America's National Parks Podcast

Just steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall lies the barely visible foundation of a house that once held the weight of a revolution, a presidency—and a deep contradiction. This week on Parkography, we uncover the story of the President's House in Philadelphia, a mansion that passed through the hands of a British general, a colonial governor, a wealthy financier, a traitorous American officer, and two U.S. presidents. But beneath its grand halls and bowed windows lived another story—one of enslaved people fighting silently for their own freedom in the shadow of a nation proclaiming liberty for all. Join Jason Epperson as he walks through the rubble and history of the forgotten home at Sixth and Market, where the founding of the United States unfolded brick by brick—and where the legacy of freedom remains unfinished. Written by Lizzie Tesch Hosted by Jason Epperson Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography Join the PARKography Facebook group to discuss this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parkography Check out our other channels focused on RV travel:   @RVMiles    @RVMilesPodcast ​

In 1870, Truman Everts set out as part of an exploration of the Yellowstone wilderness. What followed was a harrowing 37-day survival story filled with fire, frostbite, mountain lions, and near starvation. Lost, alone, and presumed dead, Everts defied all odds to become one of Yellowstone's most legendary figures. Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography

In this episode, an update on the dramatic hydrothermal explosion at Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin, the Trump administration's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal for the National Park Service, and the opening of Voyager's National Park's Crane Lake Visitor Center. Also, Denali National Park's live puppy cam is back, and Disney announces a new Piston Peak National Park-themed expansion at Magic Kingdom.  Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography 00:00 Introduction 00:07 Yellowstone's Hydrothermal Explosion 03:08 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove 03:47 Trump Administration's Budget Proposal 05:53 Controversial Directives on Public Lands 07:50 Voyager's National Park New Visitor Center 08:24 Denali National Park Puppy Cam 09:12 Disney's New National Park Themed Land 10:17 Conclusion

A $50 bet turned into a six-day national spectacle atop Devils Tower: The bizarre true story of George Hopkins—the daredevil parachutist who leapt onto the summit of America's first national monument... and couldn't get down. Stranded on the iconic rock formation for nearly a week, Hopkins sparked a media frenzy, drew thousands of spectators, and prompted wild rescue offers from blimps to military helicopters—all thanks to a friendly wager. Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography

Massive job cuts at the National Park Service are paused while contract approval at the US Forest Service is slowing cleaning and maintenance. A bear that can flip 800lb dumpsters is euthanized, hunting and fishing are expanded in wildlife refuges, and a hiker tells her harrowing tale of being lost for 24 days, surviving on wild leeks and boiled snow. Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography Comment on federal regulations here: https://www.regulations.gov/

In this episode of Parkography, I sit down with Chris Greer and Paul Daniel, the adventurous creators behind the PBS series View Finders. We dive into their creative journeys, the challenges of capturing the perfect shot in the wild, and their mission to inspire a deeper connection to nature through their work. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just someone who loves the call of the wild, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Hosted By: Jason Epperson Guests: Chris Greer: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaniel5010/ Paul Daniel: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaniel5010/ View Finders on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/view-finders/ View Finders on Instagram: @viewfinderstv Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography  

In this National Park and Public Lands news roundup, we dive into the proposed 38% budget cut for the National Park Service, which could lead to the removal of some sites from the system. We cover the Interior Department's leaked plans to allow drilling, mining, and selling off federal land, as well as the potential reopening of Alcatraz as a federal prison. Updates on Yosemite's summer reservations, a tragic crash near Yellowstone, various park closures, and more. Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:35 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove 01:22 Trump Administration's Budget Proposal for National Parks 03:09 Leaked Interior Department Plan for Federal Lands 04:20 National Monuments and Endangered Species 05:15 House Appropriations Bill and National Park Funding 07:18 Staffing Issues and USACE Campground Closures 11:26 Yosemite Summer Reservations 13:01 Tragic Crash Near Yellowstone 13:41 Theft at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park 14:24 Jackson Hole Airport Achieves Dark Sky Status 15:18 Conclusion

In this episode, we explore the surprising impact of litter in our national parks, beginning with a vivid story from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Hear how a single discarded bag of Cheetos disrupted the delicate ecosystem of one of the largest limestone chambers and what it reveals about the broader issue of trash in parks. Discover the ongoing efforts to manage waste and tips on how you can minimize your footprint while enjoying these natural treasures. Written By James Fester Hosted by Jason Epperson Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/ Don't Feed the Landfills:  https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/programs/reducing-waste-sent-to-landfills https://www.nps.gov/dena/getinvolved/zero-landfill.htm      

In a stunning shift of federal power, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now holds sweeping authority over the U.S. Department of the Interior — including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and more. DOGE appointee Tyler Hassen, a private oil exec, has been handed the keys to over 500 million acres of federal land with zero oversight.

