Flowing north through the longest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, the New River is actually one of the continent’s oldest rivers. New River Gorge National River protects over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River in West Virginia, from rolling mountains and craggy cliffs to deep forests and teeming wetlands. The park’s waters support a fascinating aquatic ecosystem that includes distinct populations of native fish, mussels, crayfish, rare amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Photo by National Park Service.

Stretching almost 500 miles along the crest of the Appalachian mountains through North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest road planned as a single unit in the United States. Stretching far off its shoulders, the park protects a continuous series of panoramic views, excellent habitat for plants and wildlife, and encompasses some of the oldest settlements of both Native Americans and early European settlement. Those are just a few reasons why it’s known as one of the best drives in the world. Photo by Norman Lathrop (www.sharetheexperience.org).

All this week, we’re celebrating 50 years of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System and the National Trails System. This stunning photo is from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail – which was established on October 2, 1968. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens and completed in 1937, the Appalachian Trail (or A.T.) stretches 2,180 miles from central Maine to northern Georgia. As it winds through the Washington Mountains in western Massachusetts, it grazes the headwaters of the Westfield Wild and Scenic River, a partnership river also created and managed by citizens in surrounding communities. The A.T. was one of the first trails in the National Trails System, along with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Today, the system includes 11 national scenic trails, 19 national historic trails and over 1,200 national recreation trails throughout the country that link historic sites, wildlife refuges, national parks, national forests and wilderness areas. Whether it’s a short day hike or an epic thru-hike, there are plenty of opportunities to #FindYourWay along one of your nation’s amazing trails. Photo by J. Smilanic (www.sharetheexperience.org).

One of the most daunting tasks facing visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is choosing a trail. Start by deciding on what you would like to see. Waterfalls? Wildflowers and forests? Endless mountain views? Then decide how far you would like to hike. If you haven’t hiked much recently, be cautious. Five miles roundtrip is a good maximum distance for novices. Just remember to take plenty of water and your sense of adventure, and don’t forget to tell someone where you’re heading. Photo by Stavros Mitchelides (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Start your spring outdoor adventure with a sunrise at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With waterfalls, wildlife, history, hiking trails and amazing views along the famous Skyline Drive, the park is a feast for your eyes and spirit, and will keep you coming back for more. Photo from Thornton Hollow Overlook by N. Lewis, National Park Service.

Like waves rolling on the ocean, layers of ridgelines at Great Smoky Mountains National Park  extend out to a stunning sunrise. On the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in the park and a premier destination for photographers. Inspired by Ansel Adams and a lover of national park, photographer Zack Knudsen captured this amazing moment in the park a few weeks ago. Photo courtesy of Zack Knudsen

Morning fog fills the valley at Grandview in New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. From 1,400 feet above the river, you can look down on the clouds and enjoy sweeping views of mountains and forests. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, which runs through this ancient and gorgeous landscape. Photo by Zach Locks (www.sharetheexperience.org).

The newest national wildlife refuge – Mountain Bogs – will help protect one of the smallest, rarest turtles in the U.S., the bog turtle. Located in North Carolina, Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge is America’s 563rd refuge. It’ll be devoted to the conservation of southern Appalachian mountain bogs, which is home to five endangered species including bog turtles, green pitcher plant, mountain sweet pitcher plant, swamp pink (a lily), and bunched arrowhead. Photo of a newly hatched bog turtle by USFWS.

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.

Photo: Becky Barton Chambers