtain this status it is necessary for the park to adopt responsible outdoor lighting practices that will protect the park's naturally dark skies and serve as a teaching example for our local communities and visitors on how and why night skies can be protected as a valuable natural resource. Buffalo National River also offers several night sky programs throughout the year. Check out our calendar of events for upcoming educational opportunities.

https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/night-sky-viewing.htm

Also, in Hawaii there is a highway called the saddle road.  It runs at high elevation between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. Our tour book said the ancient Hawaiians considered the area sacred and taboo. It seems the mountains are entities, not especially fond of one another and it's just prudent not to get between them. The book also said it was a poorly maintained road and infrequently traveled and again best not to go there, so we did. We saw just one other car during the whole ride, as it got dark the night sky was even better than in the Tetons and the silence and solitude were intense.  It is very eerie and wonderful place. Maybe the old Hawaiians were right.

i have camped in many provincial and national parks and will continue to do so since some places are worth the cost and hassle of booking a site
places like bruce peninsula national park and killarney are too beautiful to not go... why is it a hassle? the site reservation system opens for booking 6 months before the date you want to reserve and you tend to have to make the reservation on that day exactly 6 months ahead or all the spots will be booked
also there is the cost.. while it is not a huge amount .... camping on crown land is free and i do prefer to camp on crown land.
that said i would like to take my nephews on some of the trips i have done... like canoeing a 7 day loop in killarney and also hiking a 7 day loop in killarney (can be done much faster but i prefer to hike in the morning and then explore and enjoy each site for the 2nd half of the day)

there are many places just as scenic and amazing which are crown land and no booking/paying for sites required one example being temagami (7 day canoeing loop for me) but also countless off the beaten path places which you can venture into by referencing the crown land atlas:

https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/CLUPA/index.html?viewer=CLUPA.CLUPA&locale=en-CA

more on free camping:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/recreational-activities-on-crown-land

you can set up a camp for 21 days at which point (if someone were to have something to say about it) you would have to move youre camp at least 100m and you are good for another 21 days  

i like to explore crown land areas for mineral specimens which you are allowed to collect for youre personal collection but not for commercial purposes
you can trade the minerals with other collectors etc but you cannot sell youre finds commercially  

the land i bought up north is surrounded by crown land which is nice

One of my favorite places on earth is The Emigrant Wilderness in California, north of Yosemite National Park and south of Sonora Pass.
My father started camping (backpacking) in this area in elementary school, with his older siblings and my grandfather.
My first trip was in the summer between 3rd and 4th grade when I was 9 years old.
My last trip was way too long ago - back in 2016.
I've already texted Father - we're going back when I can get the time off.

We usually start at Leavitt Lake, hike south over Big Sam (elevation 10,825 feet / 3299 m, Google Maps), down the North Fork of Cherry Creek to High Emigrant Lake, then on to Emigrant Meadow Lake, Lost Lake, sometimes to Emigrant Lake, other times up Emigrant Pass to Snow Lake.

My favorite trip was when somehow we missed the meet up with my buddy and his family and ended up spending a week in the back country just me, my pops, and our dog Charlotte.

From the north shore of Emigrant Lake looking south, I took this time lapse of our galaxy:

It left an indelible impression on me and continues to reinforce both how small humans are and how great an opportunity we have to enjoy the incredible splendor, if we only take the time to observe.

Camping at and above the tree line is a uniquely beautiful experience. The solitude is astounding and refreshing.
I will forever be a champion of the protection of our wild spaces.

Attaching a few photos spanning from 2007 to 2016

Absolutely awesome pictures and places. Thank you!
I'm lucky because my area is surrounded by over 400 lakes, streams,  rocks and trails. My back yard faces forests (crown land) with many trails (ATV, skiing trails, walking trails and lakes.
If trees are down, you can collect wood for free.
I often joke we live in the biggest camp ground, don't have to drive anywhere or pay entrance fees.