In this episode, delve into the fascinating world of 'Witness Trees'—trees that have stood the test of time and witnessed key moments in American history. From the Civil War battlefields of Antietam, Gettysburg, and Manassas to the site of the Oklahoma City bombing, these trees have borne silent witness to significant events. We explore the stories and historical significance of several protected trees, including the Burnside Sycamore, the Oklahoma City Survivor Tree, and the iconic Jackson Magnolia at the White House. Through these stories, we're reminded of the resilience and endurance symbolized by these natural sentinels. Written By Lizzie Tesch Narrated By Jason Epperson 00:00 Introduction: Witness Trees of America 02:24 Witness Trees of the Civil War 03:05 The Sycamore at Antietam 07:55 The Survivor Tree of Oklahoma City 11:34 Witness Trees in Washington DC 12:24 The Legacy of Jackson's Magnolia Tree 14:55 Conclusion: The Importance of Witness Trees

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Parkography! This episode is the first of our monthly comprehensive news roundups on national parks and public lands. Today' we're covering the reinstatement of federal employees, cuts to federal facilities, an executive order on historic monuments, military deployments to Big Bend National Park, potential changes to Yosemite's timed-entry reservation system, Alaskan oil exploration, and various lawsuits concerning logging in national forests. Stay informed about all the latest changes and decisions affecting America's public lands. 00:00 Introduction 01:29 Federal Employee Reinstatements and Workforce Reductions 03:29 Federal Building Lease Cancellations 04:56 Review of Historic Monuments and Memorials 06:22 Military Deployment to Big Bend National Park 07:32 Yosemite National Park Reservation System Controversy 09:00 Opening Alaskan Oil Resources 10:25 Logging Controversies in National Forests 14:10 Wild Horse Adoption Incentive Program Halted 15:12 Hurricane Helene's Impact on Blue Ridge Parkway 16:31 Conclusion

We're coming back, and it's a whole new ballgame! Parkography (formerly known as the America's National Parks Podcast) is the new home for the powerful stories, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes of America's national parks and public lands. Through immersive storytelling, vivid soundscapes, and in-depth research, we explore the people, places, and pivotal moments that shaped the wild places we cherish today. From iconic landmarks to hidden corners, Parkography brings the soul of America's public lands to life—one story at a time.

The Explore Act, a package of public lands bills that provides reforms to the permit process, legalizes filming in national parks, adds accessible trails, extends the Every Kid Outdoors program, and more, has now passed both chambers of Congress and is expected to be signed by President Biden.

In this month's national park news roundup, we take a look at the newest national monument, changes to campground reservations at Acadia, a semi-truck that catches fire in Death Valley, the National Christmas Tree Lighting, and more. Enter to win a free  @alliancerv  Delta travel trailer from  @LiquifiedRV  here: https://liquifiedrv.com/pages/2025-alliance-delta-sle-ml206-rv-give-away?utm_source=RVMiles&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=RVGiveaway   ****************************** Connect with America's National Parks Podcast America's National Parks Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmericasNationalParks Instagram: https://instagram.com/natlparkpodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/natlparkpodcast  

Between avoiding snakebites and fending off the dreaded dysentery, fans of the popular game “The Oregon Trail” are sure to be familiar with Fort Laramie. Situated roughly a quarter of the way through the historic trek from Independence, Missouri to the Willamette Valley in modern-day Oregon, the Fort began as a fur trading post, served as a critical juncture for emigrants heading west, and eventually became one of the largest military posts on the Northern Plains. Before its abandonment in 1890, Fort Laramie would also bear witness to sweeping expansion and the heated negotiations between American Indians and the United States Government that would ultimately define the American West.   Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at https://rvshare.com. Join Jason Epperson in this month's National Park news roundup. Key updates include 2025 timed entry requirements for several national parks like Arches, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, and Yosemite. Discover changes in reservation systems and what it means for your 2025 travel plans. Also, could Chesapeake Bay become a national park? Recent incidents at Yellowstone, policy shifts under the incoming Interior Secretary and more.  Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784 ***** Become a Mile Marker Member and support this content. Learn more at https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers  Subscribe to the NEW RV Miles Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/RVMilesPodcast.  ****************************** Connect with RV Miles:  RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmiles Shop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmiles RV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