Oh my gosh, ANY and EVERY Federal, State and County Park is an absolute joy and pleasure.
They are USA’s pride and joy, honestly.
I feel so grateful to be able to use them, and especially grateful for those who have excellent paths for the disabled.

yesterdays five mile hike...good for what ails you 💜

we walked from Gilbert along the old railroad bed to the beach where the old railroad piers still stand.  
I love how the path bends around fallen boulders.
One of our favorite places...bits of old civilization and wild life combined.

the feathers we think were from a yellow shafted flicker, look close for bits of red.

We spent three days exploring the upper Buffalo River area...and some time in a hot tub

We don't usually hike in the woods this late in the season to avoid ticks but it was cooler than usual.
Both trails were lush and all the streams and falls were gushing...and peaceful as we always head out on trails early morning so the crowds are arriving as we're almost done.

 
"For over 150 years, our national parks and public lands have stood as testament to the idea that some places should belong to everyone—unbought, unspoiled, and unmarred by time."


"The American national park system was born out of a radical democratic vision. When Congress established Yellowstone in 1872, it broke with precedent by setting aside land for public use rather than private exploitation. It was a bold assertion: the nation's most extraordinary places would be preserved not as playgrounds for the elite or resources to be mined, but as sanctuaries for all."

https://thenationalparksexperience.substack.com/p/this-land-is-still-our-land-why-visiting

I have been to a lot of State Parks, National Parks and National forests, etc.  I have worked at some of them.

Each one was beautiful in it own way.

We are all fortunate that someone donated the land to make them happen.

Yellowstone National Park the first of many in 1872.  I have not had the pleasure of being able to the its iconic features.

Shawnee National Forest.  I am so fortunate to live adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest.  Most people who think about the geography of Illinois (assuming that they can imagine a world outside of Chicago) think of a flat land covered by corn and soybeans from horizon to horizon.

But at the southern tip lies an unglaciated land still hilly and covered by forests!  I fell in love with the land back when I was in college and I desperately wanted to make a living in those hills.  And as fortune would have it, I was able to return make my living in area.  It is filled with so many beautiful places and I am lucky to be here.


Eric

I feel incredibly fortunate for where I live, and wish everyone could be so lucky. The coast redwoods, Siskiyou mountains, Smith River, and Pacific are collectively the most beautiful places I could imagine. Let me know if you want a permaculture themed tour, or sign up with Redwood Rides and ask for me (the other guides are great too).

St. Croix River watershed. MN and WI.

Ice Age Trail WI. Recently became part of the National Park system.

I hesitate to be more specific but what a treasure to explore for yourself.

Thank goodness for all public land.

Hi J,

I know that area!  I have family in Eau Claire and in Minnesota so I crossed that area regularly.  I have hiked around there and it is beautiful!!



Eric

I agree. If my house were 8 miles west, I'd be in the St. Croix/Mississippi watershed, but instead I'm in the St. Louis/Great Lakes/St. Lawrence. So some of the northern public lands in that region are quit accessible to me, and a treasure!

Eric Hanson wrote:Hi J,

I know that area!  I have family in Eau Claire and in Minnesota so I crossed that area regularly.  I have hiked around there and it is beautiful!!



Eric

Hi Eric,

You know what I mean then. So much to explore. Grateful for the smarties that had the foresight to set aside some for everyone.

I've not been to Shawnee National Forest. Yet. I'd like too though. Your description reminds me of the driftless area in southwest Wisconsin. I haven't really seen anything else quite like it.

So many places I've never been that are not even that far away. Gotta keep moving!

Christopher Weeks wrote:I agree. If my house were 8 miles west, I'd be in the St. Croix/Mississippi watershed, but instead I'm in the St. Louis/Great Lakes/St. Lawrence. So some of the northern public lands in that region are quit accessible to me, and a treasure!

Yes you really can't go wrong with the Superior area. North shore. South shore. I've not done the whole Superior loop but someday soon I will make it a priority.

Some good news here in the states
https://thenationalparksexperience.substack.com/p/senate-appropriations-committee-advances

 In a critical win for America’s national parks, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved its draft fiscal year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill—prioritizing staff retention, climate resilience, visitor services, and cultural preservation across the entire National Park System.