Standing in the shadows of giant redwood trees is an awe-inducing experience. In California, there's a national park protecting those redwoods and it's one of the state's best-kept secrets. Home to the world's tallest living trees, this world heritage site and international biosphere reserve protects nearly half the world's old-growth redwoods. Come discover thousands of acres of protected forests, pristine and wild scenic rivers, and rugged coastlines hosting whales, seals, and wildflowers in California's Redwood National and State Parks.  Written By Jennifer Molidor Hosted By Jason Epperson   Use the code PARKS30 for $30 off a $500 or more RV rental booking for your next national park adventure at rvshare.com. 

By the start of 1933, thousands of banks across America had already closed their doors. 13 million Americans were unemployed and the stock market had crashed, leaving the United States in the worst economic crisis in modern history. In the twelve years that would follow, the Dust Bowl would ravage the plains and render former farmland useless, heightening the impacts of the depression as the Second World War brought the entire world to a standstill.  But Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or FDR as many would come to know him, would take it all in stride. Born in Hyde Park, New York in 1882, he was elected to the New York Senate in 1910, would go on to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Wilson, and finally as the Governor of New York before being elected President of the United States in 1932. Perhaps best known for his sweeping economic programs, a deep connection with the American people, and his incredible strength shown amidst personal disaster, he would guide the country through the turbulence with courage, resilience, and, above all else, optimism.  In the heart of Washington D.C., a tribute to Roosevelt sits in a secluded corner of the National Mall. Designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin in 1974, the memorial stretches across 7.5 acres, making it the largest of any National Mall Memorial. The initial plans would wait for more than 20 years before Congress could approve the appropriate funding, but it was eventually dedicated on May 2, 1997, by President Bill Clinton. Consisting of more than 30,000 granite stones from South Dakota and Minnesota and with over 100,000 gallons of water flowing through seven fountains and pools, it is a stark contrast to the monuments that surround it, telling the story of an unprecedented presidency through elements of stone, water, and earth.  This week on America's National Parks, take a stroll through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the lasting legacy of the 32nd President of the United States. Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

On this episode of America's National Parks podcast, we explore the incredible Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Discover the park's unique geological features, including one of the world's most active volcanic areas, and witness the annual spectacle of brown bears gorging on salmon during Fat Bear Week. Learn about Katmai's rich biodiversity, fascinating history, and the essential role of conservation. Get ready for an unforgettable wild adventure in one of America's most remote national parks.   Written By Jennifer Molidor Hosted By Jason Epperson   Use the code PARKS30 for $30 off a $500 or more RV rental booking for your next national park adventure at rvshare.com.    00:00 Introduction to Katmai National Park 00:42 Geography and Wildlife of Katmai 02:08 The Volcanic History of Katmai 04:39 Cultural and Historical Significance 06:12 The Salmon Run and Brown Bears 13:08 Visiting Katmai National Park 15:58 Conclusion and Additional Resources  

  Join Jason Epperson for crucial updates on the ongoing recovery efforts in National Parks affected by hurricanes. Other stories include the renaming of Clingman's Dome to Kuwohi, new memorials in Washington, D.C., and the 2025 U.S. Forest Service hiring freeze. Stay informed about park closures, maintenance needs, and the latest developments in our national parks!   ***** Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784 Become a Mile Marker Member and support this content. Learn more at https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers 

This episode of America's National Parks delves into the historic significance of the Yorktown Battlefield within the Colonial National Historic Park. It explores the climactic moments of the American Revolutionary War in 1781, where British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, highlighting Washington's tactical brilliance and the dire conditions faced by both armies. The episode also examines Yorktown's role during the Civil War, focusing on General George McClellan's hesitations during the Siege of Yorktown and contrasting them with General Ulysses S. Grant's aggressive tactics at the Battle of Shiloh. Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

From the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the cliffs of Capitol Reef, there is no shortage of beauty in Utah. Still, the stunning landscape of Utah goes far beyond the “Mighty Five.” A wealth of National Monuments, Historic Parks, Recreation Areas, and Historic Trails can be found within its borders, and in the southeastern corner of the state sits one unit that receives barely over 100,000 visitors per year. Natural Bridges National Monument protects a collection of canyons and a trio of natural rock bridges. Those who do make the trip to the Monument find a delicate and desolate landscape that tells an intricately woven story of the people who called it home, of time, and above all else, of water. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

In this episode, we're sharing some national park trip tips for those who feel that national parks aren't all they've cracked up to be. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. In this episode, we cover a high-speed chase through Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon's water crisis and recovery, Yosemite's indefinite closure of the historic Wawona Hotel, Death Valley's record-breaking summer temperatures, and the adoption of electric bikes and buses at various parks. Learn about these critical updates and more to stay informed on what's happening in America's cherished natural landscapes. Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784

This episode delves into the history of the Teton Valley, focusing on early settlers, dude ranches, and the eventual creation of Grand Teton National Park. Highlights include transforming harsh, isolated land into thriving dude ranches by pioneers like Struthers Burt and Louis Joy, the romanticized Western experience sought by Easterners, and the rise of commercial developments that threatened the region's authenticity. The ranchers that opposed federal control eventually became the new National Park's biggest champions.   Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lizzie Tesch   Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.    

From rumored Bigfoot sightings to a vanishing island, there is no shortage of mystery in the waters of Crater Lake. At 1,943 feet, the lake is the seventh deepest in the world and is best known for its sapphire blue color and astonishing size. Visitors can marvel at the massive crater formed thousands of years ago in a volcanic eruption and enjoy many activities that change with the seasons, but many find themselves drawn to a stump. Referred to as "The Old Man," the log has slowly navigated the lake's waters for well over 100 years, and the mystery of its movement and ability to remain upright continues to perplex scientists and parkgoers alike. Early travelers stood atop it in the open water; others were certain it controlled the weather. Still, like the lake itself, The Old Man is an indescribable fascination that continues to inspire the minds of many. This week America'sa's National Parks, Crater Lake, and the Old Man. Hosted by Jason Epperson Written By Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Join us for the latest updates in National Park news. This episode covers the collapse of a popular double arch in Glen Canyon, the establishment of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument, and new features on Recreation.gov for park entry bookings. You'll also hear about recent lightning strike incidents at Horseshoe Bend, prohibited base jumping in the Grand Canyon, vandalism at Joshua Tree, elk poaching in Redwood National Park, and the partial reopening of Lassen Volcanic National Park following fire evacuations. Stay informed and plan your next adventure with this week's National Parks news roundup. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. Become a Mile Marker Member and support this content. Learn more at https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers 

  In this episode of America's National Parks, explore the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. Delve into its rich fossil record, uncovering the exceptional dinosaur discoveries unique to the area. Discover the park's crucial scientific contributions to understanding prehistoric climates, evolutionary patterns, and current biodiversity, including a significant bee study.    Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis   Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.  

 Discover the mesmerizing natural wonders of Yosemite through the eyes of 19th-century photographer Carleton Watkins. Travel back to the time when photography was in its infancy, and learn about Watkins' grueling journey with almost a ton of photographic equipment to capture the untamed splendor of Yosemite. Witness how Watkins' stunning images influenced pivotal figures, including President Abraham Lincoln, leading to the establishment of the Yosemite Grant Act of 1864. Despite the grandeur he captured, Watkins' personal life was marked by tragic decline, culminating in an unmarked grave.   Hosted By Jason Epperson Written by Jonathan Shipley   Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.        

In this episode of America's National Parks, host Jason Epperson interviews Nate Hegyi, host and senior producer of the acclaimed Outside/In podcast. They discuss Nate's journey from an outdoor-averse child to an enthusiastic adult exploring North America in a camper van. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in environmental journalism today, focusing on how to tell engaging and memorable stories about nature and climate change without overwhelming the audience. Nate shares insights from his diverse experiences, from covering hidden histories to addressing complex environmental issues. Nate highlights the importance of curiosity-driven storytelling and offers a preview of intriguing upcoming topics on the Outside/In podcast. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Sponsor Message: RVShare 03:12 Nate's Outdoor Origin Story 04:46 Adventures and Travels 06:57 Becoming an Environmental Journalist 10:57 Challenges in Covering Climate Change 13:39 Engaging Storytelling in Environmental Journalism 18:32 Upcoming Episodes of Outside/In 20:13 Conclusion and Farewell

In this month's National Park News Round-Up, we're sharing the story of how Yellowstone rangers stopped a plot for an independence day mass shooting, a string of heat-related and drowning deaths in parks around the country, a piece of Theodore Roosevelt history is returned after a theft in the 70's, and more. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

On a hot Texas day, the splash of water from an irrigation gate is a welcome sound to those who rely on it this water to grow corn, peppers, squash and other foods. Water is the lifeblood of the farming communities of the San Antonio missions.  But how do you irrigate arid landscapes without modern plumbing? You build acequias. Brought by 18th-century Spanish missionaries, these gravity-based canal systems are ingenious ways to share water. Acequias helped establish the city of San Antonio and feed people along the San Antonio River for 300 years.  On this episode of America's National Parks: the Acequias of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.  Use the code PARKS30 for $30 off a $500 or more RV rental booking for your next national park adventure at rvshare.com. 

Just about 40 miles outside of Chicago and nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park, combined with the neighboring state park of the same name, protects over 17,000 acres of sand dunes, ecological wonders, and diverse habitats. Amongst them sits a swell dedicated to the life and legacy of one of the earliest advocates of the park. To those of her time, she was known as the “mysterious nymph of the dunes,” but today she is better known as “Diana.”  For nearly a decade, Alice Mabel Gray lived amidst the sand. Escaping from the never-ceasing pace of Chicago during the second industrial revolution and leaving behind a life of higher education, her days were spent much like those of the modern park visitor: swimming in the lake, pacing long stretches of beautiful shoreline, and trekking through quiet woodlands. Like many others, she was in search of solitude, but as Alice came to find companionship in the dunes, her story would baffle the nation and lead to legends based on both truth and rumor.  This week on America's National Parks, Indiana Dunes National Park and Diana of the Dunes. Written by Lizzie Tesch Hosted by Jason Epperson Save $30 off a $500+ RV rental at rvshare.com

In Buffalo, New York, a collection of paintings lay neglected in a storage area of the Museum of Science for many decades. Once coveted, these paintings were no longer deemed aligned with the museum's vision. How had a science museum become interested in art depicting Zion National Park? And what was to become of the paintings? Art and the national parks go hand in hand in many ways, especially for the early national parks, and Zion is no exception. Hosted By Jason Epperson Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Use promo code PARKS30 for $30 off a rental of $500 or more at www.rvshare.com

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. In this episode, Yellowstone plans to keep more bison each year, Teton Pass could wreak havoc on Grand Teton and Yellowstone visitors, a rare white bison is born, a grizzly has a litter of five cubs, and a whole lot more.    ***** Become a Mile Marker Member and support this content. Learn more at https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers 

Despite its proximity to major metropolitan areas, Assateague Island National Seashore offers a serene escape that feels worlds away. With its sweeping beaches and wild horses, the island embodies the natural beauty preserved by dedicated conservationists. But the island's story is unique, shaped not only by human efforts but also by one of the most destructive hurricanes of the 20th century. Join us as we delves into the creation of Assateague Island National Seashore, exploring its dynamic landscape, the resilience of its ecosystems, and the dramatic events that led to its preservation. Written By James Fester Hosted By Jason Epperson Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.  

On May 10th 1855, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis personally penned one of the most unusual orders in the US Army's history to Brevet Major Henry C. Wayne. It read, in part: "Sir: [You are] assigned to special duty in connection with the appropriation for importing camels for army transportaion and for other military purposes." The order represented a victory for Davis in a four-year struggle with Congress to establish a camel corps within the US Army. As a US Senator, he introduced the measure in Congress in 1851 and 1852, only to have it literally laughed out of committee on both occasions. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

When John Wilkes Booth shot and killed President Abraham Lincoln, he broke his left leg in the process, leaping to the stage at Ford's Theater. He and his getaway man on the door of Dr. Samuel Mudd at four in the morning for assistance. Mudd set, splinted, and bandaged the broken leg. The two stayed with Mudd for about 12 hours as the doctor's handyman made a pair of crutches. Within days Dr. Mudd was arrested and charged with conspiracy and with harboring Booth and Harold during their escape.  Today, we're revisiting the story of Dr. Samuel Mudd, one of the earliest stories we told on the show. In 1936, a film was made loosely based on Mudd's story called THE PRISONER OF SHARK ISLAND, and two years later, it was adapted into a radio drama starring Gary Cooper as part of the Lux Radio Theater. On this episode, we're playing that program for you.

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. In this episode, we're looking at the federal government's decision to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades, Death Valley National Park has reopened most of its roads after last year's severe flooding, a group of skiers is rescued at Kenai Fjords, and more.  Comment on the Rocky Mountain National Park camping fee increase proposal here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/RMNP_FrontcountryCampground_Fees_2024

Once the only access road to Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Gorge provides a harsh and beautiful stone causeway that opens up into a world of bizarre and varied stone formations, desert washes both narrow and wide, and the types of plants common in the high desert – stunted trees like pinyon pine and Utah juniper, prickly pear cactus, the brilliant orange of globemallows and striking red of desert paintbrush.  And then a sight that is unfathomable in the desert: the delicate, showy blossoms of fruit trees.   The blooming and fruiting trees create a strange and wonderful picture set against the magnificent cliffs and rocks of the high desert. Hosted By Jason Epperson Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

What's with the big controversy over wild horses? In this episode, we take a look at these creatures and their place in the ecology and history of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

In this episode, we're taking a look two vandalism incidents in national parks, a lawsuit against the National Park Service over not accepting cash as payment for entrance at some units, some potential new and expanded national monuments, and the details of the upcoming National Park Week. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

In this episode, we're taking a look at the new EXPLORE act, passed by the US House of Representatives and on its way to the Senate, that will establish new bike trails, new accessible trails, ease concessionaire permitting in National Parks, and more, along with revamping the rules that pretty much shut down filming videos in national parks over the past few years. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.    

In this episode of America's National Parks, we embark on a journey of comparison and discovery, exploring the grandeur of the natural world through the lens of America's most treasured landscapes. From the towering sequoias of California and the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon to the cliffs of Zion and the shifting sands of the Great Sand Dunes, we compare these natural wonders to man-made marvels, offering a unique perspective on scale and the awe-inspiring power of nature. Hosted by Jason Epperson Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.    

An entire food chain lives in the Everglades. But throughout its coexistence with man, the Everglades have been threatened by poachers, who disrupt the delicate balance of this important ecosystem.  By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is one of the greenest buildings in the National Park Service inventory. In this episode, we take a look at how it cools without air conditioners, heats without a furnace, and more. Plus, as park visitation grows, how a second visitor center on the other side of the park could improve the visitor experience.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

In this episode, we look at the final National Park visitation numbers for 2023, a new budget for the NPS from the White House, an employee housing crisis in the National Park Service, a new look at Gateway Arch National Park, and more. Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

In this episode, we delve into the untold stories of the women who lived in the shadows of America's majestic landscapes, their lives intertwined with the national parks we cherish today. The wives of National Park Rangers played a pivotal role in the early days of the National Park Service, yet their contributions have largely gone unrecognized. As we explore the isolation, challenges, and the remarkable resilience of these women, we uncover how they not only supported their families in the most remote wildernesses but also served as de facto rangers, contributing significantly to the operations and development of the parks. From leading tours to pioneering educational programs, their legacy is an integral part of the national park experience.   Hosted by Jason Epperson With Narration by Abigail Trabue Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Dive into the heart of Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park, a landscape where the Painted Desert's kaleidoscopic hues meet the ancient, stone-cast logs of the Petrified Forest. This episode takes you through the mesmerizing colors and geological wonders that define the park, from the brilliant reds and oranges sculpted by mineral sediments to the fascinating process that transformed wood into quartz over millions of years. Explore the rich tapestry of past life, the deep human history etched into the land, and the strict conservation efforts preserving this unique ecosystem. By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

In this month's national park news, new-to-science fossils have been uncovered at Mammoth Cave and John Day Fossil Beds, a rabies scare is taking hold at Saguaro National Park, a man gets convicted for diverting the Platte River at Sleeping Bear Dunes, and more. Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Set against the backdrop of Miami's skyline, six structures rise from the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. Rugged and isolated, these houses on stilts are an unexpected site in the midst of a national park water world that was designated to preserve the coral reefs, seagrasses, mangrove forests, and other natural features. Cormorants and herons perch on the houses' roofs, railings, and pylons. Dolphins and manatees swim between them.  Together, these six structures are all that remain of Stiltsville's whimsical history, although none are among the original twenty-seven that formed this curiosity in the midst of a national park that is ninety-five percent water.  How did such a village come to exist and what does the future hold for these few relics that remain? By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.